Almost every jacket on this list is made with reasonably lightweight shell fabrics. Apparently the fill power numbers are far sexier, and as a result, we sometimes have to call the manufacturers to track down fill weight as its not always listed (for more information, see our article: Down Fill and Insulation Explained). Its worth noting that the Coldfront replaces Outdoor Researchs well-loved Transcendent but differs in a few key ways. The biggest reason we rank the Cotopaxi here is material quality: the Fuego has a noticeably plasticky and slippery feel, especially when held up against pricier options like the Patagonia, which is much softer by comparison. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Super comfortable and one of the best-looking jackets on this list.
And theres no denying the Expedition Packs coziness, attention to detail, and good looks, which are a testament to the brands overall expertise. From our experience, Arcteryx jackets like the Cerium LT Hoody fit the slimmest of all, which we refer to simply as the Arcteryx fit. Guides and ultra-athletic folks who frequently use the gear are a key contingent for Arcteryx, which helps explain the fit. Lastly, Patagonia products don't come cheap, although again, we love the sleek styling and you should get a very healthy lifespan out of this jacketRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater. Some high-end climbing brands like Feathered Friends and Montbell use 900-fill down, but that high of a number is a rarity and 800-fill is considered premium. For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. With this jacket, you get a healthy amount of 700-fill-power down, a truly luxurious polyester shell and lining (70% recycled), and very clean styling that is a far cry from the more technical-looking models here. Throw in responsibly sourced down and the fact that Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, and the Fuego is an easy jacket to get behind. It all starts with that lofty and premium warmth that can only be found in a down-filled product. In terms of the competition, the Cerium LT above is significantly lighter, and the use of synthetic Coreloft in the hood and shoulders (which insulates even when wet) lends similar wet-weather assurance. Optimally you would have both, but if youre only in the market for a single jacket, theres simply no better insulator than down. But while the Super Alpine provides a bump in protection compared to the Neutrino Pro, youll have to ask yourself if its worth the extra half-pound of weight (not to mention some additional bulk). Category: UltralightWeight: 4.8 oz.Fill: 1.6 oz. Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. of 1,000-fill-power downWhat we like: Incredible warmth-to-weight ratiothe best on the market.What we don't: Super thin shell fabric is lacking in durability. The down jacket market ranges from performance to casual and everything in between, but you wont find a more versatile option than the Patagonia Down Sweater. Stretch-woven shells are a new trend in down jackets, and Rab recently threw their hat into the ring with the Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. In terms of competitors, Patagonias Down Sweater uses the same 800-fill down and has a slightly thicker 20 x 30-denier shell but is 1 ounce heavier and costs $279 (without fill weight, its difficult to make a more exacting comparison). This Japan-based company makes gear for those who depend on it, and doesnt spend much on paid athletes or splashy marketing campaigns. As we touched on above, the main limitation of the Silent Down is its casually focused build. 
Warmth is quite impressive with 5.3 ounces of 700-fill down, plus you get more weather-ready VerticalX ECO synthetic insulation at the shoulders and cuffs. Outdoor Research jackets arent always the highest-quality or most technical on the market, but they are some of the best values. For casual use or as a midlayer for skiing, many people opt for a down vest or go without the hood and carry a separate beanie instead. It doesnt get much better for all-out warmth, and our current favorite is the Rab Neutrino Pro.
Down feathers unfortunately lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, turning into a clumpy and soggy mess. Nevertheless, the Plasma is an impressive technological feat, and for the right person, a fun jacket to have in your quiver.See the Men's Montbell Plasma 1000 See the Women's Montbell Plasma 1000. Finally, winter-ready jackets will obviously be the heaviest options, including the 1-pound-15.8-ounce REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Extremely versatile and looks great.What we don't: A bit heavy for backcountry use. of 850-fill-power down; 80g & 100g CoreloftWhat we like: Serious performance chops; premium look and feel.What we dont: Expensive and slim fit isn't for everyone. 
less with the Eos above), although many will consider this a fair trade for the added water resistance and durability. Fill weight is the actual amount of down stuffed into a jacket, measured in ounces. Even though it still doesnt match the wet weather performance of synthetics, we love the hydrophobic down movement. We also love the soft-yet-rugged shell and nice touches like fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, snug-fitting cuff gaiters with thumb loops, and classy branding on the sleeve. Further, we found the rigid structure of the jackets wire-brimmed hood has a hardshell-like feel, offering great all-around coverage and protection. But the OR is a well-rounded heavyweight parka that wont break the bank, and all the performance most winter adventurers need.See the Men's Outdoor Research Super Alpine See the Women's Outdoor Research Super Alpine.
Denier (D) is the measurement of the weight of a thread, and the lower the number the lighter the weight. 4.7 ouncesFill: 3.9 oz. Importantly, they didnt change the price by much (it went up by 45 cents), which easily undercuts competitors like the Outdoor Research Coldfront below by over $100. Finally, for those interested in using the Expedition Pack as a midlayer, Fjallraven makes a non-hooded version for $250 Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Fjallraven Expedition Pack See the Women's Expedition Pack. The Cerium LT Hoody is the companys leading lightweight down jacket and one sleek piece of gear. Because of this, we only bring them along if the extra warmth is absolutely necessary. Fit also varies significantly by brand. What we dont: Decently heavy for a down jacket. 
10D is pretty standard for ultralights, and a more substantial 20D is what youll often find in an average down sweater. Weve included a number of our favorite mid and heavyweight options in this article, but for a deeper dive into the market, see our round-up on the best winter jackets. Below are the best down jackets of 2022, including leading down sweaters, ultralight models, and winter-weight designs for cold weather. Added up, the Falketind Down750 is a hardwearing and thoughtfully designed down jacket with the top-notch build quality weve come to expect from Norrna Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Norrna Falketind Down750 See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750. is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. Category: HeavyweightWeight: 1 lb. Their Falketind Down750 is a lightweight down jacket that has served us well both as a cold-weather midlayer (worn underneath a hardshell) and standalone piece in milder conditions. This makes them a serious liability in wet conditions or if youre sweating heavily, which is why some prefer a synthetic jacket that continues to insulate when wet. Pertex's Diamond Fuse (seen in the OR Helium Down) is also impressive. The Arcteryx Cerium LT above is an ultralight backcountry piece with a thin 10-denier shell, but that doesnt come without sacrifices. Unfortunately, two elements that have not changed with the Ghost Whisperer/2 are its fit and cuff design. The jackets shortcomings are similar: the Cubits bulk and heft take it out of the running for weight-conscious missions, and $300 is expensive for a casual down jacket. While most jackets on this list are strictly down, Arcteryx has created a really nice balance of lightweight warmth and functionality. 1.3 oz.Fill: 3.9 oz. But for sleeping-bag-like loft and warmth on a cold winter day, it fits the billRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Neutrino Pro See the Women's Rab Neutrino Pro. Many down jacket brands keep their styling fairly close to the cuff, but Cotopaxi stands out with its fun, retro designs. Fill power gets the most press, but fill weight is perhaps the most important factor in determining a down jackets warmth. But like the Patagonia Silent Down above, the performance chops of the Stretchdown are limited: The 700-fill-power down has less loft than the true backcountry pieces on this list, and the jacket is bulky and heavy for the amount of warmth you get. Moreover, the fit isnt as tailored as some of the performance designs on this list (the upside is that layering either over top or underneath is easy, which isn't the case with some technical pieces). Why isnt the Montbell Plasma 1000 ranked higher? For cold-weather climbing, frigid nights of winter camping, or as an extra layer during ski transitions, theres no match for the security of a heavyweight down jacket. And last but not least, its a great value at $325, especially considering many jackets with a fraction of the down cost more. The new Coldfront Down Hoodie carries the torch: at $229, its a considerable step down in price from the more premium options on this list but doesnt fall too far behind in terms of performance. Oh, the beauty of Arcteryx products. These down jackets generally have similar fill weights as lightweight down sweaters, but are ultralight due their use of premium down (fill power), thin shell fabrics (denier), and minimalist zippers and pockets. How does the Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco compare to other cold-weather jackets on this list? On occasion, a specific design feature or the fit will differ. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the marketthey are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to An iconic Patagonia jacket named after an iconic Patagonian peak, the Fitz Roy has gone through a number of iterations over the years. They also are far puffier than the other categories with more down, and as a result take up quite a bit more space in your pack. For fast-and-light missions, the Ghost Whisperer/2 remains a go-to choice. And if youre looking for even more insulation (for high-altitude mountaineering, for example), its also worth checking out souped-up parkas like the Patagonia Grade VII ($899) and Arcteryx Alpha Parka ($999), both of which are warmer and lighter than the Super Alpine. Premium down is 800-fill and above, which is what Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear use for their high-end down jackets. The 650-fill down isnt quite as warm or compressible as the 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater above, and the standard nylon shell isnt as durable as the ripstop constructions you get on more expensive alternatives. of 750-fill-power downWhat we like: A nice level of warmth with a water-resistant build.What we dont: A tad heavy for the backcountry. And with 7.5 ounces of 800-fill-power down (for the mens medium), you get about twice the warmth of most jackets here, which is a steal considering the Neutrino Pros $375 price tag. Fit is jacket-specific, but there are two main considerations here. But unlike down sleeping bags, which have an official EN rating system that tests and measures their warmth on a concrete scale, down jackets are more like the Wild West. The most common knock against Arcteryx products is price. All in all, we like the premium looks and versatility of the Expedition Pack. This said, we appreciate the durability of Fjallraven products in general, and the synthetic insulation in the shoulders makes wearing a pack for extended periods more feasible (its a nice option for hiking and snowshoeing). Other factors like premium down (it provides the most warmth for the least amount of weight) and ultralight zippers play a role as well, but the shell fabric is most important. And while availability is currently limited, we expect to see Mountain Equipment release more size and colorway options in late summer.See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco. At just over 1 pound, its less attractive for uses like backpacking and climbing when every ounce counts, and it wont pack down as small as the Cerium. With ultra-premium 1,000-fill-power down (that is not a misprint) along with a paper-thin 7-denier shell, its by far the lightest down jacket on this list at an incredible 4.8 ounces all-in. Ultralight is a buzzword of sorts that you will inevitably run into when shopping for a down jacket, and its worth noting there arent hard-and-fast rules as to what qualifies. First, down sweaters have a more casual fit than ultralight or performance jackets, including boxier torsos, arms, and hoods (when available). 13.1 oz. First, it has the highest fill weight on this list at 10.4 ounces of 700-fill down, which makes it a great option for seriously cold conditions (and earns it a spot in our round-up of best winter jackets). of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Super warm and tough, looks good, and a great value.What we don't: Lower fill power than the more premium options. Further, the cuffs are loose and dont provide a very solid seal, which can let cold air sneak through unless you throw on a pair of gloves. The jacket is reasonably light at 11 ounces, provides solid warmth with over 4 ounces of 650-fill-power down, and stuffs into its own hand pocket. Tack on some clean stylingeven the logo is understatedand the Stretchdown is a practical and good-looking jacket for everyday use. Most notably, OR upped the fill power from 650 to 700 and added 1.1 ounces more down, but the addition of synthetic fill and a more durable shell (30D vs. the Transcendents 20D) increased total weight by more than 4 ounces, which is significant. 3.9 oz.Fill: 6.1 oz. Brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear often have more accommodating shapes that balance everyday comfort with performance. Youll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight Alpine stands out as one of the more weather-resistant midweight down jackets weve tested. Many of the models are the same but the names and colorways sometimes vary. For ice climbing, winter camping, or mountaineering, the Super Alpine is another solid option and a great value at $399. 5.3 oz.Fill: 7.5 oz. This article is unisex in nature and we have both men and women gear testers getting outdoors in all seasons and types of conditions (and youll notice that whenever possible, product buttons are provided for both the mens and womens versions). We keep a close eye on the ratio of fill weight to total weight to see what lengths the manufacturer went to trim weight (the shell denier is a good hint too, and more on that below). The thinnest jacket is the Montbell Plasma 1000 , which has a very fragile 7D shell, and the thickest (at least among those that report this spec) is the Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco, which has a 50D shell. For one, the jacket is built for performance, and the streamlined fit and feature set arent quite as appealing for daily wear as competitors like the Arcteryx Cerium LT or Patagonia Down Sweater above (that said, a recent update tacks on an exterior zip pocket and adjustable hood, making the Eos more functional than ever). But circling back to value, the 650 Down Jackets combination of warmth, build quality, and price are simply unmatched (we even dedicated an article to breaking down why we think the REI is the best cheap down jacket currently on the market)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's REI 650 Down Jacket See the Women's REI 650 Down Jacket. It doesnt pack down as small as the higher-fill-power options above and below, but considering the price and warmth, its all most people need in a down jacket.See the Men's Outdoor Research Coldfront See the Women's Outdoor Research Coldfront. In addition, weve found the crinkly Diamond Fuse shell makes the OR jacket a little less cozy than an alternative like the Cerium, and the jacket is known to run small for its size. The most notable downsides of the Thorium AR come with the increased weight and size. Much of the difference in weight of an ultralight jacket is trimmed by using a lower denier fabric for the shell. Also, keep in mind that Arcteryx jackets have a very athletic fit in general, and given that the Thorium often is used as a midlayer, you may want to size up if you are on the fence. They are high-quality jackets in general, and if you are willing to take a little extra care to avoid damaging the shell, they offer a great combination of warmth relative to their weight and athletic fit that's easy to layer. of 750-fill-power down; syntheticWhat we like: Thoughtful design boosts weather resistance and durability.What we dont: Heavy and limited storage. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Parka-length coverage, water-resistant shell, and lots of loft.What we dont: Heavier than the Neutrino Pro without noticeably more insulation. for the mens hoody) but comes with a number of notable upgrades. Keep in mind that the OR doesnt nessarily offer more warmth in the core areathe down is more spread out than the Rabs given the longer hembut the tougher shell and additional coverage will be a boon for some. Category: LightweightWeight: 1 lb. Of course, the retro styling is what stands out most and Cotopaxi currently is offering the jacket in nine colorways, all but one with the signature multi-colored baffles on the front. First, the 1.6 ounces of down fill is pretty meagerit may work for warm-weather backpacking on a route like the Appalachian Trail, but on its own, may not provide enough insulation even for summer nights in the mountains. We take a great deal of pride in researching, testing, and presenting the best gear on the market across a wide range of activities like hiking, camping, skiing Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. The jackets slim fit is polarizing (especially in the men's version), and the European-style left-hand zipper takes some getting used to. The warmth-to-weight ratio is unparalleled, as are compressibility and comfort. Our Estimated Temperature Scale of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. Aside from denier, there are a few more factors to keep in mind when judging a jacket's durability. of 650-fill-power downWhat we like: Fantastic price for a well-rounded, lightweight design.What we dont: No hem adjustment (men's version). Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (8.8 oz.) Category: LightweightWeight: 11 oz.Fill: 4.2 oz. At the extreme end of the spectrum is Montbell's Plasma 1000, which packs 1.6 ounces of down inside a superlight 4.8-ounce package. Its tough to pinpoint an exact temperature range in which you will feel comfortable wearing a down jacket (theres a reason no one has attempted to create a standardized rating system). First off is any technology present in the shell material. With 3.4 ounces of 800-fill-power down, the jacket is light and packable enough for backpacking and travel yet offers enough warmth to use as a midlayer for skiing. If youre headed out in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand, a jacket with hydrophobic down like the Ghost Whisperer/2 (and a waterproof shell) is a smart choice. For all types of outdoor activities including everyday use around town, the Thorium arguably is the more versatile option and one that you wont have to worry about as much. Further, $275 is no small price for a casual item (you can save with the REI 650 above or Cotopaxi below), and some will appreciate the even more casual appearance of the Silent Down. Mountain Hardwear launched its Stretchdown line a handful of years ago, epitomized by soft and stretchy shells and welded seams (rather than stitched baffles). of 800-fill downWhat we like: Waterproof fabric on the hood and shoulders; particularly abrasion resistant.What we dont: Shell is fairly crinkly; heavy for a performance-oriented jacket. Category: LightweightWeight: 13.1 oz.Fill: 3.4 oz. But they perform well for everyday use, travel, light adventuring, and layering for winter sports. Weve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arcteryx, and Montbell.
In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. There is a lot to be said for synthetic insulated jackets, which insulate better than down when wet, are more breathable, and cheaper.
In terms of competitors, the Fjallraven offers a similar level of warmth as of our top picks like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arcteryx Cerium LT above, but its not quite as light or packable, limiting its backcountry appeal. 4.7 oz. As a result of all the fun tech, they also cost considerably more than your typical down sweater. For example, if Jacket A has 6 ounces of 800-fill down and Jacket B has 3 ounces of 800-fill down, you can expect that Jacket A will be significantly warmer (we estimate that it would increase comfort levels in low output activities by approximately 10-20 degrees). Finally, we have noticed that the Stretchdowns fabric has a tendency to hold stains, and the elastic in our cuffs has grown tired over time. A couple seasons ago, Mountain Hardwear revamped one of the original ultralight down jackets: its popular Ghost Whisperer. With a total weight of 10.8 ounces, a nearly complete feature set, a silky interior and exterior, and a very clean design overall, the Cerium LT plays and looks the part. Budget-oriented products almost always come with compromises, and REIs Down Jacket 2.0 does fall short for serious performance use. REI honed in the design for the newer version by adding recycled shell fabric, box-like baffling, and a nice variety of good-looking colorways. There is a lot to like about the Lightline Eco jacket from Mountain Equipment. But the Rab is nevertheless a warm, comfortable, and durable down jacket, great for use around town and casual backcountry outings (we love to wear it to the crag)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody See the Women's Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Tons of premium down at a reasonable price point.What we dont: Heavy and bulky; not versatile for year-round use. For more background information on warmth, weight, denier and more, see our down jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. For everyday use and casual winter adventuring, the Coldfront is a very well-rounded option. Overall, we think the Rabs combination of warmth, weather resistance, and reasonable $280 price make it a well-rounded backcountry pieceRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Microlight Alpine See the Women's Rab Microlight Alpine.
Second, the jacket is pricey at $389, which puts it in the same price range as mid and heavyweight offerings like the Rab Neutrino Pro and OR Super Alpine. 1 oz.Fill: 5 oz. This tough exterior makes the Rab fully capable as a belay jacket or outer layer in below-freezing conditions, although we wouldnt test its limits in a rainstorm. Enter the Silent Down, which has a decidedly casual slant. A second factor is the presence of stretch in the material. Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, Arcteryx offers a wide range of insulated jackets, and the Cerium LT is one of its most popular. For jackets, 550 to 650-fill down is what youll find on most entry and mid-level models, which is perfectly respectable for daily wear but falls short for performance use. Spearheaded by designs like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, we're seeing more and more down jackets use stretch-woven shells, which lend comfort, mobility, and a good deal of tear resistance. For a similar casual option with even more down fill for frigid temperatures, check out Patagonias Jackson Glacier or the parka-length version of Mountain Hardwears Stretchdown belowRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Silent Down See the Women's Patagonia Silent Down. Its true that the Neutrino Pro is undeniably heavy and bulky, and its chart-topping warmth means its not a versatile piece for summer hiking or backpacking. Heres what you get from Feathered Friends: premium construction (including some of the highest-fill-power down on the market), local manufacturing in Seattle or Vancouver, and a decently competitive price given that they only sell their products in-house. Ultralight down jackets are focused pieces designed for backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits where every ounce matters. Its also worth noting that Mountain Hardwear offers a number of versions of the Stretchdown, including a heavyweight parka (one of our testers go-to jackets for everyday winter use).See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown See the Women's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown. The number is calculated based on how much space one ounce of down clusters takes up in a cylindrical tube. In addition, we have created a round-up of the best womens-specific down jackets covering that category in particular. But with a touch more warmth than the Cerium LT and a more hardwearing build for less money, there is a lot to like about the ThoriumRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Thorium AR See the Women's Arc'teryx Thorium AR. And if you're going to hand over this much cash, it's worth considering the Feathered Friends Eos below, which has more down, a higher fill power at 900, and weighs slightly less. A number of features set it apart from other jackets here, including body-mapped insulationthe down fill is centered largely around the core, while synthetic fill is used in exposed areas for added durability and weather protectionand fabric reinforcements (45D) at the shoulders and lower arms for abrasion resistance.
The jacket has a healthy amount of 700-fill down for warmth, synthetic insulation in the shoulders for extra weather resistance and toughness, a terrific hood, and an athletic fit that is less baggy than many options on this list. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to achieve the same comfort goals. But the jacket stays true to its roots with excellent packability and a simply phenomenal warmth-to-weight ratio, while including important features like zippered hand pockets, a hem adjustment, and decent wind and water resistance. So why isnt the Eos ranked higher? A strong argument can be made for the Rab Cubit over the Stretchdown. Category: MidweightWeight: 1 lb.
Sitemap 5