The Best Down Jackets for Women of 2025-2026

Read Review: Budget and Travel Friendly: Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket Review

For frugal folks who also like travel and activities that require a pack, give the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket ($119) a shot for packability and the wallet-friendly tag. 

Decathlon designed this jacket with 800-fill power natural down that’s RDS-certified. For the price, the natural down is a major plus, and the down is also ethically sourced. Especially along the arms, the rows of baffles are relatively narrow, allowing the down to be evenly distributed throughout the jacket’s surface. We found that this jacket held true to its temperature rating of 23°F and warmer — making it ideal for use in milder winter climates and outdoor activities spent on the snow. 

Our favorite aspect of this design is its packability. Within a few seconds, the Forclaz MT100 can be packed into its own pocket, which acts as a small stuff sack. This system, which makes the jacket condensed and firm, is great when you need to easily find the puffer in a loaded duffel. And at around 275 grams, the MT100 didn’t weigh us down at all on the skin track or trail. 

The zippered hand pockets are spacious enough for a phone, keys, gloves, and more. That said, the zippers on the pockets and center-front could be enhanced. We found that getting the jacket zipped up was a bit finicky which can be frustrating when you’re quickly throwing layers back on at the summit. 

It can be a significant challenge to find a down jacket for women at a base cost that’s also made with a multifaceted experience in mind. This is where the Forclaz comes into play with its loft, travel-friendly design, and low entry. For budget-conscious women wanting a layer that provides decent insulation and easily packs down, give this down jacket a shot. Another fairly economical option is the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket, which has an on-par down fill but includes stretch side panels for breathability, DWR for moisture resistance, and a windproof face — but it does cost more than double this Decathlon.

Read Review: The Best Puffy of All Time, According to a Lifelong Adventurer

This is the most flexible down jacket we’ve ever worn, making it extremely comfortable for everyday outdoor tasks and recreation. The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($320) is the first-ever jacket with stitch-free baffle construction and is made from a single fabric, eliminating the need for glue and stitching.

It’s one continuous channel of down wrapped into a woven construction that’s super stretchy — amazing. When we leaned over our bike’s handlebars, there was no seam restriction on our upper back, arms, or shoulders. Our ability to fully reach feels like we’re not wearing a jacket at all.

With ample flex, the Stretchdown performed memorably well on commuter rides and snowy hikes in a range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees plus windchill at 10,000 feet. With a 700-fill, the jacket remains lightweight and packs down to the size of a small travel pillow. Most impressively, water droplets roll off the surface with no signs of absorption or loss of loft.

We love the hood, which is, of course, very stretchy, and it’s also spacious enough for a climbing helmet. However, when the jacket is fully zipped up, the hood’s elasticity slightly pulls back the front collar, so the lower face is exposed from time to time. Still, given the warmth and stretch, the Stretchdown Hoody would be a great choice for cold climbing-based endeavors. Our other favorite climbing down jacket is the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody, which is extremely stretchy, lightweight, waterproof, and durable no matter how rough the rock is. But it costs $100 more.

The Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket ($390) is a masterclass in mountain performance, balancing warmth, weight, and weather protection better than nearly anything we’ve tested. With 900-fill-power RDS-certified goose down — among the highest-quality insulation in our lineup — it delivers serious heat without tipping the scales. Rab’s Nikwax hydrophobic treatment keeps the down from wetting out in snow or mist, and the 10-denier Pertex Quantum shell is light, strong, and fully recycled.

During testing in the Tetons and Colorado’s Sawatch Range, we wore this jacket on stormy ski tours, frigid summit transitions, and long alpine hikes. The baffling is strategically mapped, using smaller channels in high-movement zones for better articulation, and the helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened brim seals out swirling wind. Inside, a fleece-lined collar adds unexpected comfort on cold mornings.

Despite its warmth, the Mythic Alpine packs down impressively small for a technical piece and weighs far less than heavier parkas in this class. The lightweight fabric does require a bit of care around sharp gear or granite, and the premium price reflects its high-end materials and construction. Still, it handles technical climbs, resort laps, and chilly trail mornings with equal poise — a rare blend of precision, comfort, and alpine performance.

Read Review: Safe for Sweat: Arc’teryx Cerium Down Jacket Is Ideal for High Output

This light, packable, 850-fill, lofty down jacket is exemplary for belaying and rock climbing in the fall and spring as well as alpine climbing in the summer. We also love it for hiking, backcountry skiing, and splitboarding. The Arc’teryx Women’s Cerium Hoody ($400) is one of the best down jackets for mobility and we’re surprised how tough the face material is against even the roughest rock or layered with a harness.

Arc’teryx employed an interesting hybrid design for the insulation of the Cerium, which they call “Down Composite Mapping.” This combo of 850-fill-power down placed along the core and a synthetic insulation called Coreloft used in areas more prone to getting wet (shoulders, underarms, cuffs, collar) hits the perfect sweet spot. On a few spicy backcountry ski tours during huge storms that hit the Tetons, we discovered these areas retain their warmth even when they get wet from moisture like sweat or light rain and snow.

When we used this jacket for backcountry ice climbing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in 10-degree temperatures, our routes included multipitch and mixed (rock and ice), vertical and overhanging frozen faces, and chimney moves. The jacket proved extremely protective, warm, and tenacious while facing the grind. It even kept us warm while we belayed, and we didn’t overheat on the climb.

It’s super lightweight for the level of insulation, and the composite mapping worked wonders. The insulated hood kept us warm even in the wind, which we didn’t feel through the fabric. We also really liked the elastic cuffs on the sleeves — we can easily tuck our hands to warm them.

Our only complaints are minor. We wish there were an integrated stuff sack. There is only one zippered interior pocket, so we’d love to see a couple of drop-in pockets added that could fit climbing skins or an extra pair of gloves.

This Cerium Hoody gets top marks for its range of motion and for the supple yet durable exterior fabric. This stout, ultralight down jacket is perfect for that super active climber, skier, or biker looking for zero restriction and insulation while they are adventuring. Another option for climbing is the wonderfully stretchy Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, which costs $100 less — but it has a lower fill power compared to the premium Cerium.

When we first saw the numbers on the Black Diamond Deploy Down 0.5 Pullover Hoody ($499), we had to double-check the specs. Just over 5 ounces and still packed with 1,000 fill power down? It seemed almost impossible. But after testing it through unpredictable weather in the Tetons and on brisk alpine days in Colorado, we can say this featherweight pullover delivers far more warmth than its size suggests.

The Deploy is built for movement, pure and simple. The half zip design slides easily over a base layer and under a shell, and the trim fit disappears under a pack or harness. It is the kind of layer you forget you are wearing until the wind picks up and you realize how much heat it is holding in. The 1,000 fill RDS certified down feels incredibly lofty, and the stripped-back design keeps the focus on speed rather than extras.

Where lightweight jackets balance warmth and comfort for all-around use and ultralight jackets chase the lowest possible weight, a fast and light piece like the Deploy is designed for efficiency on the move. It excels on alpine climbs, ski tours, and shoulder season pushes when you are counting both ounces and minutes. It is warmer and more protective than an ultralight layer but far more technical and minimalist than a standard lightweight down hoody.

That precision comes with tradeoffs. The 4-denier fabric is whisper-thin, and while it has held up in testing, we are careful around rock and branches. There are no hand pockets, hem drawcord, or hood toggles, small sacrifices that help it reach its record-setting weight.

For a touch more durability and day-to-day utility, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer offers a sturdier 10-denier build and extra features for less money, though it is nearly twice as heavy. The Deploy Down Hoody is built for women who move fast, travel light, and value pure performance over anything else. It remains one of the most remarkable technical down jackets we have ever tested.

Read Review: Why This Ultralight Puffy Still Sets the Standard: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody Review

Weight weenies, unite! The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody ($380) weighs an unbelievable 8.5 ounces, stuffs into the smallest of pockets, and is wind- and water-resistant.

A real dream come true for ounce counters and winter adventurers, the time-tested Ghost Whisperer is st￭ with 800-fill-power down that resists moisture and remains lofty even when wet. The 100% recycled ripstop shell with DWR coating sheds moisture, so we stayed drier on snowy backcountry ski tours and rainy spring hikes in the Tetons.

Other thoughtful design features include an elasticized insulated hood that keeps in extra warmth and synthetic insulation-filled cuff baffles for added moisture protection. True to its name, the Ghost Whisperer feels soft to the touch, breathes well, and is super packable. Using completely recycled face and trim fabrics and st￭ with responsibly sourced RDS-certified down, Mountain Hardwear designed this jacket to have as little impact on the planet as possible. They did this while increasing durability, warmth, and comfort compared to previous iterations.

Ultralight products have to save weight somewhere, so the Ghost Whisperer comes with a few compromises. Though it has a solid warmth-to-weight ratio, it’s relatively thin and, therefore, not the warmest we tested. But, it’s also not meant to be. The ultralight ripstop outer is delicate compared to more durable down jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchhdown Hoody. And, its no-frills design lacks as many pockets or adjustment options as others.

But, as far as ultralight jackets go, the Ghost Whisperer is our favorite. It shines on adventures where you’re consistently moving or using it as part of a layering system. It’s ideal for fast and light missions and for adventurers seeking unmatched packability that won’t weigh them down.

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie ($299) is the layer we reach for when the weather keeps us guessing and plans change. At just over 11 ounces, it disappears in a pack yet feels substantial when the temperature drops. The athletic fit moves easily under a shell or over a flannel without bunching or pulling.

Outdoor Research builds this jacket with hybrid construction that pairs Pertex Diamond Fuse on the body with Pertex Quantum Shield on the hood and shoulders. That mix gives it impressive durability and protection where it matters most. In testing across the Rockies and on damp East Coast trails, it resists abrasion and sheds light snow and drizzle far better than expected. The 800 fill power RDS-certified down brings reliable warmth, and the overall design feels ready for both daily use and adventure travel.

This jacket is not meant for deep winter cold or long periods of standing still, but it shines in the shoulder seasons and during high-output days when you are moving often. The body fabric can eventually soak through in steady rain, so a waterproof shell is still a smart backup. After heavy packing, the down can shift slightly along seams. It compresses a lot larger than lightweight and ultralight models like the Arc’teryx Cerium and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, respectively, but the extra strength and weather protection are worth it for most users.

For women who want a jacket that can withstand hikes, travel, and unpredictable mountain weather, the Helium Down Hoodie is a dependable partner for every season.

Who knew that a 100% recycled down jacket would be so comfortable and tenacious? Welcome the Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie ($300) to the party. We’ve been throwing this piece over and under our shell on backcountry tours, snowmobile rides, and resort laps: It doesn’t get much better.

The Re-Up sets a new industry benchmark with a first-ever combo of a 100% recycled exterior fabric — a 20-denier nylon — and 100% recycled down stuff inside: a cozy 750 fill. There’s more. The jacket is garnished with recycled zippers and recycled polyester pull cords, too, which run smooth, don’t get jammed, and are just as durable in our experience.

Whether we’re wearing this layer for jaunts or jibs, we love the high mark of five pockets, which exceeds the storage capacity in most other down jackets of this caliber. There are two zippered hand pockets, a streamlined exterior chest pocket, and two wide dump pockets that are great for warming skins on cold days.

Size up if you prefer a super oversized down jacket over your shell, but we’ve also been zipping our regular size over our shell (which pokes out a bit at the lower hem), and there’s ample stretch. We’ve never felt hugged too tight, and the articulated frame looks good.

While we like the shape of the insulated hood and appreciate the sliding elastic toggle for tightening up around the dome, we do wish there were a buttery fleece liner on the inside of the chin guard. The material isn’t rough, but it’s more comfortable to have a textile that absorbs moisture and offers warmth.

We’ve worn this down jacket in snowstorms, and while the material started to look damp, the water resistance performed, and the heat still radiated. That said, be aware that this isn’t a waterproof option, so if it’s really dumping — throw it on under your shell. Launched in 2022-2023, the jacket received a notable hike of baffling to boost warmth. Now, as best things should, the 2024-2025 version remains unchanged.

From a core snowboard brand, the Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie is a functional, eye-catching, steadfast, and super sustainable down jacket. This piece can stand against a beating while being tagged at an average price, making it one of our favorite down jackets for women.

If you need a unicorn-workhorse layer for winter conditions and a layer that blocks all the wild weather from snow to wind to rain, invest in the Rab Women’s Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket ($415) — a completely windproof and waterproof down jacket. The 700-fill down insulation is hydrophobic, meaning it’s treated to withstand moist, wet, and damp conditions, retain its loft, and dry fast. This is as waterproof as a down jacket can get while being st￭ with natural fill versus synthetic. And it works.

Also key: That hydrophobic treatment is free of toxic fluorocarbons. The interior liner and exterior face are made of 100% recycled material. And the jacket was recently upgraded with 100% recycled down. Plus, Rab is a Fair Wear partner to raise and protect labor standards for factory workers. The company is also climate-neutral certified. We dig.

We liked this layer most when we had to work on the trailer, truck, and snowmobile in freezing conditions. We could count on the face fabric to not tear while also staying super cozy while being intermittently stagnant. The exterior fabric is a 30-denier Pertex Shield, which is waterproof and breathable.

The fixed hood also has a rigid brim for blocking the elements. The collar is tall in the front, which we appreciate for keeping our lower face cozy. Also, the cuffs have wide Velcro straps for adjustability. The Valiance is a great choice for women who will be outside in cold, rugged, and wetter- or rougher-than-average winter conditions.

Despite being lightweight and cloud-like, the Eddie Bauer Women’s MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket ($249) is a powerhouse in terms of warmth and durability. This hoodless jacket quickly became our go-to as a skiing midlayer because it fits well under a non-insulated ski shell. The stretchy side panels on the MicroTherm allow for plenty of mobility while taking turns and allow some air circulation without compromising warmth. 

The most recent update to this piece? It now has a 100% recycled polyester shell that’s Bluesign-certified (excluding the polyester-spandex side panels). You can even opt for the variation with a hood.

In terms of warmth, the MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket insulates well even while not being bulky or heavy. We tested this jacket out in all sorts of blustery Colorado weather ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit while ski touring, hiking, and walking the dog. The 800-fill power goose down insulation combined with the MicroTherm construction — what Eddie Bauer calls its design of small baffles — worked extremely well to provide plenty of heat during cold weather, plus protection against dampness thanks to the DWR treatment on the face. Another factor bumping up comfort in the elements is the windproof 20-denier grade of the shell, making this piece highly wind resistant, which we verified during a long ski tour in Colorado’s high country.

Unlike most down jackets, the Microtherm 2.0 has four size run options, including petite, regular, tall, and plus. And each fit provides an array of sizes. Furthermore, the hem has an adjustable drawcord, which helps folks tailor this jacket just a little bit more. Despite having a tapered silhouette, this jacket is still stretchy and roomy enough to throw a base and midlayer on under.

Our one qualm with this puffy is with the main zipper on the front. The jacket could benefit from a stronger, higher-quality metal and an improved pull tab. But that would also drive up the cost.

After plenty of test rounds, we found that the MicroTherm 2.0 is an affordable, lightweight down jacket made for activity-filled days throughout the winter season. We appreciate this coat for its plentiful size options, malleable feel, and breathable side panels. From chilly days filled with adventure to nightly walks around town, this jacket is a good choice, especially for budget-conscious shoppers.

Read Review: Trash Into Treasure: Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket Review

Despite having a 100% synthetic fill, the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket ($259) still rocked elbow-nudging warmth and technical details. From days spent on the skin track to fireside hangouts under the stars, this jacket proved to be durable, water-repellent, and packable throughout the winter season. 

The Albula IN is an eco-friendly design that’s Bluesign certified and utilizes Thermore Ecodown: a synthetic fill manufactured with recycled PET bottles. As one of the only down alternatives in our collection, we found it easier to care for and wash compared to a down fill layer. And for the average climate and conditions, the jacket packs plenty of warmth. Plus, repurposing trash into attractive apparel is a major plus in our eyes.

In terms of warmth and water resistance, the Albula left a mark. We walked our dog several miles in blizzards and biting wind and stayed exceptionally cozy. The 100% polyester outer is treated with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, so snowflakes and rain had a tough time penetrating the face. The material quickly dried once we were back home. 

We loved that when the jacket was zipped up, the collar sat high enough to cover our chin and mouth from any blowing snow or harsh gusts. The interior liner is buttery soft, making this jacket one of the most comfortable we’ve tried. 

The silhouette is slightly tapered without sacrificing room for base and midlayers. A sweatshirt or long sleeve paired well with this down jacket, without being restrictive for most activities like downhill skiing. We threw the Albula on under our ski shell for resort days and had no issues making jump turns or staying warm on the chairlift. 

Overall, the Albula IN Hooded Jacket is a powerhouse synthetic puffer made with recycled materials and provides enough boom for most outdoor activities. This jacket is a pretty good contender for active women who need a packable, lightweight jacket for snow-paired adventures but don’t want to risk down, which can lose loft and warmth if it gets wet.

Read Review: Zip Into Comfort: Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody Review

With a retro aesthetic that doesn’t lack any warmth, the Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody ($275) quickly became one of our favorites for the winter season. We donned this super lofty garment during some pretty intense winter weather in the high country of Colorado. And while it isn’t designed for use in heavy moisture — because it lacks water resistance or proofing — it was one of the warmest jackets we’ve tried out and is totally windproof, too. It’s also partially loaded with an innovative plant-derived insulation.

Aside from a wind-blocking textile face, that warmth can be attributed to the 700-fill 80% recycled down. The other 20% of the insulating power comes from the tropical kapok or ceiba tree, which produces seed pods with fine fibers that are used for textile development. Being from a plant, the fibers are natural, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic.

And while the Guides Down Hoody was substantially warm during temps around 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the lack of water resistance (and the slightly boxy cut) prevented us from using this jacket during any technical activities like ice climbing, downhill skiing, or snowshoeing. After a few minutes in snow or rain, we found that the outer fabric of the coat was easily soaked and stained. With even just a light DWR treatment, this down jacket would be rightly tuned for a greater swath of activity.

Capping it off, we recommend this cold-weather jacket for daily casual wear around town. It is easy to style with that modern, cropped silhouette, and the fun colorways add some festivity to an outfit. As long as it’s not snowing or raining, the adjustable crop on this jacket can be a nice layer for belaying at the crag where you want to keep your jacket above and separate from your harness. We do wish this jacket was offered in extended sizes for plus-size folks, though, as it is only available in XS to XL. 

The Marmot Guides jacket for ladies is windproof, warm, and eco-friendly for spending time outside in town and some trail activity, as long as there’s no precipitation. The revolutionary use of plant-based insulation derived from the kapok tree impressed us alongside the jacket’s edgy style.

On a tight budget? This REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($129) is for anyone in search of a comfortable, straightforward down jacket that won’t break the bank. It packs down easily into its own pocket and quickly regains its shape after unpacking. Offering more size options for more bodies, you can choose from XS to XL, as well as extended sizes from 1X to 3X. The array of vibrant color options isn’t an afterthought, either.

That DWR coating protects from light moisture. It even withstood an accidental spill — the coffee just sat on top and rolled off with a quick shake — no stain, no absorption. The jacket never got soggy, and the wind never bit us. The zipper’s interior storm flap actually works.

We appreciate the tall collar for style and protection against a cold breeze. But we sometimes wish a hood was attached, too. One con is that the feathers did leak more than expected. But as a DWR-treated jacket with a 650-fill at just over $100, it’s easily one of our budget-friendly picks.

The 650 Down Jacket is great for someone looking to purchase a jacket for a short trip to the mountains or as a gift for that friend needing a warmer layer in a milder winter zone. The accessible aspects of this jacket – both for its low price and the plus-size options — make this fair-quality piece stand out.

We love that Outdoor Research makes a burly, wind-blocking down jacket in a broad size run from XS to XXL. With 700-fill insulation, a slightly longer silhouette, and an overall roomy design for layering, it’s a great choice for many body types. And just over $200, the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($279) isn’t a bad price, either.

One of the coolest (er, warmest) features of the design is the addition of synthetic fill in the tops of the shoulders and around the wrist cuffs, where the majority of moisture is expected to hit in a snowstorm.

Plus, the eco-friendly insulation is nearly all recycled. The exterior fabric and liner also have 30-denier toughness. We absolutely love the softly lined hand pockets, which feature brushed tricot fabric. The hood is a bit spacious, but it works.

For the sizing options and cozy features, the Coldfront Down Hoodie is one of the best women’s down jackets for the price. Note: Be sure to size down if you prefer a more athletic fit.

This Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket ($250) is a great slimmer-fitting contender for everyday warmth without shattering the wallet. While it’s not built to combat heavy moisture, this jacket is a great layer to pair beneath a waterproof rain or ski shell.

From adventuring in the mountains of Alaska, winter surfing in the Pacific Northwest, and trekking the Camino de Santiago, we found this layer to be packable and dependable in the cold and wind.

Once you drop down to super-low temperatures and windchill, consider a beefier jacket or layering wool or fleece beneath. Due to the athletic design of the Highlander, consider sizing up if you’d like to pull on bulkier midlayers.

Checking the boxes as a great layer, the Women’s Highlander Jacket is for those looking for something to use in drier, milder winter climates for everyday use with the occasional bigger excursions out in the elements.