The 8 Finest Down Jackets of 2024-2025

How We Examined the Finest Down Jackets

Our staff has examined, reviewed, and printed down jacket Purchaser’s Guides for women and men throughout a number of seasons. For this information, we thought-about probably the most sturdy, extremely acclaimed, well-constructed, and environmentally accountable down jackets. These layers are made for a wide range of situations and current a variety of costs.

Our Professional Testers

Editor-in-Chief Adam Ruggiero led the cost in curating and testing our preliminary lineup of over 20 down jackets in 2020. A seasoned, well-rounded outdoorsman, he is aware of what to search for within the insulation he is dependent upon within the backcountry and used his years of expertise to put the framework for this complete Information.

Senior Editor Chris Carter took the reins of this Information in August 2022 and has been sifting by mountains of those puffy layers ever since to deliver you the streamlined choice you see at the moment. He left no feather unturned. An extended-distance thru-hiker and rock climber at coronary heart, he examined numerous down jackets in each concoction of situations possible and received’t accept something however one of the best on his escapades.

In spring 2024, Lake Tahoe resident Nick Bruckbauer contributed his testing expertise to this Information, including two new light-weight fashions that he examined on quick and lightweight hikes within the Tahoe backcountry, chilly forest and neighborhood walks and runs, and whereas shoveling and plowing Tahoe’s well-known Sierra Cement snowfall. Ryan Kempfer, an avid backcountry skier, hiker, biker, and total gear nerd, took over this information and added jackets he hadtested within the Tetons and Rockies excessive nation.

Our Testing Grounds & Course of

To problem and decide the highest designs, we enlisted quite a few different employees authors and editors to get as various a perspective as potential, and take a look at these puffies throughout a broad vary of outside pursuits. Our testers donned these jackets in all seasons, from snowy environments within the Rockies, to chilly massive wall ascents of El Cap in Yosemite.

The crew has used these jackets for tenting and concrete commutes, in addition to alpine and mountain climbing, backcountry snowboarding and splitboarding, bikepacking, and alpine snowboarding. The testers ranged from AIARE-certified backcountry venturers to lifelong recreationists.

Lastly, that is an natural, consistently evolving Information. We work exhausting to remain on high of latest developments and novel applied sciences, and intently look at up to date jackets and new fashions the second they hit the market to deliver you probably the most up-to-date decisions potential. If you happen to’d favor one thing higher for moist climates, try our information to the finest artificial insulated jackets, or in the event you’re available in the market for one thing cozy, try our information to the finest fleece jackets.

Purchaser’s Information: The right way to Select the Finest Down Jacket

This text contains one of the best down jackets for women and men. You may also try our expanded checklist of the finest down jackets for ladies.

Heat

In contrast to sleeping baggage which normally have a useful EN (European Norm) temperature score related to them, determining how heat a down jacket is can usually be a tough course of. Many people are aware of the “fill energy” of down jackets, however an equally, if no more, vital part is “fill weight.”

There are actually different components that contribute to a down jacket’s heat — like baffle form, design, and building, jacket supplies, dimension, and match, and different options like hood, hem, or cuff closures — however all issues being equal, the down fill energy and fill weight could have probably the most direct influence on a jacket’s heat.

Fill Energy

Fill energy is a quantity that quantifies the standard of the down when it comes to its loft — or fluffiness.

Fill energy scores vary from round 400 to 900 and even larger. Many of the jackets on this checklist are within the 700- to 800-fill-power vary, with just a few clocking in above or under. Typically, the standard and fluffiness of the down will increase with the fill-power quantity:

• 400-500: truthful high quality
• 600: good high quality
• 700: nice high quality
• 800: glorious high quality
• 900 and above: highest high quality

The numbers listed above symbolize the quantity per unit of down filling in cubic inches per one ounce. To calculate fill energy, a 1-ounce pattern of down is positioned in a standardized cylinder, after which the full quantity of that pattern is measured in cubic inches.

The upper the fill energy, the much less down filling wanted to create the identical quantity of insulation, which is ready to entice extra air and heat inside the jacket. Greater fill energy can also be extra compressible, loftier, lighter, and pricier.

Fill Weight

Fill weight, then again, is the exact measured weight of down discovered within the jacket, typically expressed in both grams or ounces.

To get an inexpensive estimate of a jacket’s total heat, you may multiply the down’s fill energy (expressed in cubic inches per ounce) by the jacket’s fill weight (expressed in ounces), which is able to yield a quantity that represents the three-dimensional quantity of the jacket’s insulation, or loft, in cubic inches.

On paper, we will, subsequently, estimate that the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (5.3 ounces of 800-fill-power down) will likely be hotter than the Feathered Buddies Eos (4.0 ounces of 900-fill-power down). Regardless that the Eos has a greater fill energy of 900, the Down Sweater has a greater fill weight of 5.3 ounces.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody: 800 cubic inches per ounce x 5.3 ounces = 4,240 complete cubic inches of insulation
Feathered Buddies Eos: 900 cubic inches per ounce x 4.0 ounces = 3,600 complete cubic inches of insulation

Heat-to-Weight Ratio

Although the Down Sweater is barely hotter than the Eos, the Eos is far lighter total (10.8 ounces vs. 15.0 ounces), and has a better warmth-to-weight ratio.

Fill weight isn’t all the time marketed as readily as fill energy, however is — in our opinion — a way more essential stat to contemplate when gearing up for any journey. Whereas different components resembling face cloth, sewn-through appears versus field baffles, and different options play a task in how heat a jacket is, a better fill weight will nearly all the time point out a toastier puffy.

Be certain that to deliver an applicable weight for the complete vary of climate situations and temperature fluctuations you may encounter in your journey. Don’t focus an excessive amount of on going ultralight that you simply put your self in a harmful place. It might be tempting to chop weight with the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, which weighs 8.8 ounces and has 3 ounces of 800-fill down. Although it boasts top-of-the-line warmth-to-weight ratios on the market, it isn’t practically heat sufficient for extended chilly alpine adventures or hanging out at a cold crag on belay.

The heavier Rab Neutrino Professional can also be adorned with 800-fill-power down, however its baffles are filled with 212 g (7.5 ounces) of the stuff — making it a a lot hotter barrier when temps plummet at excessive altitudes.

Sturdiness

The shell cloth is a vital issue for each sturdiness and packability. Ultralight jackets are usually made with a lighter, thinner shell materials. Denier is the measurement used right here. A decrease denier score means the outer cloth is lighter and, subsequently, extra vulnerable to tears.

For backcountry excursions, the decrease weight generally is a worthy tradeoff. However for day by day use, we advocate a better denier like we see within the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody. Many of the jackets we examined have a 10-denier or 20-denier shell cloth, with some 30-denier fashions. And in the event you do get a tear or campfire burn gap, there’s all the time the dependable duct tape, Tenacious Tape, or Noso Puffy Patch restore choices.

Many of the jackets we examined have a 10-denier or 20-denier shell cloth, with some 30-denier fashions.

Water Resistance & Hydrophobic Down

Down doesn’t carry out effectively when moist. And this is without doubt one of the locations artificial jackets are likely to win out. Previously decade, there was a rising use of hydrophobic down. Basically, the down feathers are coated in a waterproof polymer. It nonetheless doesn’t match the water resistance of synthetics, however for mild precipitation, hydrophobic down like the sort used within the Black Diamond Strategy Hoody can’t be overwhelmed.

Producers deal with the face materials of some jackets just like the Patagonia Fitz Roy Hoody and the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie with DWR to assist block mild moisture, too.

Down vs. Artificial

Many of the jackets on this information are made with down, although a handful are crammed with artificial insulation that mimics down or a mix of the 2. For instance, each Arc’teryx fashions we examined, the Cerium and the Thorium, use artificial insulation in locations that tfinish to get moist, in order that they keep loftier and maintain you heat even if you get moist.

Artificial insulation, then again, is constructed from polyester fibers and designed to mimic down clusters and properties with just a few key variations. If you happen to evaluate two jackets of equal weight, down is hotter than this different. However artificial insulation retains heat even when moist. It’s additionally simpler to scrub and normally comes at a cheaper price level.

• Execs of down: glorious warmth-to-weight ratio, consolation, compressibility, light-weight, excessive inherent heat
• Cons of down: incapacity to insulate when moist, not tremendous breathable, tougher to scrub, pricier

Inside artificial jackets, lively insulation is one other progressive subcategory to know. These technical clothes are designed to dump further warmth and dry quick, so that you don’t need to take away the jacket throughout vigorous exercise. However these layers want additionally to be sturdy, heat, and wind-resistant. It’s a tough steadiness.

Total, synthetics generally is a higher, safer alternative in moist or combined climate and when weight isn’t a problem. Energetic insulation is finest for high-output motion. If it’s chilly and dry, down is perfect regardless of its greater price. This information lists all kinds of one of the best down jackets to maintain you coated within the chilly.

Responsibly Sourced Down

Outside business manufacturers have made an effort to supply down ethically with out animal cruelty and create transparency within the world provide chain. Numerous certifications exist, such because the Accountable Down Normal, the Patagonia Traceable Down Normal, and the Nationwide Sanitation Basis’s World Traceable Down Normal.

With out assembly such requirements, abuse can grow to be a part of the provision chain. Artificial decisions can set some people comfy.

Eco-Pleasant & Recycled Supplies

Past accountable down, down jackets have a possibility to incorporate a bunch of eco-friendly design traits. Some jackets are created with PFC-free DWR remedies or recycled supplies.

Different layers assure Honest Commerce stitching and recycled down just like the Patagonia Fitz Roy and the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer.

Match

The actions you do whereas sporting your down jacket will affect the kind of fit your needs want. Some jackets are extra streamlined, whereas others are roomier, boxier, or longer.

If you happen to’re utilizing the layer for climbing and snowboarding, you’ll need an athletic or slender design that may be layered under or above a midlayer or shell. For giant actions, it’s good to have a silhouette that’s additionally stretchy and versatile, particularly within the shoulder and chest space. Jackets resembling Rab’s Neutrino Professional and the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody have been particularly designed with an anatomical form that contributes to stellar freedom of motion whereas climbing or trekking in chilly climate.

Whereas many down jackets have an ample quantity of wind resistance constructed into their shell, the stitching between baffles usually goes throughout the jacket, permitting sturdy wind to squirm its means to your core. In really gusty situations, pairing your down jacket with a light-weight windbreaker jacket generally is a highly effective mixture of heat retention.

For day by day commutes or bicycling round city, when your exercise is mostly creating much less warmth, a puffier and fewer athletic down jacket just like the Arc’teryx Thorium will be actually cozy. Nevertheless, in the event you’re going from a ski tour to a piece assembly or the espresso store, you’ll desire a jacket that additionally appears to be like good just like the Stio Pinion Hoody or the Outside Analysis Transcendent Hoody.

Weight

The down jackets on this information vary from 6.7 ounces on the low finish to greater than 30 ounces on the heavy facet. The median weight is round 15 ounces, and the most typical weight is nearer to twenty to 23 ounces.

As you would possibly count on, the warmest down jackets are sometimes additionally on the heavier finish, because the down fill weight has a big effect on total heat. That is the place fill energy is available in. Jackets with a better fill energy can obtain an equal heat stage at a lighter total weight.

The Rab Mythic Extremely with its 900-fill-power down insulation actually stands out for its glorious heat for the load. We weighed the lads’s dimension Giant that we examined at 17.4 ounces — and this jacket is as heat or hotter than many others within the 20- to 23-ounce vary.

Tremendous-lightweight down jackets sometimes include a premium price ticket, however the funding will be worthwhile for adventurers with restricted area seeking to trim ounces. Fashions just like the Black Diamond Strategy Hoody and Feathered Buddies Eos strike a strong steadiness between light-weight simplicity and premium efficiency.

If pace and effectivity are of utmost significance, jackets like this received’t maintain you again. Be certain that to analysis the complete vary temperatures you’ll encounter in your journeys earlier than leaving, nonetheless, and don’t prioritize an ultralight base weight a lot that you simply put your self at risk.

Storing and Caring for Down Jackets

A few of these down jackets can compress to the dimensions of a water bottle or smaller, whereas others are bulkier — influenced by the fill, face cloth, and total design. A tiny pack dimension can permit you to carry a smaller, lighter load on light-weight excursions, however be sure that to not go away your down jacket smushed up for lengthy intervals of time. This may enormously influence the down’s lofting and insulating skills, and cut back the jacket’s total lifespan.

It’s superb to maintain your jacket in its stuff sack for one or two days at a time, however attempt to pull it out of the sack usually and let it loft up totally over the period of your journey. When storing your jacket after you get residence, cling it in your closet — and don’t mash it too tightly between your different garments. Washing your jacket with down-friendly detergent may also lengthen its life. We gravitate to Nikwax’s Down Wash Direct for this objective.

Down Jacket Hoods & Sleeves

Many down jackets embrace a hood, a few of that are helmet-compatible, whereas others have a tall collar. Some hoods could have a stiff wire on the brim which improves safety and visibility throughout snowy situations. Zipper width, toggle dimension, and sturdiness can differ. However as a basic rule of thumb, YKK produces the strongest zippers. Minimized zippers can cut back weight and bulk.

Cuffs and sleeves can have a versatile, snug elastic closure or a Velcro tab for further safety. Often, designs have wrist gaiters with thumb loops.

Pockets

Two entrance hand pockets with zip closures are widespread, although some pockets are smaller or positioned greater than others for harness compatibility. These handwarmer pockets usually grow to be tremendous vital for maintaining warmth from escaping your extremities as soon as the temps begin to drop.

Further accent pockets would possibly embrace an inside or exterior chest, inside mesh pockets, and a pocket the jacket itself stuffs into.

Athletic Options

For top-output exercise, down jackets can characteristic mesh-lined pit zips and a powder skirt. Some designs even have a two-way zipper down the entrance, which is useful when sporting a harness and belaying.

Value & Worth

It’s straightforward to spend $250-500 on a down jacket. And that’s no small funding. The principle factor to contemplate when taking a look at your finances is the top use.

Finances

There aren’t many choices on this class. If you happen to’re usually packing into the backcountry, an ultralight, super-packable, slightly costly jacket could also be needed. If you happen to’ll principally put on it round city or for mild path use, one thing just like the budget-friendly REI 650 Down Jacket will maintain you heat for simply over $100.

Mid-Tier

Most down jackets on our checklist vary from $280 to $400. With this improve in value, you’ll sometimes see a rise in fill energy and fill weight, which interprets to a rise in heat. Even our greatest warmth-to-weight ratio choose, the Black Diamond Strategy Down Hoody ($380), and our warmest midweight, the Rab Neutrino Professional ($400) fall on this vary. Mid-tier jackets like our most sturdy choose, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($300), even have extra options, together with added pockets, adjustable hoods, weather-resistant supplies, and extra. Whereas this may occasionally look like a ton to pay for a jacket, with correct remedy, jackets on this tier ought to final lengthy sufficient to be well worth the funding.

Premium

These jackets, which vary from $409 and above, are usually designed for adventures or expeditions in frigid temperatures. The Rab Mythic G Down Jacket ($525), the Rab Mythic Extremely ($495 ), the Arc’teryx Thorium ($500), and the Feathered Buddies EOS ($409) have among the highest fill powers on this checklist, which implies they’ve a wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio. They’re usually weather-resistant and extra sturdy, as effectively. Nevertheless, in the event you’re going to throw down this a lot for a jacket, you’ll need to be certain you will have the necessity for it. We sometimes seize these jackets atop excessive peaks in mid-winter earlier than snowboarding down or once we’re tackling technical targets in Nepal or Alaska. They’re additionally supreme for if you’re going to be stationary in freezing temps; suppose ice fishing, mountain climbing, your child’s soccer recreation in December, or belaying.