The Best Down Jackets We Tested | Gear Patrol (2024)

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Down fill is warm enough that ducks and geese can swim in freezing water and light enough that they can fly. It’s those two qualities that also make it arguably the best form of insulation yet devised for outdoor apparel. Down’s warmth, low weight and ability to compress make it the perfect material for activities like skiing, mountaineering and backpacking — it’s also great for just cruising around the city, too. (And before you pack yours away for summer, don’t. Lightweight, breathable down jackets can be worn year-round, in the right conditions.)

Advances in chemical treatments also mean that down jackets are more resistant to down’s mortal enemy, moisture, than ever before. From lifestyle wear to burly mountaineering layers, down jackets are lighter, tougher and more water-resistant than ever.

How We Tested

Photo by Hayley Helms

To get a gauge for how a down jacket will perform, it’s got to be taken out into some of the coldest, dreariest weather conditions imaginable. In giving our selection of puffers a pass, we took them out during mid-winter in the Sierra Nevadas, into the Rockies and mountainous terrain of Colorado wore them through the city streets of Brooklyn and zipped them up against the chill of the PNW. During testing, we kept a few factors in mind: fill power, feature functionality and of course, aesthetics. After testing over 30 down jackets, these 14 made our list.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody

Mountain Hardwear

Best Overall Down Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody

Don’t like the cold months?The Stretchdown hoody from Mountain Hardwear won our Winter Gear Award for Best Down Jacket, so you can’t go wrong copping one for yourself this winter.

Specs

Fill Material	RDS-certified, Bluesign approved down insulation
Fill Power	700
Pockets	4
Shell Material	Durable Stretch Woven ( 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane)
Waterproofing	N/A
Weight	20.45 ounces

Pros

• Unique baffling traps warmth

Cons

• Collar can be a little scratchy

• $300.00 at mountainhardwear.com

We consider our list of the best down jackets of the year to be exhaustive, but throughout the year, we tested many more that you won’t see here. Down jackets have existed as functional outdoor protection for decades, and while the central concept that guides their design — ultralight warmth — hasn’t changed over the years, companies are still finding new ways to make them more functional than ever.

Photo by Hayley Helms

Mountain Hardwear is one of those companies. Instead of adhering to the iconic horizontal baffle design, it used a meandering pattern and a woven construction to disperse the down throughout the coat, thereby increasing durability and stretch while minimizing cold spots. The StretchDown Hoody also uses a stretchier shell fabric that’s less shiny than traditional down coats, making it more approachable for those trying to avoid looking too “outdoorsy.” The sum of all these features is a down jacket with a vast range of applications. Mountain Hardwear may have built it for rock climbing, but the StretchDown Hoody can function anywhere. Plus, with a price tag that’s less than $300, it’s also very affordable.

Best Use of Natural Materials: Patagonia SugarDown Hoody

Patagonia

Best Use of Natural Materials

Patagonia SugarDown Hoody

Patagonia continues to push boundaries when it comes to sustainability, and its SugarDown Hoody is no exception. The shell is made entirely from sugarcane, and the jacket is Patagonia’s first fully biobased insulation piece.

Specs

Fill Material	RDS-certified down insulation
Fill Power	800
Pockets	3
Shell Material	Biobased polyester derived from sugarcane
Waterproofing	PFC-free DWR finish
Weight	11.6 ounces

Pros

• Majorly advances material innovation
• Shell material is quiet and soft

Cons

• Materials haven't been tested for as long as traditional fabrics
• A little stiff upon first wear

• $163.99 at Patagonia

  $329(50% off)

Innovation can take many forms, and Patagonia’s latest foray lands on the sweet side: its newest down jacket is the brand’s first fully biobased insulation piece, with a shell made entirely from sugarcane. (No, it’s not sticky.) If anything, the face fabric is an improvement from traditional synthetic materials: our tester found it to be silkier, smoother and less shiny than standard down jackets.

Photo by Scott Seiver

Along with the sugarcane shell, this jacket’s trims are made mostly from castor oil and plant-based nylons, and it’s filled with 100 percent Responsible Down Standard 800-fill power down. The Sugardown Hoody weighs in at slightly less than 12 ounces, placing it on the lighter end of the down jacket scale.

Our tester found the Sugardown Hoody to be just as comfortable and efficacious in guarding against the cold as any other comparable style and more comfortable than downmarket options. If you’re concerned with your environmental impact and want to purchase products that align with your values, the Sugardown Hoody is right up your alley.

Best Upgrade: Arc’teryx Cerium Jacket

Arc’teryx

Best Upgrade

Arc’teryx Cerium Jacket

Bringing both a minimal aesthetic and maximum warmth to the table, the Cerium is a versatile layering piece than can be nested under a shell, or worn on its own for protection against the cold.

Specs

Fill Material	Responsibly sourced down and CoreLoft synthetic insulation
Fill Power	850
Pockets	3
Shell Material	Arato 10-denier nylon
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	10.6 ounces

Pros

• Soft face fabric combines comfort and durability

Cons

• Price will be prohibitive to some

• $380.00 at Arc'teryx

This 850 fill-power down jacket boasts plenty of loft and a clever touch: Down Composite Mapping, a.k.a. synthetic insulation in places likely to get damp. The two types of insulation add up to a jacket that’s not only light and warm but not prone to slow you down if you get hit with some showers. Heck, the whole package is less than 10 ounces. That’s right, it’s six ounces less than our editor’s choice, with a bit more fill-power (and a lot more price).

Photo byScott Seiver

Articulated seams and zippered pockets round out the features, and everything is shrouded in a 10-denier nylon shell that’s tough and durable. All those qualities help to justify this jacket’s price. But what you also get is Arc’teryx’s inimitable sleek, minimalist style. While the look is not for everyone, it does enable you to wear this jacket just about anywhere and not feel out of place.

For those looking for a hooded option, check out the Cerium Hoody.

Best Budget Choice: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0

REI

Best Budget Down jacket

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket

A staple in the REI lineup, the 650 Down Jacket is one of the best insulated options you can get for less than $150. It features a recycled nylon shell and is windproof and waterproof.

Specs

Fill Material	RDS-certified down
Fill Power	650
Pockets	3
Shell Material	Recycled nylon taffeta
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	11 ounces

Pros

• Warmth for a bargain
• Thinness makes it an easy layering piece

Cons

• Not warm enough for winter
• Sheds profusely

• $129 at REI

  $129(0% off)

The middle ground between price and quality is a small plot, but REI figured out how to land there with its 650 Down Jacket 2.0. For only $100, this jacket is lightweight and provides plenty of warmth for use as a mid-layer on colder days and an outer layer when it’s slightly more temperate. The jacket is relatively unadorned – it has two zippered hand pockets and two interior drop-in pockets, and that’s it for features. For even more warmth and a more technical set of features, upgrade to REI’s Magma 850 Down Hoodie 2.0, which is an equally good deal at $219.

Best Use of Recycled Materials: Patagonia Stormshadow Parka

Patagonia

Best Use of Recycled Materials

Patagonia Stormshadow Parka

This ultra-sustainable features a 100 percent recycled Gore-Tex shell with a PFC-free waterproof membrane, and the insulating down is made with 100 percent reclaimed duck and goose down.

Specs

Fill Material	700-fill-power 100% Recycled Down
Fill Power	700
Pockets	4
Shell Material	Gore-Tex 100% recycled polyester
Waterproofing	PFC-free DWR finish
Weight	41.7 ounces

Pros

• Design allows for ample freedom of movement
• Supremely warm

Cons

• Hood can be kind of constricting if you have a large head

• $628.99 at Patagonia

  $899.00(30% off)

Although this parka is technically under Patagonia’a lifestyle line, the Stormshadow is one of the warmest jackets the brand offers and a fit for truly cold weather. The brand made a huge effort for it to be sustainable. The Gore-Tex fabric shell is made from 100 percent recycled polyester. The durable water-repellent coating is PFC-free. The down used is 100 percent reclaimed duck and goose down.

Our tester loved the fit and finish of the jacket. It fit over multiple layers of clothing without feeling constricting and allowed for generous freedom of movement. Our tester also liked the large, glove-friendly exterior pockets and protective interior pockets and the multiple layers of storm flaps around the zipper for added waterproofing. The only critique our tester had was with the hood, which he found constricting and slightly smaller than anticipated around his relatively large head.

Photo by Tyler Duffy

Photo by Tyler Duffy

Best Staple Style: Mission Workshop D21 Down Jacket

Mission Workshop

Best Staple Style

Mission Workshop D21

If you’re looking for low-key sophistication and high value materials in your outerwear, this puffer from Mission Workshop has you covered. It’s constructed using a high-durability nylon shell, recycled down insulation and YKK zips. Plus — it looks great.

Specs

Fill Material	Downlite recycled down
Fill Power	750
Pockets	5
Shell Material	Bluesign® approved 100% nylon pertex shell
Waterproofing	PFC-free DWR treatment
Weight	0.99 pounds

Pros

• Ideal fit: Not too roomy, not too fitted

Cons

• Zippers are a little scratchy on the hand pockets

• $425.00 at missionworkshop.com

Mission Workshop’s brand-new down jacket is a departure from its cyclist-inspired apparel, but it’s a welcome one. Recycled materials, a matte finish and unique construction helped this jacket quickly become one of our tester’s favorites. He basically lives in the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody, so this style was a bit of a departure for him — it’s roomier than the Cerium LT, which is helpful for layering, but not as bulky as the Cotopaxi Solazo. The D21 has excellent and intuitive pocketing, and the fitted hood cinches down easily to trap heat. The face fabric stands up to abrasive environments and doesn’t have that weird, shiny sheen of other down jackets — plus, it’s made with Bluesign-certified nylon fabric.

Our tester didn’t love the bulky YKK zippers, especially on the hand pockets, but he did appreciate the rubber, Mission Workshop-branded zipper pulls: they’re easy to find in a pinch and make it a breeze getting the jacket on, and they’re a pleasing tactile experience, as well. The stitching and clean lines of the D21 help it stands out in a sea of puffy jackets, and overall, that’s what our tester liked most: it may look like just another black down jacket on the surface, but slip it on, and you’ll see the difference right away.

Best Vintage-Inspired Down Jacket: Cotopaxi Solazo Down Jacket

Cotopaxi

Best Vintage-Inspired Down Jacket

Cotopaxi Solazo Hooded Down Jacket

The Solazo combines modern fabrics and technology with vintage styling and vibes, making it an ideal pick for fans of nostalgia that want to, you know, stay warm. Responsible down and a ripstop shell make this eye-catching piece a winner — and your dad will love it too.

Specs

Fill Material	Responsibly-sourced goose down
Fill Power	650
Pockets	3
Shell Material	20D giant-ripstop nylon
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	1 pound, 3.4 ounces

Pros

• Easy to layer underneath

Cons

• On the bulky side

• $240.00 at cotopaxi.com

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia that comes from seeing an old-school down jacket. Winters past come to mind, with fond memories stirred out of a deep slumber. If you’re looking for a blast from the past that makes use of all of the modern innovations of today’s outerwear, look no further than Cotopaxi’s Solazo jacket. This retro puffer is filled with 650-fill responsibly-sourced goose down and is ideal for commuting to work, weekend camping or winter trips. Zippered pockets keep things toasty and safe, and an internal zippered chest pocket keeps essentials close by.

Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Montbell Plasma 1000

Montbell

Best Ultralight Down Jacket

Montbell Plasma 1000

This lightweight wonder maintains its feather-like qualities thanks to high-loft 1000-fill down — which equates to more warmth, less weight. Complementing the high-tech fill is a lightweight, ripstop nylon shell. Be warned: the Plasma has no pockets, and has a streamlined, slim fit that may not be for everyone.

Specs

Fill Material	Power EX Down
Fill Power	1000
Pockets	0
Shell Material	7-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon
Waterproofing	No
Weight	4.8 ounces

Pros

• Feather-light with ample warmth

Cons

• On the pricier side of the jacket spectrum

• $369.00 at montbell.us

If you aren’t familiar with Montbell, you should be. It’s one of our favorite ultralight brands, making high-quality sleeping bags in addition to down jackets. That reputation held up through testing the Plasma 1000, and we weren’t disappointed. Simply picking up the jacket can be shocking — even the lightest lightweight rain jackets are heavier. Exaggerations aside, when you toss it up in the air it’ll float gently back down like a feather.

The secret is high-loft 1000-fill down, which provides more warmth by weight than lower-fill powers. It’s been hard to source in the past, but Montbell is now joined in producing a jacket that packs it — not unlike Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer UL ($375).

So despite its lean stature, the Plasma is toasty warm and packs down into a tiny stuff sack that fits in its pocket. We took the jacket on a shoulder season camping trip and were glad we did. It took up virtually zero space in a pack and was warm enough to extend a sunset hike into the dark.

Best For Alpine Use: The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

The North Face

Best For Alpine Use

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Hoodie

Heading into the alpine? Bring this popular The North Face pick with you. It’s an ideal mix of warmth and weight, without being too much of anything. When comfort and durability are must-haves, this is the jacket to grab.

Specs

Fill Material	ProDown with water repellency
Fill Power	800
Pockets	7
Shell Material	Body: 20-denier 38 g recycled ripstop nylon; cuffs: 235 g 86% polyester/14% elastane knit with FlashDry
Waterproofing	Non-PFC DWR finish
Weight	1 pound

Pros

• Plenty of pockets
• Lining material is soft and cozy

Cons

• Water resistance could be better
• Pricey

• $380 at REI

Alpine adventures call for a different sort of gear: it needs to be effective, durable and comfortable. This TNF hoodie is our top pick for long days and cold nights: the comfort is unparalleled, so you can focus on your journey, not your apparel. The hydrophobic down plays well with unexpected moisture, and the helmet-compatible hood locks in heat and retains visibility. At one pound, this isn’t a lightweight jacket, so when spring and summer roll around, you’ll want to store it somewhere safe. But when temps drop and the mountains are calling, this warm pick is the answer.

Warmest Down Jacket: Rab Positron Pro

Rab

Warmest Down Jacket

Rab Positron Pro

When warmth is the name of the game and weight isn’t an issue, turn to Rab’s Positron Pro. Featuring compressible, hydrophobic 800fp down, the jacket’s construction eliminates cold spots. It’s bulkier than other options, but if you’re heading out on an expedition, you won’t want anything else.

Specs

Fill Material	Nikwax hydrophobic goose down
Fill Power	800
Pockets	2
Shell Material	Pertex Quantum Pro
Waterproofing	Water-resistant fabric plus DWR
Weight	1 pound, 10 ounces

Pros

• Like a sleeping bag for your upper body

Cons

• Too warm for temperate environments

• $429.95 at backcountry.com

Rab begins its description of the Positron Pro with “If you’re heading for the likes of the Himalaya…” That should give a sense of what this down jacket is all about: it’s ultra-warm and oversized, like a sleeping bag for your upper body. Rab filled it with responsibly sourced 800-fill goose down, packing extra into the torso, upper arms and hood where the extra warmth is needed while reducing it in the lower arms to enable freedom of movement.

The jacket’s shell is Pertex Quantum Pro with a DWR finish, a highly water-resistant and windproof fabric. The hood and cuffs are adjustable, and it has two hand pockets and zippered internal and external chest pockets. Remember that Rab made this jacket for climbing mountains, so it’s really warm and heavier than all the others on this list. If warmth is what you’re looking for, though, there’s none better.

Best Down Midlayer: Norrøna Falketind Down750 Jacket

Norrona

Best Down Midlayer

Norrøna Falketind 750 Down Jacket

While this down jacket is a bit heavy for backcountry use, it’s an ideal midlayer for mild winter conditions and traveling. Recycled materials, thoughtful construction and accurate fit make this an ideal piece for long and short trips alike.

Specs

Fill Material	Body-mapped down and synthetic insulation
Fill Power	750
Pockets	3
Shell Material	100% recycled nylon 20D, 100% recycled nylon 45D
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	15.5 ounces

Pros

• Body-mapped insulation makes the most of down and synthetic materials

Cons

• Not as widely available as more well-known brands

• $349.00 at norrona.com

While the name might not sound as familiar as Patagonia or The North Face, those in the know will recognize Norrona as being synonymous with performance. The Norwegian company’s 750-fill down jacket is a mixture of high-octane 750-fill down (which will keep you warm even in the most frigid conditions) as well as functional details like body-mapped insulation, which places down in the core for extra protection and synthetic fill in the areas that need the most durability and protection, like the arms and shoulders. The Falketind can be compressed down into its own pocket, making it far easier to stow away compared to its puffy brethren.

Best for City Use: Arc’teryx Therme SV Parka

Arc’teryx

Best For City Use

Arc’teryx Therme Parka

Arc’teryx is certainly known for its skill in creating efficient, durable and beautiful outerwear for the outdoors, but plenty of the brand’s pieces translate to city use, as well. The Therme Parka is an outstanding example: it utilizes a mixture of synthetic and down insulation and Gore-Tex fabric — and brings it together in a sleek, sophisticated package that can function on the trail or city streets.

Specs

Fill Material	Responsibly-sourced down and Coreloft synthetic fill blend
Shell Material	2L Gore-Tex material
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	2 pounds, 5.8 ounces

Pros

• Subtle styling and not at all shiny

Cons

• Longer hem can get in the way of activities that require more movement

• $800.00 at Arc'teryx

Not everybody is into the look of technical winter gear. The materials that make jackets warm and waterproof are often shiny or brightly colored and covered in pockets and zippers, making wearers look like they’re headed to the mountains when they might just be commuting to the office. And while Arc’teryx’s Therme SV Parka doesn’t have a technical look like some of its most popular shells and jackets, it is, like most Arc’teryx products, delightfully uncomplicated, with no wasted materials. The Therme SV combines street-ready, slick styling with warmth protection mean to stand up to even the most severe weather.

Most Durable: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka

Black Diamond

Most Durable

Black Diamond Vision Down Parka

Black Diamond’s down jacket is made for outdoorsmen that put their apparel through its paces: it features a unique polymer coating that gives it extra strength against sharp thorns, rough rocks and heavy wear.

Specs

Fill Material	Goose down
Fill Power	800
Pockets	3
Shell Material	20D nylon liquid crystal polymer ripstop
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	1 pound, 4.5 ounces

Pros

• Unique coating makes face fabric much stronger

Cons

• Too bulky for minimalists

• $465.00 at blackdiamondequipment.com

Black Diamond emphasizes two things in the Vision: warmth and durability. The former is a given, but down jackets, particularly the lightweight, packable ones, are known for outer shells that are far from tear-resistant. So Black Diamond worked with a company in Japan to create a liquid crystal polymer coating that makes the Vision significantly more durable.

The coating works wonders for rock climbers scraping up against granite, but it also comes in handy when you accidentally scuff up against a wall in town or intentionally bash your way through brush on a hike. Oh, and the Vision is warm. Really warm. It’s Black Diamond’s warmest down jacket to date.

Best Stretch Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

Mountain Hardwear

Best Stretch Down Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

This down jacket will move with you, while keeping you warm. It’s designed for climbing, but can be used for hikes, hanging around camp or whatever outdoor adventure you’ve got on the books. It won’t be your expedition parka, but for most outings, it’ll do the trick.

Specs

Fill Material	Responsibly-sourced down
Fill Power	700
Pockets	2
Shell Material	86% nylon, 14% elastane
Waterproofing	DWR
Weight	14.7 ounces

Pros

• Quarter-zip style maximizes no-nonsense comfort

Cons

• Zipped fully, collar can be scratchy

• $135.00 at Amazon

  $240.00(44% off)

Like our best overall pick, this pullover features pockets of down insulation woven from a single stretch fabric, which gives you plenty of room to move despite its half-zip style. That makes it optimal for climbing but also throwing on around a campsite or for a quick hike. As the lightest and most packable of Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown line weighs less than a pound, making it an excellent travel item as well. Elastic binding at the cuffs and hem seal out cold, and the three-piece hood fits snugly over your dome, keeping your ears warm when the temps drop.

Best Sustainable Down Jacket: Lifelabs MegaWarm Jacket

LifeLabs

Best Sustainable Down Jacket

Lifelabs MegaWarm Jacket

True sustainability requires innovation, and this jacket has both in spades. Featuring Earth-friendly, recycled materials, the MegaWarm Jacket brings the heat — but at a cost. If you’re looking for an investment in sustainability, this is the jacket for you.

Specs

Fill Material	Ethically-sourced goose down
Fill Power	800
Pockets	4
Shell Material	WarmLife twill 2L (100% recycled polyester)
Waterproofing	PFC-free DWR
Weight	~1 pound

Pros

• Sustainably manufactured

Cons

• A little long for fans of the more cropped look

• $699.00 at lifelabs.design

Lifelabs released this down-disruptor at the tail end of 2021, and it continues to bring the heat today. The MegaWarm is just that — warm. With the highest-rated CLO in the industry at 9.25, (CLO being the numerical system that describes the degree of insulation provided by an article of clothing) the MegaWarm provides more warmth with less fabric. Lifelabs used its patented Warmlife tech, which infuses a tiny amount of aluminum (less than a paper clip’s worth) into the shell to reflect 100 percent radiant heat back to the body, using less fabric in the process. It also used “boxed” baffles filled with ethically sourced, 800 fill-power down finish details like the rib-knit baseball collar and cuffs and a fully taped, waterproof shell to trap and retain heat.

The cherry on top of this sustainable, feather-light jacket? Unlike traditional down, it looks sharp as hell.

What to Know Before You Buy a Down Jacket

An Intro to Down

Down is found in layers underneath the rougher outer feathers of ducks and geese — it’s what keeps them warm while floating around all winter, so, naturally, it will keep us warm too. Despite that, moisture is the undoing of down, causing it to clump up and lose its heat-retaining qualities. It also should be noted that while large-scale efforts have been made by big brands such as Patagonia and The North Face, not all down is ethically sourced, and animal cruelty does happen. Compared to its synthetic counterpart, down insulation performs best in cold, dry environments.

Fill Powers Decoded

Down fill powers are numerical ratings that usually range anywhere from about 450 to 900. This number comes from a standardized test in which an ounce of down is compressed in a graduated cylinder and then measured for volume in cubic inches; that volume is the fill rating. An ounce of 900-fill down occupies more space (and thus traps more air and provides more warmth) than an ounce of 600-fill down. The two samples weigh the same, but one takes up more space and can trap more air, which means more warmth.

What this boils down to is the idea that a higher fill power means more warmth for less weight. It’s important to note that two jackets or sleeping bags may have different fill ratings while providing the same amount of warmth — the difference is that whichever has the higher rating will pack down to a smaller size because less material is needed to get the same amount of warmth. High-down fill powers tend to come with a heftier price tag, so consider what you’re going to use a product for when getting into those loftier feathers.

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