We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We purchased and tested the best down jackets available, taking them near and far on all our cold-weather adventures, camping, and strolls around town.
Looking for the best down jacket for travel, walking your dog, backpacking, or simply staying warm this winter? Our gear experts bought over 30 jackets and measured their warmth in lab-style tests and during months of real-world activities.
The absolute warmest and most comfortable recommendation for women is the Rab Neutrino Pro. No other jacket came close. We love its longer length, adjustability, and comfort. However, the REI Co-op 650 was about a third of the cost and may deliver all the warmth you need, especially for around-town use.
Rab was also the best option for men with the Rab Electron. It was the warmest jacket with the best weather resistance in the men's lineup. Similarly, the men's REI Co-op 650 was the best value option for men.
Alternatively, our insulated jacket reviews cover synthetic fill options that are often not as warm as down but are better at managing moisture and the washing machine. If you want a much warmer option, see our winter jacket review that covers warmer jacket options.
Editor's Note: On November 14, 2024, we updated this review to ensure our lineup is current and to share more recommendations as alternatives to our award picks.
The Rab Electron Pro is incredibly warm and cozy. Our testers find this jacket to be comfortable for doing just about anything in the cold, from scraping ice off your car in the dark to summiting a mountain. It fights off wind, snow, and sleet better than any other down jacket we tested by using 800-fill water-resistant down with Nikwax treatment. This cold-weather killer features a great fit and was a favorite of every single tester for our men's down jacket review. It has tons of excellent adjustability features that also make it super versatile. The waist hem is adjustable and the hand pockets are placed to accommodate the hip belt of a pack or a climbing harness. The hood is helmet-compatible with a stiff brim and stretch cinch cords, as well as velcro adjustment on the rear of the hood. We loved the wrist cuff design, too. It has unique triangular elastic pieces built into the bottom of the wrist hem. This still allows the wrist cuff to stretch, but it doesn't leave a big elastic band exposed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Yes
Down Fill
800-fill European goose down with Nikwax hydrophobic finish
Outer Fabric
20D nylon Pertex Quantum Pro
Weight (Size Small)
16.1 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (large)
The Electron Pro is a heavier jacket and doesn't pack down the smallest. If you want a warm coat that's slightly more packable, we also love the Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody. We wish the Electron Pro had internal drop pockets to stash gloves or a hat. However, if you need an all-around stellar jacket that's crazy warm, comfortable, and weather-resistant, this is it.
If you need the most insulating down jacket, the Rab Neutrino Pro is your best bet. This jacket is almost as warm as an expedition jacket but a bit less bulky. It features huge baffles and a deep drop hem for extra cold weather protection and the gnarliest winter weather. We love its adjustability that allows you to dial in a custom fit. Our test team found the ergonomically cut sleeves to offer great range of motion, so whether you're working on a home project outside or ice climbing, you'll be more comfortable in the cold. Even with all the burliest protection, the Neutrino Pro maintains a flattering fit for a highly lofted jacket and doesn't look like an overly technical jacket. This model stands out among the loftiest jackets because it doesn't make you look like a stuffed animal when you wear it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified?
Yes
Down Fill
800-fill European goose down, hydrophobic Nikwax
Outer Fabric
20D recycled Pertex Quantum Pro, ripstop
Weight (Size Small)
18.5 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (large)
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. You can save a decent chunk of cash with a jacket like the Marmot Highlander Hoody, which is a little less warm and weather resistant. Also, regarding the Neutrino Pro's adjustability, we wish the hood was adjusted with a toggle and not the simple velcro adjustment. Bottom line: If you need warmth, the Neutrino Pro will keep you cozy, comfortable, and dry wherever you're headed.
The REI Co-op 650 Down is one of the least expensive options we tested, but it still has many of the features we love in a down jacket. This model is super comfortable, doesn't weigh much, and feels as high-quality as jackets that cost over twice as much. Our test team found this jacket to be suited for everything from casual days in the park to chilly winter hikes, and comfortable enough that they wanted to keep wearing it afterward. It weighs only 10 ounces, lighter than many other down jackets we reviewed, like the 15-ounce Rab Microlight Alpine (although our testers definitely found the Rab jacket to be warmer). The 650 Down is also available in a wide range of sizes, from small through XXXL, along with tall sizing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Yes
Down Fill
650-fill down
Outer Fabric
Recycled ripstop nylon
Weight (Size Small)
10.1 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (small)
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 (for that, we'd choose a jacket like the The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie or Rab Electron Pro). And the REI 650 Down doesn't have a hood, which makes it feel even less insulating overall (although REI does offer a hooded version for an extra $20). This jacket is very lightweight and packable, but it 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.
The REI 650 Down is a simple yet effective down jacket at a great price. This has that classic “puffy jacket” look without the expensive price tag. It doesn't have all the extra features that make down jackets so expensive, but it's still a great overall jacket. Our testers found the hip-length fit to be super comfortable, making it perfect for casual everyday wear around town and chilly nights by the fire. The 650 Down is compressible, lightweight, and insulates in moderately cold conditions. And when the temperature drops, the more relaxed fit makes it great for wearing over a thick sweater or fleece. Its high neck kept us warm enough when zipped up. It also doesn't restrict movement when you need to reach above your head.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified?
Yes
Down Fill
650-fill down
Outer Fabric
Recycled nylon, DWR finish
Weight (Size Small)
9.9 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (small); hip length
The 650 Down doesn't have a hood. 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. The 650's hem is also shorter than jackets like the Rab Neutrino Pro, so it's not the warmest jacket for extremely cold conditions or stormy January days. The shell material isn't ripstop, and our testers found it lost more down over time than other jackets in our test. Though this isn't a technical down jacket, it's super cozy and comes at a stellar price. We think the REI 650 is a great option for commuting, traveling, or mild-weather adventures on the trail.
Puffy coats insulated with RDS-certified down are often expensive, but the Wantdo Packable Down Hoody costs less than you might spend on a night out to dinner. You can buy four of these jackets for the price of one down jacket from a big outdoor brand. It's not the warmest, but it'll work in mild temperatures. If you need something a bit warmer, you'll have to pay for it — although you can still snag something affordable like the toasty Columbia Delta Ridge Hooded for about double the cost of the Wantdo. The Wantdo is fairly packable and includes a stuff sack to stow it away. It has 90% duck-down insulation, a lightweight shell material that sheds water, and a comfortable interior lining material. If you need a jacket to stay warm on chilly morning commutes or walks in the park on winter afternoons, our testers found this jacket works surprisingly well. It's a no-brainer to bring it along with you since it's so packable and inexpensive.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Yes
Down Fill
90% duck down
Outer Fabric
20D 400T nylon
Weight (Size Small)
10.6 oz
Hem Type
Straight
Though the Wantdo is very lightweight, affordable, and packable, it lacks some extras you find on higher priced competitors like the Rab Electron Pro. The Wanrdo has no adjustment features, so you can't cinch the hood or waist tighter. Our testers thought the hand pocket zippers were small and 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.
Most down jackets are expensive. The Wantdo Packable Down Hoody - Women's turns that notion on its head. This simple, ultra-budget option checks all boxes for chilly outings and daily use. During testing, our team was surprised by how wind and weather-resistant it was. Moisture beads on the shell material, keeping you comfortable and dry inside. Though it has a boxier fit, it comes in a wide range of sizes from XS-XXXL and tons of cool color options. And that boxier fit allows for good movement in any activity.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified?
Yes
Down Fill
90% duck down
Outer Fabric
20D Nylon Taffetta
Weight (Size Small)
8.8 oz
Hem Type
Straight hem; hip length
The Wantdo does have some flaws, though. First, it's not very breathable. Our testers 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. Long-armed folks beware: most of our test team found the sleeves didn't reach their wrists, exposing them to the elements. A jacket like the Columbia Lay D III will offer a longer cut, longer sleeves (with thumbhole cuffs!), and more warmth, but it's over $100 more expensive and is a lot heavier and bulkier. However, if you just want a lightweight down jacket and can overlook the downsides, the Wantdo is a shockingly affordable option.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is the best option for a lightweight down jacket for fast and light adventures. (Note: Since our last test cycle with this jacket, Mountain Hardwear has dropped the /2 from its name. This jacket is now just called the Ghost Whisperer.) It weighs a mere 8.3 ounces for a men's small, and it packs down enough to disappear in your pack. This jacket packs into its own pocket and compresses to a smaller size than any other men's down jacket we've tested. The Ghost Whisperer is a mainstay in our packs for backpacking and high-alpine missions, and the lightweight design makes it so comfortable that we wear it around the house as well. It has an athletic cut that fits broader shoulders and lets you reach the next hold when rock climbing in cold temps (or just the upper cabinets in your kitchen if you're trying to save on your heat bill). It also breathes better than most other down jackets, so you don't have to stop and take it off as often. It works to layer underneath, yet it doesn't feel bulky when wearing it, either.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Yes
Down Fill
800-fill goose down
Outer Fabric
10D recycled ripstop nylon
Weight (Size Small)
8.3 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (small)
The Ghost Whisperer 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. A jacket like the Patagonia Down Sweater is a bit cheaper and has more pockets and great style. Overall, the Ghost Whisperer offers incredible performance in a lightweight puffy coat. If you need a little more warmth in a lightweight package, the Feathered Friends EOS is another great option. It only weighs a few ounces more and has much more loft to keep you warmer.
If you always know exactly what your pack weighs, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is a featherweight option to shave ounces. (As of Fall 2024, Mountain Hardwear has changed this jacket's name to the Ghost Whisperer, dropping the “/2”. You might be able to find a great deal on last year's colors with any model with a 2 in the name.) This model has less down insulation than many other jackets we tested, but at only 6.9 ounces, this is the lightest by a long shot. And it's still very insulating considering how light it is. The Ghost Whisperer excels when you're working up a sweat, and our testers found its simple design is perfect for high-alpine missions, yet it's casual-looking enough to wear around town. It has a hood with an elasticized opening that fits easily over most winter hats and even a helmet. The baffles are smaller, and since it has less down, it's one of the most breathable models we tested. It's perfect for clipping to your harness to throw on during a climb, while warming up on a ski tour, or for a walk down the block to a yoga session.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified?
Yes
Down Fill
800-fill down
Outer Fabric
10D recycled ripstop nylon
Weight (Size Small)
6.9 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (small)
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. There are minimal pockets. 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.
The The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie stands out as an incredibly comfortable and warm jacket. This is the model we reach for when we want the coziest warmth. It has loads of features and makes us smile every time we put it on. The soft lining is comforting, and the wrist cuffs are made with a knit fabric that reminds us of a well-worn cotton sweatshirt in all the best ways. This is worlds apart from most jackets' elastic bands sewn in as wrist cuffs. The hood adjusts simply and easily. It's also very effective at sealing in warmth and performs better than hoods with multiple adjustment points, all with a single toggle. The Breithorn also has seven pockets! That's more than every other model we tested and includes hand pockets with a zipper, an internal check pocket that zips shut, two inner pockets made of stretchy mesh material that are perfect for stashing gloves, and two drop-in pockets between the stretch pockets and the jacket lining.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Yes
Down Fill
800 fill ProDown with water repellency
Outer Fabric
20D recycled nylon ripstop
Weight (Size Small)
15.2 oz
Hem Type
Straight
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.
The Arc'teryx Cerium won our hearts with a stellar all-around performance in a featherweight, high-quality jacket. This model adapts to any situation and is very stylish for a technical jacket. It has a subtle drop hem, an adjustable hood that's very protective, and the 850-fill power down creates a warm, insulating layer that hugs your body. It has synthetic insulation under the arms and on the tops of the shoulders and less down in other areas to increase weather resistance and breathability. This model is one of our favorites for staying warm when playing outside in cold weather.
SPECIFICATIONS
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified?
Yes
Down Fill
850-fill European white goose down
Outer Fabric
Arato 15D ripstop nylon, recycled with DWR treatment
Weight (Size Small)
10.2 oz
Hem Type
Drop hem (small)
However, the Arc'teryx Cerium is extremely expensive. 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. However, the Cerium doesn't cut corners. Our test team found its 15-denier nylon exterior does an excellent job blocking wind and light precipitation. The material is thin enough to see through, so you'll probably want to treat this jacket with care. Overall, the Cerium is very comfortable, easy to pack, sleek, and super-functional.
The Arc'teryx Cerium is an extremely comfortable and warm jacket that's a great all-around cold weather option.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Test Down Jackets
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.
From chores around the house to backcountry ski tours, our team has put in the work to find the best down jackets.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Why Trust GearLab
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.
We weighed every jacket to verify the manufacturer's claimed weight.
Staying out past sunset in the Highlander hoody to test warmth.
Testing mobility of the Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody.
Every jacket was tested in the field and our home test labs as well.
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.
Testing the Rab Neutrino Pro on a chilly desert evening.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
How To Choose the Best Down Jacket for You
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.
Testing down jackets on a backcountry ski tour.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Jacket Genders
It's rare to find a jacket sold as “unisex.” However, the specific features, proportions, and measurements (and even colors) that manufacturers change to make a men's and a women's version all differ. We've tested a ton of them over the years, asking friends and family to add input to each model's fit. In the below chart, we break down several of the key metrics we use to rate and rank women's down jackets:
Key Metric Scores of Women's Down Jackets
Product
Warmth
Comfort
Portability
Weather Resistance
Rab Neutrino Pro
9.5
10
6
8
Arc\'teryx Cerium
8
7
7.5
8.5
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2
6
7.5
9.5
7
The North Face Summit Breithorn
8.5
7
6.5
7.5
Feathered Friends Eos
9
8
7
5
Mammut Broad Peak IN
7
6.5
7.5
7
Rab Microlight Alpine
7.5
7
5
8
Marmot Highlander
7
8.5
6.5
5
Columbia Lay D III
7.5
7
2.5
7.5
REI Co-op 650
5.5
7
7
5
Patagonia Down Sweater
6
6.5
5.5
6.5
Wantdo Packable
5
5.5
7
6.5
Cotopaxi Fuego
6.5
6
6
5
Outdoor Research Helium
5.5
5
5.5
7.5
Lock and Love Ultra-Light
3.5
5
8
4
Rokka and Rolla Ultra-Light
3.5
5
8
4
Kuhl Spyfire
5
6.5
4
4
Breaking down the four most highly weighted metrics in our women's down jacket testing.
Not all models perform the same between the men's and women's versions. In some cases, the men's fit seems to be better suited to a wider range of “average” body types, and in some cases, the women's version fits our testing team better. The chart below shows key metric scores of men's down jackets in our current lineup:
Key Metric Scores of Men's Down Jackets
Product
Warmth
Comfort
Portability
Weather Resistance
Rab Electron Pro
9
9.5
4
9
The North Face Summit Breithorn
9
9
5
8
Rab Microlight Alpine
8
9
5
9
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2
6
7
10
8
Patagonia Down Sweater
6
9.5
6
6
Feathered Friends Eos
8.5
6
7
6
REI Co-op 650
5
8
8.5
6
Arc\'teryx Cerium
8
5
7.5
6.5
Marmot Highlander
6
7.5
5.5
7
MontBell Superior
5
6
9.5
5
Rokka and Rolla Puffer
5
5
9
5
Cotopaxi Fuego
6
5
6
6
Wantdo Packable
5
5
8
5
Columbia Delta Ridge
9
4
4.5
5
Fjallraven Expedition
8
5
3
6
Outdoor Research Helium
6
5
4.5
6
Four of the five metrics we use to put every men's down jacket to the test.
What Kind of Jacket Do You Need?
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.
Testing the Ghost Whisperer in our outdoor lab. Super light down jackets can be perfect for runs in the cold.
Credit: Sam Schild
Down Jackets
Use Cases: Everyday wear, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering
REASONS TO BUY
High warmth-to-weight ratio
Great for travel
Compressible
Works well with layers
REASONS TO AVOID
Can be expensive
Not the most durable type of jacket
Not great in wet 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.
The Ghost Whisperer weighs a mere 8.3 ounces.
Credit: Sam Schild
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.
A great synthetic insulated jacket will keep you warm even when wet, so they're great for high-output activities and damp climates.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Synthetic Jackets
Use Cases: Daily wear, cold and wet conditions, climbing, running, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering
REASONS TO BUY
Retains loft longer when wet
Dries quickly
Good for layering
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as compressible as down
Heavier than down
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.
A good winter jacket has lots of insulation to keep you warm in snowy, wintery weather.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Winter Jackets
Use Cases: Daily winter wear, winter camping, snow activities, anything in cold weather
REASONS TO BUY
The warmest kind of jacket
Usually waterproof or high water resistant
Good for layering underneath
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Big and bulky
Heavy
Not great for high-intensity activities
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.
A softshell jacket is stretches as you move and is highly breathable, making it a great jacket for moving in the mountains.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Softshell Jackets
Use Cases: Skiing, winter running, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, mountaineering
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Breathable
Allow for great mobility
Water-resistant
Works as a mid-layer or shell layer
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as packable as lightweight insulated jackets
Not as warm
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 high-quality hardshell jacket is the most protective layer used in a layering system that keeps the rest of your layers dry.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Hardshell Jackets
Use Cases: Cold and wet weather, city commuting, mountaineering, climbing, hiking, backpacking
REASONS TO BUY
Resists tears from abrasions
Fully waterproof
Breathable
Great for layering underneath
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Not insulating
Stiff material
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.
Hardshells are lightweight, thin, and made to go on the exterior of your layering system.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
How To Layer With a Down Jacket
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 base layer, 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.
Base layer
You wear a base layer as the first layer next to your skin. Base layers are tight-fitting and should wick sweat off your body so it can evaporate. Base layers are usually made of synthetic materials or wool. These materials won't make you cold when they get wet with your sweat.
Mid-layer
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 base layer. After all, you wear a mid-layer over a base layer.
Down Jacket
Next in your layering system is your down jacket. This layer provides the bulk of your insulation, but the base layer and mid-layer you're wearing underneath will definitely make that down jacket feel even warmer.
Shell Layer
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.
A baselayer and fleece can go a long way to keep you warm.
The Feathered Friends Eos over the right layers will keep you warm for your next hike or mid-winter grocery store run.
A shell over a down jacket can help keep in body heat while protecting from the elements.
Layering for your climate is just as important as choosing a down jacket.
What Else to Look For in a Down Jacket
There's a lot to consider when looking for the perfect down jacket for you: warmth, comfort, packability, weather resistance, and breathability are some of the things we considered when evaluating these jackets.
Credit: Sam Schild
Down Fill Power
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.
Higher fill power means more compressibility and more warmth for the weight, but it's also more expensive, and a higher fill power jacket with less down won't be as warm as a lower fill power model with more insulation.
Credit: Sam Schild
Warmth
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.
A quality hood goes a long way in keeping you warm in your jacket.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort
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.
Comfort is key, because if a jacket isn't comfortable you might not wear it at all.
Credit: Sam Schild
Portability
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?"
I highly packable jacket is important because you might not always need to wear it.
Credit: Sam Schild
Weather Resistance
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.
While not a hardshell, a good down jacket should protect you from snow and light precipitation.
Credit: Sam Schild
Breathability
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.
If you plan on using your jacket for high-output activities like biking or running, it should be breathable.
Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
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.
We have tested lots of options to keep you warm and dry all year long. Our winter boots review can keep your feet toasty in cold weather. Check out our reviews of rain jackets and umbrellas to keep you dry when the clouds begin to rumble.
We hope this guide helps you find the best down jacket to suit your specific needs. Stay warm out there!
