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Best Down Jackets
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
As mentioned earlier, down is the fluffy clusters of filament that form the undercoating of waterfowl. it is incredibly light, and yet, because of the 3-dimensional structure and its ability to “loft”, each filament traps more air for its weight than any synthetic material. On average, every ounce of quality down has around two million filaments that overlap and form a protective layer of air. This layer of air insulates the cold out but keeps the warmth in. Due to its structure, it is difficult for it to be compressed and flattened. Conveniently, if it does, you can just shake it like a pillow.
Fill power is a measurement of how fluffy the down is, it is not really related to its insulating value. But that said a higher fill power number the more air it traps and will provide more insulating ability when compared to the same weight of a lower fill power down. Down fill power is measured from 300 to 900. 400 to 450 is medium quality, 500 to 550 good quality, 550 to 750 very good and 750+ excellent quality. Almost all commercial down comes as a secondary product from geese reared for meat consumption. Most geese raised for meat consumption are around 4 months old, meaning the feather down is smaller and with a 400 to 500 fill power. The higher fill power down of 700+ comes from mature birds. These are usually birds which are kept for breeding purposes, these geese or duck will molt them down in the spring where it is collected. This makes it rarer and as such more expensive.
There are a lot of downs which have been treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR). And it helps the down repel water if you happen to be caught in a heavy downpour. If down gets wet, no damage is done to the down; however it will become heavier, and it will no longer e an effective insulator. By coating the down with a DWR the hope is that it will repel the water and this combined with a good level of waterproofing on the jacket's materials has made down jackets more and more practical for outdoor and adventure uses.
Weather Resistance
Most down jackets have some kind of water-resistant material on the exterior shell of the jacket. Some jackets come with hydrophobic down, but most often, the down jackets also feature some type of water-resistant coating features over the shells.
One of the types of coatings you’ll find on many down jackets is a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating. DWR coatings are a treatment that goes over the exterior of the shell and helps to repel water off of the jacket before it can enter the fabric area or make it to the down. DWR also helps to make jackets water-resistant while still keeping them comfortable with a good ventilation system.
However, it’s important to note, that not all DWR treatments are created equally. Some manufacturers use better DWR treatments than others. Also, DWR coatings can break down and wear off over time, so you need to make sure you pay attention to the performance of your DWR coating as your jacket ages.
Some manufacturers also add extra water resistance to their jackets by treating their down with some kind of DWR coating in the actual insulation, making the down hydrophobic and able to repel water. However, it can still be difficult to tell even how strong the DWR coating is on the down insulation, so you need to pay attention to customer reviews to find out how well the jacket performs when you are out in the winter weather.
Durability
The main material of the jacket will have a major impact on the jacket’s water resistance, weight, and durability. There are some things to consider when choosing your coat. Are you going to get wet often? Do you really need the lightest jacket available?
The weight of the jacket includes zippers and buttons. The more zippable pockets the heavier the jacket. Is there a possibility that you may be brushing against a rock face or tree branches, if so are these going to rip the jacket. A hole in your down jacket and it will leak some down, not normally enough to affect your warmth, but worth considering.
Do you need a hood? If you don’t need a hood, then opting for a hoodless jacket will save you some money. But if you want a hood, consider if you will also be wearing a helmet. Some hoods are designed to go over a helmet, and some are designed to go under a helmet. Tailor your choice to fit your needs. For example, if you know that you will be in high winds, you will want a jacket that provides higher face coverage.
If you are going to be mountaineering at high altitude or chilling out on a glacier, you should be looking at an expedition jacket or parka type. They tend to be heavier and have more pockets and other features, and they are warmer and better suited for your adventures. Whereas if you are backpacking or skiing, a light jacket could be a better option. And it can be used as a mid-layer or an outer layer.
There is a lot to consider when making your jacket choice, but the best thing to do is to head to your nearest retailer and try them on or read other’s reviews.
Features
Down jackets come with a bevy of features attached to them, depending on the style and brand. The products we’ve provided on our list all come from well-known manufacturers that all make high-quality products, so selecting what type of down jacket you really want to buy can sometimes come down to the features the jacket has.
Some jackets have zippers that are waterproof or easier to use. Also, some jackets include more pockets on them than others. Some jackets might have a longer hem or a shorter hem. You’ll find some jackets that have excellent drawcord hoods and great insulated pockets.
Depending on what you really need to get out of your jacket, consider the features you really want before you select the jacket you want to purchase. The more features your jacket offers, typically the more expensive that jacket will be. So, if you are shopping on a budget, you want to try and remember this, and try to focus on getting a jacket that offers the features you really need and want.
Top Ten Down Jackets
1. Orolay Women's Thickened
This ladies down jacket has the puffy warmth appearance which is often a feature for down coats. The symmetrical features are balanced via pockets which are aligned and of a square dimension and fitted with zippers and further snap accents for more security.
This features real quality down, wearable as a travel jacket, casual in cold weather or for a good range of outdoor pastimes. thoughtful design has been put into this product to ensure performance, comfort blended with style.
Offered in a range of neutral colors blended with an eye-pleasing stylish jacket
Read moreComfort
This can be pulled to a tighter fit at the middle while being able to fan out over your hips and the coat/jacket drapes down to the thighs. The down quilting ends at the waist area which means that the part of the coat which drapes over the waist down to the thighs does not feel heavy and restrictive, flexibility for movement is very good.
For comfort at times when you might feel warmer, it is useful to use the full front zipper system as a temperature regulator, adjust the zip to allow the bodies warmth to escape and air to circulate.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from Orolay is not only stylish but also quite protective when fighting the weather elements. This jacket maintains heat to keep you warm in colder climates, water resistant to keep you dry in light and mild rains, and windproof to keep you grounded while in windy conditions.
Durability
When a jacket features a blend of duck and gooses down you can be assured you are on to a winning combination for warmth, comfort, and protection. The exterior or shell is made from highly durable polyester at 100% quality, this enables the jacket to have a good level of protection against water and cold wind.
Features
Though this product is long below the waist it is also surprisingly light and this is due to the use of down. Featuring a full-length front zip which is protected by a wind flap, two front pockets so you can securely carry a phone or others useful items and two deep side pockets for keeping the hands warm and protected.
A synthetic fur feature around the hood gives added protection with style, the hood construction is thick and gives or retains good warmth.
2. Marmot Guides Down Hoody
The Marmot Guides Down Hoody provides you with one of the warmest jacket options available on the market today. While it isn’t very lightweight, it is made to do a great job of keeping you warm while you are out in the winter weather.
Read moreComfort
Designed to be extremely warm, The Marmot Guides Down Hoody is packed with 700-fill down material, which provides you with a lot of insulation. Also, this jacket is very comfortable, with an interior that is soft to the touch.
The exterior shell of this jacket is designed with a DWR coating to help repel water. Also, the hydrophobic down designed in the interior of this jacket is designed to be fast drying, and will also repel water.
Weather Resistance
This jacket from Marmot is built to protect you from the weather elements. Marmot is known to be made to keep you protected from the wind, rain, cold, and the heat. It is a versatile jacket that will keep you protected and comfortable no matter what terrain you find yourself.
Durability
The Marmot Guides Down Hoody is designed to be very durable and features strong materials and a good design that makes this jacket long-lasting. So, for the money, you’ll get a lot of use out of this jacket.
Features
Made with fleece-lined hand pockets, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to organize your items and keep your hands warm. Also, you get a two-way zipper and a dual hood pull cord for easy adjustability. The exterior shell of this jacket is designed with a DWR coating to help repel water. Also, the hydrophobic down designed in the interior of this jacket is designed to be fast drying, and will also repel water.
3. Outdoor Research Transcendent
Outdoor Research’s Transcendent Hoody comes with an excellent design and brings you a lot of durability and functionality packed into one jacket. It’s light and warm, and also is made to take plenty of abuse while you are in the great outdoors.
Read moreComfort
Made with 650-fill power down insulation on the inside, the design of this jacket helps lock warmth in and keeps moisture out with its ventilation. Also, you get drawstrings in the hood that help keep your head warm throughout your day.
Weather Resistance
This jacket from Outdoor Research is a lightweight down jacket to keep you comfortable and protected from chilly temperatures. It also is made to protect you from the rain as it is water resistant and wind resistant.
Durability
This jacket has performed very well when taking a lot of abuse outside, so no matter what sports you like to do in the winter, this jacket will keep you going strong. You’ll get several seasons of use out of this jacket.
Features
The exterior shell of this jacket is made with 20 denier ripstop polyester, which makes this jacket wind resistant and water resistant. This jacket is not totally waterproof, but it does offer a decent amount of weather protection.
4. Arc'teryx Thorium SV Hooded
If you are looking for a jacket that is super light, but incredibly warm, the Arc'teryx Thorium SV is a go-to option. The price-tag on this jacket is hefty; however, Arc'teryx delivers on quality and versatility with the Thorium.
Read moreComfort
While it's filling is 750 premium European Goose Down, which isn't as high as other Arc'teryx jackets, it certainly won't leave you shivering in most frigid temperatures.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from Arc'teryx not only comes with a hood to protect you win the rain and windy conditions but also is made from 750 fill which will keep you warm in colder temperatures. The hood on this jacket is a big plus as no matter how warm a jacket keeps you, a hood adds that extra protection to your head, which you will thank if you are stuck in a mild snow storm or rain storm.
Durability
The fabric is designed to be abrasion resistant and should keep you going for a few years, no problem.
Features
The Thorium is 100 percent Arato 40 nylon, which stops coldness from entering. Along with this, the Thorium has a DWR coating to keep it water repellent. This jacket has a waterproof and durable shell.
5. Triple F.A.T. Goose Chenega
The Triple F.A.T jackets offer a fantastic price point in comparison with competing brands like Canada Goose. However, the quality, while some may argue is not the same as Canada Goose's more expensive versions, is pretty darn reliable, durable, and warm. Reviewers and testers alike all agree, this jacket is warm and comes with a much less hefty price-tag.
Read moreComfort
Much to many people's surprise, the Triple F.A.T line has been a trusted go-to for warmth in subzero temperatures since 1987. Not only have they been engineered to withstand freezing temperatures, but the proof is in the pudding. They have been worn in places such as Antarctica.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from Triple F.A.T is a jacket built to keep you protected in rough weather. It is completely waterproof as it is built with a three-layer system and the outside layer has a waterproofing coat. If you get stuck in a rainstorm or snowstorm, you will be thankful you went with this jacket.
Durability
These jackets have been featured in major publications, such as The New York Times and Men's Health - this is for good reason. These jackets use premium materials and are built to last. This jacket is made with premium nylon called taslan and has a Durable Water Repellent coating that is combined with Teflon. This combo offers supreme water protection. The water repellency of the Chenega is at 10,000 mm.
Features
This jacket has a real coyote fur trim around the hood, which provides optimal protection as coyote fur doesn't freeze or absorb water. The sides of this coat feature vents with mesh inserts, so that you can control the temperature of your core. There are holes in the cuffs of the sleeve so that your hands are better kept warm without jacket slippage.
6. Tommy Hilfiger
Everyone should know the Tommy Hilfiger brand as most likely you have seen their clothing brand at friends, family members, or in the mall. They make quality clothing at an affordable price and this down jacket offers both of those factors. It is well made, stylish, and affordable. What more do you want in a down jacket?
Read moreComfort
Like every piece of clothing that Tommy Hilfiger sells, quality is always the main factor. This down jacket is no different as it is made from nylon which means it's comfortable and also will keep you protected from the outside elements. The inside of the jacket is made from down filling which means it will be comfortable, soft, and will keep you warm in colder temperatures.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from Tommy Hilfiger is not only brought to you by a stylish and known brand but it is also protective if you find yourself in some light weather. It is not the most protective jacket on our list but if you find your self in a light rain or snow storm you will be more than protected. This jacket is not recommended if it is really rough weather out.
Durability
As stated above, Tommy Hilfiger only makes quality and long lasting clothing and that is what you will get with this down jacket. It is made to last and is a great jacket if you are looking for something affordable. This jacket is quite protective during light weather and will keep you warm during colder climates as it is filled with down. It is not a jacket for extreme weather as it does not have a hood, and is meant to light rain and mild temperatures.
Features
This jacket is a simple design but does come with some extra features and those are two side pockets and a reliable and strong zipper. The pockets are great features as they allow you to store your hands and keep them warm if you are stuck in colder weather or if you have some things you would like to store on you.
7. Mountain Hardwear Nilas
The Nilas Jacket is a warm lightweight and windproof jacket. It was designed and used by the speed climber Ueli Steck. So, with Mr. Steck’s knowledge of what a mountain climber needs this jacket has some nice features.
Read moreComfort
The wind resistant material really pays off here, as this is one extremely versatile and warm jacket. The 850-fill power down is as heavy duty as it gets, and it provides enough warmth for even the most insane conditions.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from Mountain Hardware is a tough and durable jacket and will keep you protected if you find yourself in some rough weather conditions. The bonus with this jacket is the hood as the hood will offer head protected if you find yourself in heavy snow or rainfall. This jacket will also keep you dry as it is insulated and made from great down material.
Durability
We found that Mountain Hardware knows their niche very well, and that means that their jackets cater strongly to hikers in need of something durable enough to make the long haul.
The 850-fill power down has been treated with their Q. Shield in which they infuse a permanent water repellent to the down fibers enabling the down to maintain its loft and insulating properties even when wet. The main jacket fabric is wind and water resistant.
Features
The hood and hem drawcords have been designed to be used one-handed for quick adjustments, so if you need to adjust the hem drawcord whilst holding onto the rock face with one hand you can. The hood is insulated with down and has a low profile but cannot be removed. On the price side, it is a little more expensive than others, but the quality of the down used and the other nice features would make the money well spent.
8. Eddie Bauer Sun Valley
For a lightweight jacket that will stand up to the elements and won't break the bank, the Eddie Bauer Sun Valley Down Parka is the way to go. It also comes in a wide range of sizing options, ensuring a good fit for every body type.
Read moreComfort
Not too slim but not too relaxed in fit, the Eddie Bauer Sun Valley Down Parka is true to size and designed to fit comfortably over midweight layers. It has 650 fill premium down to keep you warm without being bulky, and the outer shell is primarily nylon with a proprietary DWR finish.
Weather Resistance
This jacket from Eddie Bauer is a stylish jacket that will keep you warm. It offers more style than it does weather resistance but will still keep you warm and protected in light weather, it is just not recommended if you find yourself in some rough weather.
Durability
The two-way adjustable zipper resists breaking or getting stuck, and the jacket itself is fairly strong against snags and tears. Caring for it is easy, too; just put it in the washing machine. No dry clean necessary! This jacket is designed to withstand wind and rain, with a good amount of down and a nice DWR finish. Water beads on the surface of the shell, rather than soaking into the fabric and ruining your day.
Features
Metallic cross-dyeing adds a subtle, iridescent sheen to the jacket, making it stand out in a crowd. Pockets are fleece-lined with a zip closure for keeping your hands extra toasty. Available in a wide range of sizes: Petite, Regular, Tall, and Plus. This is definitely a jacket designed for a variety of body shapes.
9. The North Face Arctic
A leader in the industry, The North Face's Arctic Parka has features that make it very strong in cold conditions, and a stylish fit with faux fur accent.
Read moreComfort
The North Face Arctic Parka II is a lightweight, knee-length jacket with 550 fill goose down, so it's got what it takes to stand up to the cold while offering ease of movement and a relaxed fit. The outer shell is made of seam-sealed HyVent nylon fabric, allowing for breathability and waterproofing.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from North Face is a jacket that is made for rough weather protection. If you know North Face then you know their products are made for maximum protection. It will keep you warm in low temperatures and the hood is a bonus as it will keep your face protected as well.
Durability
The seam-sealed outer shell prevents down feathers from escaping, and the thick material resists snags and tears very well. This is one of the more durable lightweight jackets out there. Featuring a thermal 550 goose down and a water and windproof Nylon outer shell, this jacket can withstand even the sloppiest of weather.
Features
The knee-length fit and faux fur in the hood provide additional warmth while adding a stylish and feminine appeal to the jacket. Five pockets throughout the jacket provide ample space to store essentials, without adding too much bulk.
10. Rab Neutrino Endurance
The Rab Neutrino Endurance jacket is incredibly lightweight at just over half a kilo. The jacket is filled with 800 fill-power hydrophobic down, meaning it has the highest quality down available and has also been treated to repel water.
Read moreComfort
Rab is no stranger to making clothing for cold conditions, and this is no exception. This jacket is comfortable and works very well as a layer. It also works perfectly on its own, thanks to the fantastic hood tech on display. The outer shell is water resistant, but in prolonged rain exposure, you might get a bit wet. The jacket is designed to make movements easy in lightweight ascents.
Weather Resistance
This down jacket from RAB is a great example of weather protection. Not only does it come with a durable hood that will keep your complete upper body protected if you find yourself in rough conditions but also is quite stylish and great for outdoor activities. If you are in the market for a flexible, yet protective jacket, look no further.
Durability
The only area of concern here is the zipper hardware, which we found a few reviews noting was a bit finicky and fragile for some. Other than that, Rab’s time-tested materials hold up here, and this jacket should keep you moving for several years to come.
Features
The down-filled helmet-compatible hood can be rolled down for easy storage. This is a very good jacket, that not only serves the purpose of an adventure jacket but will also look good just running down to the shops to get a pint of milk on a cold winter morning.
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