Best Puffer Jackets

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BGSD Conner Toggle
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Puffer jackets are highly coveted by those that live in or frequent cold climates. Visit any chilly city (think a high of 30 degrees Fahrenheit for the day) and you are bound to see puffer jackets galore! Not only are puffer jackets a great look, but they are also highly effective at keeping you warm in the coldest of weather. Long chairlift ride? No problem. Stargazing in the alps? Puffer has got you covered. Exploring Iceland’s Ring Road by your lonesome? Fear not, the puffer jacket offers a warm embrace. There are many different brands, fits, thicknesses, and material options out there at a wide range of prices. Don’t let this overwhelm you. Let us take you through the picks that we have found to be the best!

Standout Picks

Arc'teryx Cerium LT
If you’re looking for a great puffer jacket that can literally go with you anywhere, you certainly should check out the Cerium LT Hoody Jacket from Arc’teryx.
Patagonia Down
You didn't think we would leave Patagonia off the list, did you? Similar to all of Patagonia's other products, this jacket does not disappoint. With an 800 fill power goose feather interior, you will feel like a walking furnace in a winter wonderland. Despite a few minor flaws, this jacket is near perfect.
Columbia Vodoo
The Columbia brand is a well-known brand when it comes to coats, and this version of a puffer jacket is no exception. The overall quality, workmanship, and fit are truly second to none, and it certainly will become a fashion staple in your wardrobe.
BGSD Conner Toggle
This spot on our list is occupied by a relative heavyweight in the cold weather puffer jacket department. While others boast at being under a pound, this jacket has an unapologetic weight of nearly four pounds. What it doesn’t have in lightness, it more than makes up for it with versatility and warmth.
Amazon Link
$198.00
Canada Goose Hybridge
If you’re looking for a truly lightweight puffer jacket that offers an extra layer of warmth on those days where a full winter jacket is a bit much, this one from Canada Goose is a great choice.
Lark & Ro
The eighth spot on our list is taken up by a company that’s well known for combining both fashion and function to the benefit of both. The Lark and Ro Women’s Packable Down Hooded Jacket provides a great deal of warmth in an easy to use, and easy to pack puffer jacket.
Amazon Link
Eddie Bauer Stormdown
It’s no surprise that the company that first brought the idea of the puffer jacket into the world is making an appearance on our list. This Micro Therm StormDown Hooded Jacket from Eddie Bauer is a great example of what happens when experience meets innovation.
Amazon Link
$107.60
Wantdo Packpable
This lightweight puffer jacket offers great overall protection from the elements, and plenty of room to move around in. If you’re a bit on the larger size, or regularly shop the big and tall departments, this is one puffer jacket to consider.
Amazon Link
$63.98
Mountain Hardwear Ghost
This extremely lightweight puffer jacket from Mountain Hardwear weighs just over 8 oz, but still features many of the same characteristics as the other quality examples on this list. If you want a puffer jacket that is truly featherlight, this is a great overall choice.
Triple Goose Hesselberg
This third entry on our list is designed with the idea of warmth and luxury in mind. Filled with goose feathers and featuring a fur-lined collar and hood, it not only provides a great deal of warmth but also a classic urban fashion sense that is hard to beat.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Fit

When it comes to the best puffer jackets on the market today, how well it fits your body is an important factor to consider. After all, if the coat is uncomfortable or ill-fitting, there is really no point in wearing it. In order to determine the overall fit of the piece, we not only looked at the available sizes, but also considered how tight the sleeves were, whether the puffer jacket allowed for a free range of motion, whether or not it covered the torso adequately, and if the hood provided enough protection. In truth, we found many of the puffer jackets we looked at to be large by fashion and design, so finding those with a good overall fit was a bit problematic. But we do think that the ones presented here provide the best overall fit for most people.

Materials

In order to have a puffer jacket that is both fashionable and functional, it needs to be made of quality materials. Whether the filling is made of natural down feathers or a synthetic material, it needs to be of a good quality and designed to keep the wearer warm, but still be lightweight enough to provide for a free range of movement. The outer shell, of course, should be able to keep the elements at bay. In most cases, we found the materials used in these winter puffer jackets to not only consist of the quality that we expect, but also the common materials like down, polyester fibers, nylon, and even fur or tightly woven but breathable natural materials.

Also read about what is the top arcteryx jacket

Durability

Another important factor that we considered when searching for the best puffer jacket is the overall care and craftsmanship that was taken in the production of the jacket. Sadly, when it comes to craftsmanship, not all jackets were created equal. Many on the market today may look well made upon the first inspection, but upon a closer look simply don’t stand up to the rigors of daily use, especially for someone who is active. In essence, what we looked for was the tightness of the stitching, how well the material was woven, the quality of the material, and the ability of the jacket overall to wear well in day to day activities.

We wear our jackets on a regular basis, and chances are they will get dirty from time to time. This fact of life is one of the main reasons why we took a look at how easy the puffer jacket was to care for overall. After all, it is an investment in your wardrobe, and if you have to spend an exorbitant amount of money or time to care for it, you may think twice about making a purchase. Thankfully, with modern technology, good materials, and great craftsmanship, most people found these puffer jackets to be relatively easy to care for.

Style

Last, but certainly not least we took a long hard look at the overall fashion of the puffer jacket. Like most clothing, what is “in” can change from year to year or even season to season. So we looked for ones that had a fashionable staying power, as it were. We searched out those puffer jackets that not only had the clean and classic lines of the style but also featured a few of the more trendy items or characteristics that made them some of the hottest sellers on the market today. Finding this balance of timelessness and trendiness wasn’t always easy, and frankly, sometimes we missed the mark, but overall we think that these particular jackets will withstand the test of time quite well.

Top Ten Puffer Jackets

1. Arc'teryx Cerium LT

Where to buy
Arc'teryx Cerium LT
Amazon Link

If you’re looking for a great puffer jacket that can literally go with you anywhere, you certainly should check out the Cerium LT Hoody Jacket from Arc’teryx.

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Overall Fit
Surprisingly, nearly all of the people who tried on this puffer jacket found that it was not only a great overall fit but also very comfortable to wear. The zipper enclosure and adjustable hood drawcords allowed for a more customized fit, and the shoulder and arms provided a good deal of room and flexibility for most wearers.

Materials Used
The outer shell of this puffer jacket consists of a combination of nylon, polyester and Taffeta materials, that provide great overall moisture resistance. The insulation consists of duck down feathers that can easily trap body heat and help to keep you warm and comfortable even in the most frigid weather.

Craftsmanship
Overall the craftsmanship of this puffer jacket fell easily in line with the high quality that most people have come to expect from the Arc’teryx brand. The seams were tightly sewn, and the fabric overall was well put together. The only real complaint that we found was that the zipper quality didn’t quite match the rest of the jacket.

Ease of Care
Because of the material used, professional cleaning is highly recommended.

Fashion
This is a fairly lightweight and slim jacket overall, so if you’re looking for something with a bit more bulk or weight, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for most people, the clean lines and slim fit makes for a great fashionable look.

Summary
While the fashion of this jacket and the need for professional cleaning isn’t for everyone, this puffer jacket from Arc’teryx is a clear winner when it comes to keeping you warm in many different situations.

2. Patagonia Down

Where to buy
Patagonia Down
Amazon Link

You didn't think we would leave Patagonia off the list, did you? Similar to all of Patagonia's other products, this jacket does not disappoint. With an 800 fill power goose feather interior, you will feel like a walking furnace in a winter wonderland. Despite a few minor flaws, this jacket is near perfect.

Read more

Overall Fit
This jacket has more of an athletic fit and fits a bit tighter than a fleece would. Reviews show that if you are a tall person, over six feet, this jacket may be short on you. While the sizing tends to run true to size at the moment, reviewers have been disappointed to order the same size of this same jacket, years later, to realize that the medium from before is not the same medium size now.

Materials Used
The outer material is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric. The jacket has a DWR finish to help keep you warm and dry if a rainstorm were to find you. This jacket also features strong Vislon zippers. For the inside of the jacket, it is made from 800 fill power goose feathers. One of the things we love most about this jacket is the fact that the feathers were harvested humanely and the welfare of the animals was investigated and respected.

Craftsmanship
Overall the quality and craftsmanship of this puffer jacket is on par with the majority of the others on this list. Patagonia's down sweater offers handwarmer pockets and elastic cuffs on the sleeves. There is also an adjustable hem, so keep the jacket tight around the bottom, not allowing any cold air in. This sweater is also lightweight and packable. Inside the breast of the jacket, there is a small zippered pocket that can be used to keep your phone or money while you are wearing it, or when you're ready to pack it up, the jacket itself folds into the pocket making it very easy to pack.

Ease of Care
Because of down material in the insulation, it is recommended by the manufacturer that this jacket be either cleaned by a professional or hand washed.

Fashion
This is a great looking jacket and is available in ten different colors. The logo on the jacket is small and inconspicuous. The only way this jacket wouldn't look great is if you are very tall, the jacket may be too short.

Summary
Patagonia's down sweater jacket is a well thought out design. The combination of the down insulation, length, and protective outer shell makes it easy to keep the cold weather at bay.

3. Columbia Vodoo

Where to buy
Columbia Vodoo
Amazon Link

The Columbia brand is a well-known brand when it comes to coats, and this version of a puffer jacket is no exception. The overall quality, workmanship, and fit are truly second to none, and it certainly will become a fashion staple in your wardrobe.

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Overall Fit
Nearly 85% of the customers surveyed found that this jacket fits them well, and corresponded to the size that they were expecting. The sleeves and shoulder area provided more than enough room and flexibility but still hugged at the wrist to keep the cold out easily. The waist, while not cinched, still hung close to the body and provided a comfortable barrier against the cold.

Materials Used
This puffer jacket is comprised of nearly 100% synthetic materials, including a water-resistant outer shell, and 590 TurboDown insulation. The insulation itself is a combination of both down feathers and synthetic polyester material. This allows for great durability, warmth, and protection when you need it most.

Craftsmanship
Unfortunately, the overall craftsmanship of this puffer jacket does leave a bit to be desired. There were a few reports of the insulation materials coming out of the jacket, and the seams becoming undone after a few uses.

Ease of Care
Because of the combination of down feathers and synthetic material, this jacket is probably best cleaned by a professional. However, a quick wipe down of the excess dirt and a quick run through the dryer may be all that it takes to freshen up the puffer jacket and give it new life.

Fashion
While the classic cut and utilitarian feel of the jacket may be a downside for some, for most people this jacket is fashionably versatile enough to be worn in a wide range of situations, from an urban setting to the hiking trail.

Summary
While we certainly would have liked to see better overall craftsmanship, for the price and style, this Voodoo Falls jacket from Columbia is hard to beat. Designed for versatility and comfort, this puffer jacket certainly delivers.

4. BGSD Conner Toggle

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$198.00
BGSD Conner Toggle
Amazon Link

This spot on our list is occupied by a relative heavyweight in the cold weather puffer jacket department. While others boast at being under a pound, this jacket has an unapologetic weight of nearly four pounds. What it doesn’t have in lightness, it more than makes up for it with versatility and warmth.

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Overall Fit
About 2/3 of the customers surveyed found that this jacket fits as well as they expected, while the remaining customers found it to be a bit too large for their liking.

Materials Used
Both the shell and lining of this jacket are made from a 100% polyester material. The insulation is a combination of down and feather material that is fairly good at retaining heat.

Craftsmanship
Sadly, this puffer jacket doesn’t quite measure up to the overall hype surrounding it. There were numerous reports of the jacket not being water resistant.

Ease of Care
Because of the combination of feathers and down material in the insulation, it is highly recommended that this jacket is professionally cleaned when necessary.

Fashion
One thing that was commented by customers repeatedly about this puffer jacket was the elegance it had. Not only did it have a heavier, more luxurious feel overall, but many found it reminds them of something worn by the upper echelons of society.

Summary
While we would have liked to see a little better quality and craftsmanship overall, this puffer jacket by BGSD is a good heavyweight coat that can easily keep you warm on the blustery days.

Amazon Link
$198.00

5. Canada Goose Hybridge

Where to buy
Canada Goose Hybridge
Amazon Link

If you’re looking for a truly lightweight puffer jacket that offers an extra layer of warmth on those days where a full winter jacket is a bit much, this one from Canada Goose is a great choice.

Read more

Overall Fit
This lightweight jacket was found to fit a bit snug by many people, and movement overall was somewhat restricted. However, in an urban setting, or for everyday wear during those slightly chilly days, or as a layer on a hike, most found it to be a good choice.

Materials Used
The interior portions of this puffer jacket consists of down insulation, and the outer portion is made from a feather-light 10D synthetic fabric.

Craftsmanship
Overall most found that the quality and craftsmanship of this puffer jacket was quite good. The seams were found to be strong and flexible, and the coat could easily be packed down into a smaller package overall.

Ease of Care
The nice thing about this jacket is that can be washed in a machine in cold water and a gentle cycle. It may be expensive to buy, but it is relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain.

Fashion
The overall snug fit and slim design of this puffer jacket makes it a great choice for layering for extra warmth, or to use as a go-to jacket when running around the city.

Summary
If you’re looking for a great slimline puffer jacket to add to your collection, and you don’t mind going up a size or two, this one may be just what you need. Made from durable materials with great craftsmanship, this jacket is ideal for its versatility.

6. Lark & Ro

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Lark & Ro
Amazon Link

The eighth spot on our list is taken up by a company that’s well known for combining both fashion and function to the benefit of both. The Lark and Ro Women’s Packable Down Hooded Jacket provides a great deal of warmth in an easy to use, and easy to pack puffer jacket.

Read more

Overall Fit
This puffer jacket is clearly designed for the average to petite size woman, so if you have a bit more curves, you might want to order a size larger than you usually get. However, if the larger size is purchased, most find the jacket to be very comfortable.

Materials Used
The outer shell is made from nylon material, and the insulation is made from a synthetic polyester blend that is quite good at retaining warmth without the clumping problems often seen with down feathers.

Craftsmanship
Generally speaking, most customers found this puffer jacket to be well made and warm. There were a few reports of zipper malfunction, or the seams in the shoulder areas becoming weak over time, but other than that, there really weren’t too many complaints.

Ease of Care
One of the nice things about this particular puffer jacket is that the synthetic material makes it fairly easy to care for. While professional cleaning is recommended, this jacket can easily survive a trip to the laundromat.

Fashion
Unlike many of the other puffer jackets on this list, this jacket features an A-line design. It’s a great choice for those with a slightly wider hip area and a smaller waist.

Summary
This lightweight and very packable puffer jacket is a great choice if you want something fashionable to keep the cold at bay. While it does tend to run a bit small, for those wanting warmth and a classic style, it’s hard to beat.

Amazon Link

7. Eddie Bauer Stormdown

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$107.60
Eddie Bauer Stormdown
Amazon Link

It’s no surprise that the company that first brought the idea of the puffer jacket into the world is making an appearance on our list. This Micro Therm StormDown Hooded Jacket from Eddie Bauer is a great example of what happens when experience meets innovation.

Read more

Overall Fit
Nearly two-thirds of the people who use this jacket found that it was a great overall fit, providing plenty of room in the shoulders, arms and chest areas to allow for a comfortable fit. Some found that the jacket felt a bit tight, especially in the shoulder areas, or slightly too short for their liking.

Materials Used
The outer shell of this lightweight jacket is comprised of synthetic material designed to repel water and snow. The interior portions consist of down feathers that provide great heat-trapping ability and functionality.

Craftsmanship
Overall, most people found this puffer jacket to be well made, with a few notable exceptions. First, the zipper didn’t always measure up to the high standards of the jacket as a whole, and second, the sleeves were often ill-fitting and uncomfortable.

Ease of Care
Based on the outer shell, this puffer jacket is easily one of the best at repelling dirt, grime, and moisture. Usually, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is more than enough to get the job done. However, if a more thorough cleaning is needed, professional assistance is recommended.

Fashion
This puffer jacket has an overall slim design and fits well on most bodies. It has a classic, timeless cut that is perfect for an active lifestyle of adventure, both in the wilderness and urban settings.

Summary
If you don’t mind a zipper that sometimes gets stuck, and sleeves that are a little tight, this puffer jacket from Eddie Bauer might be a great choice. Designed with the active person in mind, it offers great overall protection from the elements at a very reasonable price.

Amazon Link
$107.60

8. Wantdo Packpable

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$63.98
Wantdo Packpable
Amazon Link

This lightweight puffer jacket offers great overall protection from the elements, and plenty of room to move around in. If you’re a bit on the larger size, or regularly shop the big and tall departments, this is one puffer jacket to consider.

Read more

Overall Fit
In truth, the average sized person will find this jacket a bit too large and bulky for a comfortable fit. It tends to run a bit large. However, if you are a larger man or women, the overall fit is a comfortable one. There is plenty of room in the shoulder and arm area, and the waist and torso hang somewhat loosely on the body to allow for a greater girth.

Materials Used
The outer shell of this puffer jacket is made from 20D*400T Nylon material that is great for keeping out the wet weather and the cold. The inner areas are filled with duck down insulation that helps to retain heat from the body over a long period of time.

Craftsmanship
Unfortunately, most found that this lightweight puffer jacket did leave a bit to be desired in the craft department. Many had trouble with the zipper closure, and the seams near the wrist areas were subject to fraying.

Ease of Care
While technically this jacket can be washed by hand with down-safe detergent, most found it more convenient to have this jacket professionally cleaned.

Fashion
The bulky design of this jacket was a let down for some customers, but quite a few found it to be a welcomed change from the slimmer fitting designs on the market today.

Summary
While some may find the larger fit and design a bit awkward to wear, this puffer jacket is a comfortable option for those who have a larger body overall. Dry cleaning is recommended, and there are a few issues with quality, but overall this lightweight yet larger puffer jacket is a great choice.

Amazon Link
$63.98

9. Mountain Hardwear Ghost

Mountain Hardwear Ghost
Amazon Link

This extremely lightweight puffer jacket from Mountain Hardwear weighs just over 8 oz, but still features many of the same characteristics as the other quality examples on this list. If you want a puffer jacket that is truly featherlight, this is a great overall choice.

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Overall Fit
Most customers found this jacket to be well fitting in the torso area, but some found the collar and elbow areas to be strangely tight. It comes in a wide range of sizes, from small to 2X-Large, so finding one that fits shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Materials Used
The outer shell is made of weather resistant nylon material, and the insulation is made from down material that retains a good amount of loft and heat retention, even when wet. The cuffs are made of a lightweight cotton jersey material, which were designed to help keep the cold out.

Craftsmanship
In truth, quite a few of the people who bought this lightweight puffer jacket found it to be a little too lightweight for their liking. The outer shell often was shown to be made of a relatively thin material, which didn’t stand up well to rips and tears. While it may be suitable for an urban setting or just going around the town, quite a few people found it less than durable in an outdoor setting.

Ease of Care
While it is easy enough to do a little bit of spot cleaning with a sponge and warm water, professional cleaning is recommended for this puffer jacket.

Fashion
This puffer jacket provides a relatively smaller profile, and more subtle puffs to give it a more nuanced and nearly professional look. While we wouldn’t suggest wearing it to a business luncheon, it does have an understated elegance that is hard to find in this style of jacket.

Summary
If you’re looking for a truly feather-light down jacket that has a relatively low profile, and don’t mind watching out for the occasional tears, this puffer jacket from Mountain Hardwear is a great choice.

10. Triple Goose Hesselberg

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Triple Goose Hesselberg
Amazon Link

This third entry on our list is designed with the idea of warmth and luxury in mind. Filled with goose feathers and featuring a fur-lined collar and hood, it not only provides a great deal of warmth but also a classic urban fashion sense that is hard to beat.

Read more

Overall Fit
While a little over half of the people surveyed found that the jacket was a comfortable fit, nearly 40% of the customers found that the jacket was a little bit smaller than they expected. Others also found that the sleeves were somewhat restrictive and uncomfortable.

Materials Used
In addition to the goose down insulation material used, this jacket also features a 10000 millimeter DWR water resistant outer layer that manages to keep you dry and yet allows for great overall ventilation. It is also coated in Teflon, so water and mud simply bead off easily.

Craftsmanship
While this company has been making puffer jackets and coats since the mid-1980s, their overall craftsmanship is nothing spectacular. The seams have been known to unravel at times, and there are reports of the insulation losing its ability to retain heat over time.

Ease of Care
Because of the goose down feathers as well as the coyote fur lining, this jacket can become a bit of a hassle to care for. Professional cleaning, when needed is highly recommended.

Fashion
Of the different puffer jackets on this list, this one is perhaps the most fashionable one for the urban and wilderness setting available. It has a classic, practical design that has been featured in many magazines and fashion-forward establishments. While it may not be for everyone, chances are this jacket will get you noticed.

Summary
If you’re looking for a jacket that can keep you warm in a wide range of environments, and you don’t mind a little extra maintenance to keep it in top shape, this goose down filled puffer jacket may just be what you need. The classic design and quality materials make for a great overall jacket.

Amazon Link

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