Looking for the best down jackets for travel, walking your dog, backpacking, or simply staying warm this winter? Our gear experts have been testing down jackets since 2012; that's over a decade of down jacket knowledge. We've tested over 300 models for men and women to help you find the ideal option for staying toasty on your next adventure. A good down jacket is lightweight, packable, and will protect you from the cold when you're outside and the temperature drops. And since they're so packable, they make a great layer to carry when traveling. We took these jackets out on the trails while backpacking and hiking, we threw them in our carry-on bags for overnight flights, we wore them around town when running errands, and we put them on to stay warm when the sun set. Whether you're looking for the best jacket for around town, backcountry adventures, or on the slopes, we've put together this list of the best options for every type of down jacket.
We have tested lots of options to keep you warm and dry all year long. Our review on the best camping blankets will have you covered while you sit cozy next to the fire, and our favorite winter boots can keep your feet toasty in cold weather. Check out the best insulated jackets for a down alternative, or one of these best rain jackets and a top-ranked umbrella to keep you dry when the clouds begin to rumble. Mens Vest Jacket
The Electron Pro is a heavier jacket and doesn't pack down the smallest. While it comes with a stuff sack, you have to keep track of it as it's not encased inside the pocket. Also, this model doesn't have internal drop pockets to stash your gloves. However, if you need an all-around stellar jacket that's crazy warm for the weight, this is it. If you want a warm coat that's slightly more packable, we also love the Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody.
Read more: Rab Electron Pro review
However, the Neutrino Pro may be too much unless you're facing really cold temperatures. Warmer isn't always better, after all, so we don't think this is the best option for milder climates. Also, we wish this jacket's hoodwas adjusted with a toggle and not the simple velcro adjustment on the back of the hood. If you need warmth, this option will keep you cozy, comfortable, and dry wherever you're headed. If you're seeking another warm jacket, the The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie is an excellent alternative if you're looking for better packability at a more affordable price.
Read more: Rab Neutrino Pro review
Even though the 650 Down is a great all-around model, it's not the jacket we'd reach for if we really need to stay warm. And it doesn't have a hood, which makes it feel even less insulating overall. While it's very lightweight and packable, this jacket doesn't come with a stuff sack. You can stuff it into its own pocket, but you won't be able to zip that pocket shut. But if you want an inexpensive jacket that you can wear anywhere, from the grocery store to the pub to the trails, this is the model we recommend. If you're looking for a higher-performing model with a great price, check out the Rab Microlight Alpine. This jacket is warmer, more weather-resistant, and surprisingly affordable for a technical down jacket.
Read more: REI Co-op 650 Down review
The 650 Down doesn't have a hood and has a shorter hem than some models, so it's not the warmest jacket for extremely cold conditions or stormy January days. The shell material also isn't ripstop, and we found it lost down more than some jackets over time. Though this isn't a technical down jacket, it's super cozy and comes at a stellar price. So, it's a great option for commuting, traveling, or mild-weather adventures on the trail. If you're looking for a budget-friendly down jacket with a hood, we recommend the Marmot Highlander Hoody, which has slightly better weather resistance than the REI 650.
Read more: REI Co-op 650 Down review
Though the Wantdo is very lightweight, affordable, and packable, it lacks some extras you would find on competitor models. It has no adjustment features, so you can't cinch the hood or waist tighter. The hand pocket zippers are small, making them difficult to use while wearing gloves. This is one of the least warm jackets we tried, but it costs less than the price of a lift ticket. We think this is an excellent choice for anyone who needs an extra down layer, even if it's just in case. The MontBell Superior Down is another lightweight option. This jacket is a few ounces lighter than the Wantdo and has a durable exterior.
Read more: Wantdo Packable Down Hoody review
The Wantdo does have some flaws, though. First, it's not very breathable. We often found the inside of the jacket got wet with sweat when using it for high-output activities. The square fit allows a lot of airflow, which helps with breathability, but that also means it doesn't have great warmth retention. And on top of that, it has no adjustability features to trap heat. But our biggest gripe with this model was the short sleeves. Most of our testers found the sleeves didn't reach their wrists, which exposed us to the elements. But if you can overlook these downsides, this is a shockingly affordable option. The Mammut Broad Peak IN has a fitted taper that is stylish to wear around town or take on the trails, though its price isn't as friendly as the Wantdo.
Read more: Wantdo Packable Down Hoody review
The Ghost Whisperer/2 is a minimalist jacket, which isn't for everyone. It only has two zippered hand pockets, no hem drawcord, or any other pockets. While this minimal approach to features does make it lighter, we sometimes think an extra chest pocket would be nice. Overall, this jacket offers incredible performance in a lightweight puffy coat. If you need a little more warmth in a lightweight package, the Feathered Friends EOS is a great option. It only weighs a few ounces more and has much more loft to keep you warmer.
Read more: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 review
However, the Ghost Whisperer makes sacrifices to achieve such a low weight. It has a single hem adjuster cord and no chest pocket or helmet adjustment. It's also made of ultra-thin 10-denier shell material, so it's not the most durable. The trim fit sometimes exposed our wrists when reaching high overhead while climbing. But when you're counting grams, we think this jacket is a worthwhile addition to any kit. If you're after something warmer but still plenty packable, the Feathered Friends Eos only weighs 10.3 ounces and has tons of 900-fill down stuffed inside.
Read more: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 review
While the Summit Breithorn Hoodie has loads of awesome features that'll keep you cozy and warm when it's bitterly cold, all those features make for a less packable jacket. Our men's small model weighs 15.2 ounces, which is heavy and overkill for summer backpacking. Also, this jacket is pretty expensive compared to some models. But it's fantastic for everything from winter backpacking to snowman-building adventures with the kids. If you're looking for comfort and don't need as much warmth, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a dreamily comfortable model we love wearing in casual settings.
Read more: The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie review
However, the Arc'teryx Cerium is extremely expensive. This jacket doesn't cut corners, though. The 15-denier nylon exterior does an excellent job blocking wind and light precipitation. However, the material is also thin enough to see through, making us wonder about the long-term durability. Overall, the Cerium is very comfortable, easy to pack, sleek, and super-functional. If you're looking for a less expensive option that checks all the same boxes as this jacket, we recommend you look at the Rab Microlight Alpine. This jacket is just as comfortable and provides great all-weather protection at a lower cost.
Read more: Arc'teryx Cerium review
Since 2012, we've tested over 300 down jackets of all shapes and sizes. We've worn them on adventures near and far, from walking our dogs on chilly mornings to traveling the world living out of a backpack. We wear down jackets daily. We wear them to work and while hanging out on a coffee shop patio. We've carried them on 3,000+ mile thru-hikes on America's long trails and worn them on walks through our local park. We've taken them winter camping, worn them to the grocery store, and relied on them while ice climbing. We've packed them for vacation and brought them on multi-day ski tours.
For this review, we compiled test results from all the most popular and promising down jackets currently available. Then, we purchased them at retail price. Our testing team rated and quantified these jackets for different activities. We tested warmth by wearing them with various layer systems and comfort by assessing the fit on multiple body types. We scored packability using our home scales and stuffing them inside pockets or stuff sacks. Then, we evaluated their weather resistance and breathability by pouring water on them and timing how long they took to dry out. We hiked, skied, camped, packed them in our travel bags, and wore them during freak summer snowstorms. In short, we put every jacket through the wringer to find the best of the best.
The test team for this review is led by Maggie Nichols. Maggie grew up in the frigid-cold upper Midwest. She has more than 15 years of experience guiding in the backcountry. She now calls the Sierra Nevada foothills her home, and she's often in the Sierras pushing her gear to the limits while camping late into fall and winter. She's constantly traveling when not working, and she's been to some seriously cold places over the years. She got married in Iceland during winter and spent her honeymoon in Svalbard. With all that cold weather experience, she knows exactly what makes a high-quality and warm jacket. Maggie regularly gets a lot of her friends and family members to help test gear, including these jackets. Maggie has worked at GearLab since 2016. Over the years, she's tested countless categories of outdoor gear everywhere, from Japan to Norway, Alabama, and Oregon.
Maggie is joined on the testing team by Kaylee Walden. Kaylee has spent her whole life in the chilly mountains, from being raised in Montana to guiding expeditions in Alaska. She has spent years guiding backcountry ski trips and avalanche safety courses in the Rockies, and in the spring you can find her on the slopes of Denali. As an adventurer in the coldest of climates, she knows the importance of a down jacket. Sam Schild led the men's down jacket testing team. Sam is a long-distance thru-hiker, backpacker, mountain biker, and trail runner from Colorado. He has backpacked the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Colorado Trail (three times!). He has bikepacked more miles than he's thru-hiked and always carries a down jacket to stay warm on any adventure.
Getting the right jacket could be the difference between staying warm or being uncomfortably cold all day. Ultimately, you're looking for the right jacket to suit your specific needs and lifestyle. If the choices in down jackets seem intimidating, relax—we're here to help. We'll explore the nitty-gritty of what makes a great down jacket and unpack the differences between down, synthetic, winter, softshell, and hardshell jackets, just in case down jackets aren't the right type for you.
There are many kinds of jackets out there, and they all have specific use cases. Here, we'll outline some of the most common types of jackets for cold weather.
Down jackets are insulated with the fluffy plumage and feathers of waterfowl. Down excels in its warmth-to-weight ratio. No other insulation material compresses as much as down yet still insulates as well. This insulation is soft, light, and incredibly lofty to trap heat. There's a vast difference between an expedition-weight down parka and a lightweight down jacket for backpacking. That difference is mostly in weight and warmth. You wouldn't want to carry the same down jacket you'd use when climbing Denali when you're running out to your car on a cold morning (unless your heater doesn't work; in this case, maybe you do!). That big, thick down jacket for alpine conditions will be too hot and heavy for everyday use or chilly summer nights by the fire.
The puffier a down jacket looks, the warmer it will be. This is the case with all insulated jackets. So unless you need maximum warmth, don't get the puffiest down jacket you can find. If you're going to be carrying a down jacket on your back or packing it in a suitcase, you should consider getting a more lightweight and packable model as well. If you only plan to wear the jacket and not carry it often, then weight and packability shouldn't be as significant of a concern, though.
There is a lot of variability in the features and adjustability of down jackets. If weight is your top concern, you might want less features because they will add up. But if you want to cinch the drawcord hem and hood to seal in as much warmth as possible, you should look for a down jacket with those adjustment features. You'll find they're worth the added weight when you have that hood cinched tight around your head and are happily warm inside.
Down is an excellent insulating material, but it's not the best insulation for every application. As mentioned, down is incredibly warm for the weight and packs down to a very small size. However, it doesn't retain its loft when wet. So if your down jacket gets wet, you'll be left cold, wet, and shivering. For this reason, down isn't always the best option for damp conditions such as backpacking in rainy and humid climates. You can certainly carry a down jacket in wet conditions, but you'll want to ensure it stays dry so you won't be able to wear it.
Synthetic jackets are similar to down jackets but use insulation spun from non-natural materials. Synthetic insulation is usually made of polyester or nylon but can also be made with other human-made fibers.
Synthetic insulation has excellent moisture resistance. It retains its loft even when wet, so it will continue to insulate longer in wet conditions. It also dries quickly, so it won't stay wet for as long if it does get soaked. Synthetic insulation jackets are also usually more affordable than down. They are heavier than down, though. And it doesn't compress as much. With this in mind, a synthetic insulated jacket won't be as packable as a down jacket, either.
Winter jackets are designed to keep you warm in cold weather. There are many types of winter jackets, but they are generally the warmest type of jacket available. Most jackets designed for winter have a waterproof (or at least water-resistant) shell material and a lot of insulation. They tend to be longer cut, covering more of your core. There are winter jackets designed for skiing, snowboarding, casual use, outdoor trades, and more.
Softshell jackets are a versatile and breathable type of jacket made from a combination of stretchy, breathable, and water-resistant materials. They are a comfortable and flexible layer that conforms to your movements, so they're great for active pursuits in cold weather. Softshell jackets are usually somewhat water resistant, so they'll repel snow and light rain, but they aren't waterproof.
A Hardshell Jacket is the heavy-duty waterproof layer you wear when the weather turns truly foul. They are typically made from technical fabrics such as Gore-Tex, eVent, or other waterproof and breathable materials. These fabrics are designed to be lightweight, durable, waterproof, and breathable. Hardshell jackets are typically used as the outer layer in a layering system to provide the most protection from the elements and keep the layers underneath dry.
Knowing how to layer clothing to keep warm is essential for anyone who spends time outside, whether walking to a restaurant in your neighborhood or summiting 14ers in the winter. Combining a down jacket with a baselayer, mid-layer, and outer shell jacket creates a versatile system that allows you to put on or shed layers to stay comfortable as conditions change.
You wear a baselayer as the first layer next to your skin. Baselayers are tight-fitting and should wick sweat off your body so it can evaporate. Baselayers are usually made of synthetic materials or wool. These materials won't make you cold when they get wet with your sweat.
A mid-layer is the next layer you wear as part of a layering system. Midlayers are typically made of fleece, a thicker wool, or other synthetic materials that still insulate when wet. They should fit tight, but not as tight as a baselayer. After all, you wear a mid-layer over a baselayer.
Next in your layering system is your down jacket. This layer provides the bulk of your insulation, but the baselayer and mid-layer you're wearing underneath will definitely make that down jacket feel even warmer.
On top of your down jacket goes a shell layer. Here, depending on the conditions, you can use either a softshell jacket or a hardshell jacket. If it's cold and wet, you'll probably want a hardshell. But if it's simply cold and windy but not wet, then a softshell will probably be best. Either way, the shell layer goes on top of the other layers we discussed above, and it's your first line of defense against the elements.
Down insulation is rated according to its fill power, a measurement used to indicate the quality and loftiness of down. The fill power quantifies the volume that one ounce of down occupies in cubic inches. For instance, an ounce of 650-fill power down will take up less space than an ounce of 900-fill power down.
Higher fill power doesn't necessarily mean the jacket will be warmer, but the same quantity (measured in weight) of 900-fill-power down will insulate better than an equal weight of 650-fill down. This is because the 900-fill down has more loft than 650-fill down, and more loft means more warmth.
Higher fill power is going to be more expensive, too. If you're looking for an inexpensive yet warm jacket, get a lofty lower-fill-power-down jacket. It will keep you warmer than a higher-fill power jacket that doesn't look as puffy.
If a down jacket doesn't keep you warm enough for your specific activity, then what's the point? We tested warmth by wearing these jackets in various winter activities, switching between jackets to get an idea of relative warmth. The more insulation a jacket has, the thicker it will be. This is a good indicator of warmth. But it isn't the only indicator, so we thoroughly field-tested every jacket in side-by-side comparison testing in multiple activities.
We also examined every jacket's type and weight of insulation, overall thickness, and loft. We wore every jacket as part of a layering system to evaluate how well we could layer with it. We looked at whether they had helmet-compatible hoods and other layering features. We examined every jacket for points of heat loss and paid attention to those spots when wearing them in the field.
We evaluated comfort by wearing every jacket with only a t-shirt underneath to get a sense of how the lining material felt against our skin. We also noted all touchpoints and how they felt against our chins, wrists, and heads. We moved around in every jacket and noted which models allowed for the most freedom of movement. We also looked at how well each jacket could accommodate different body shapes by having multiple testers wear each model.
For portability, we weighed every jacket on our home scales. We also looked at compressibility features, such as whether they packed into their own pocket or came with a stuff sack. We stuffed these jackets repeatedly, noting which models were easier to pack away and which weren't. We also asked ourselves, "Would I bring this with me during any activity?"
While these aren't waterproof hardshell jackets, a down jacket should protect you from the elements. To test this, we sprayed every jacket with water, rubbed the water into the material,, and then noted which jackets stayed dry the longest. We also tested these for wind resistance in the field and using a fan in our lab test.
Breathability is crucial if you're using a down jacket for intense activities. If you overheat quickly and your jacket doesn't have a way to manage that heat, then you'll start to sweat and get cold. We field-tested all of these jackets in high-output activities to test this. We ran, biked, climbed, hiked, and skied in these jackets, noting which kept us comfortable for the longest while exercising.
Hopefully, this guide will help make your own down jacket-purchasing decision easier. Rest assured, this list of down jackets for women and men is the best of the best. The GearLab testing team thoroughly evaluated all of these jackets, so you can't go wrong with any of these models. Choose the jacket that best fits your specific needs and budget, then get back to your adventures! We'll keep buying, using, and reviewing the best down jackets in the industry to keep this list up to date.
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