But the Cotopaxi Fuego hits a nice balance of performance chops, casual appeal, and value, which is why we've included it on our listRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego See the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego. 1 oz.Fill: 5 oz. 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. And there are products that are only available for women or vice versa. Most notably, youll see the fill weights go up from the 3- to 4-ounce range (Patagonia Down Sweater) to 10.4 ounces (Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco) or more. So why isnt the Eos ranked higher? 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. 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. For a bit less of a specialized down jacket from Arcteryx, the Thorium AR is considerably more durable with a 30-denier shell, has more down (although it uses 700-fill-power down instead of 850), and costs $50 less. The jacket has a healthy amount of 700-fill down for warmth, synthetic insulation in the shoulders for extra weather resistance and toughness, a terrific hood, and an athletic fit that is less baggy than many options on this list. The 700-fill duck down is respectable but falls short of being ultra-premium, and therefore the jacket doesnt offer quite as much warmth for the weight as an option like the 800-fill Rab Neutrino Pro above. 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. Category: Light/midweightWeight: 15.4 oz.Fill: 3.9 oz. Second, the 7-denier shell is extremely thin and requires extra care to prevent holes and snags. Finally, winter-ready jackets will obviously be the heaviest options, including the 1-pound-15.8-ounce REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid. 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). As a result of all the fun tech, they also cost considerably more than your typical down sweater. of 750-fill-power downWhat we like: A nice level of warmth with a water-resistant build.What we dont: A tad heavy for the backcountry. Apparently the fill power numbers are far sexier, and as a result, we sometimes have to call the manufacturers to track down fill weight as its not always listed (for more information, see our article: Down Fill and Insulation Explained). Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. 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. 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. Unlike the tailored cut that you get from Arcteryx Cerium LT or Feathered Friends Eos, the Mountain Hardwear is boxy and awkwardly large in the torso. 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. The Rab Neutrino Pro above is our favorite heavyweight down jacket for cold-weather adventuring, but just about every outdoor brand has a like-minded offering. less with the Eos above), although many will consider this a fair trade for the added water resistance and durability. What we dont: Decently heavy for a down jacket. As we touched on above, the main limitation of the Silent Down is its casually focused build. Below is information that should help you fill in the gaps.Fill Power Ultralight down jackets are focused pieces designed for backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits where every ounce matters. Down feathers unfortunately lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, turning into a clumpy and soggy mess. 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. 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. More fill will help you move toward the bottom end of the range and less will push you toward the middle. It still layers reasonably well under a shell, but were surprised they havent given it a better performance fit considering its intended use. 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. For fast-and-light missions, the Ghost Whisperer/2 remains a go-to choice. A strong argument can be made for the Rab Cubit over the Stretchdown. Category: LightweightWeight: 11 oz.Fill: 4.2 oz. And theres no denying the Expedition Packs coziness, attention to detail, and good looks, which are a testament to the brands overall expertise. Category: Light/ultralightWeight: 10.8 oz.Fill: 3.6 oz. 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. One of the most noteworthy features of the Neutrino Pro is its Pertex Quantum Pro shell, which is impressively hardwearing and weather resistant despite its thin, lightweight build. Fit is jacket-specific, but there are two main considerations here. The Arcteryx Cerium LT above is an ultralight backcountry piece with a thin 10-denier shell, but that doesnt come without sacrifices. Aside from denier, there are a few more factors to keep in mind when judging a jacket's durability. 5.3 oz.Fill: 7.5 oz. But while the Super Alpine provides a bump in protection compared to the Neutrino Pro, youll have to ask yourself if its worth the extra half-pound of weight (not to mention some additional bulk). 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.). for the mens hoody) but comes with a number of notable upgrades. Premium down is 800-fill and above, which is what Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear use for their high-end down jackets. 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. As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Here at Switchback Travel, were passionate about our down jackets. 4.7 ouncesFill: 3.9 oz. And a final consideration is availability: Even in normal years (Covid notwithstanding), there can be a delay before the jacket ships out. But while weve found the quality of Rabs outerwear to be superior to that of Mountain Hardwear, the Stretchdowns design and colorway options are particularly special and eye-catching, which is what most people are looking for in an everyday piece. The latest model is around 20 percent lighter than its predecessor Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review, Best Cheap Down Jacket: REI Co-op 650 2.0, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody ($325), Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($229), See the Women's Outdoor Research Coldfront, Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($290), See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown, See the Women's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown, Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie ($279), See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Down, See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750, Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka ($399), See the Men's Outdoor Research Super Alpine, See the Women's Outdoor Research Super Alpine, See the Men's Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody, Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($275), See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco. Outdoor Research jackets arent always the highest-quality or most technical on the market, but they are some of the best values. 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). But like the Feathered Friends, it cant match the Patagonia in terms of everyday appeal. of 700-fill-power down; 80g & 140g CoreloftWhat we like: Thicker shell fabric than the Cerium LT above and a bit more warmth. Warmth and wearability are top priorities, and you wont find technical features like helmet-compatible hoods, slim fits, and ultralight shells. While most jackets on this list are strictly down, Arcteryx has created a really nice balance of lightweight warmth and functionality. Budget-oriented products almost always come with compromises, and REIs Down Jacket 2.0 does fall short for serious performance use. Below are the best down jackets of 2022, including leading down sweaters, ultralight models, and winter-weight designs for cold weather. 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). 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). 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). Weve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arcteryx, and Montbell. This is known as the amount of loft, and the more loft a jacket has, the more body heat it traps and the warmer you will be. of 900-fill-power downWhat we like: Superb build quality and warmth-to-weight ratio.What we dont: Expensive and streamlined styling isn't for everyone. Category: MidweightWeight: 1 lb. At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. There is a lot to like about the Lightline Eco jacket from Mountain Equipment. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to achieve the same comfort goals. Midweight and Heavyweight 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). Fill: 8.1 oz. Most of the down jackets here are intended for backcountry use, but theres a time and place for a dedicated everyday jacket that prioritizes comfort and looks over all-out performance. Dont underestimate the importance of denier: even the difference from 10D to 20D can play a significant role in the total weight and potential lifespan of your jacket. Swedish brand Fjallraven does a nice job of marrying premium design with performance, as evidenced by their Expedition Pack down jacket. Along with warmth for the weight, compressibility is an area where down dominates the vast majority of synthetic-insulated jackets. Unfortunately, two elements that have not changed with the Ghost Whisperer/2 are its fit and cuff design. The most common knock against Arcteryx products is price. Packing 5 ounces of 750-fill-power down in a mens large, the Rab is warmer than competitors like Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody (3.7 ounces of 800-fill down) and Feathered Friends Eos (3.7 ounces of 900-fill down). What we dont: Pricey for a casual piece. 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. Now the 2, the latest model features a small increase in weight (about 1 oz. and Feathered Friends Eos (10.6 oz.) They also are far puffier than the other categories with more down, and as a result take up quite a bit more space in your pack. 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. 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. 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. In terms of the competition, the Cerium LT above is significantly lighter, and the use of synthetic Coreloft in the hood and shoulders (which insulates even when wet) lends similar wet-weather assurance. Third, we really like the Lightlines clean looksits a nice choice for everything from technical use to everyday wear in cold climates. The warmth-to-weight ratio is unparalleled, as are compressibility and comfort. But they perform well for everyday use, travel, light adventuring, and layering for winter sports. 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. Leading models include the Patagonia Down Sweater, REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0, and Cotopaxi Fuego. It also wont compress down quite as easily for its size (the burly shell fabric plays a big role here), although 700-fill down still does pretty well in this regard. weigh very little for the warmth they provide and compress down extremely small in your pack. 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). 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. Other factors like premium down (it provides the most warmth for the least amount of weight) and ultralight zippers play a role as well, but the shell fabric is most important. First, down sweaters have a more casual fit than ultralight or performance jackets, including boxier torsos, arms, and hoods (when available). In addition, it looks great for everyday usefew outdoor companies can match Patagonia in crossover appeal. Read more about us. Even though it still doesnt match the wet weather performance of synthetics, we love the hydrophobic down movement. We wore the Falketind Down750 for a winter of travel (including a 16-day trek in Nepal and backcountry skiing in BC), and it proved itself a capable companion in fall and winter conditions. First, it has the highest fill weight on this list at 10.4 ounces of 700-fill down, which makes it a great option for seriously cold conditions (and earns it a spot in our round-up of best winter jackets). Our Estimated Temperature Scale Like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown above, the Cubit features a soft and pliable shell by way of Pertexs 3D Weave Technology, along with welded baffles to keep insulation in place without the need for stitches. For daily use, travel, light adventuring, and as a midlayer for resort skiing, you just wont find a better deal. But we have a soft spot for this jacket (no pun intended), which receives compliments almost every time we go out. In addition, the shell minimizes the swish-swish sound common among down pieces (hence the name), and the hood can be zipped into the collar when not in use (a handy feature when layering under a shell). Importantly, they didnt change the price by much (it went up by 45 cents), which easily undercuts competitors like the Outdoor Research Coldfront below by over $100. 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. 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. We also like the athletic cuts on layers from Mountain Equipment and Rab. The most notable downsides of the Thorium AR come with the increased weight and size. 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). Fill: 5.3 oz. Pertex's Diamond Fuse (seen in the OR Helium Down) is also impressive. Pertex's Quantum Pro (as seen in the Rab Neutrino Pro) is one of our favorite fabric techs, and known to be particularly abrasion resistantwe've tested jackets with 10-denier Quantum Pro shells and found them to be remarkably tough and hard-wearing. With this jacket, you get a healthy amount of 700-fill-power down, a truly luxurious polyester shell and lining (70% recycled), and very clean styling that is a far cry from the more technical-looking models here. Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, Arcteryx offers a wide range of insulated jackets, and the Cerium LT is one of its most popular. Weve included a number of our favorite mid and heavyweight options in this article, but for a deeper dive into the market, see our round-up on the best winter jackets. It all starts with that lofty and premium warmth that can only be found in a down-filled product. The lightweight down jacket category is the industrys most popular and what most folks are in the market for. No matter what the manufacturer names a jacket, keep a close eye on fill weight and total weight to make your own determination. 4.5 oz.Fill: 4.3 oz. is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. of 650-fill-power downWhat we like: Fantastic price for a well-rounded, lightweight design.What we dont: No hem adjustment (men's version). 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. Fill Weight 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. 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. Rabs popular Microlight Alpine Jacket pays tribute to the brands climbing heritage. 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. For bitter cold and climbing the highest peaks, an even heavier down parka may be in order. At the extreme end of the spectrum is Montbell's Plasma 1000, which packs 1.6 ounces of down inside a superlight 4.8-ounce package. 3.9 oz.Fill: 6.1 oz. And finally, weve found that REI Co-op and Marmot fall on the roomier end of the spectrum, and we occasionally need to size down (including with our REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0). With an impressive 3.7 ounces of 900-fill down in a 10.8-ounce build, it offers more warmth for the weight than just about any jacket here. 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. REI honed in the design for the newer version by adding recycled shell fabric, box-like baffling, and a nice variety of good-looking colorways. 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. They are high-quality jackets in general, and if you are willing to take a little extra care to avoid damaging the shell, they offer a great combination of warmth relative to their weight and athletic fit that's easy to layer. The number is calculated based on how much space one ounce of down clusters takes up in a cylindrical tube. For ice climbing, winter camping, or mountaineering, the Super Alpine is another solid option and a great value at $399. But the proof is in the pudding: Montbell makes some of the most well-respected ultralight insulation on the market, and their most unique offering is the Plasma 1000. 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. 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. What are the shortcomings of the Down Sweater? of 750-fill-power down; syntheticWhat we like: Thoughtful design boosts weather resistance and durability.What we dont: Heavy and limited storage. 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. Norrna might not be on everyones radar, but the Norwegian company has a serious lineup of outerwear built for performance use. They generally cost the most, look the best, and perform well enough for seasoned adventurers to put them through the wringer on a consistent basis. But for sleeping-bag-like loft and warmth on a cold winter day, it fits the billRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Neutrino Pro See the Women's Rab Neutrino Pro. Many of the models are the same but the names and colorways sometimes vary. That said, we do have a few minor gripes with the Falketind Down750s design. If most of your use will be in the city, a down sweater is sturdier and should save you money in the process. The Cerium LT Hoody is the companys leading lightweight down jacket and one sleek piece of gear. Further, we found the rigid structure of the jackets wire-brimmed hood has a hardshell-like feel, offering great all-around coverage and protection. Factors like fit, layering, your levels of exertion and circulation, and wind all play a role. Some high-end climbing brands like Feathered Friends and Montbell use 900-fill down, but that high of a number is a rarity and 800-fill is considered premium. 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. These types of jackets are very popular for three-season alpine use and in cities for everything but the heart of winter. Optimally you would have both, but if youre only in the market for a single jacket, theres simply no better insulator than down. These jackets are epitomized by their sleeping-bag-like loft, tall and protective collars, and longer cut. 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. On the other hand, if you just need a layer for around town and occasional outdoor uses like downhill skiing, you'll be completely fine with a somewhat heavier and more affordable build like the 1-pound-4.7-ounce Outdoor Research Coldfront. Mountain Hardwear launched its Stretchdown line a handful of years ago, epitomized by soft and stretchy shells and welded seams (rather than stitched baffles). of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Super warm and tough, looks good, and a great value.What we don't: Lower fill power than the more premium options. 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. Further, $275 is no small price for a casual item (you can save with the REI 650 above or Cotopaxi below), and some will appreciate the even more casual appearance of the Silent Down. Finally, we have noticed that the Stretchdowns fabric has a tendency to hold stains, and the elastic in our cuffs has grown tired over time. 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.
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