Best Down Jackets of 2025
ByMultiple Authors
Updated:
Jun 09, 2025Table of contents
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329)
REI Co-op 650 Down ($129)
Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody ($399)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody ($360)
Rab Mythic G ($525)
Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody ($399)
Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($280)
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie ($299)
The Down Sweater is an iconic and versatile down jacket that fits the bill for everyday use and casual backcountry adventures. However, it’s a bit heavier and features a less trim fit than performance jackets of similar warmth.
The Down Sweater is an iconic and versatile down jacket that fits the bill for everyday use and casual backcountry adventures. However, it’s a bit heavier and features a less trim fit than performance jackets of similar warmth.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
14.8 oz.
Insulation
5.3 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
The Patagonia Down Sweater is an easy jacket to recommend, thanks to its approachable fit and feature set, smooth shell and lining fabric, and versatile warmth. With an above-average dose of down (5 oz. of 800-fill as compared to many lightweight jackets that use 4 oz. or less), it’s great for year-round adventures, from resort skiing in the winter (make sure to pair it with a warm base layer) to fall day hikes and cool summer evenings up high. The decently hardwearing nylon face fabric (made from recycled fishing nets) is also sturdy enough for everyday uses like running errands and walking the dog—and Patagonia also includes several repair patches for when the jacket inevitably springs a leak. Added up, it’s a Goldilocks design for those who want one jacket they can most days of the year, whether in the backcountry or around town.
The Down Sweater’s regular fit is versatile: It’s roomy enough to layer over a bulky sweater but still trim enough that it can slide underneath a ski shell (we prefer the non-hooded design for layering, but the jacket is also available in a Hoody version for $329). The 20-denier fabric is thicker than what you’d see on ultralight jackets like the Rab Mythic G (7D) and Arc’teryx Cerium (15D), but not too heavy for backcountry use. The jacket isn’t as light as others of similar warmth, and we don’t recommend it for particularly weight- and space-conscious activities like serious bikepacking, thru-hiking or fastpacking, and multi-pitch climbing. But with great build quality and clean horizontal baffles that—in our tester’s words—don’t make you feel like a marshmallow, it’s hard to find fault with the Down Sweater for everyday and casual backcountry use. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Down Sweater.
For just $129, REI’s 650 offers incredible value for those looking for a casual down jacket that can tackle the odd mild-weathered backcountry adventure. However, you won’t want to push it into too cold of temperatures, the DWR is disappointing, and the boxy fit isn’t for everyone (although our tester actually liked it).
For just $129, REI’s 650 offers incredible value for those looking for a casual down jacket that can tackle the odd mild-weathered backcountry adventure. However, you won’t want to push it into too cold of temperatures, the DWR is disappointing, and the boxy fit isn’t for everyone (although our tester actually liked it).
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Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
10.9 oz.
Insulation
3.5 oz. of 650-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
REI’s 650 Down Jacket is a steal at just $129, but it can be just as valuable as jackets three times the price. It’s relatively lightweight, packable, and has more of an understated style than more techy jackets here. Our tester, partial to more premium brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx, was surprised at how much she loved the 650 Down, calling it “the perfect athleisure jacket.” In fact, she now prefers it over her other lightweight down jackets for casual environments, thanks to its slightly cropped, boxy cut and classy hoodless design (only the men’s jacket comes in a hooded version). And for what it’s worth, her mom steals it whenever she visits, so it's safe to say the appeal transcends generations.
Although the REI 650 Down is highly compressible (our tester also loves to bring it along as an emergency layer while trail running), it’s limited in terms of warmth and should only be relied upon in temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The durable water-repellent finish is also nothing to write home about—our jacket’s shell started absorbing water after 30 minutes of exposure on a drizzly Seattle day. And compared to most shells, the REI’s ripstop nylon feels softer but certainly less tough. But the jacket is just so approachable: In addition to the low price, it’s also available in eight sizes for women and ten sizes for men and a variety of colors to choose from. For more, read our review of the REI 650 Down Jacket.
Named after one our our favorite mountains, the Fitz Roy is a soft and cozy mid-to-heavyweight jacket that offers efficient warmth for sub-freezing conditions. However, it lacks a few key features we look for in a belay jacket, including a long hem, two-way front zipper, and sufficiently wind and water-resistant face fabric.
Named after one our our favorite mountains, the Fitz Roy is a soft and cozy mid-to-heavyweight jacket that offers efficient warmth for sub-freezing conditions. However, it lacks a few key features we look for in a belay jacket, including a long hem, two-way front zipper, and sufficiently wind and water-resistant face fabric.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 1.1 oz.
Insulation
6.4 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Within Patagonia’s lineup of performance-minded down jackets, the Fitz Roy falls right between the Down Sweater and the AlpLoft Down Parka in terms of warmth. It’s a fitting landing zone for the midweight insulator, which makes a great pairing for fall evenings in the backcountry, wearing to the ski resort, or winter days around town. If you’re more than just a mere mortal, it’s technically a belay hoody, too, ideal for cold-weather climbing when every ounce counts. We wore the Fitz Roy while climbing the Red Pillar in Patagonia’s Chalten Range and found it to be the perfect tool for the job: It’s warm for the weight, has a cozy helmet-compatible hood and tall collar, features functional storage, and stuffs into its pocket.
But we do have some gripes with the Fitz Roy. It’s not as warm as a true winter-weight down jacket like the Rab Neutrino Pro (which has 1.1 oz. more 800-fill down), meaning you won’t want to push it much below the upper teens Fahrenheit. Second, the center front zipper is not two-way—this is a very nice feature in a belay jacket that allows easy access to your harness’ belay loop—and some climbers might wish for a longer hem. Finally, while the Fitz Roy has a Pertex Quantum face fabric, it's not as wind and water-resistant as we’d hope for in a belay jacket (the Neutrino’s Pertex Quantum Pro is much more protective). But the tradeoff leads to an incredibly soft piece that is more akin to a sleeping bag than most, which is what many people want from a puffy down jacket. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Fitz Roy.
The Ghost Whisperer is one of our favorite ultralight down jackets, with a low weight and small packed size. Despite its streamlined feature set, it's versatile in the mountains, and the attractive, low-profile fit crosses over well for casual environments and mild weather. However, the thin fabric is fragile and requires care.
The Ghost Whisperer is one of our favorite ultralight down jackets, with a low weight and small packed size. Despite its streamlined feature set, it's versatile in the mountains, and the attractive, low-profile fit crosses over well for casual environments and mild weather. However, the thin fabric is fragile and requires care.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
8.8 oz.
Insulation
2.4 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
10D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to shave as many ounces from your kit as possible, check out the Ghost Whisperer from Mountain Hardwear. This jacket checks in at just 8.8 ounces (our women’s small is 7.4 oz.) and is smaller than a one-liter Nalgene when packed into its right-hand pocket. Mountain Hardwear accomplishes this with a very thin 10-denier face fabric and premium 800-fill-power down, streamlined zippers and adjustments (including no hood cinch), minimal storage (just two hand pockets), and a very trim fit. The Ghost Whisperer is so trim, in fact, that we can only layer it over a thin fleece.
As much as we love to wear our Ghost Whisperer around town—we’ve found it to be a great match for chilly summer nights and appreciate how low-profile it is compared to our puffier down jackets—this is not our recommended use given the jacket’s fragile shell. Where the Ghost Whisperer really shines is on weight-conscious backpacking or bikepacking trips or as an emergency layer on a mountain run. It’ll slide easily into a corner of your backpacking pack, bike frame bag, or running vest and still provides significant warmth for temperatures into the mid-40s. We do notice the lack of a chest pocket, and you’ll have to baby the jacket more than most, but these are small gripes for a functional ultralight puffer with a reasonable price.
Hold up, what!? We can’t believe Rab managed to pack this much warmth into such a lightweight jacket. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it, and it's unsurprisingly fragile. But the Mythic G is the only sub-10-ounce jacket we know of that can handle freezing temperatures.
Hold up, what!? We can’t believe Rab managed to pack this much warmth into such a lightweight jacket. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it, and it's unsurprisingly fragile. But the Mythic G is the only sub-10-ounce jacket we know of that can handle freezing temperatures.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
9.8 oz.
Insulation
4.5 oz. of 1,000-fill down
Fabric
7D nylon
Packable
Yes (stuff sack)
Pros
Cons
The Rab Mythic G is a revolutionary down jacket that pulls out all the stops to offer some of the best warmth for the weight we’ve ever seen. At less than ten ounces, the jacket features 4.5 ounces of 1,000-fill-power down—that’s right, nearly half of its weight is insulation. And the down fill isn’t the only insulating component: The Mythic G also features a heat-reflective lining that adds no weight or inherent warmth but noticeably curbs heat loss. Our tester wore the jacket on a five-week expedition to the Waddington Range and, during an unplanned bivy at 9,000 feet in the Cascades, found that it provided enough insulation for temperatures down to the mid-20s Fahrenheit. For a 9.8-ounce ultralight jacket, that’s exceptional.
But for a whopping $525, you’ll want to really need the Mythic G. For context, this jacket is $125 more than Rab’s Neutrino Pro, which is considerably more durable, far more weather protective, and warmer (but also 11.5 oz. heavier). What’s more, if all you need is an ultralight down for summer adventures, you can get away with a more affordable (and less insulative) design like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. But the Mythic G is the best match we’ve seen for weight-conscious climbers, skiers, and fastpackers who regularly encounter freezing temperatures. Just keep in mind that the 7-denier shell is fragile, and the feature set (including lightweight zippers, a single-sided rear hem adjustment, and a non-adjustable hood with an elasticized opening) is more streamlined than most. For more, read our review of the Rab Mythic G.
The Expedition Pack is a classy and durable down jacket from the stylish Sweden-based Fjallraven. The roomy fit, hardwearing face fabric, and fun features make this a go-to for casual backcountry and around-town use. However, it’s heavy, not as warm as we’d like, and omits zipper pulls.
The Expedition Pack is a classy and durable down jacket from the stylish Sweden-based Fjallraven. The roomy fit, hardwearing face fabric, and fun features make this a go-to for casual backcountry and around-town use. However, it’s heavy, not as warm as we’d like, and omits zipper pulls.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 1.3 oz.
Insulation
3.9 oz. of 700-fill down + synthetic
Fabric
Polyamide
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Hailing from Sweden, Fjallraven offers a nice selection of outdoor apparel that combines technical performance with a classy finish. Its Expedition Pack Down Hoodie is one of our staff team’s favorite down jackets for resort skiing, day hiking, and casual overnights when we’re not counting ounces. Its everyday appeal is off the charts, thanks to a generous hem length, substantial face fabric (Fjallraven does not provide the denier, but it feels thicker than competing models like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arc’teryx Cerium), and classic Fjallraven polish, including details like leather pull tabs on the hood and an eye-catching logo on the chest. We are, however, a bit miffed by Fjall’s choice of a yellow shoelace for the hood cord—it pokes out when the collar is unzipped and looks cheap (at least in our opinion).
The Expedition Pack Down Hoodie features 3.9 ounces of 700-fill down and synthetic insulation at the shoulders to resist moisture and boost the jacket’s durability when paired with a backpack. We generally reach for it for temperatures around freezing or above, although we often wish it had a bit more down fill. And at 1 pound 1.3 ounces, it’s not a light piece. But the Expedition does have a number of performance features: It packs into its pocket, has a hip and multiple hood adjustments, and tacks on a two-way zipper (unfortunately, Fjallraven omits pull tabs, making the zippers hard to operate with gloves on). Despite a few gripes, the Expedition Pack Down is a durable and stylish jacket, and it’s priced very reasonably at just $280.
An offshoot of OR's weather-protective shell collection, the Helium is an extra-durable, extra-water-resistant down jacket that can be confidently tossed around and worn as an outer layer. However, due to the added tech, it’s heavier and bulkier than most jackets of similar warmth.
An offshoot of OR's weather-protective shell collection, the Helium is an extra-durable, extra-water-resistant down jacket that can be confidently tossed around and worn as an outer layer. However, due to the added tech, it’s heavier and bulkier than most jackets of similar warmth.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 0.2 oz.
Insulation
3.9 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
15D x 30D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie stands out with its extra durable and weather-resistant face fabrics. While many lightweight down jackets use standard ripstop nylon with a durable water-repellent finish, the Helium Down goes the next mile with more abrasion-resistant fabric tech and a full-blown waterproof shell at the hood, shoulders, and sleeves (both these fabrics are also thicker than average at 15- by 30D and 30D, respectively). We don’t love taking any down jacket into wet conditions, but the Helium Down will stand up to dripping rock or quick showers and can confidently be worn as an outer layer in snowy environments. It’s not the coziest down puffy, but it’s fun to have an option that we don’t need to baby.
Our tester wore the Helium Down Hoodie layered over a base layer and a light synthetic midlayer to the summit of Mt. Baker, where it kept her warm into the low-20s Fahrenheit (while moving) and did an excellent job fending off wind. For lower-output activities and hanging out around camp, we wouldn’t want to push it much lower than about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (for comparison’s sake, the ultralight Cerium Hoody has more insulation). And the biggest hangup we have with the Helium Down is its weight; at just over one pound, it’s three to six ounces heavier than most jackets of its warmth. But it's nevertheless refreshingly durable and an intriguing choice for those who’ve always wished for a more weather-protective down jacket. And like many products from Outdoor Research, the Helium Down is available in a wide range of sizes to suit most body types, including four plus-sized options for women. For more, read our review of the OR Helium Down Hoodie.
The Cerium offers extremely lightweight and packable warmth for technical pursuits like alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Its streamlined fit is ideal for layering, too. However, given the price point, thin fabrics, and trim fit, we don’t recommend this jacket for everyday use.
The Cerium offers extremely lightweight and packable warmth for technical pursuits like alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Its streamlined fit is ideal for layering, too. However, given the price point, thin fabrics, and trim fit, we don’t recommend this jacket for everyday use.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
11.9 oz.
Insulation
4.0 oz. of 850-fill down + synthetic
Fabric
15D nylon
Packable
Yes (stuff sack)
Pros
Cons
In true Arc’teryx form, the Cerium Hoody is a technically savvy down jacket. This puffy tweaks all the right dials to offer incredible warmth for the weight, including a thin 15-denier shell fabric, trim fit (great for use as a midlayer under a shell jacket), streamlined feature set, and premium 850-fill down. Arc’teryx made sure it could handle light moisture, too, adding a durable water-repellent finish and synthetic insulation (rather than down) in areas prone to moisture and sweat, such as the armpits, collar, and cuffs. Paired with a thin wool base layer and midweight fleece, the Cerium kept our tester comfortably warm into the low 40s Fahrenheit (even lower with windchill) while spring camping in Washington’s Stuart Range.
The Cerium is decidedly a performance jacket, and we only recommend it for those who truly need the exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio (especially given the steep price). If you’re purchasing the Cerium to wear around town, you’ll likely find that its trim fit doesn’t allow much room for layering underneath (it barely zips up over one of our bulky sweaters), and the thin zipper and fragile face fabric won’t hold up well to everyday use. If we’re being nitpicky, the material has a more plastic feel than a jacket like the Down Sweater; this leads to slightly better moisture resistance, although the Cerium still shouldn’t be pushed in wet weather. But as a minimalist yet warm jacket for weight-conscious adventures like multi-pitch climbing, bikepacking, and ultralight backpacking or fastpacking, it’s one of our all-time favorite options. For more, read our review of the Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody.
A standalone jacket for sub-freezing conditions that offers both urban and backcountry appeal, the Thorium boosts weather protection with a thick shell, DWR finish, and synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas. Keep in mind the jacket is too bulky for use as a midlayer.
A standalone jacket for sub-freezing conditions that offers both urban and backcountry appeal, the Thorium boosts weather protection with a thick shell, DWR finish, and synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas. Keep in mind the jacket is too bulky for use as a midlayer.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 2.2 oz.
Insulation
5.2 oz. of 750-fill down + synthetic
Fabric
30D nylon
Packable
Yes (stuff sack)
Pros
Cons
If the Arc’teryx Cerium is a race car, the Thorium Hoody is a luxury SUV. This down jacket packs a powerful amount of warmth and loft for sub-freezing conditions, with a tall collar and longer-than-standard hem length that wrap the body in a sleeping bag-like hug. Unlike many lightweight down jackets that attempt to play double duty as midlayers, the Thorium Hoody is fully committed to being a standalone jacket given its regular fit (vs. the Cerium’s “trim” designation), lofty fill, and durable 30-denier shell with a durable water-repellent finish. We don’t recommend the Thorium for summer backpacking (the Thorium was overkill during our tester’s Fourth of July backpacking trip to British Columbia’s Wedgemount Lake), but it’s a great companion for the colder months.
The Thorium Hoody makes no false claims about being ultralight—this is a jacket that prioritizes warmth and comfort over weight savings. The 750-fill-power down and body-mapped Coreloft synthetic insulation is bulkier than straight down with a higher fill power, and the thick shell isn’t as packable or lightweight as thinner nylon. As a result, the Thorium is not a great choice for weight-conscious activities like backpacking or multi-pitch climbing. But don’t get us wrong; it’s still a powerful backcountry companion for winter hiking or camping, ski touring in cold conditions, hut trips, and fall cragging (it has a two-way zipper), and more. A heads up that Arc’teryx also makes the women’s Thorium in a “Jacket” version, which features a hood as well but has a cropped hem length. For more, see our review of the Thorium Hoody.
A stretch-nylon shell makes this unique down jacket extra durable, comfortable, and a great choice for hard use like camping, cragging, and outdoor work. However, it’s too heavy and bulky to bring too deep into the backcountry.
A stretch-nylon shell makes this unique down jacket extra durable, comfortable, and a great choice for hard use like camping, cragging, and outdoor work. However, it’s too heavy and bulky to bring too deep into the backcountry.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 1.7 oz.
Insulation
4.3 oz. of 700-fill down
Fabric
20D stretch nylon
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody charts a unique course from most down jackets, featuring a stretch-woven nylon shell and lining comprised of 13% elastane. This construction gives the Stretchdown a noticeable boost in durability and a soft, matte finish reminiscent of a sweatshirt. Our tester called it the “coziest technical puffer hoodie” he’s ever had, noting that it molds to his body and feels like “a human thunder blanket.” He also reported that its burly shell showed no signs of wear after shopping multiple loads of wood from the woodshed to his house, which is high praise for a down jacket.
We think the Stretchdown’s durable and cozy stretch-woven shell makes it a nice choice for everyday wear, cold outdoor work, cragging, and camping (even hanging out around a campfire!)—especially for those who like to wear their down jacket as an outer layer. And it insulates in conditions as low as the upper 30s or low 40s (with the proper layers underneath), although it does have less and lower-quality down than much of the lightweight competition. But we hesitate to recommend the Stretchdown for serious backcountry use given its extra weight and bulk; on the latter note, it’s a bit too much jacket to serve as a midlayer, and it doesn’t come with a stuff sack or stuff pocket. Finally, our tester found the two-way front zipper difficult to operate, although it could come in handy if you adopt the Stretchdown as your workhorse crag jacket. For more, read our review of the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody.
The Himali is a lower-cost alternative to the Arc’teryx Cerium from a niche mountaineering brand. It offers efficient warmth for the weight and added moisture protection thanks to hydrophobic down, a DWR finish on the shell, and synthetic insulation at the collar and under the arms.
The Himali is a lower-cost alternative to the Arc’teryx Cerium from a niche mountaineering brand. It offers efficient warmth for the weight and added moisture protection thanks to hydrophobic down, a DWR finish on the shell, and synthetic insulation at the collar and under the arms.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
12.2 oz.
Insulation
4 oz. of 850-fill down + synthetic
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Himali is a relatively new brand, born from a chance encounter between a young business guru in Colorado and an IFMGA-certified guide from Nepal. Although based in Boulder, the company is still very involved in the Himalayan region, with part of its proceeds going to support schools, clean water initiatives, and improved work environments for sherpas. Not only is Himali an intriguing business, but we’ve also been very impressed by the quality and style of its apparel, including its Accelerator.
The Accelerator falls into the lightweight down jacket category, making it ideal for cool summer nights, shoulder-season missions, and layering underneath a ski shell during the winter. If you choose to wear it as a standalone piece, the Pertex Quantum shell, durable water-repellent finish, and hydrophobic down (all fluorocarbon-free) will provide some protection from the elements, although you’ll want to cover up (or run for cover) if the skies unleash. Himali also patterned synthetic insulation at the collar and under the arms to help with moisture management and breathability. In terms of fit, our tester’s jacket ran true to size and has a nice athletic shape that efficiently traps heat without restricting movement (in contrast to boxier jackets, which are less efficient insulators because there’s more dead space to keep warm). She did note that the Accelerator’s arms felt a little long, and the hood was too tight over a helmet.
This classic down sweater hits a nice middle-ground for everyday and performance use at a competitive price point, and the relatively thick face fabric will hold up to heavy wear better than thinner varieties. However, it’s not streamlined enough for truly weight-conscious endeavors.
This classic down sweater hits a nice middle-ground for everyday and performance use at a competitive price point, and the relatively thick face fabric will hold up to heavy wear better than thinner varieties. However, it’s not streamlined enough for truly weight-conscious endeavors.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 0.5 oz.
Insulation
5.4 oz. of 700-fill down
Fabric
30D polyamide
Packable
Yes (stuff sack)
Pros
Cons
The Microlight Alpine is a great multi-use down jacket from Rab that hits a nice middle mark—it provides insulation for temperatures as low as about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, is lightweight enough for most human-powered adventures, and has a hardwearing 30-denier face fabric that can handle the wear and tear of everyday use. In terms of fit, the Microlight Alpine layers easily over a fleece jacket yet can still fit cleanly under most roomy shell jackets. In our experience, Rab’s puffies run long (the Mythic Alpine Light covers our entire rear), but the Microlight Alpine has a more standard length without being boxy. It all adds up to be a versatile down jacket for everything from casual use around town to backcountry endeavors.
Rab’s jackets are generally cheaper than competing designs, but their performance and build quality are still on par with (and even exceed) brands like Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear. Put simply, we’ve never been disappointed with a jacket from the UK brand. Our main gripe with its puffies (and it’s a small one) is that they stuff into an included stuff sack rather than a stuff pocket, which we’ve never been able to keep track of—and unlike Arc’teryx’s stuff sacks, Rab’s do not attach to the inside of the pocket. But for a classic down-sweater look that’s more durable than competing jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Mountain Equipment Earthrise, the Microlight Alpine is well worth a closer look. For more, read our in-depth review of the Rab Microlight Alpine.
An ultralight midweight down jacket (is that an oxymoron!?), the Lyngen Down850 is a premium pairing for winter adventurers looking to maximize warmth while maintaining a minimal weight and packed size. Price and durability are its biggest shortcomings.
An ultralight midweight down jacket (is that an oxymoron!?), the Lyngen Down850 is a premium pairing for winter adventurers looking to maximize warmth while maintaining a minimal weight and packed size. Price and durability are its biggest shortcomings.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
13.5 oz.
Insulation
6.2 oz. of 850-fill down
Fabric
10D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Hailing from Norway, Norrøna has a deep understanding of mountain weather and a reputation for premium, technical gear. The brand has been gaining traction in North America, going toe-to-toe with Arc’teryx when it comes to build quality and performance. Their Lyngen Down850 is a standout midweight down jacket, boasting one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in its class. It packs 6.2 ounces of 850-fill down into a 13.5-ounce build—yes, you read that right, nearly half the jacket’s weight is down insulation. Plenty of lightweight down jackets offer similar thermal efficiency, but it’s rare to see this achieved in such a warm build.
For cold-weather adventurers, the Lyngen Down850 is a top-tier choice, whether as a belay puffy for winter climbing or a just-in-case layer for chilly summits. Despite being part of Norrøna’s ski-specific collection, it packs into its own pocket and includes a loop for clipping onto a harness, making it equally at home on alpine routes. Comfort is another highlight—our tester called it a “backcountry blanket”, praising its fleece-lined chin guard and soft, knit cuffs that add a touch of luxury to its technical build.
Of course, the Lyngen Down850 isn’t without trade-offs. At $469, it’s a serious investment, and its 10-denier shell is as delicate as they come (beaten only by the Rab Mythic G’s featherlight 7D fabric). Care is required around sharp tools and abrasive rocks to avoid snags or tears. It’s also too warm for mild conditions or summer use, meaning it will likely sit in your closet for half the year. Additionally, its long cut may stick out awkwardly when layered underneath a sleek hardshell. That said, for weight-conscious winter adventurers, the Lyngen Down850 is hard to beat. It’s one of the most efficient insulators on the market, delivering premium warmth in an ultralight package—and Norrøna’s craftsmanship is second to none. For more, read our review of the Norrøna Lyngen Down850.
The Pinion is Stio's classic down sweater with great everyday style. It features a fair amount of moisture protection and is lightweight and packable enough for backcountry use. However, it’s not as warm as other jackets of its weight.
The Pinion is Stio's classic down sweater with great everyday style. It features a fair amount of moisture protection and is lightweight and packable enough for backcountry use. However, it’s not as warm as other jackets of its weight.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
12 oz.
Insulation
3.3 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a classic down sweater, check out Stio’s Pinion Down Hoody. This one was a hit with our tester, who used phrases like “fire lifestyle jacket,” “it looks good,” and “THE BEST chilling jacket I’ve ever worn” to describe it. The Pinion Down Hoody packs in 3.3 ounces of 800-fill down, which provides three-season warmth but shouldn’t be pushed much below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Stio gave the jacket a little extra oomph for wet conditions by using hydrophobic down and a Pertex Quantum shell fabric with a durable water-repellent finish. You don’t want to push it, but the Pinion should be able to fend off light moisture or a few minutes of rain without wetting out.
Our tester’s main gripe with the Pinion was the fit—he’s consistently a size medium but found the jacket to be too tight across the shoulders to comfortably tie his shoes or drive his truck (however, “drinking a beer is fine”). And like most down sweaters, it’s on the boxy side, which alludes to its casual intentions. On that note, the Pinion is not the most efficient in terms of warmth for the weight. But the hand pockets are massive—”You could fit two chipotle burritos into each”—and you also get a chest pocket and an internal drop pocket, which is great for everyday use. All told, the Stio Pinion is a good-looking everyday jacket that will effectively cut a mild chill, and it’s light enough to take to the backcountry, too. For more, see our review of the Stio Pinion Hooded Down Jacket.
A sporty down jacket built for mountain environments, Mammut designed the Broad Peak with hydrophobic down, hipbelt- (or harness) compatible hand pockets, and a noticeably long hem. However, the price is a little high for what you get.
A sporty down jacket built for mountain environments, Mammut designed the Broad Peak with hydrophobic down, hipbelt- (or harness) compatible hand pockets, and a noticeably long hem. However, the price is a little high for what you get.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
13.5 oz.
Insulation
4.1 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
20D polyamide
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Mammut is slowly making inroads in the North American gear scene, and its Broad Peak IN Hooded is a technically savvy down jacket for climbers, skiers, and other serious mountain goers. Unlike many down jackets that get the job done in the backcountry but are styled for everyday use, the Broad Peak is clear about its alpine intentions, with a Euro-guide vibe and features like a two-way front zip, hipbelt-compatible pockets, a tall collar, and a design that packs into its pocket. Our tester liked that it strayed from the standard formula with diagonal baffles, and the jacket features a significant drop-tail hem for added coverage at the back.
The Broad Peak gets all its insulation from down fill; the 4.1 ounces of hydrophobic down (800-fill) provide enough warmth to cut the chill of a summer evening and get the job done as a midlayer in deep winter. If you choose to wear the jacket as an outer layer, keep in mind that the raised hand pockets aren’t ideal for everyday use, and we’ve found them to be fairly shallow as well (however, they are tall vertically). And at this price point, we’d expect there to be a bit more going on: more warmth, perhaps, or some patterned synthetic insulation. But the Broad Peak nevertheless offers great warmth and is an efficient choice for backcountry travel.
Straight out of the U.K., the Earthrise is no-nonsense down jacket for considerably less than much of the competition. It earns high marks for function (with a climber-oriented feature set) and sustainability, but it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than many jackets in its warmth category.
Straight out of the U.K., the Earthrise is no-nonsense down jacket for considerably less than much of the competition. It earns high marks for function (with a climber-oriented feature set) and sustainability, but it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than many jackets in its warmth category.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
15.5 oz.
Insulation
5.5 oz. of 700-fill down
Fabric
20D polyamide
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Hailing from across the pond, Mountain Equipment offers a variety of outdoor apparel and gear that scores high points for function and no-nonsense quality. Like Rab (also from the U.K.), ME’s offerings stay true to the brand’s climbing and mountaineering roots and are available at a competitive price point. A case in point is their Earthrise, a no-frills down jacket that’ll cost you just $250—a double-take-worthy price given that most lightweight competitors are between $300 and $400. The Earthrise has a great feature set for climbers, including a two-way zipper (ideal for belaying), a snap to secure below your belay loop, and a stuff pocket that makes it easy to carry on your harness. And despite the low price, it’s clear that “some love goes into the design of these jackets” (in the words of our tester), shown through notes like high-quality stitching, soft materials, and sustainable materials.
So, what do you compromise at the lower price point? A few key things: The Earthrise is heavier and less packable than jackets of similar warmth, given its less efficient 700-fill down (most premium jackets use 800-fill-power down or higher). Our tester found that it offered enough warmth for temperatures into the low 40s, which is similar to jackets two to four ounces lighter. Second, it feels clunkier overall with more substantial zippers, an extra snap at the hem to keep the two-way front zipper from creeping up, and front hood adjustments, which we rarely see in a down jacket. And while we love the tall collar, some will find that it feels too constricting when zipped all the way up. Finally, our tester noted the jacket having a particularly trim fit, so you might want to size up. Gripes aside, the Earthrise is a well-built down jacket that can save you a lot of cash. For more, read our review of the Mountain Equipment Earthrise.
The newly redesigned Transcendent Down Hoodie prioritizes comfort, with a soft matte shell and fleece-lined hand pockets. However, the fit is unrefined, and our jacket leaked down feathers through minuscule holes in the shell fabric.
The newly redesigned Transcendent Down Hoodie prioritizes comfort, with a soft matte shell and fleece-lined hand pockets. However, the fit is unrefined, and our jacket leaked down feathers through minuscule holes in the shell fabric.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
13.3 oz.
Insulation
4.2 oz. of 800-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
The Transcendent name has been in Outdoor Research’s lineup for years, but the latest version (new for the fall of 2024) is 100% fresh, with a unique matte shell that’s soft, pliable, and airy. We tested the Transcendent on a four-day backpacking trip in Washington’s Enchantments, but our tester has since adopted the down jacket as her go-to around-town piece thanks to its understated look and high comfort.
However, we were largely disappointed with the new Transcendent. The shell does not appear to be downproof—ours leaked small feathers from the get-go. It also has a rather boxy, short, and unrefined fit, which we’ve unfortunately come to expect from Outdoor Research’s mid-range items (however, the women’s version does feature a tapered waist and unique diagonal baffling). Finally, it lacks the water-resistant features we see in many down jackets—there’s no synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, and during our testing, the shell fabric was quickly overwhelmed by light moisture. But the Transcendent does offer decent warmth for the weight (just shy of designs like the Arc’teryx Cerium and Patagonia Down Sweater), and our tester appreciated the cozy tricot-lined hand pockets and deep interior stash pocket. For a deeper dive, read our Outdoor Research Transcendent review.
Standing apart from the crowd with its colorful chest stripes, the Fuego is decidedly casual with a roomy fit and minimal performance attributes. However, its build quality does not compete with brands like Arc’teryx and Norrøna.
Standing apart from the crowd with its colorful chest stripes, the Fuego is decidedly casual with a roomy fit and minimal performance attributes. However, its build quality does not compete with brands like Arc’teryx and Norrøna.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
13 oz.
Insulation
800-fill down
Fabric
20D nylon
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Cotopaxi has carved out a name for itself in the outdoor/lifestyle space with colorful apparel and gear. The Fuego Hooded down jacket is everywhere in the colder months—from city streets to the ski resort to the crag—where it stands out with its multi-colored chest stripes and backcountry-meets-urban vibe. We took the Fuego on a four-day backpacking trip in Washington’s Enchantments and wore it while hiking and at camp. With a base layer and fleece jacket layered underneath, its 800-fill down kept us warm into the 30s (Fahrenheit) during cold evenings. Unfortunately, Cotopaxi does not provide a fill weight, but we estimate the Fuego’s warmth to be a little lower than that of jackets like the Arc’teryx Cerium and Patagonia Down Sweater.
Our tester’s biggest complaints were with the Fuego’s fit. While true-to-size, the Fuego is roomier than most lightweight down jackets: This allows for more layering underneath (great for everyday use when you might be wearing a bulky sweater or sweatshirt) but is less efficient in terms of warmth and means you’re dealing with a lot of excess material. When worn under a backpack, our tester’s Fuego bunched at the chest, and the short hem didn’t stay put at the rear. Finally, the hood lacks an adjustment and doesn’t cinch securely around the head, and the face and liner fabric feel cheaper (almost plasticky) than most supple nylon shells. Added up, we think the Fuego is a bit overpriced given its build quality and casual intentions, and we have a hard time recommending it for performance use. For more, read our review of the Cotopaxi Fuego.
The Down Sweater is an iconic and versatile down jacket that fits the bill for everyday use and casual backcountry adventures. However, it’s a bit heavier and features a less trim fit than performance jackets of similar warmth.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
The Expedition Pack is a classy and durable down jacket from the stylish Sweden-based Fjallraven. The roomy fit, hardwearing face fabric, and fun features make this a go-to for casual backcountry and around-town use. However, it’s heavy, not as warm as we’d like, and omits zipper pulls.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
The Cerium offers extremely lightweight and packable warmth for technical pursuits like alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Its streamlined fit is ideal for layering, too. However, given the price point, thin fabrics, and trim fit, we don’t recommend this jacket for everyday use.
Warmth
Weight & Packability
Comfort
Durability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn ($430): Technically Minded Midweight Down
The North Face’s premium Summit Series is developed for and trusted by the brand’s elite athletes, and the Breithorn stands out as its high-performance down jacket. With a trim fit, lightweight 15-denier shell, lofty 800-fill down insulation, helmet-compatible hood, and stretch-knit cuffs, it closely resembles technically minded jackets like the Arc’teryx Cerium—but with a noticeable step up in warmth, reflected in its slightly heavier weight (14.7 oz.). The Breithorn also impresses with its water resistance, thanks to a Pertex YFuse shell, DWR-treated down fill, and water-resistant zippers—a rare level of protection for a down jacket. This year’s iteration introduces a somewhat flashy, metallic sheen, which may appeal to some and deter others, but at its core, it remains an outstanding midweight option for serious alpine pursuits. If you’re considering a jacket like the Patagonia Fitz Roy, the Breithorn is definitely worth a closer look.
Black Diamond Access Down 1.0 Hoody ($329): Stretchy Fleece Panels
The Access 1.0 is a fresh take on Black Diamond's lightweight Access Down Hoody, designed for those who run warm or need insulation that works during activity—whether climbing, ski touring, or other high-output pursuits. Its standout feature is stretchy fleece panels under the arms, which provide targeted airflow where it matters most. The knit cuffs are another thoughtful touch, keeping sleeves securely in place and out of the way during movement. It’s also worth considering the rest of Black Diamond’s down lineup. The standard Access remains a great daily driver and has been one of our go-tos for the past year. Those looking for a more technical, streamlined design might prefer the packable Approach, while weight-conscious adventurers should check out the ultralight Deploy (5.2 oz.), an even more minimalist alternative to the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer.
Our overall rating takes the product’s full picture into account: price, build quality, performance (based on intended use), durability, sustainability, and more. On the high end of the rating scale are standout down jackets that have something special to offer, whether they’re the crème de la crème or budget designs that give savvy performance for the price. If you ask us, most readers should be looking to purchase a down jacket with an above-average overall rating—there’s simply little reason not to. That said, down jackets with lower overall ratings are still notable enough to have made our list; for various reasons, these might be compelling to users with specific design preferences or those who get out only a few times a year.
Warmth is the primary reason to wear a down jacket, but more warmth isn’t always better. Warmer jackets are generally heavier and bulkier—not ideal for weight- and space-conscious adventures—and can be overkill for mild temperatures. On the other hand, high-level warmth is exactly what you want for sub-freezing conditions and when weight is not an issue. When assessing where you want to land on the warmth spectrum, consider the temperatures in which you’ll be using the jacket, your capacity for weight and bulk, and whether or not you want to wear the jacket during activity.
Winter-ready warmth. On the high end of this range are jackets that can handle temperatures into the single digits Fahrenheit, designed for winter climbing in the Lower 48, hut trips, winter camping, and everyday life in frigid conditions. At 4/5 are jackets with midweight warmth for cool-to-mild winter temperatures and cold shoulder-season nights (roughly 20-35˚F). Fill weights around 5 to 8 ounces.
Lightweight warmth for shoulder seasons and cool summer nights (about 35-55˚F). Fill weights about 3 to 5 ounces.
Ultralight warmth that’s ideal as a backup layer for emergency warmth or to cut a light chill on a summer summit or evening. Fill weights are south of 3 ounces.
Compared to insulators like synthetic fill and fleece, down is extremely lightweight and packable for the warmth it provides. But there is still a spectrum, which generally correlates with warmth (the warmer a jacket, the heavier and bulkier it will be). Other factors include the quality of the down fill, the thickness of the shell fabric, and the number of additional features (pockets and adjustments add weight). Weight- and space-conscious backpackers, bikepackers, backcountry skiers, climbers, and other human-powered adventurers will want to find a good balance between weight/packability and warmth; on the other hand, those who wear their down jacket for skiing, camping, or around town can prioritize it less.
Ultra-ultralight down jackets (less than 11 oz.) down to ultralight down jackets (11 to 13 oz.).
Standard lightweight down jackets (13 oz. to 1 lb. 2 oz.).
Heavyweight jackets checking in around 1 pound 8 ounces or more.
There’s nothing like the comfort of slipping on a down puffy, but each jacket varies slightly in softness, loft, stretch, fit, and more. We fully support those who prioritize comfort above all else, perhaps for casual environments or as a luxurious backcountry piece. Stepping down in comfort will often yield more performance, including jackets with extra durable or highly water-resistant (or waterproof) shell fabrics.
High-end comfort, thanks to soft and stretchy shell fabrics, silky liners, or high loft.
Average comfort compared to most down jackets. Shell fabrics are less supple due to being cheap or especially water resistant.
Uncomfortable and not recommended.
Down jackets range from fragile, ultralight pieces to durable parkas made to withstand punishing expedition environments. However, compared to durable outerwear like fleece jackets and hardshells, most down jackets require more gentle care due to their relatively thin shell fabric. If you wear your down jacket daily or subject it to hard backcountry use, aim for a higher-than-average durability rating (this correlates with an above-average shell fabric denier). But if you prioritize low weight and bulk and don’t mind taking extra care of your down jacket, you can err on the lower side of the rating scale.
The most durable down jackets, thanks to burly shell fabrics and high-quality construction. Look for deniers north of 30 or special technology like Pertex’s Diamond Fuse.
Average durability with relatively thin shells that keep weight and packability low for backcountry use. Denier around 20 to 30.
Fragile and will need to be babied. Expect to patch some holes over time. Deniers south of 20.
First, down jackets are never our first choice for wet weather—not even those with waterproof shells. If down gets wet, it loses its loft, which translates to a loss of warmth. But if you want a bit of extra assurance against ice drips, quickly changing mountain weather, wet snow, and sweat, it’s worth considering a down jacket with some amount of water resistance. These jackets generally feature hydrophobic down and a water-resistant or waterproof shell, which also helps guard against wind (our rating takes both water and wind resistance into account). But if you anticipate dry and calm conditions, there’s no tradeoff in going with a lower weather-resistance rating—and the good news is that these jackets are generally a bit lighter and softer.
Fully waterproof thanks to a waterproof shell.
Decent wind and water resistance thanks to waterproof shell fabric on the shoulders or water-resistant shell fabric throughout, hydrophobic down, and/or synthetic fill and a highly water-resistant shell.
Very little wind and water resistance. Jackets on the high end of this range have DWR finishes.
Our sustainability rating for down jackets takes into account 11 different criteria. On the product level, we’re looking for recycled or Bluesign-approved materials, responsibly sourced down, PFC/PFAS-free durable water-repellent finishes, and responsible manufacturing. On the brand level, our criteria include whether the company has a dedicated resale or recycling program, offers repair services, uses recycled or reduced packaging, monitors greenhouse gas emissions, and publishes an annual impact report. We also consider the degree to which our criteria are met; for example, 10% recycled materials is not the same as 100% recycled materials. Note that not every sustainability effort by a brand or product fits neatly into our categories. In these circumstances, we may increase or decrease a rating based on these factors. You can find details on these factors in the sustainability drop-down under each product above.
These jackets are among the most sustainable on the market and earn our Better Trail Certified distinction. They often meet most of our sustainability criteria for this category.
These jackets are a good, middle-of-the-pack option for sustainability. They often meet about half or more of our criteria for this category.
These jackets are the least sustainable and have significant room for improvement. They usually only meet about a quarter or less of our criteria.
The shell of a down jacket is generally composed of nylon, which can be spun in varying thicknesses, which is measured in denier count (D). Down jacket shells range from 7D at the low end to 30D or higher for the most durable designs. Thin shells (7 to 10D) are used as a weight-saving tactic and are only seen on ultralight jackets like the Rab Mythic G (read our Mythic G review) and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody. These jackets are particularly fragile and will gather holes and abrasions if worn around sharp rocks or subjected to routine use. Most down jacket shells are in the 20D range, which strikes a nice balance between weight and durability. If the shell is thicker than 20D, it’s a sure sign that the jacket is tough and resistant to wear, which is a great choice if you’re hard on your gear or wear your down jacket daily. We see even thicker shells in casual winter jackets like the Patagonia Jackson Glacier (50D) and The North Face McMurdo Parka (70D x 160D).
Most down jackets are only meant to be worn in dry conditions, but manufacturers add a bit of wet weather assurance with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This finish helps repel light moisture by causing it to bead up and roll off rather than soak through the fabric. Most DWR finishes are effective when fresh (i.e., on a new jacket) but will need to be maintained to continue to offer water resistance over time. That said, we have never thought to refresh our down jackets’ DWR given their use case.
A few outlier down jackets feature even more waterproof tech. The Rab Neutrino Pro, for example, uses highly water-resistant Pertex Quantum Pro fabric. Given that the Neutrino Pro is built for mountaineering, ice climbing, and other alpine activities, this is a great addition that keeps down protected from ice drips, unexpected storms, and snow. And there’s the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850, which is fully waterproof with a 2-layer shell on top of its down insulation. Down is never our top recommendation for wet conditions, but jackets like the Neutrino Pro and Stormhenge are suitable options.
Down Fill Power
Most down is derived from the soft undercoat (read: not the feathers) of ducks and geese. Its quality is measured in terms of fill power: Technically speaking, this is how much space one ounce of down fills in a cylindrical tube; less technically speaking, fill power indicates the down’s loft. A higher fill power is loftier (and thus warmer) for the weight and bulk, while a lower fill power is less lofty and not as efficient in terms of warmth.
Most performance-oriented down jackets use 800 or 850-fill-power down, which is lightweight, compressible, and warm. Budget designs like the REI Co-op 650 Down (read our 650 Down review) drop down to 650-fill-power down, meaning you’ll need more down to achieve the same amount of warmth as a jacket with a higher fill power. As a result, budget jackets are generally bulkier than or not as warm as more premium jackets—or both. On the other end of the spectrum, ultralight designs feature the loftiest insulation possible (the Rab Mythic G’s down has a fill power of 1,000), which boosts warmth while keeping weight low.
However, the fill power of down only tells half of the story—it also matters how much insulation the jacket contains. This is known as the down’s fill weight.
Down Fill Weight
Fill weight is a bit easier to understand—this is the amount of down a jacket holds, measured in grams or ounces. When comparing jackets of similar fill powers, the fill weight spec can give you a good idea of which is warmer. For example, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer contains 3 ounces of 800-fill down, while the Rab Neutrino Pro has 7 ounces of 800-fill down. It’s easy to infer from these numbers that the Neutrino Pro is over twice as warm as the Ghost Whisperer.
Fill weight is not as commonly advertised as fill power, which is a real shame if you ask us. Luckily, we’ve done some detective work to find the fill weights for the majority of jackets on our list. Generally, these fill weights are for the men’s size medium (the same product used to measure the overall product weight) and will minorly increase or decrease depending on the size/gender of the jacket.
Hydrophobic Down
Some performance-oriented down jackets use hydrophobic down, which provides extra assurance for those who plan to wear their jacket in inclement weather. Just like the shell of a jacket, hydrophobic down is treated with a durable water-repellent finish that causes moisture to sluff off rather than soak through. This is a feature to consider if you think you’ll get caught under ice drips or out in wet snowfall, but it’s not foolproof and shouldn’t be confused for full waterproofing. If we’re worried about moisture, we’ll opt for a synthetic insulated jacket instead.
Some down jackets feature synthetic insulation in areas prone to moisture, sweat, and heavy wear, such as the shoulders, hood, cuffs, collar, and underarms. When compared ounce for ounce, synthetic insulation generally doesn’t offer the same amount of warmth as down and isn’t as lofty, but it breathes better and continues to insulate when wet. It’s also a fitting insulation for the shoulders, where you don’t want much bulk and perhaps need added durability underneath backpack straps. Arc’teryx was one of the first companies to pioneer this technology (called “Down Composite Mapping”) and the Cerium Down Hoody is a case in point, made with predominantly 850-fill-power down but paired with 80 and 100-gram Coreloft synthetic insulation at the armpits, cuffs, collar, and back.
Manufacturers usually offer down jackets in two models: one with a hood and one without. Resort skiers and others who wear their down jacket underneath a ski jacket might want a non-hooded down jacket, which is just cleaner when worn as a midlayer. Non-hooded jackets are also a great choice for casual use. We’re partial to hoodies, however: With a higher collar, more coverage at the back of the neck, and a ton of added warmth when you need it, they’re a much more functional option for most mountain environments.
Down jacket hoods vary in size—not every hood can fit over a climbing helmet—and adjustability. Most adjustments are a simple pull cord at the back that cinches the hood around your head and pulls the fabric away from your face. An adjustment can be convenient if the hood is roomy or to make sure the hood stays on your head in the wind. Many ultralight designs will not feature helmet-compatible or adjustable hoods but often have an elastic border around the face to help keep it in place.
Most down jackets feature two hand pockets; many designs also tack on an internal or external chest pocket. The hand pockets generally sit next to the hem, which is a natural place to rest your hands if you’re hanging out and want to keep them warm. We’re partial to jackets with a chest pocket, as this is our favorite place to store credit cards, an ID, or a phone securely. The rare down jacket (especially if it falls into the belay parka category) might have internal drop pockets, which is a great place to warm climbing shoes, gloves, or skins.
The intended use of a jacket has key implications for fit. Most casual down jackets (like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Stio Pinion Down) feature relaxed, roomy fits and shorter back lengths. They can sometimes err on the boxy side but the best executed are stylishly casual and allow room for layering underneath (for example, you might be wearing your jacket over a bulky sweater). Performance-oriented down jackets often have trimmer dimensions and a longer length or drop-tail hem for more coverage. If you’re hoping to wear your jacket as a midlayer under a ski jacket or other waterproof shell, you’ll want it to be on the trim side.
Fill power correlates with the amount of loft, or fluffiness, of down. The rating is based on a simple test that measures how much space one ounce of down fills in a cylindrical tube. The higher the fill power, the loftier the down is and the more heat it is able to trap, thereby creating more warmth for you. As a consumer, what you need to know is that fill power correlates strongly with the quality and warmth of the down (this is why we buy down in the first place). And this is why brands are keen to advertise it—so much so that you’ll often see the fill power number on the tags or even etched into the cuff of a jacket.
Getting more specific, 800-fill-power down often is the line in the sand that indicates performance-oriented insulation. This fill power is commonly found on premium down jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater (read our Down Sweater review) and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. Some technical down jackets like the Rab Mythic G go all the way to an impressive 1,000 fill-power down, offering an industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratio. When you trend down to mid-range and budget down jackets, you’ll see fill powers more in the 650 to 600 range and below.
An important consideration to remember is that although fill power measures the loftiness and warmth of down, fill weight is the lesser-known spec that is equally important, if not more so. As its name implies, fill weight measures how much total down is inside the jacket. For example, if a jacket has 3 ounces (the fill weight) of 800-fill-power down, and another has 6 ounces of 800-fill-power down, that is twice the volume of down and will result in a substantial increase in warmth.
In terms of warmth comparisons between jackets, those are easier with the same fill powers, but get trickier when you take different fill powers and fill weights. We strongly suggest that you look at these metrics side-by-side whenever possible, and both are included in the "Insulation" spec in our product boxes above. For more on this topic, check out our article Knowledge is (Fill) Power.
The truth is: not really. Brands will promote features like a DWR (durable water repellant) finish on the jacket shell, which helps moisture bead up instead of soaking in, and water-repellant down. Both will help your down jacket resist light to potentially moderate precipitation, but if you’re out in sustained rain or snow, it won’t end well. Once down starts taking on significant moisture, it clumps up and shrinks, losing its ability to insulate. If you’ve seen this happen, it’s ugly—and potentially dangerous because the clusters won’t dry quickly.
Most down jackets have ripstop nylon shells that offer the limited protection we mentioned above, but there are some fun options for staying out in inclement weather. The Outdoor Research Helium Down is one example of a down jacket that adds a full-blown waterproof shell at the hood, shoulders, and sleeves (for more, check out our Helium Down review). Others like the Arc’teryx Cerium use synthetic insulation in areas prone to getting wet, which takes on moisture better than down. And there are a few waterproof down jackets, such as the Arc’teryx Fissile and REI Stormehenge. These tend to be more of the ski jacket / winter jacket variety and the waterproof shell adds quite a bit of bulk (i.e. you won’t be stuffing them into your pack for hiking or backpacking), but they do offer the best of both worlds in terms of the warmth of down, with proper waterproofing.
For most lightweight and midweight down jackets, if you are going to be out for extended stretches or in the backcountry where rain or snow could be an issue, we recommend bringing a rain jacket or lightweight hardshell along with you. Then if the precip kicks up, you can stay warm and dry, which are key for both comfort and safety.
Like many categories of outdoor gear, down jacket prices can run the gamut. If you’re really on the hunt to save, a jacket like the REI Co-op Down 650 has a lot to like for every day and light outdoor uses and runs just $129, which is a steal in our book (plus it gets a 4 out of 5 sustainability rating, receiving our Better Trail Certified distinction). For backcountry enthusiasts counting every ounce, the Rab Mythic G with its ultra-premium down costs a whopping $525, and true winter jackets can even be even pricier with their high volumes of down fill. You can expect to spend around $300 for a jacket that lands in the core light / midweight premium market. Popular options here include the Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($280) and Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329).
As is the case with any big purchase, you’d be smart to match your needs and use cases to make the right choice. We tend to use our down jackets frequently—both around town in the colder months and for backcountry use—so it’s an item that we like to get right.
Awesome question. Our sustainability team did a deep dive into this category and came back with 11 criteria for down jackets, which span both the product and brand level. Impressively, the Patagonia Fitz Roy received a near-perfect 4.5/5 sustainability rating. The only point the Fitz Roy missed on was longevity, as its relatively thin shell fabric requires extra care (for more, read our Fitz Roy Sustainability Report). Aside from that product, the good news is that a number of other brands have been making significant strides on the sustainability front, and in our gear guide above, jackets from Arc’teryx, Norrona, Mammut, Rab, REI, and Stio all score 4 out of 5 or better. Every product on Better Trail gets a full sustainability analysis, and at the top of this guide, you can use our handy “Sort By: Sustainability” tool to see how they stack up.
On the rare occasion, we’ll stand in front of our closet while packing for a trip and vacillate between bringing down or synthetic insulation. But only rarely—in general, the choice is obvious. Modern down and synthetic jackets have much to offer in warmth, so their key differences come down to breathability, weather resistance, weight and packability, and durability.
Down jackets are our top pick for casual environments. We love wearing our down jackets around town in fall, winter, and spring—synthetics simply can’t come close to matching their cozy, sleeping-bag-like loft. Down is also what we reach for when we want to get the best bang for our buck in terms of warmth to weight; it packs down smaller than synthetic insulation and in general weighs less. For this reason, we favor down for human-powered overnight adventures like backpacking and bikepacking, and as a belay jacket for alpine climbing. Sometimes we’ll bring an ultralight down jacket (like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer) as a just-in-case insulator for mountain runs or summer day hikes.
However, down falls short of synthetic insulation when it comes to weather resistance, breathability, and durability. Unlike down, synthetic insulation doesn’t lose its insulating properties when wet, so we’re more likely to wear it in changing mountain weather or when moisture is in the forecast. Synthetic insulated jackets are also more breathable than down and a better match if you wear your insulation while moving—for example, while alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, and winter hiking in cold conditions. Finally, many synthetic jackets use sheets of insulation that are much more durable than down (i.e., nothing starts to poke out if you get a hole in your jacket), along with more durable shell fabrics that are soft and stretchy. Thus, many synthetic jackets will hold up better to heavy use.
For a deep dive on the topic, we've written an entire article on Down vs. Synthetic Jackets.
The first thing we think about is midlayer bulk. Synthetic insulated jackets are generally less lofty than down, which makes them a sleeker midlayer to wear underneath a ski jacket. Lightweight down like the Patagonia Down Sweater or Stio Pinion Down can certainly pass for a midlayer—especially under a roomy ski jacket—but more streamlined synthetic options exist.
The second factor is breathability. Now, most resort skiers aren’t hitting the slopes so hard that they’re breaking a sweat, so breathability shouldn’t matter too much. But if you do fall into the category of resort skiers who like to hike to powder stashes or rage around in the trees, a more breathable synthetic insulated jacket is likely the better option.
But again, nothing matches down in terms of warmth, and most resort skiers will get away with wearing a down midlayer and not notice any shortcomings. We do, however, recommend a non-hooded down jacket if your primary use is resort skiing. Combined with the hood of your ski jacket, the down jacket hood will just get in the way, and it likely won’t fit over your ski helmet, either.
There are a few key differences between the kind of jacket you want to wear around town and the kind you’ll take to the backcountry, including the warmth-to-weight ratio, cut (in other words, fit), and weather resistance. For casual environments, you don’t need to worry about weight, so you can opt for lower-fill-power down and heftier shell fabrics. Not only might this save you some money (the REI Co-op 650 Down uses 650-fill-power down and is just $129, for example), but it will also get you a longer-lasting jacket—consider the stretch-woven nylon shell of the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown. And the fit is big here: Many performance jackets are slim-fitting, but if you want to wear your puffy around town (and over bulky sweaters and sweatshirts), you’ll want to get one with a roomy, relaxed shape.
Performance-minded shoppers will be looking for a whole different set of features. They’re trying to optimize the warmth-to-weight ratio, which means they’ll want higher fill-power down (800 and up), thin face fabrics (20D and thinner), and more streamlined features (generally this means fewer adjustments and pockets). Performance jackets also feature trim fits that cut weight, heat the body more efficiently (less dead air space to warm up), and layer better under a shell. Finally, this category will often include jackets with some amount of water resistance, whether by way of hydrophobic down, extra protective face fabrics (like we see on the Rab Neutrino Pro), or synthetic insulation in the hood and shoulders.
This is another important topic that ties directly into sustainability (keeping an existing product going is more sustainable than buying a new one). When you research and purchase your jacket, keep an eye on the denier rating, which is the thickness of the shell. If you are rough on your gear, you may want to look for a higher denier that will handle that use and abuse better. Next, some down jackets come with a repair kit for rips (plus, there are good aftermarket patches offered from brands like Tenacious Tape). Keeping up with washing and drying your jacket—this helps keep the down lofty—and reapplying a DWR treatment like Nikwax will help it keep performing as it ages. Last by not least, a number of brands now offer repair services, which is one of our sustainability criteria. For things like broken zippers, punctures, and a whole host of other issues, these brands do a great job of getting your jacket fixed up and back to you for more use.
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