A high-quality down jacket should be a staple in your wardrobe, particularly if you live in a cold climate or plan on visiting one during the winter months. They’re lightweight, easily packable, and provide superb warmth whether you’re out and about in the city, or exploring the backcountry.
Down jackets differ in terms of type and amount of insulation and also water resistance and breathability, not to mention design features like the hood and pockets. Your choices include down and synthetic fills, too. So, the editors at IMBOLDN want to make your hunt for the ideal down jacket easy with details on our top 9 picks for the best jackets out there.
Askov Finlayson Men’s Winter Parka
You’ll be more than ready to take on winter with Askov Finlayson’s parka. This is a coat that features 100% recycled featherless insulation that’s lab-tested and rated warm all the way to -20 degrees below zero. The parka is water-resistant with its 100% recycled polyester outer shell and 100% recycled nylon lining and it even has a scuba-fit hood with a lined edge for maximum protection from the elements. It boasts two layers of snapping lapel enclosures that seal in a two-way water-resistant YKK®️ Aquaguard®️ zipper closure. The parka’s recessed elastic cuffs lock in heat without interfering with work, plus it has Velcro-adjustable exterior cuffs for added protection from the elements.
Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody
With its trim fit, keeping warmth close to the body, the Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody is constructed with super lightweight Arato 7 face fabric with a DWR finish that repels moisture. In addition, the jacket is made with 850 fill European gray goose down and is easily compressible to fit in its included stuff sack. The StormHood is also down insulated with adjustable hood drawcords to keep the elements at bay. For additional protection, the sleeves have elastic cuffs and the hem has an adjustable cord that seals out drafts.
REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie 2.0
Featuring the company’s self-described warmest, lightest insulation and a tough Pertex ripstop shell, REI’s Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie 2.0 is just the jacket to keep you warm and protected this winter. The jacket’s 850-fill-power goose down insulation provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio and compacts so easily you can pack the hoodie into its own left-hand pocket for storage. Thanks to the goose down fill, it boasts a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment so it repels water and dries fast. Its down-filled hood with rear adjustment lets you fine-tune the fit while the elastic cuffs and drawcord hem help seal in warmth. The jacket is available in three colorways – Asphalt, Mineral Water, and Rustic Gold.
RAB – Men’s Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
For the winter climbers out there, RAB’s updated Neutrino Pro Down Jacket is the perfect solution with its new arm baffle design that improves arm pre-curve, enabling complete freedom of movement. This alpine jacket is filled with 800FP goose down which is extremely insulative, even in freezing temperatures. The Neutrino Pro uses a 100% recycled, wind and weather resistant Pertex® Quantum Pro outer, offering refuge from blizzards, withstanding snow and spindrift. Its down-filled hood is helmet compatible and the jacket has a tough, two-way YKK VISLON front zip for ease of use with a harness. Designed for durability in rugged terrain, the shoulders and upper sleeves have been strengthened with Ripstop reinforcements.
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Colorblock Jacket
Made with responsibly sourced, water-resistant 800-fill goose down, the Fuego is Cotopaxi’s quintessential down insulation layer. This lightweight jacket will see you from the fall, throughout winter, and into spring. It boasts breathable Polartec Alpha underarm panels, and a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell. Cotopaxi also added a built-in scuba hood and elastic binding throughout, which acts to seal out the cold. You’ll also appreciate the assortment of stash pockets throughout that provide space for all your essentials.
Fjallraven Expedition Lätt Hooded Jacket
This Fjallraven jacket is from the brand’s Expedition Series which uses sustainably produced materials with high reliability in cold conditions. Padded with 100% recycled polyester free-fiber, you’ll swear it’s down-filled with its puffiness and loft. Lightweight and pliant, the Lätt Hooded Jacket is perfect for a wide range of winter activities. Its durable, recycled nylon shell withstands heavy use, while the feather-like synthetic down maintains superior warmth. The jacket is available in a choice of four colorways.
Backcountry Teo ALLIED Down Jacket
No matter your preferred winter activities – snowboarding, skiing, or alpine hiking, Backcountry’s Teo Down Jacket boasts 800-fill ALLIED RDS-certified down that provides the protection and warmth to keep you going in the harshest of conditions. Its Pertex outer shell fabric is abrasion resistant, water-repellant, and quick drying. The jacket’s cinching hood traps warmth and protects you from the wind, as does its elasticated cuffs and cinched hem. For additional protection, the jacket has synthetic PrimaLoft insulation at the lower back, hood, and cuffs. Available in a choice of three colorways, Goldfinch, Ermine, and Mountain Pass.
Canada Goose Crofton Puffer
The robust Canada Goose Crofton Puffer is made with Recycled Feather-Light-Ripstop fabric – an ultra-lightweight fabric with ripstop construction and a water repellent finish. With 750 fill power responsibly-sourced duck down, the jacket features ultra lightweight channel fill construction paired with lightweight fabrics and trims for weightless warmth and effortless movement. The hood is adjustable and down-filled, adding warmth and element protection. The jacket’s articulated sleeves and underarm gussets enhance fit and add range of motion, while the zippered side gussets provide venting while on the move. For additional protection, there is a storm flap underneath the 2-way zipper to keep the elements out. The Crofton Puffer is available in a range of different colors.
The North Face – Men’s Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie
Whether navigating the city or backcountry, The North Face Hydrenalite Down Hoodie will keep you warm by wrapping you in its 550 fill goose down baffles. Its 30D 100% nylon taffeta with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish will keep you dry, as will the insulated, attached three-piece hood. The jacket is lightweight and has a standard fit with zippered hand pockets and elasticated cuffs to keep the elements at bay. Available in six different colorways, the jacket displays The North Face embroidered logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder.