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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.
We tested the very best down jackets for men and women.
Looking for the best down jacket for traveling, walking your dog, backpacking, or simply staying warm this winter? Our gear experts bought and tested dozens of jackets, measuring their warmth in lab-style trials and during months of real-world testing.
Our top recommendation for women is the REI Co-op Magma 850 Hoodie. It offers the best balance of warmth, comfort, and performance at a very reasonable price compared to other top-tier models. For a true bargain, the Forclaz MT100 Hooded Down Puffer punches way above its price tag, costing one-third the price of many of its competitors.
Our top choice for men is also the REI Co-op Magma 850 Hoodie. Like the women's award-winner, this jacket hits the sweet spot between warmth, versatility, and price, making it the best option for most people. Similarly, the Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Down Puffer proved itself to be the best value option for men.
Alternatively, our insulated jacket reviews cover synthetic fill options that are often not as warm or lightweight as down but are better at managing moisture and the washing machine. If you want a coat with a parka-like outer layer, see our winter jacket review that covers warmer jacket options.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on April 11, 2025, from our newest round of testing to include new award winners from our women's review.
The REI Co-op Magma 850 Hoodie is just as comfortable on a mid-winter ski trip as it is on a summer backpacking trip. Thanks to its 850-fill-power down, this lightweight jacket offers impressive warmth relative to its weight. This highly compressible jacket easily stuffs into one of its pockets, which makes it a great option for backpacking, and its sleek, stylish design and comfortable fit made it one of our favorites for travel. “I loved wearing this jacket for everything from walks around the neighborhood with the dog to backcountry expeditions and everything in between,” lauds our lead tester.
The combination of DWR treatments on both the outer shell and down insulation provide reliable weather resistance in light precipitation and helps combat loss of loft under sweaty, damp conditions. The price for such a versatile jacket is particularly compelling — the Magma 850 costs significantly less than comparable, top-tier jackets we tested, and you can often find it on sale.
This jacket isn't quite as portable as the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, the absolute lightest model we tested, nor is it as warm as Rab Electron Pro. Instead, the Magma 850 strikes a nice balance between warmth and packability. “This jacket is moderately warm,” our lead tester describes, “which our team agrees makes it a better choice for folks who want one, versatile jacket that can do everything.” It is warm enough for mid-winter as a part of a layering system, and it's just as comfortable to wear on a chilly summer night around the campfire. For a stellar, all-season down jacket, you can't go wrong with the REI Magma 850.
For folks seeking a lightweight yet impressively warm down jacket, the REI Co-Op Magma 850 is a standout option. “This jacket is just as perfect for backpacking trips as it is for chilly evening strolls about town,” our lead tester described, noting the Magma 850's versatility.
Packed with premium 850-fill-power goose down, it offers an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. While it doesn't provide the same level of insulation or coverage as longer jackets like the Rab Electron Pro or Jones Re-Up Recycled, the Magma 850 costs a fraction of these other jackets, making it a budget-friendly choice that delivers reliable warmth without unnecessary bulk.
The recycled nylon shell and RDS-certified down are treated with a DWR finish for some level of water resistance. During an in-house spray test, the materials did not absorb water. “But in heavy rain, you'll still want to wear this under a rain shell for full protection,” one tester pointed out.
Its sleek fit is on the trimmer side, which makes it easy to layer under a shell. Thoughtful details like a draft neck tube, adjustable hem, hood, and elastic cuffs help seal in warmth where it's needed. Whether you're heading into the backcountry or into the city, the Magma 850 is a top choice for folks seeking an ultra-light, super-warm, and highly packable down jacket.
The Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Puffer is one of the least expensive options we tested, but it still has many of the great features we love in a down jacket. “This jacket is super comfortable, incredibly lightweight, and feels just as high-quality as other jackets I tested that cost more than twice as much,” lauded our lead tester. It weighs only 10.3 ounces, lighter than many other ultralight down jackets we reviewed (like the 14.9-ounce Rab Microlight Alpine, although our testers definitely found the Rab jacket to be warmer.)
Because of its weight and compressibility, this ultralight down jacket is particularly well-suited for backpackers and travelers. The Forclaz MT100 works in casual settings, but if you prefer a hoodless jacket to wear around town and at the office, we also love the REI Co-op 650 Down.
Even though the Forclaz MT100 is available in men's sizes S through 3XL, it runs on the very small side. Our lead tester normally wears a size small or medium, but he found the medium he tested fit like a small from most other brands. “The medium I tested fit well and wasn't too tight to restrict any movement,” he described, “but if you want a looser fit, you may even want to buy this jacket two sizes larger than normal.”
For a higher-performance jacket with a bit more of a relaxed fit, check out the reasonably priced Stio Pinion Hooded. This jacket is warmer than the Forclaz, more weather-resistant, and surprisingly affordable for a technical down jacket. But for an inexpensive jacket that you can wear anywhere, from the grocery store to the pub to the trails, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Decathlon Forclaz MT100.
The Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Puffer is a lightweight puffy jacket that punches well above its price tag. Comparable to the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, the Forclaz MT100 weighs only about one-third more but only costs one-third of the price. “It's a prime example of how affordability doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality,” describes our lead tester.
Designed for three-season wear, the Forclaz offers solid warmth with 800-fill-power recycled down, making it an excellent choice for cool-weather hikes, travel, and everyday use. Its compressibility is a standout feature, as it easily packs away into its pocket for quick storage. The athletic cut is great for layering, and its lightweight design appeals to those who value portability over bulk.
That said, the MT100 does have a few drawbacks. The thin outer shell is susceptible to wear and tear, and its water resistance is minimal. “Without a durable water-repellent [DWR] finish, this jacket really struggled in damp conditions,” one tester noted. Additionally, the lack of hood adjustments and basic features like waist cinches means it's not the best for high-exposure activities or extreme cold.
Despite these limitations, the MT100 remains a top choice for budget-conscious adventurers in need of a warm, packable layer for milder, dry conditions. There are cheaper options, such as the Wantdo Packable Down Hoody. However, the Forclaz outperforms all other price-point options without costing much more.
As of the 2024-2025 winter season, Mountain Hardwear has dropped the /2 from its name. This jacket is now just called the Ghost Whisperer, and our testing has proved it to be functionally the same as the previous version.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is the best option for a lightweight down jacket for fast and light adventures. 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 I've tested,” our lead tester highlighted.
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.
The Ghost Whisperer is a minimalist jacket, which isn't for everyone. It only has two zippered hand pockets, no hem drawcord, and no other pockets. “While this minimal approach to features does make it lighter, sometimes I think an extra chest pocket would be nice,” one tester admitted.
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.
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.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is a featherweight option, perfect for those who like to keep their pack light. “This model has less down insulation than many other jackets I tested,” our lead tester noted, “but at only 8.3 ounces in size large, it's the lightest by a long shot.” And it's still very insulating, considering its weight.
For those looking for more insulation, the Feathered Friends Eos only weighs 10.3 ounces (size small), has tons of 900-fill down stuffed inside, and is still pretty packable. However, get ready for the extra weight in your bag and the cost in your pocket.
The Ghost Whisperer makes sacrifices to achieve such a low weight. It has a single hem adjuster cord and no chest pocket or hood adjustment. It's also made of ultra-thin 10-denier shell material, so it's not the most durable. The Ghost Whisperer excels when you're working up a sweat. “This jacket was perfect for high-alpine missions,” one tester commented, “yet it was casual-looking enough for me 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. But when you're counting grams, we think this jacket is a worthwhile addition to any kit.
The 2024-2025 version of the Breithorn has been updated with vertical shoulder baffles rather than horizontal ones. We tested this new version and found it to be virtually indistinguishable from the previous one.
The The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie stands out as an incredibly comfortable and warm jacket. “This is the one I reached for when I wanted the coziest jacket available,” our lead tester admitted. 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 five total pockets: hand pockets with a zipper, an internal check pocket that zips shut, and two internal drop-in pockets with elastic stretch openings.
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 was pretty expensive compared to some models. “But it's fantastic for everything from winter backpacking to snowman-building adventures with the kids,” one tester noted. 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.
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 in the gnarliest winter weather.
We love its adjustability, which allows you to dial in a custom fit. Our test team found the ergonomically cut sleeves to offer a great range of motion. “Whether I was working on a home project outside or ice climbing, I was more comfortable in the cold while wearing this jacket,” one tester lauded.
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.
However, the Neutrino Pro may be too much unless you're facing really cold temperatures. “Warmer isn't always better,” our lead tester points out, “so I don't think this is the best option for milder climates or more high-energy activities.” 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, although we appreciate all the hem and cuff adjustments, 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 Neutrino Pro was one of the few jackets we tested that sports a two way zipper, great for when wearing with a climbing harness or if you just want more movement or ventilation
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,” one tester pointed out. 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.
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 Wantdo 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 turns that notion on its head. This simple, ultra-budget option checks all the boxes for chilly outings and daily use.
“During testing, I was surprised by how wind and weather-resistant this jacket was,” admitted our lead tester. 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.
The Wantdo does have some flaws, though. First, it's not very breathable. “The inside of the jacket often got wet with sweat when I wore it for high-output activities, like ski touring,” one tester noted. 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 L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 will offer a longer cut, more adjustability, and more warmth, but it's over $150 more, and quite a bit heavier. However, if you just want a super lightweight down jacket and can overlook the downsides, the Wantdo is a shockingly affordable option.
The Wantdo is the absolute most budget-friendly model we tested.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
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 stuffed 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 frigidly 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.
Unfortunately, the hood lacks the same interior lining as the rest of the jacket, making it a bit more susceptible to consistent winds.
Every jacket was tested in the field and in our test labs.
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. Sara rounds out this testing team, bringing her keen eye for detail, tough touch for testing, and a passion for overnight adventures on the rivers and mountains across the Californian Sierra.
We tested our jackets in the depths of winter and during a range of activities.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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 many choices of 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.
Its important to consider the different environment and activities you will be using your jacket for.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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:
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
REI Co-op Magma 850 Hoodie
8.5
8
7
8
The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie
9
9
5
8
Stio Pinion Hooded
8
8.5
6.5
8
Rab Electron Pro
9
9
4
8.5
Rab Microlight Alpine
8
8.5
5
9
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
6
6.5
10
7.5
Jones Re-Up Recycled
9
7.5
5.5
7.5
L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded
8.5
6
6
8
Decathlon Forclaz Men\'s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer
6
7
8.5
7
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody
8.5
10
3
6
REI Co-op 650 Down
5
7.5
8.5
6
Feathered Friends Eos
8.5
5.5
7
6
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
6
9
6
6
Arc\'teryx Cerium Hoody
8
4.5
7.5
6.5
Marmot Highlander Hoody
6
7
5.5
7
MontBell Superior Down
5
5.5
9.5
5
Rokka and Rolla Ultra Lightweight Puffer
5
4.5
9
5
Fjallraven Expedition Pack Hood
8
6
3
6
The North Face Hydrenalite Hoodie
8
5.5
3
6
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded
6
4.5
6
6
Wantdo Packable Down Hoody
5
4.5
8
5
Columbia Delta Ridge Hooded
9
3.5
4.5
5
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
6
4.5
4.5
6
Camel Crown Packable Puffer
4
3.5
7.3
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. Thanks to its light weight and ability to trap air, 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 Ghost Whisperer weighs a mere 8.3 ounces.
Credit: Sam Schild
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.
We weighed every jacket and timed how long it took to pack them into their pockets or storage pouches.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
Our feature heavy jackets weighed more than the more basic straightforward designs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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: for some users pocket positions and functions can be an important determinate.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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.
If you like spending time outside in the depths of winter, this Neutrino Pro is a great option to keep you warm.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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?"
A highly packable jacket is important because you might not always need to wear it.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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: Natalie Kafader
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!
Credit: Natalie Kafader
—Maggie Nichols, Sam Schild, Kaylee Walden, and Sara James
