Best Down Jackets of 2024

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.

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

Technical reviewers Outdoor Gear Lab called it “a stylish and highly functional down jacket that has stayed true to a tested design.” 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.

Best warmth-to-weight ratio down jacket: Katabatic Gear Tincup

(Men’s and Women’s)

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.

View Men's at Katabatic

View Women's at Katabatic

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.

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. 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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

Women’s

**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.

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.

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. 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

(Men’s and Women’s)

**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.

REI co-op 650 down jacket

Men’s

Women’s

“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.*

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 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.

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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

Women’s

The Arc’teryx Cerium was previously called the Arc’teryx Cerium LT. For 2022/23, Arc’teryx dropped the LT from its name (LT is an abbreviation for “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.

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!).

The Cerium has a lot in common with the Arc’teryx Atom LT, which keeps the LT in its name for 2022/23. As we discuss in the Best Synthetics Jacket article, the Atom LT 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 LT. 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 LT, 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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men's

Women’s

***The author wearing the Ghost Whisperer2 down jacket, an ultralight favorite.*** *Photo by Emily Haas.*

The fit is slim but not aggressively so, like the Arc'teryx Cerium hoody The Ghost Whisperer/2 also is a highly packable insulated jacket, compressing into its own pocket.

As far as updates go for the 2023 version, the first baffle at each of the cuffs is now made with synthetic fill, so if it gets wet it doesn't lose loft.

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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

View at montbell

Women’s

View at montbell

**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.*

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.*

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.

While it was hard to find any consumer reviews for this specialty pick, many professional reviewers loved this jacket. Clever Hiker wrote, “When you toss it up in the air and let it float down...it literally mimics a feather. Despite its lean stature, the Plasma is toasty warm.”

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 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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

Women’s

**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.

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.

It’s also a favorite at Gear Patrol, Switchback Travel, and Gear Junkie. 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.

Another tester spent the past two 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.

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.

**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

(Men’s and Women’s)

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.

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.

Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket

Men’s

View at Feathered Friends

Women’s

View at Feathered Friends

Best For Extreme Cold Runner up:

Rab Neutrino Pro

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

Women’s

Best Affordable Down Jacket Runner Up: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

View Men's

View Women's

Best Overall Down Jacket Runner-Up: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

(MEN'S AND WOMEN'S)

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.

**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.

Rab Alpine Microlight

Men’s

Women’s

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

(Men’s and Women’s)

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.

We're looking forward to getting some more testing on the Cotopaxi Fuego and will update with testing notes according to our findings.

Cotopaxi Fuego

Men’s

Women’s

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie

(Men’s and Women’s)

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

Men’s

Women’s

Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Down Jacket

(MEN'S AND WOMEN'S)

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

Men’s

view at decathlon

Women’s

view at decathlon

Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie

(Men’s and Women’s)

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.

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.

Outdoor Research Coldfront

Men’s

View at Outdoor Research

Women’s