It doesnt get much better for all-out warmth, and our current favorite is the Rab Neutrino Pro. For jackets, 550 to 650-fill down is what youll find on most entry and mid-level models, which is perfectly respectable for daily wear but falls short for performance use. For uses like backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, or whenever you have to lug around your own gear, the total weight of your down jacket should play a significant role in your buying decision. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Extremely soft and cozy design that excels for everyday wear.What we dont: Not a backcountry-ready piece. Even though it still doesnt match the wet weather performance of synthetics, we love the hydrophobic down movement. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. Category: LightweightWeight: 15.7 oz.Fill: 3.5 oz. The jacket is reasonably light at 11 ounces, provides solid warmth with over 4 ounces of 650-fill-power down, and stuffs into its own hand pocket. If youre headed out in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand, a jacket with hydrophobic down like the Ghost Whisperer/2 (and a waterproof shell) is a smart choice. Fit also varies significantly by brand. Its also worth noting that Mountain Hardwear offers a number of versions of the Stretchdown, including a heavyweight parka (one of our testers go-to jackets for everyday winter use).See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown See the Women's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown. A strong argument can be made for the Rab Cubit over the Stretchdown. Mountain Hardwear launched its Stretchdown line a handful of years ago, epitomized by soft and stretchy shells and welded seams (rather than stitched baffles). From our experience, Arcteryx jackets like the Cerium LT Hoody fit the slimmest of all, which we refer to simply as the Arcteryx fit. Guides and ultra-athletic folks who frequently use the gear are a key contingent for Arcteryx, which helps explain the fit. Youll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight Alpine stands out as one of the more weather-resistant midweight down jackets weve tested. And it ups the ante in terms of warmth, with 6.1 ounces of 700-fill down compared to the Stretchdowns 4.3 ounces. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. All told, if youre willing to sacrifice a little on fill power, the Lightline is warm, versatile, looks great, and wont break the bank. With 3.4 ounces of 800-fill-power down, the jacket is light and packable enough for backpacking and travel yet offers enough warmth to use as a midlayer for skiing. Spearheaded by designs like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, we're seeing more and more down jackets use stretch-woven shells, which lend comfort, mobility, and a good deal of tear resistance. Category: MidweightWeight: 1 lb. For bitter cold and climbing the highest peaks, an even heavier down parka may be in order. Interestingly, we frequently see this category of down jacket worn as daily layers around cities, including the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 and Arc'teryx Cerium LT (which lands in between the light and ultralight styles). With a total weight of 10.8 ounces, a nearly complete feature set, a silky interior and exterior, and a very clean design overall, the Cerium LT plays and looks the part. The most common knock against Arcteryx products is price. Nitpicks aside, the Heliums solid weatherproofing and durability make it an intriguing standalone piece, earning it a spot on our list.See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Down See the Women's OR Helium Down. But unlike down sleeping bags, which have an official EN rating system that tests and measures their warmth on a concrete scale, down jackets are more like the Wild West. 12.9 oz.Fill: 10.4 oz. Down enthusiasts love its compressibility and for good reason. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Waterproof fabric on the hood and shoulders; particularly abrasion resistant.What we dont: Shell is fairly crinkly; heavy for a performance-oriented jacket. For a similar casual option with even more down fill for frigid temperatures, check out Patagonias Jackson Glacier or the parka-length version of Mountain Hardwears Stretchdown belowRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Silent Down See the Women's Patagonia Silent Down. Category: UltralightWeight: 4.8 oz.Fill: 1.6 oz. But these are easy tradeoffs considering its intended use, and the Silent Down strikes us as the kind of jacket youll want to grab every day for months on end (we certainly did). For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. The soft fabric prioritizes stretchiness and a plush hand feel over packability, and its taffeta construction doesnt inspire a lot of confidence around sharp equipment (it seems pretty easy to tear). We keep a close eye on the ratio of fill weight to total weight to see what lengths the manufacturer went to trim weight (the shell denier is a good hint too, and more on that below). The new Coldfront Down Hoodie carries the torch: at $229, its a considerable step down in price from the more premium options on this list but doesnt fall too far behind in terms of performance. In terms of competitors, the Fjallraven offers a similar level of warmth as of our top picks like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arcteryx Cerium LT above, but its not quite as light or packable, limiting its backcountry appeal. For example, if Jacket A has 6 ounces of 800-fill down and Jacket B has 3 ounces of 800-fill down, you can expect that Jacket A will be significantly warmer (we estimate that it would increase comfort levels in low output activities by approximately 10-20 degrees). Most notably, OR upped the fill power from 650 to 700 and added 1.1 ounces more down, but the addition of synthetic fill and a more durable shell (30D vs. the Transcendents 20D) increased total weight by more than 4 ounces, which is significant. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Tons of premium down at a reasonable price point.What we dont: Heavy and bulky; not versatile for year-round use. Why isnt the Montbell Plasma 1000 ranked higher? And a final consideration is availability: Even in normal years (Covid notwithstanding), there can be a delay before the jacket ships out. Generally, we think of down sweaters and ultralightswhich usually have between 2 and 4 ounces of fill weightas providing solid warmth in conditions ranging from around 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 15 degrees Celsius) with low levels of exertion, such as puttering around a campsite. The Helium uses Pertexs Diamond Fuse technology throughout the shell, which improves abrasion resistance without adding weight. For backpacking and climbing, many people get the hood and dont regret it. And if you're going to hand over this much cash, it's worth considering the Feathered Friends Eos below, which has more down, a higher fill power at 900, and weighs slightly less. Fill: 5.3 oz. The fill weight of these jackets should be 4 ounces at the absolute minimum and often is in the range of 5 to 6 ounces or more (the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka, for instance, has more at 8.1 oz.). Feathered Friends doesnt do splashy marketing campaigns like other gear brands, but this down specialist gets a whole lot of respect among the alpine community (if youre in Seattle, the store is across from the REI flagship and makes for a fun visit). Also, keep in mind that Arcteryx jackets have a very athletic fit in general, and given that the Thorium often is used as a midlayer, you may want to size up if you are on the fence. Second, it offers excellent protection from the elements with a windproof and water-resistant Drilite shell that's also the thickest here at 50 denier. Fill power (600-fill, 700-fill, 800-fill, etc.) And as weve come to expect from Rab, build quality is excellent with a high attention to detail. This article is unisex in nature and we have both men and women gear testers getting outdoors in all seasons and types of conditions (and youll notice that whenever possible, product buttons are provided for both the mens and womens versions). That said, neither jacket is a true performance piece, so this doesnt necessarily change the equation for us, and we appreciate the Coldfronts tougher exterior for both front- and backcountry use. Moreover, the fit isnt as tailored as some of the performance designs on this list (the upside is that layering either over top or underneath is easy, which isn't the case with some technical pieces). Second, the jacket lacks interior storage (we appreciate dump pockets for storing skins or climbing shoes), and the hand pockets low placement makes them inaccessible under our backpacks hip belt. Third, we really like the Lightlines clean looksits a nice choice for everything from technical use to everyday wear in cold climates. Norrna might not be on everyones radar, but the Norwegian company has a serious lineup of outerwear built for performance use. For cold-weather climbing, frigid nights of winter camping, or as an extra layer during ski transitions, theres no match for the security of a heavyweight down jacket. The Utah brands leading down jacket is the Fuego, which gets you premium 800-fill down (we were unable to track down the fill weight from the company), along with a versatile 20-denier shell that is reasonably tough while keep weight down. We take a great deal of pride in researching, testing, and presenting the best gear on the market across a wide range of activities like hiking, camping, skiing Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. First off, both of our handwarmer pockets have stitching on the inside that reduces the usable area by a sizable margin (we undid the stitches in one pocket but our handiwork resulted in a damaged zipper). This makes them a serious liability in wet conditions or if youre sweating heavily, which is why some prefer a synthetic jacket that continues to insulate when wet. REIs original 650 Down Jacket was our top budget pick for years, and their latest 2.0 sticks to the winning formula. Category: UltralightWeight: 8.8 oz.Fill: 3 oz. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article: Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?. The biggest reason we rank the Cotopaxi here is material quality: the Fuego has a noticeably plasticky and slippery feel, especially when held up against pricier options like the Patagonia, which is much softer by comparison. Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (8.8 oz.) And while availability is currently limited, we expect to see Mountain Equipment release more size and colorway options in late summer.See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco. If most of your use will be in the city, a down sweater is sturdier and should save you money in the process. 4.5 oz.Fill: 4.3 oz. To start, it's built to handle wind and light moisture thanks to a tough Pertex Quantum shell, DWR coating, and hydrophobic down. The tiny packed size means you have little reason to leave it behind, and can fit it easily into either a daypack or overnight backpacking pack. of 700-fill-power down & 150g VerticalX ECOWhat we like: Comfy, classy, and well-priced for what you get.What we dont: Doesnt pack down nearly as small as more premium options. In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. 1 oz.Fill: 5 oz. As we touched on above, the main limitation of the Silent Down is its casually focused build. Down insulation functions so effectively because the loose clusters of feathers are great at trapping body heat. Of note: This article includes picks for both men and women, but weve also written a dedicated round-up on the best womens down jackets. The 650-fill down isnt quite as warm or compressible as the 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater above, and the standard nylon shell isnt as durable as the ripstop constructions you get on more expensive alternatives. Warmth and wearability are top priorities, and you wont find technical features like helmet-compatible hoods, slim fits, and ultralight shells. Down feathers unfortunately lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, turning into a clumpy and soggy mess. Further, the cuffs are loose and dont provide a very solid seal, which can let cold air sneak through unless you throw on a pair of gloves. Among serious alpinists, you wont find an outdoor brand with more street cred than Montbell. We often reach for synthetics for everyday use and light outdoor activities in the fall and spring, but they take up too much space in our packs for extended backcountry trips and most dont provide quite enough warmth for truly cold days. And for hauling in a pack, its on the heavy side at 1 pound 1 ounces, but that extra weight does come with a boost in insulation. Further, the jacket is on the heavy end of the spectrum at well over 1 pound, and it doesnt include a stuff sack or pocket. Youll notice that in our picks above, we listed down sweaters in the non-hooded versions (when available), which are the most commonly purchased, and the ultralights with hoods, also the most common for that variety of jacket. of 850-fill-power down; 80g & 100g CoreloftWhat we like: Serious performance chops; premium look and feel.What we dont: Expensive and slim fit isn't for everyone. Stretch-woven shells are a new trend in down jackets, and Rab recently threw their hat into the ring with the Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. of 700-fill-power down; 80g & 140g CoreloftWhat we like: Thicker shell fabric than the Cerium LT above and a bit more warmth. Because theyre meant to be worn as an outer layer (youd be hard-pressed to squeeze a hardshell overtop such a lofty piece), heavyweight down jackets also feature a durable, water-resistant shell and handy extras like internal stash pockets, which are great for storing skins or keeping your climbing shoes warm. Category: LightweightWeight: 1 lb. of 650-fill-power downWhat we like: Fantastic price for a well-rounded, lightweight design.What we dont: No hem adjustment (men's version). Neither a DWR finish nor hydrophobic down will keep your down completely dry, but they make nice lines of defense against light to moderate precipitation. Keep in mind that the OR doesnt nessarily offer more warmth in the core areathe down is more spread out than the Rabs given the longer hembut the tougher shell and additional coverage will be a boon for some. In fact, the first time we put on the Cubit, we were struck by its loft, which felt on par with a jacket like the OR Coldfront above. Heres what you get from Feathered Friends: premium construction (including some of the highest-fill-power down on the market), local manufacturing in Seattle or Vancouver, and a decently competitive price given that they only sell their products in-house. Budget-oriented products almost always come with compromises, and REIs Down Jacket 2.0 does fall short for serious performance use. Nowadays, a lot of gear manufacturers treat down to make it more water resistant. Rabs popular Microlight Alpine Jacket pays tribute to the brands climbing heritage. Category: Light/midweightWeight: 15.4 oz.Fill: 3.9 oz. The thinnest jacket is the Montbell Plasma 1000 , which has a very fragile 7D shell, and the thickest (at least among those that report this spec) is the Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco, which has a 50D shell. The temperature range for these jackets depends on factors like layering and exertion, but we find that lightweight models are typically suitable for approximately 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (more on this in Our Estimated Temperature Scale below). For everyday winter and shoulder-season wear, the Silent Down is another strong option from Patagonia. But while the Helium Downs partially waterproof shell is a nice touch, you wont find us relying on it for much more than a light rain or snow. Its worth noting that the Coldfront replaces Outdoor Researchs well-loved Transcendent but differs in a few key ways. Fabric thickness also plays an important role, and thinner denier fabrics logically pack down smaller. For all types of outdoor activities including everyday use around town, the Thorium arguably is the more versatile option and one that you wont have to worry about as much. and Feathered Friends Eos (10.6 oz.) Lastly, Patagonia products don't come cheap, although again, we love the sleek styling and you should get a very healthy lifespan out of this jacketRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater. The most notable downsides of the Thorium AR come with the increased weight and size. While most jackets on this list are strictly down, Arcteryx has created a really nice balance of lightweight warmth and functionality. For more background information on warmth, weight, denier and more, see our down jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. On top of that, you get waterproof Pertex Shieldthe same fabric used in ORs popular Helium Rain jacketon the hood and shoulders for protection from rain and melting snow. Their performance-oriented lineup of jackets ranges from lightweight designs to heavyweight expedition-grade parkas, and the Eos stands out as the most approachable option for the masses. For ice climbing, winter camping, or mountaineering, the Super Alpine is another solid option and a great value at $399. Weve tested a number of synthetic jackets like the Arcteryx Atom LT and Patagonia Micro Puff, both are which are very comfortable and reasonably light, but the warmth just isnt the same. Ultralight This is noticeable when you get into premium levels of down (800-fill and above), which pack down to seemingly impossible sizes yet bounce back after only a few minutes out of the bag (as long as you dont store it compressed too long). With ultra-premium 1,000-fill-power down (that is not a misprint) along with a paper-thin 7-denier shell, its by far the lightest down jacket on this list at an incredible 4.8 ounces all-in. 10D is pretty standard for ultralights, and a more substantial 20D is what youll often find in an average down sweater. Finally, for those interested in using the Expedition Pack as a midlayer, Fjallraven makes a non-hooded version for $250 Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Fjallraven Expedition Pack See the Women's Expedition Pack. This Japan-based company makes gear for those who depend on it, and doesnt spend much on paid athletes or splashy marketing campaigns. Category: HeavyweightWeight: 1 lb. First off is any technology present in the shell material. For all their inherent strengths, down jackets arent perfect: Namely, they perform poorly in wet weather and their thin fabrics are often lacking in durability. A number of features set it apart from other jackets here, including body-mapped insulationthe down fill is centered largely around the core, while synthetic fill is used in exposed areas for added durability and weather protectionand fabric reinforcements (45D) at the shoulders and lower arms for abrasion resistance. Its listed as having a 27-inch length down the center back, but certainly didnt feel that way in person (the medium was way too short while the large was too baggy). This said, we appreciate the durability of Fjallraven products in general, and the synthetic insulation in the shoulders makes wearing a pack for extended periods more feasible (its a nice option for hiking and snowshoeing). But the Rab is nevertheless a warm, comfortable, and durable down jacket, great for use around town and casual backcountry outings (we love to wear it to the crag)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody See the Women's Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. We find it interesting that fill weight is much less publicized than fill power, which leads to a lot of confusion for shoppers who associate higher fill power as always meaning more warmth. At $379, the Cerium LT is a full $150 more than our top-ranked Down Sweater, which will get the job done for all but the most discerning users. For fast-and-light missions, the Ghost Whisperer/2 remains a go-to choice. As a result of all the fun tech, they also cost considerably more than your typical down sweater. For casual use or as a midlayer for skiing, many people opt for a down vest or go without the hood and carry a separate beanie instead. Fill power gets the most press, but fill weight is perhaps the most important factor in determining a down jackets warmth. The down jacket market ranges from performance to casual and everything in between, but you wont find a more versatile option than the Patagonia Down Sweater. The lightweight down jacket category is the industrys most popular and what most folks are in the market for. Because of this, we only bring them along if the extra warmth is absolutely necessary.