Best Down Jackets of 2024
Our Favorite Down Jackets For Hiking, Backpacking, Extreme Cold & More
September 12, 2024
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A lightweight packable down jacket is an essential layer for hiking, backpacking, skiing, climbing, and just about every other outdoor pursuit. To find the best down jackets, we reviewed 44 of the top-rated down jackets and tested the most promising models for months (and in some cases, years) to find the best down jackets for most people.
We tested jackets on everything from thru-hikes across Arizona’s mountains to commuting, camping, and playground time with the kids in the notoriously wet and cold Pacific Northwest to see how they perform under long wear and demanding conditions.
I’m a former Wilderness Guide, spending four winter seasons guiding teenagers in Central Oregon and summers guiding clients around glaciers in Alaska. As a result, I became intimately acquainted with cold-weather gear, tips and tricks, and how to teach finicky teens (and vacationing adults!) how to be comfortable in cold weather.
From fast and light shoulder-season hiking to extremely cold weather, budget picks to top-of-the-line upgrades, adventures in the backcountry, and running errands around town, here are our picks for the best men’s and women’s down jackets for all sorts of outdoor uses.
Read more: Best Men's Down Vests and Best Women's Down Vests guides.
Related: Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets
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Down Jacket Comparison Tables
Women’s Down Jackets
| WOMEN'S DOWN JACKET | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP* | CATEGORY | ETHICALLY SOURCED DOWN | TOTAL WEIGHT (oz) | FILL POWER | HYDRO PHOBIC DOWN? | NUMBER OF POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Down Sweater | Best Overall Read review |
$279 | Lightweight | Traceable Down + Bluesign | 10.3 | 800 | No | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Katabatic Tincup | Best Warmth to Weight Ratio Read review |
$299 | Midweight | RDS + Bluesign | 10.4 | 850 | Yes | 2 | S-XL |
| Rab Positron Pro | Best for Extreme Cold Read review |
$450 | Mid to Heavyweight | RDS | 23.0 | 800 | Yes | 3 | XS-XL |
| Montbell Plasma 1000 | Best for Thru-hiking Read review |
$369 | Lightweight | Not externally certified | 4.2 | 1000 | No | 2 | S-XL |
| Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 | Best Ultralight Read review |
$330 | Lightweight | RDS | 6.9 | 800 | Yes | 2 | S-XL |
* Weight reflects a size medium, unless otherwise noted. Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
Men’s Down Jackets
| MEN'S DOWN JACKET | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP* | CATEGORY | ETHICALLY SOURCED DOWN | TOTAL WEIGHT (oz) | FILL POWER | HYDRO PHOBIC DOWN? | NUMBER OF POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Down Sweater | Best Overall Read review |
$279 | Lightweight | Traceable Down + Bluesign | 13.0 | 800 | No | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Katabatic Tincup | Best Warmth to Weight Ratio Read review |
$299 | Midweight | RDS + Bluesign | 11.4 | 850+ | Yes | 2 | S-XL |
| Rab Positron Pro | Best for Extreme Cold Read review |
$430 | Mid to Heavyweight | RDS | 26.0 | 800 | Yes | 4 | S-XXL |
| Montbell Plasma 1000 | Best for Thru-hiking Read review |
$369 | Lightweight | Not externally certified | 4.9 | 1000 | No | 2 | S-XL |
| Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 | Best Ultralight Read review |
$360 | Lightweight | RDS | 8.8 | 800 | Yes | 2 | S-XXL |
* Weight reflects a size medium, unless otherwise noted. Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
Looking for other cool weather gear and apparel? Check out all our Winter Gear Reviews.
The Best Down Jackets for Men and Women
The Best Down Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater
Weight: 10.3 oz (women’s) and 13.0 oz (men’s)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: 3
Ethically Sourced Down? Traceable Down + Bluesign
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes
Warranty: Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee
What we liked: Best balance of quality, price, and longevity
What we didn't like: Though great jacket for most conditions, it won’t serve users going into extremely cold conditions
If you can only buy one jacket, the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket is the one everyone seems to agree on. Repeatedly, in professional outdoor media and everyday customer reviews, this jacket came up - even when reviewers disagreed on everything else. We think the Patagonia Down Jacket has the best balance of quality, price, and longevity of the jackets we tested.
We liked the Patagonia Down Sweater so much we dedicated an entire in-depth review to just this jacket.
Patagonia Down Sweater
Men’s
Women’s
Features
Sometimes it’s also the little details that make a huge difference. In the Down Sweater, Patagonia put the waist cinch inside the pockets, eliminating the need to remove one's hands to tighten the cinch, a feature we liked in testing.
Patagonia also pulled off the internal chest pocket well, with plenty of room for hands, phones, keys, snacks, or whatever else you like to keep close. An elastic cuff and drawcord hem seal in warmth. And finally, a zipper garage next to the chin keeps the metal zipper off of your skin.
It uses 100% Responsible Down Standard down certified by Control Union (CU 880272) and NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets to reduce ocean plastic.
Warmth
We tested the Patagonia Down jacket and found it to be “really f&*%ing warm.” We bought our usual size and found there was still plenty of room for layering underneath, confirming expert and customer reviews about the generous cut. In addition, we like the large and functional pockets. As expected, we found the waist cinch inside the pockets such a small detail that noticeably helps keep out drafts.
The Patagonia Down Jacket on a cool day at Sonora Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail. Photo by Mike Unger.
Who else likes it
Every day users commented about the color options, functionality for various activities, and good warmth to weight ratio. The Patagonia Down Sweater is that rare outdoor gear item that is as good in the backcountry as it is around town.
We considered the Feathered Friends Eos for the title of Best Overall Down jacket because it has similar specs as the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (see the Comparison Table above).
Is the patagonia down sweater worth it
The men’s and women’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is the hooded version of the Down Sweater (and costs $50 more). In addition, the Eos may be too warm for what most people need. The Eos also has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than the Patagonia. The weight-conscious outdoors person may find this a benefit, but is not necessarily worth paying extra for around-town use.
Warranty
Like all Patagonia gear, the Down Jacket comes with Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee. Considered among the best in the industry, this perk covers Patagonia gear for life. Patagonia’s environmental mission, illustrated by their bluesign® system, strives to repair gear instead of manufacture new items. They’ll even repair items with normal wear and tear for a minimal price.
Ultimately, as our Overall Pick, we think the Patagonia Down Hoody is the best generalist jacket. It’s the best puffer jacket for use in the backcountry and the front country. Plus, it will last a long time. If you can only buy one down jacket, we think the Patagonia Down Jacket should be the one.
Updates:
Some customer and professional reviews have commented on the newest version of the Down Sweater, finding that Patagonia has made the arms and chest area larger, changed up their elastic cuff design. We are excited that the new model uses a new recycled material made from fishnets. Feedback on these changes is mixed, but Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee gives us confidence when recommending this jacket, in case the updates don’t work for you. In the meantime, we’re testing it ourselves. For now, if you aren’t sure about the new model, you might check REI’s Used gear section for the previous version, or Patagonia’s Worn Wear section.
For 2024/2025, there are no updates other than colors–and that is a testament to Patagonia's commitment to the environment. The Patagonia Down Sweater has used PFC-free and PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for a while, so while other brands are scrambling to get up to speed, this jacket is already more eco-friendly. You can read more about perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAs) in waterproofing in outdoor gear in our guide.
Best warmth-to-weight ratio down jacket: Katabatic Gear Tincup
Weight: 10.4 oz (women’s) and 11.4 oz (men’s)
Fill Power: 850+
Pockets: 2
Ethically Sourced Down? RDS + Bluesign
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded version available? Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime
What we liked: Best warmth-to-weight ratio of any jacket we tested; quality construction; recycled shell fabric; drop tail hem; selective box wall construction
What we could better: Sizing is a little off
If you're looking for the best warmth-to-weight ratio down jacket, look no further than the Katabatic Tin Cup. Both the men's and women's versions have an incredible 48% warmth-to-weight ratio – meaning that nearly half of the weight of the jacket comes from the insulation rather than heavy fabric, zippers, or features you don't need. This is what you want when you're counting every ounce for hiking, backpacking, or thru-hiking. And at $299, it's an incredible value.
Our tester had nothing but good things to say about the Tincup. For a lightweight jacket, it has an impressive number of features. First, the drop tail hem. The back hem on our Tincup is a full 2" longer than the Patagonia Down Sweater – and the 2 jackets are essentially the same weight. This extra coverage is crucial for keeping cold air drafts and snow out of your pants. The hem also has a single pull adjuster – a clever and effective way to keep the warm air inside your jacket.
Katabatic Gear Tincup
The top of the Tincup’s shoulders. Notice that there’s no external stitching. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
The Tincup’s adjustable hood. Notice the box wall construction and lack of external stitching. Photo courtesy Mike Unger.
Design and construction
Katabatic was also very smart about down placement and construction in the Tincup. They used box wall construction on the top of the hood and shoulders with no external stitching. Box wall construction is typically used in jackets for extremely cold weather, but Katabatic used it selectively to maximize heat retention, water resistance, and durability. If you ever need to wear your Tincup underneath your backpack, this extra detail will matter.
Our tester also liked the feel of the shell fabric. It's not too slick or silky and doesn't show stains as easily as other fabrics we've tested.
Material
We also love the environmental care that Katabatic takes with all of their gear. The down is RDS-certified, 850+ fill power, and HyperDry goose down. The shell fabric is windproof Pertex Quantum made from recycled yarn. The DWR is PFC-free. You can read more about perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAs) in waterproofing in outdoor gear in our guide explaining why brands are moving away from it.
The fabric and down is bluesign certified. These are all things we look for in our outdoor gear.
Overall, if you want the most bang for your buck, warmth-wise, the Katabatic Tincup can't be beat.
Best Down Jacket For Extreme Cold: Rab Positron Pro
Weight: 23 oz (women’s) and 26 oz (men’s)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: 4
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, Responsible Down Standard
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded version available? Yes, only available as helmet-compatible hooded.
What we liked: Box baffled construction in key areas, helmet-compatible and stowable hood, customer service
What we didn’t like: Warmer jacket means more down, and thus higher overall weight
We think the Best Jacket for Extreme weather is the Rab Positron Pro. When it comes to extreme cold weather jackets, Rab is one of the most respected companies in the industry. For years, the Positron Pro’s sibling, the Rab Neutrino Pro (see our review below), was considered the gold standard in the cold weather category. But after talking with a Rab representative, we learned of changes to the Neutrino that turn it into a lighter-weight jacket. That’s why, for extreme cold, we recommend the Rab Positron Pro, which is even warmer than the old Neutrino.
Rab Positron Pro
Design and construction
Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson wears the Rab on a cold fall day in Monument Valley. Photo by Junaid Dawud.
The Position Pro has everything we like about the Neutrino: its quality, warmth, and sleek appearance. For example, the Rab Positron has 30% more down fill compared to the Neutrino, making the Positron a much warmer jacket. In the newest Neutrino models, Rab removed 1 oz of down fill weight, which is why we decided not to choose it for our Extreme Cold category.
Hood
Unlike the Neutrino, the Positron Pro also has a helmet-compatible hood. The hood easily rolls up and fixes in place with a Velcro tab. This minor feature makes a big difference when used for any high elevation activity , including mountaineering, ice climbing, or being outside in extremely cold weather. Our staff confirmed that Rab’s hoods also work for those with bigger hairstyles.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
That extra fill and Pertex Quantum Pro durable shell fabric on the outer layer come at a cost - both price-wise and weight-wise. At 27 oz, this is the heaviest jacket on our winner’s list. Rab’s warranty appears less flexible than other brands, notably Arc’teryx.
Despite this, one user noted that when their zipper needed replacing after three years, Rab was easy to work with and replaced it for free. (And if you ever have issues on any outdoor gear item, our handy How to Repair Zippers on Outdoor Gear explains how you can do it yourself in 15 minutes for about $5). We found Rab’s Customer Service to be responsive when we contacted them. Plus, they use fun words like “whilst” in their product descriptions.
Best Budget Down Jacket: Rei Co-Op 650 Down Jacket
The REI Coop 650 Down Jacket is a stylish and functional budget pick. Photo by Emily Haas.
Weight: 10.8 oz (women’s) and 11 oz (men’s)
Fill Power: 650
Pockets: 2
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, Responsible Down Standard
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes, but only in men’s version or women’s parka length
What we liked: Affordable, packs smaller than synthetic and fleece, warm enough for many users, and a no-questions-asked 1 year warranty
What we didn’t like: Not the most packable on our list. More down feather (quills) in jacket compared to some
Want a puffy jacket that provides warmth, has a reputable warranty, and is offered in a ton of colors and sizes (including plus-sizes) and features (like hoods or parka-length)? Don't want to pay more than $100? Then the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket is the one for you.
One everyday reviewer wrote that the 650 Down Jacket was “Packable, light, warm. I travel full time for work, and this jacket works just as well on planes and trains as it does in the desert or woods.”
We tested this jacket on play trips in the snow with kids and around town and found it surprisingly suitable, especially for the price. We did find that there was some minimal down leakage. More affordable down jackets sometimes use a grade of down with a higher percentage of feathers to down plumes (or quill count) than higher grade down.
The vest version of the REI Co-op 650 down jacket won in both our Best Men's Down Vests and Best Women's Down Vests guides.
REI co-op 650 down jacket
“The REI 650 down jacket is the only one we reviewed that comes in Plus Sizes for men and women and Tall Sizing for Men. ”
At 650 fill, it’s the lowest fill power of any jacket we picked, and it doesn’t have the packability or warmth-to-weight ratio of the other jackets we considered, but it’s still more packable than a synthetic insulated jacket or fleece. The shell is made from recycled nylon and has a DWR coating to shed light rain and snow.
The author wearing the REI Down Jacket on a hike in the snow. Photo by Emily Haas.
Inclusive sizing
The REI Co-Op 650 Down Jacket is the only one we reviewed that comes in plus sizes for women. Like the Patagonia Down Sweater, it also comes in toddler and youth sizes. There’s also a vest version for men, women, kids, and toddlers. The plus-size version of the vest is a winner in our The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing guide and gets a shout out in our Best Plus Size Outdoor Clothing guide.
One thing we found strange is while there is a hooded version of the REI 650 Jacket in the men’s versions, there’s no women's hooded jacket. To get a hood in a women's cut, one has to get the REI Co-Op Norseland Down Parka. We recommend the Norseland if you want extra warmth. You can read more about it in our in-depth review on that jacket.
Warranty
While REI no longer allows their customers to return items for any reason indefinitely, they will still take them back for any reason within one year of purchase. Otherwise, they have a standard Limited Lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects at any time (not just the “expected lifetime of the product” warranty that many other brands use).
Best Synthetic / Down Hybrid Insulated Jacket:
Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody
Weight: 9.8 oz (women), 10.6 oz (men)
Fill Power: 850 fill down + Coreloft 80 and 100
Pockets: 3
Ethically Sourced Down: RDS + Bluesign
Hydrophobic Down: Yes
Hood Version Available? Yes
What we liked: Effective use of down and synthetic insulation
What we didn’t like: Not the most inclusive sizing
To capitalize on the positive aspects of synthetic insulation while still capturing the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, the Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody uses what the company calls “down composite mapping” to create the best hybrid insulated jacket. Arc’teryx puts synthetic insulation in the areas most likely to get wet like the shoulders, armpit cuffs, and collar. The rest of the jacket is filled with down to maximize insulation.
Arc’teryx cerium
Lightweight
While the Cerium feels like a fairly puffy jacket, it’s still a respectable 9.8 oz for women’s and 11 oz for men’s—lighter weight than almost every jacket we tested that wasn’t going for the Ultralight or Thru-hiker category.
The Arc’teryx Cerium was previously called the Arc’teryx Cerium LT. Arc’teryx dropped the LT from its name (LT is an abbreviation for “lightweight”).
Insulation
Hybrid down-synthetic jackets as a category use a mixture or combination of down and synthetic fill. The concept is to get the best of down and synthetic insulation: down’s lightweight packability, combined with the water-resistance and breathability of synthetic. While synthetic insulation generally runs heavier than down insulation, the Cerium keeps its weight down by using both.
Hybrid jackets may be great options for folks who want one jacket that will work for a variety of conditions and activities, as we did in the wet Pacific Northwest. We also appreciated we could keep our phone or valuables in a hand warmer pocket or an internal zippered pocket (note: phone batteries last a lot longer when they are kept warm and not exposed to cold!).
Arc'teryx Cerium vs. Atom
The Cerium has a lot in common with the Arc’teryx Atom. As we discuss in the Best Synthetics Jacket article, the Atom is the synthetic-only jacket most similar to the Cerium. They’re both lightweight, though the Cerium is about 2 oz lighter for the same size. But the biggest difference is we found the Cerium is much warmer than the Atom. Customers call the Cerium a "camp jacket" whereas the Atom that we recommend is active insulation for activities like alpine climbing.
One thing for users to keep in mind is we find the Cerium, like other Arc'teryx jackets generally including the Atom, has a very slim fit. As a result, it may not work for all body types. The men’s size range is slightly more inclusive than the industry standard, starting at XS and going up to XXL.
A nice bonus is that Arc'teryx jackets don’t adhere as tightly to stereotypical “men’s“ and “women’s“ colors as many brands do. They provide a wide option of gender-neutral colors in both categories.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2
Weight: 8.8 oz (men’s medium) and 6.9 oz (women’s medium)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, Responsible Down Standard
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes
What we liked: Lightweight, feature rich for an ultralight-oriented jacket, packable
What we didn’t like: Not suitable outside of three-season conditions, but meets the needs of those sacrificing some warmth for weight savings
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 is an ultralight classic, a lightweight jacket while still offering pockets and a hood. It remains a tried and true ultralight piece. As Broke Backpacker put it, they’ve "been making this down jacket for years now, and it’s still kicking ass."
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 comes in a broader range of sizes than the Plasma (Men's S-XXL and Women's XS-XL). In addition, it has two side pockets, an adjustable hem cinch at the waist, and comes in a hooded version.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
The author wearing the Ghost Whisperer2 down jacket, an ultralight favorite. Photo by Emily Haas.
Fit
Material and functionality
The redesign of the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 jacket has many new thoughtful features like the elastic cuff. Photo by Emily Haas.
Mountain Hardwear uses DWR treated 10Dx10D recycled nylon shell fabric on the outer layer and 800 fill power RDS certified goose down. The result is an incredibly lightweight and very compact jacket that’s smaller than a Nalgene water bottle. For that reason, you'll see it as favorite item on PCT thru-hiker Gear Lists, and it even made our writers' list of favorite PCT Gear item. You'll see it on other distance trails like the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail, too. It's that light.
Features
The Ghost Whisperer2 also has a full front zip, two hand pockets, and can be packed away into its own, sewn in pocket.
We especially like the hidden elastic cuff found on the jacket. It is wide enough to be comfortable but snug enough to keep out drafts.
Updates
The first baffle at each of the cuffs is now made with synthetic fill, so if it gets wet it doesn't lose loft. It also has an update for 2024/2025 to adhere to industry-wide PFAS and PFC-free regulations in its DWR treatment. You can read more about perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAs) in waterproofing in outdoor gear in our guide.
Ghost Whisperer 2 vs. Plasma 1000
For the best ultralight jacket, we had difficulty choosing between the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Jacket and the Montbell Plasma 1000 (see our full review below). The Montbell is a lighter-weight hiking jacket, but we think all but the most ultralight adventurers, like thru-hikers, won't mind carrying more weight for a few extra features.
Amanda “Zuul” Jameson celebrating a PCT milestone in the Ghost Whisperer. The Mountain Hardwear ultralight jacket is a favorite among thru-hikers. Photo courtesy Amanda Jameson
With either the Mountain Hardwear or the Montbell, it’s worth noting the 10 denier fabric is very thin. This is what gives it its extreme light weight. This is the ideal jacket for hiking on trails, warming up between climbs, and well-maintained thru-hikes like the PCT. This is not the down jacket we would recommend for off-trail bushwhacking, any alpine climb with chimneying, or hiking or thru-hiking less-maintained trails.
The face fabric of the Ghost Whisperers isn’t the most robust, but like any ultralight gear, if you’re willing to give your gear some respect, know its limits, and if you’re looking for a lightweight jacket to use on trail or around town, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is the classic ultralight jacket.
Read our full review of the Ghost Whisperer/2.
See our most popular thru-hiking articles or see all our Hiking Gear Guides:
Best For Down Jacket For Thru-Hiking: Montbell Plasma 1000
Weight: 4.9 oz (men’s) and 4.2 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 1000
Pockets: Two handwarmer pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Not externally certified
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded jacket available? No, but available in Montbell’s warmer Alpine Down Parka
What we liked: Featherweight build, no frills and all function
What we didn’t like: May not be warm enough for colder seasons
The Montbell Plasma 1000 is an ultralight jacket with the highest warmth to weight ratio of any jacket we considered. At sub-5oz, the Montbell Plasma 1000 jacket is for the person who wants the warmest ultralight jacket. In addition, it compresses to 3.9” x 5.1”, making it the most packable insulated jacket on our list, a critical factor for space-conscious thru-hikers.
The Montbell Plasma 1000 even has features rare in ultralight jackets, including a full zip, handwarmer pockets, and you can even get it with a hood. For more style, check out the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (see our review above). But if you want the most warmth for the weight, you can’t beat the Plasma 1000.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket
Treeline Editor Liz Thomas telling a campfire story in the Montbell Plasma on a trip in late fall in the Emigrant Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
Material and design
Montbell keeps the weight low on the Plasma by using 1000 fill power down, a DWR treated 7D Ballistic Airlight nylon outer fabric, and a stitching pattern designed to reduce the amount of thread. The 1000 fill power down is the highest fill power of any jacket that we considered, allowing Montbell to use less down without sacrificing warmth
Another design choice that keeps the Montbell Plasma jacket ultralight is that it excludes a hood and drawcord at the waist. For a warmer hooded and pocketed version, check out the similarly named Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Jacket, which has 3.4oz of 1000 fill power down compared to 1.6oz in the standard Plasma.
In the newest version, Montbell added pockets with no additional weight. Previously, pockets were only available on their international website. The Montbell also comes with a stuff sack and compresses down to a highly packable size.
Hiking in the Montbell Plasma 1000 on a cool fall day at elevation in the Sierra Nevada. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
Sizing
One drawback of the Montbell is that sizing is limited, with only sizes S-XL in Men’s and Women’s (there is a Men’s XXL in black only), and the fit is athletic.
Montbell consistently produces high-quality ultralight down options. Like Patagonia, Montbell is another company that does not treat down to make it water-resistant. They are not RDS certified but are committed to only using down that is a by-product of the food industry.
Testing
We’ve used the international version of this ultralight jacket extensively—from Sierra alpine trips to a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota in October.We used it on the northern part of the Arizona Trail including the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in October. We found it to provide an incredible amount of warmth for the weight. It seems bulky, but miraculously, the 1000-fill down compresses to the size of a small cookpot.
It’s perfect for thru-hiking, ultralight backpacking, and minimalists. That's why you'll see it listed as one of our favorite gear items to pick up when the weather becomes cold in the Fall in our Pacific Crest Trail Southbound Strategy and our What to wear hiking in the fall guide.
Best For Mobility: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoodie
Weight: 17.7 oz (men’s) and 14 oz (women’s)
Fill power: 700
Pockets: 3
Ethically sourced down? RDS, no glue or stitching, flourine free
Hydrophobic down: No
Hooded version available: Yes
What We liked: Supreme comfort and especially impressive range of motion
What we didn’t like: On the bulky side for activities requiring packing the jacket away
After a season of testing the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoodie, I can definitively say we love this jacket. Of all the jackets I tested, this is the one I consistently grabbed when running out the door, despite it being the least favorite of all my testing colors (orange). Made using an innovative no-sew, no-glue design, this is a flexible down jacket without the bulk. The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown is notable for stretchy material, ample handwarmer pockets, ease of mobility, and incredible warmth.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody
Comfort
The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS has among the most mobility of any down jacket we tested. Photo by Emily Haas.
In our testing, the stretch fabric is SUPER comfy. I never felt any constriction in my shoulders or back, like I sometimes do. It always felt warm enough without putting a ton of layers underneath.
Warmth
Mountain Hardwear claims that their continuous channel design (that’s what gives it a brick-wall look) keeps you warmer than standard down jackets with individual baffles, and in our testing, that is true.
The Mountain Hardwear Super/D jacket is made for serious winter adventures. The mix of warmth and super stretchy, wind-resistant material makes it easier to make the same movements you would make in warmer times of the year.
That stretchiness also means you are less likely to tear or rip the fabric while making sudden movements, making it a better choice for durability than many other own jackets.
Functionality
One tester spent the past three seasons winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in Wisconsin and Michigan wearing the Super/DS Stretch Down jacket. It was perfect for hiking in 15F weather.
One thing to note is that it warms up quickly! The Super/DS is too warm for cross country skiing in 20F, where a less warm, more breathable synthetic jacket might shine, but was a comfortable layer to pull over when we stopped moving. We’ve read other reviews complaining it isn’t as warm as other jackets, but that was not either of our testers’ experience.
You can learn more about what to wear cross country skiing in our guide on how to dress. We also get more into how to get started cross country skiing, including taking about layer management.
Our only complaint about this jacket is that some colors (like orange) tend to show dirt. After some wear, my orange jacket looked like I’d rubbed newspaper on it. With the orange color, the down showed through. We suspect that happens with other very light/bright colors (we’ve certainly seen this happen with other down jackets). However, it wasn’t an issue with the navy blue jacket we tested.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Cross country skiing in Wisconsin wearing the Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretch down jacket. Photo by Kat Thomas.
Other media sites have dinged this jacket for being heavy and lacking compressibility. We’ve also seen some complaints about the price. However, we’ve been monitoring prices and have consistently found it on sale for less than the MSRP.
It is not only a comfortable and warm solution but a good deal, too. Although we agree it isn’t as compressible or as lightweight as other down jackets, depending on your use case, those criteria may be less important than the price, warmth, and mobility found with the Super/DS Stretch.
Given the comfort, excellent mobility, and durability, we think the Super/DS Stretch is an excellent option for folks who want one jacket for use around town, for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Other Down Jackets We Tested
You may or may not have noticed the lack of cottage industry or smaller brands on the best-of list, other than Feathered Friends (see our review below). One reason is that in addition to our own testing, we base our findings on a combination of expert and everyday reviewers as part of our goal of aggregating the best of what folks on the internet are saying. We look at the big picture, and many of these brands, like Cumulus and Nunatak, are not well known or reviewed enough to put them on our list. We are excited to see these brands grow, as others have, and become more popular with the everyday user.
To find the best down jacket, we looked at 35 models. Here are some honorable mentions.
Best Overall Runner Up:
Feathered Friends Eos
Weight: 10.8 oz (men’s) and 10.0 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 900 fill power
Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, RDS certified
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded jacket available? Yes, hooded only
Feathered Friends is a fantastic Seattle-based company that makes high-quality sleeping bags and down jackets, including the impressive Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket. But while we find their sleeping bags worth the cost because the quality is unparalleled elsewhere, we think most people will have a hard time justifying spending extra for a down jacket similar to the competition.
The differences between our overall pick, the men’s and women’s Patagonia Down Sweater (see review above), and Feathered Friends Eos are minimal enough that we went for the option that costs up to $100 less. While we appreciate the features that make the Feather Friends more expensive, we think most people will draw the line where we did.
The Feathered Friends Eos offers 900 fill down, an upgrade from The Down Sweater’s 800 fill. The Eos is also made in the US. Both of these factors can drive up the price of a puffer jacket.
Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket
The Eos is only available with a hood, whereas you can get the Down Sweater without a hood. As with all down jackets, the hooded version is more expensive, also driving up costs. The Eos hood is fixed, and it does not come in a hoodless version, which reduces some of its versatility.
The outer shell is water-resistant and breathable Pertex Quantum with a DWR coating. The shell fabric is also windproof and soft to the touch, making for a comfortable coat.
The Eos is also not an on-demand buy, meaning they custom-make the jacket for you when you order. Feathered Friends states that production takes 5 to 7 days, which means it could take several weeks before it lands on your doorstep. After all, with more than 100 reviews of 5 stars, this is one jacket that is well-loved by its owners. Feathered Friends is known for their high-quality craftsmanship, and that's why they swept our overall award category in our Best Sleeping Bags guide.
We think the Eos may be worth the extra cost and the wait for folks who want to upgrade to a higher fill power, made-in-the-USA jacket. But most people will find their needs met by the Patagonia Down Sweater.
Best For Extreme Cold Runner up:
Rab Neutrino Pro
Weight: 21 oz (men’s) and 18.7 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 800 fill power
Pockets: 3
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded jacket available? Yes
We were initially going to recommend the highly lauded Rab Neutrino Pro for our Best for Extreme Weather category. But after we contacted Rab, we discovered the newest version of this much-beloved jacket has about 1 oz less down fill than previous models.
Instead, we opted for the similarly designed Rab Positron Pro, which has 10 g of down fill for every 7 g in the Neutrino. We still think this is a high-quality, sleek, and warm jacket. We think if you’re tempted to get the Neutrino, you should go with the Rab Positron Pro model, which does warmth better.
Rab Neutrino Pro
Best Affordable Down Jacket Runner Up: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Weight: Not provided
Fill Power: 750
Pockets: 3
Ethically Sourced Down?: Yes, RDS-certified
Hydrophobic Down?: Not listed
Hooded Version Available?: Yes
The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket is one of the jackets we considered for best budget jacket. Based on customer reviews and our purchase of this jacket, the quality doesn’t seem as good as the REI 650 Down Jacket (see our review above). But, you can often find this one on sale. Plus, it comes in hooded and longer parka-style versions to fit a variety of aesthetics.
The Uniqlo has many sizing and color options, but Uniqlo hands-down does not have REI’s awesome warranty. This jacket would be great for someone who just needs something inexpensive to keep them warm around town or on weekend trips, but we think you’re better off choosing another jacket for outdoor use or longevity beyond a season or two.
Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket
Best Overall Down Jacket Runner-Up: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
Weight: 17.0 (men’s) and 14.6 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 700
Pockets: 3, 2 zippered hand pockets and 1 chest pocket
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, RDS and bluesign recycled/repurposed shell
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes
The Rab Microlight Alpine is a much-lauded lightweight down jacket that gets high marks from Outdoor Gear Lab, Gear Junkie, and Switchback Travel. The Microlight Alpine has a versatile cut that works well for movement, making it a favorite among fast and light alpinists and mountaineers.
Rab Alpine Microlight
The hood on the Rab Microlight Alpine is among the best of any down jacket we considered. The DWR also repels water on rainy days making it a good choice for mountaineering. Photo by Emily Haas.
The DWR-treated Pertex shell is weather resistant. Narrow baffles help compress the down, so it's more packable on adventures.
The Microlight Alpine has been called “everything you want out of a winter piece: warm, versatile, with plenty of mobility.” It has similarities to the Patagonia Down jacket that we recommend but with the ultralight nature of the Ghost Whisperer 2.
In testing, we found the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket to be warm and versatile.
It fits true to size, and construction is high quality, colors are nice, price is reasonable. It even has a zippered chest pocket, which many manufacturers leave out on women’s puffer jackets.
But at $50 more than similar down jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater, we couldn’t find a reason to justify paying more for this jacket than for similar jackets on our list.
We think that unless you are mountaineering, most folks won’t need a jacket with the attention to detail found in the Rab Microlight.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Weight: 14 oz (men’s) and 14 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: 4
Ethically Sourced Down? RDS-certified
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded jacket available? Yes
The Cotopaxi Fuego is one of the most popular down jackets at REI Co-op and for good reason. Cotopaxi is a B-Corp that builds jackets from recycled and discarded fragments. Sewers are empowered to put together color combinations and designs of their choosing, meaning that jackets are often unique. The Fuego is a stylish jacket that is less expensive than some of its competitors.
You can read more in our in-depth review of the Cotopaxi Fuego hooded jacket.
Cotopaxi Fuego
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
Weight: 15.4 oz (men’s) and 15.4 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: handwarmer pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, RDS
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes, the jacket is also available
The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie, an insulated down jacket paired with OR’s well-respected Helium rain jacket line. The OR Helium is a winner in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide.
By adding insulation, Outdoor Research turned the Helium into a winter jacket that is rain-resistant, lightweight, and surprisingly durable. The rain-resistant coating is on the shoulders and hood, the areas most likely to be impacted by weather. It received accolades from Gear Junkie, but their testers also found it was expensive for the amount of warmth it delivers.
In the Spring, the Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket will have the most inclusive sizing of all the jackets we considered, aside from the REI Coop Down Jacket (see review above).
Plus sizing from 1X-3X for this jacket will become available in the spring. We like that the Helium Down Jacket is more technical than the REI jacket. We are thrilled to have more options for advanced gear available in extended sizing.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Down Jacket
Weight: 10.2 oz (men’s) and 9.7 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 850
Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? RDS
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Hooded only
The Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Down Jacket is new for this season. It’s lightweight at a great budget-friendly price while also being packable and boasting RDS standard down. While you won’t find the warmth or features of a $200 jacket on this one, it’s hard to beat what you get for the price of this puffer coat. RDS down tends to be expensive, especially in the 850-fill power category.
The Forclaz won an award from Gear Junkie because of what it can offer for its price. However, we found that the fabric didn’t feel soft or nice against our skin. It didn’t feel as high of a quality of jacket as the REI Co-op Down 650 jacket, which has attention to small details like pockets that were lacking on the Forclaz. If you absolutely must have 850 fill down and are on a budget, the Forclaz is a decent choice. But if 650 fill down will work for you, then go with the REI Co-op 650.
Decathlon Forclaz MT100
Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
Weight: 20.7 oz (men’s) and 21.2 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 700-fill-power down/150 g VerticalX Eco polyester fibers (85% recycled)
Pockets: 4
Ethically Sourced Down? RDS certified
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded jacket available? Hoody only
The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie will quickly become a mainstay in our daily life — and for a good reason. Outdoor Research offers extended sizing of the Coldfront Down Hoodie, and plus sizing from 1X-3X available, though not all retailers stock the 3x size. This is an excellent option for an affordable down-synthetic hybrid jacket. That's one reason it is a winner in our Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing.
Outdoor Research Coldfront
Men’s
Women’s
Treeline Review writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta testing the Cold Front jacket in the snow in winter in Idaho.
The Coldfront felt comfortable and roomy enough on our tester’s torso to fit a medium-weight fleece underneath. The pockets are deep, with thumb loops on arms — both are details that I love in a down jacket. Its shell fabric is a wind-blocking 54% recycled ripstop fabric that is bluesign-approved. In testing, it blocked the strong coastal breezes, gusts that blew strong enough to batter the tent. It has a drawstring at the back to tighten the top of the head. We also appreciated the high and warm neckline on this jacket.
Similar to the Arc’teryx Cerium, the Coldfront is a hybrid synthetic down jacket. It uses down in areas that need warmth and synthetic insulation in areas likely to get wet. The fill is responsibly sourced 700+ fill-down insulation. It uses Vertical X Eco 85% recycled polyester synthetic insulation in the shoulders and wrist cuffs.
It is important to note that while relatively light, the Coldfront jacket is better suited for car camping, shorter hikes, and around town.
Due to the synthetic insulation in this hybrid jacket, we found this hoodie does not pack down as much as a 100% down jacket. For that reason, we may not recommend this as a top choice for backpacking. Still, the Coldfront hoodie is worth the price and will be a workhorse in my winter and shoulder season wardrobe.
Among our testing was a November backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada with the Montbell Plasma 1000 women’s down jacket. The Montbell Plasma 1000 is one of our winners for thru-hikers because of its high fill weight and fill power. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
How we researched and tested
We researched and analyzed reviews on down puffer coats from Adventure Junkies, Broke Backpacker, Switchback Travel, Clever Hiker, Green Belly, Outdoor Gear Lab, Men’s Journal, the Big Outside (see Sources).
After compiling a list of 44 down jackets, we narrowed it down to 18 contenders. We then checked to see if customer reviews matched what the outdoor media said. In some cases, we tested the jackets on our shortlist for hundreds or thousands of miles in the backcountry, using the jackets on travel, backcountry adventures, and trips to the park with toddlers. We looked for jackets that held up to the elements: wind, some moisture, and getting crammed in a backpack or luggage.
After collecting data from experts, everyday users, and our own testing, we judged the down jackets to find the winners.
A quality down jacket has a hood that will stay up, excellent waterproofing on the shell fabric, and zippers that are unobtrusive. We developed a list of criteria to judge all the down jackets we considered. Photo by Emily Haas.
Buying Advice
We developed criteria to judge down jackets based on the advice of experts, our experience working in outdoor retail for 20 years, and our own testing experience.
Warmth
Wanting a warm down coat might seem like a no-brainer, but not all down fill is created equal. Down insulation is composed primarily of down plumules, not feathers. The plumules are incredibly efficient at trapping air warmed by your body heat and preventing that heat from being lost to the surrounding environment.
Treeline writer Amanda Jameson wears the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 on a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Thru-hikers are often willing to sacrifice some features of a down jacket to save weight. Photo courtesy Amanda Jameson.
Down fill for outdoor gear usually ranges from about 650-1000 fill. The number refers to how many cubic inches of space one ounce of down takes up. When you see a winter jacket with a higher fill number, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio.
Warmth to weight ratio of down jackets
Two key factors of a jacket’s warmth consist of the fill weight of the insulation and the fill power of the down. Fill weight references how much of the overall jacket’s weight is insulation. Fill power means - ounce for ounce - how much loft you will get from your jacket. A jacket can be really warm with a lower fill power down - it just needs more insulation. We go more into down fill power and weight below.
The Arc’teryx Cerium uses a robust DWR (Durable Water Proof) repellent that causes rain droplets to bead up on the surface instead of saturating through the material. Photo by Emily Haas.
Water-resistant down jackets
An excellent down coat needs a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the shell fabric. The DWR finish keeps moisture from reaching the down insulation while still allowing a moderate level of your body’s moisture to escape (aka, breathability). Nowadays, most brands have a DWR-treated outer shell.
Down leakage
All jackets will leak down insulation to some degree or another over time. Factors contributing to down leakage are how tightly the fabric is woven, the presence of coatings, and the quality of the down. Low quality down has a higher percentage of feathers to plumules. Feathers have quills, which can poke through the fabric. As a result, low quality down is more likely to leak. Plumules, however, have no pointy ends, so they will not make holes in the material. Plumules can still leak through holes that develop in a jacket.
For more general information on what to look for (or not look for) in a down-filled product, see how we picked the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
Sustainability is outdoor gear is a criteria we take seriously because we want to keep the planet in good shape for the next generation. Photo by Emily Haas.
Sustainability
All jackets we picked use 100% recycled fabric on the outer shell (also called face fabric). Every company showed a commitment to using responsibly sourced down. Montbell was the only company that was not officially certified with the Responsible Down Standard or RDS certification. Patagonia has its own certification, called Traceable Down. Jackets got bonus points from us if they used bluesign approved fabrics, which certifies chemicals, processes, materials, and resource consumption for manufacturing textiles.
As of 2025, most outdoor retailers will be manufacturing down jackets with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) that is free of perflourinated chemicals. You can read more about why brands are finding alternatives to these "forever chemicals" in our All About PFAs and PFCs guide.
If you know you (or your kids or pets) may be tough on down jackets, it is worth purchasing your gear from a company with an excellent warranty or repair program. Photo by Emily Haas.
Cost of a down jacket
We believe you can get an excellent down jacket for under - sometimes well under - $400. Once you start spending $500, $600 or more, you pay for added warmth, additional features, and a more waterproof jacket. In some cases, you may be paying for a brand name. That's one reason we didn't include the popular Canada Goose brand of down jacket. The most comparable Canada Goose jacket to the lightweight jackets in this guide is the Hybridge Light Tech Down, rated for 23 to 41F degrees. It is the second least expensive Canada Goose jacket and retails for $595, which is double the price of almost all the jackets on our list.
Down jackets in the upper price ranges are often a combination between a basic down jacket and a waterproof shell. They use higher fill powers of 800 and up. They have more features than their inexpensive counterparts, like internal pockets, glove-friendly zippers and cinches, and helmet-compatible hoods. Only one jacket that we picked was over $400. Unsurprisingly, it was our pick for Best for Extreme Weather, the Rab Positron Pro (see our review above).
While down jackets can be expensive, a high-quality down jacket can last you up to ten years (and in some cases, even longer).
In addition, down jackets from reputable brands often come with warranties that can cover repairs for life (like recommended our Overall Winner, the Patagonia Down Sweater) and, in some cases, even re-stuffing of down.
Warranty on down jackets
Jackets from all companies we chose had at a minimum Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer’s defects. “Lifetime” refers to the product’s expected lifetime, which varies depending on the product in question. Based on my experience in retail, when a down jacket is properly cared for it could reasonably last 20 or more years. If improperly cared for or under heavy use, the expected lifetime could be considerably lower.
“While down jackets can be expensive, a high-quality down jacket can last you up to ten years (and in some cases, even longer). ”
Manufacturers’ defects warranties cover anything that went wrong in production or material that is not as durable as it should be. It does not cover normal wear and tear. In my 20 years of working in outdoor retail, I’ve found that Patagonia, REI, and Black Diamond have the most inclusive warranties. For each top jacket we reviewed, we include details about the warranty.
If you intend to take your down jacket to a wet climate or some place where it rains, a good DWR or water repellency on the shell is an essential feature to maintain the insulating capability of your jacket. Photo by Emily Haas.
Packable down jackets and compact down jackets
Will you be traveling with your down jacket? If you’ll be stuffing it in a backpack or suitcase, think about how much room your down jacket may take in your luggage. All our picks either stuff into their own internal stash pockets or come with their own stuff sack. The down jackets we recommend all prioritize packability.
Pockets and hoods
While these features are optional, they can make or break a jacket. A fine jacket can get marks to make it a winner if it has a good hood. We noted whether an otherwise fine jacket had a poorly placed zippered hand pocket or an ill-fitting hood.
But ultimately, whether you choose a jacket with a pocket or hood is a personal choice. Some outdoors people swear by hoods and zippered pockets. Others find they unnecessarily add to the weight of the jacket. You'll often pay more for features like a hood or a zippered hand pocket. We judged each jacket based on these features.
Denier
Often mistaken as the sole metric for determining the durability and weight of a jacket, denier refers to the density of the individual threads used to weave the fabrics used in the down jacket.
While a lower denier thread, usually referred to as “D” on a specs sheet, will weigh less than a higher denier thread, the overall weight, and durability of the jacket is also affected by several factors including:
how tight or loose a weave is
coatings applied to the fabric once it’s woven
how heavy it’s calendered (a process where heat and pressure are applied to downproof a material, where downproofing means limiting the amount of down escaping)
The main takeaway here is that you’ll likely see extremely low deniers like 7 and 10 on specialty ultralight jackets like the Montbell Plasma 1000 (7D) and the Ghost Whisperer2 (10D).
These low deniers are highly calendered and have a tight weave. As a result, they'll appear as shiny “technical” looking fabric.
More average to heavy weight down jackets will incorporate 20 - 30+ denier fabrics, like the Patagonia Down Sweater, which uses 20D on the liner side, and 30D on the shell. This lends the Patagonia Down Sweater a more casual, less shiny look.
Hydrophobic Down
Hydrophobic down is a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment applied to the down insulation. Many manufacturers will wash the treatment into the down, and it functions similarly to the coatings applied to the shell fabric of down jackets, which create that water “beading” effect.
Purchasing a down jacket with hydrophobic down isn’t a license to use the jacket in a downpour, but the treatment aids in keeping the down more resistant in damp and rainy conditions. In other words, it’ll keep your jacket more puffy, longer, in wet weather.
As of 2025, most outdoor retailers will be manufacturing down jackets with waterproof down that is free of PFCs and PFAs. You can read more about why brands are finding alternatives to these "forever chemicals" in our All About PFAs and PFCs guide.
What does down fill power mean?
Fill power is how much loft you can expect out of an ounce of down, measured and reported in cubic inches. For example, 650 fill power down like the REI 650 will loft 650 cubic inches per one ounce of down measured.
It might help to imagine this picturing a row of lab tubes. Taking one ounce of down from 650, 750, and 850 batches of down, and putting them in separate tubes, the 850 will rise taller than the other down batches of down with lower fill power. More loft, more warmth per ounce!
Higher fill power means that ounce for ounce, your jacket’s insulation will be warmer. It is one of the main factors that influence a jacket’s warmth-to-weight.ratio. The video above, made by Treeline Review’s Duncan Cheung, covers some of the details.
While fill power starts at 500, we didn’t look at anything below 650 fill. And that was only for our budget pick. You may notice that higher fill power downs are usually more expensive. This is partly due to the availability of higher fill power downs compared to the availability of lower fill power down. All our other picks are 800 fill or above. Still have questions about down fill? Is 650 fill power warm?
Watch this video by our writer Duncan Cheung for a quick explanation of how fill power works.
Is 650- or 800-fill down warmer?
Jacket warmth has more to do with the amount of fill — not the fill rating alone. So, technically, a jacket filled with 850fp can be just as warm as the same jacket filled with 900fp. To get the 850fp jacket warmer, you simply add more down.
The 850fp jacket will have an overall heavier jacket weight, but the two jackets can be equal in warmth. Fill power matters more when you’re trying to save space or shed ounces. A higher-quality fill-power means your jacket can scrunch down to a smaller size compared to a lower fill-power garment. Bottom line: fill power has to do with the jacket's fluffiness per ounce and ability to trap air per down plume, not necessarily its warmth.
What does down fill weight mean?
Down Fill weight means how much of the jacket’s weight is the insulation (vs. weight that goes to the shell fabric, zippers, sewn on logos, etc.). Down fill weight is essential in helping determine how warm a jacket will be.
We looked for jackets with a good fill weight to total weight ratio, with at least 30% of the insulation’s total weight.
Some companies try to reduce their fill weight to total weight ratio by using lower denier fabrics that weigh less than heavier duty fabrics. However, there’s usually a trade-off between lighter-weight fabrics and durability. Although not foolproof, a good rule of thumb is that the higher the denier, the more durable the material.
Lightweight vs. midweight vs heavyweight down jackets
Lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight down jacket categories typically coincide with warmth of the jackets. You'll also see differences in fabric, zipper, and adjustable add-ons.
Most of the jackets we tested fall into the lightweight to midweight range, with the Rab Positron qualifying as a middle to heavyweight jacket. The Rab falls into the heavier end mainly due to it’s high fill power. It also incorporates “box baffle” construction, which is similar to most sleeping bags.
Box baffle construction means that instead of sewing through the jacket from one side to the other to keep the down from shifting, a separate piece of fabric is sewn between the liner and shell of the jacket to allow down to more fully loft and prevent any spots where down is not insulating you.
FAQ
What is a down jacket?
A down jacket is a versatile part of any layering system for any activity. There’s a reason I have so many down jackets. Dedicated outdoors people often have a down jacket for shoulder season, one for around town, and one for the dead of winter. Whether you’re ultralight backpacking, snow-camping, or watching your kids’ soccer game, a down jacket can make the difference between having fun or focusing on how cold it is.
At Treeline, we try to recommend the one down jacket that can do it more, so you can spend less money on gear. But as you tailor your outdoor kit to meet your needs for your activities of choice, you'll also find recommendations for more specialized activities.
A good down jacket will last for many years and will stretch the conditions in which you can adventure. Photo by Duncan Cheung.
Should I get a hooded jacket (aka a parka)?
Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson uses her down jacket hood for extra warmth on a chilly morning. Photo courtesy Amanda Jameson.
Whether you want a hood on your jacket is a personal preference feature. We suggest choosing a hooded jacket for extreme weather to maximize weather protection. On the other hand, when you use jackets in the front country or around town, hoods can get in the way. That’s why our pick for Best Around Town jacket (see above) comes without a hood.
Another reason to be hood-skeptical is that, like hats, they may not always accommodate all hairstyles. Pro-tip from Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson: Look for hoods designated “helmet-friendly.”
Still, not all hoods are created equal. We like hoods with some adjustability level to keep the hood snug, like a drawstring or velcro tab. We prefer hoods that won’t form a gap or blow off in the wind. Lastly, we want a hood that allows you to wear a hat or even a helmet underneath.
Can down jackets get wet? Are down jackets waterproof?
It depends. Down jackets usually don’t maintain their insulating ability while wet - but a wet jacket doesn’t mean it is ruined forever. Some down jackets use hydrophobic down (read more about that here) and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) on the fabric shell. Durable Water Repellent isn’t a full waterproofing, but it can cause mist and tiny droplets to bead on top of the fabric. A down jacket should be fine if you expect a drizzle or little moisture once in a while. However, in general, we think that a synthetic insulated jacket would serve you better. See our guide to Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for our recommendations.
Should I get a hybrid synthetic down jacket?
Hybrid jackets may be great options for folks who want one winter coat that will work for various conditions and activities. Because synthetic insulation will stay warmer when wet, the Agrium LT or Cerium jacket are good options if you live in a moist climate or plan to encounter inclement weather on your trips.
Both the Agrium and Cerium layer well under more waterproof layers, like a rain jacket, as it is less likely to “wet out” than other down jackets. (Wetting out is when down becomes too moist to stay lofty and warm up the air, thus becoming an ineffective insulation material). Compared to the Cerium, the Agrium is better for layering as you can wear a mid-layer, fleece, or heavier base layer underneath.
Related: Read our in-depth guide to the Best Fleece Jackets for layering!
When should you wear a down jacket?
Down jackets are great for staying warm in cold, dry temperatures. They’re also highly packable, making them a go-to for adventures where space is an issue. The downside of down (ha!) is that it doesn’t quickly dry once it’s wet. Water-resistant down is an option, but those jackets are pricey and still don’t perform as well as synthetic filling during rainy outings.
What's the difference between goose down and duck down?
The primary difference between goose and duck down is the size of the clusters, as well as the fill power. This is because goose feathers and duck feathers are not the same size. Goose down is used for a higher fill power and is generally a more quality option. Some folks even notice a slight odor with duck down.
Are down jackets ethical and sustainable?
As far as ethics goes, some folks don’t love the impact harvesting down has on animals, as it involves the killing of geese and ducks. Anyone prioritizing vegan clothing would not want to invest in a down jacket. However, there are relatively ethical and sustainable practices for producing down garments and gear. With ethically-made down, the animals are not plucked when they are still alive and come from animals that were raised for meat. If you are vegan or prefer something made without down, we recommend checking out our Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for puffy jacket options made without down.
Since down jackets tend to last longer than their synthetic counterparts, they are arguably more sustainable option since it means, hopefully, fewer products in a landfill. Additionally, many synthetic insulated jackets are made from petro-chemicals, whereas untreated down is biodegradable.
What is the expected lifespan of a down jacket, and how can I extend it?
Down jackets can last a long time–longer than synthetic jackets–and with proper care can last even longer than average. Some folks will have a beloved down jacket for upwards of 20 years, though it’s important to understand if it’s frequently stuffed down, say, at the bottom of a pack, it will lose loft and thus lose warmth. If the jacket is washed properly and stored somewhere the loft isn’t crushed or smashed down, you could add years to the jacket’s life. See our guide on How to Clean and Repair Down Jackets for step-by-step instructions on how you can care for your jacket at home.
Down jackets aren’t just for hiking. They can keep you warm in casual situations or any time when it’s cool. And they’re so packable, they’re well-suited for travel. Photo by Junaid Dawud.
Down jacket care and maintenance
Can down jackets be washed in the washing machine?
Yes! If you’ve had it instilled that you need to keep your down dry at all costs, you may be reluctant to get it wet. But if you don’t wash your down jacket (or sleeping bag), the down will lose its insulating abilities because oil and dirt reduce its ability to loft. Additionally, the DWR finish on the outer shell will become ineffective as dirt, smoke, sweat, food (things can get a little crazy at dinner time after a long day outside) clog and contaminate its ability to repel water.
When washing your down jacket, ALWAYS use a down-specific wash. Regular detergents can strip the natural “good” oils on the down plumes that help it retain its loft. We recommend Nikwax Down Wash and Down Proof products.
When drying your down jacket, always use a front-loading machine (never a top-loader). Check by hand for nicks and burs before putting your jacket into the dryer. A hot spot in the dryer or any place that can snag the shell fabric could ruin your jacket. Throw in a couple of tennis balls and run the dryer on very low heat or air dry to prevent melting the shell.
The drying process takes patience, so consider watching a few episodes of your favorite TV show or reading a book. Check on your jacket regularly. When you think it’s done, feel by hand for wet clumps. If there are any clumps, it needs more time.
Can I dry clean a down jacket
Nope. Do not dry clean your down jacket. Chemicals used in dry cleaning are too harsh for the down plumes, stripping them of natural oils, and you’ll likely be taking a flat, non-insulating jacket back home with you.
You can wash your down jacket at home using instructions in our guide on How to Clean and Repair a Down Jacket.
See our section on How to Clean, Wash, Repair, and Maintain Outdoor Gear for more tips on gear care.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing your jacket. Some are washing machine safe, like in this video from Arc'teryx.
If you get a jacket with a very light denier, they may recommend washing your down by hand. This video by ultralight backpacking quilt company Enlightened Equipment explains how to do that.
How to repair a down jacket
The author’s Montbell jacket was repaired with Tenacious tape 10 years ago and is still going strong! Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd.
Let me hear you say Tenacious Tape! You can repair almost any piece of gear with this sticky waterproof repair fabric.
As a gear review website whose philosophy is rooted in buying less stuff (and that choice being better for the planet), we advocate for gear repairs whenever possible. As such, Tenacious tape is a favorite in our Eco-Friendly Gear Swaps to Reduce Your Environmental Impact guide.
I’ve used Tenacious Tape for insulated jackets, raingear, sleeping bags, hydration bladders, backpacks, and sleeping pads. I've even used it on a cotton skirt I wear when I’m in town.
It’s even in our guide to Essential Backpacking Accessories because it works great for field repairs. Having torn a down jacket or two while in the backcountry, Tenacious Tape has kept me from losing all the feathers (and insulation!) from my jacket.
The only thing I’ve found that it doesn’t work as well on is hydration bladder (and by “doesn’t work,” I mean it isn’t a long-term fix). Check out this jacket that I first repaired ten years ago. The patches are still holding up strong!
Check our other gear repair guides, such as How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear. We also have a complete guide to cleaning and repairing down jackets.
Tiffany Searsdodd testing one of dozens of down jackets we considered for this guide. Photo by Emily Haas.
Author’s expertise / why you should trust us
I’m a gear nerd who’s been gearing up myself and others my whole adult life. As a Wilderness Guide for a wilderness therapy organization serving teenagers, I spent four winter seasons living in the snow in Central Oregon. As a result, I became intimately acquainted with cold-weather gear, tips and tricks, and how to teach teens how to be comfortable in the wilderness. I’ve also worked as a Sea Kayak Guide for Pangaea Adventures in Alaska, leading glacier tours by kayak.
I also bring almost 20 years of experience working in outdoor retail. I do gear shakedowns for fun. I love talking about gear, but more than that, I love making sure people have the equipment that is right for them. I've spent 20 years outfitting outdoors people of all skill and experience levels on their quest to stay active in cooler weather. Over the years, I've learned what features, materials, sizing, and colors customers want and what aspects of outdoor apparel they find unnecessary. I’m also the author of Treeline Review’s Best Synthetic Insulated Jacket guide.
I have another reason for being an expert regarding down jackets: I’m always cold. Seriously. I own four puffy jackets, three sleeping bags, one backpacking quilt, and one pair of down booties. So I know all about keeping warm while adventuring outside.
I am not sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned in my reviews - and neither is anyone in my family.
You can read all Tiffany's Treeline Review guides on her author page.
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