The Best Down Jackets for Women of 2025

Some cold-weather gear doesn’t fit squarely in a single season. The best down jackets for women are one of those year-round staples that are essential come winter but functional year-round. Also known as your beloved puffy or puffer, these functional women’s down jackets provide top-level warmth while packing down fairly small.

Our testing team, made up of GearJunkie editors Morgan Tilton and Chris Kassar and contributor Meghan LaHatte, skied, hiked, biked, and climbed in Colorado and Wyoming across all seasons and all conditions to put dozens of down jackets to the test. Whether you’re looking for the unmatched performance of our top pick, the Rab Women’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket, or a budget-friendly option like Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket, we have you covered.

Editor’s Note: We refreshed this buyer’s guide on March 13, 2025, by adding the freshly field-tested Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody, shaking up our awards to help guide your decision-making, and expanding our reviews of some award-winners based on further testing, including the newly awarded Arc’teryx Women’s Cerium Hoody.

The Best Down Jackets for Women of 2025

• Best Overall Down Jacket for Women: Rab Women’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket
• Best Budget Down Jacket for Women: Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket
• Most Versatile Down Jacket for Women:  Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody
• Most Durable Down Jacket for Women:  Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretchdown Hoody
• Best Weather-Resistant Down Jacket for Women: Rab Women’s Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket
• Best Lightweight Down Jacket for Women: Arc’teryx Women’s Cerium Hoody
• Best Ultralight Down Jacket for Women: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody
• Most Sustainable Down Jacket for Women: Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie
• Best Extended Sizes Down Jacket for Women: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket- Women’s

---

Other Down Jackets for Women We Love

Down Jackets for Women Comparison Chart

Down Jacket	Price	Weight	Fill Power	Waterproof
Rab Women’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket	$390	10 oz.	900	No. Water resistant with DWR coating
Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket	$100	10.2 oz.	800	No. Water-resistant
Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody	$329	12.1 oz.	800	No. Water-resistant shell and liner with PFC-free DWR finish.
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretchdown Hoody	$300	15.5 oz.	700	No. But the Q.Shield goose down resists moisture.
Rab Women’s Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket	$415	24 oz.	700	Yes
Arc’teryx Women’s Cerium Hoody	$400	10.2 oz.	850	No. Moisture-resistant outer fabric treated with DWR.
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody	$360	8.5 oz.	800	No. Water-resistant with DWR coating.
Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie	$300	12.7 oz.	750	No. PFC-free DWR water resistance.
Cotopaxi Women’s Fuego Hooded Down Jacket	$295	14 oz.	800	No. Treated with DWR.
Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket	$249	10.2 oz.	800	No. Features a DWR treatment to repel water off surface.
Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket – Women’s	$229	14.2 oz.	135 g Thermore Ecodown synthetic fiber	No. Water resistant with DWR coating.
Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody	$275	22 oz.	700	No
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket – Women’s	$129	10.2 oz.	650	No. DWR-treated to repel moisture off surface.
Outdoor Research Women’s Coldfront Down Hoodie	$279	21.2 oz.	700	No. Water resistant.
Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket	$225	13 oz.	700	No. But the down is treated for water resistance

How We Tested the Best Women’s Down Jackets

Our GearJunkie team has tested and reviewed dozens of women’s down jackets in a range of cold-weather conditions across the country.

Our Expert Testers

Leading the tests for women’s down jackets is GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton. Raised in the mountains, she remembers buying her first insulated jacket as a teen — it was pretty life-altering. A lifelong skier and snowboarder, Tilton experiences winter conditions at least 6 months of the year, doesn’t go backcountry skiing without one, and always has a down jacket on hand throughout summer for camping out and road trips.

Contributor Meghan LaHatte has lived on Colorado’s Western Slope for more than half a decade. With long and grueling winters, she knows the importance of a powerful down jacket. LaHatte’s tests include chilly dog walks, camping in the desert, and transitioning into her ski boots at the resort. GearJunkie Editor Chris Kassar has also embarked on her fair share of wintry backcountry ski adventures, sloppy spring hikes, and summer backpacking trips in the Tetons and Wind Rivers to test down jackets for this guide.

Our Testing Grounds

Our primary down jacket tests have been in Colorado’s Gunnison Valley — one of the coldest, snowiest destinations in the United States — as well as in Telluride and Aspen, Colorado. We’ve also tested down jackets throughout the state and on trips nationwide and overseas.

Our Testing Process

We pull on our down jackets for everything a day entails: bike rides in town, blizzard commutes, pulling on ski boots at the lot, spectating ski races, volunteering at the nordic center, dog walks, and shoveling. We also wear these functional down jackets for outdoor action and sports including camping, farming, hunting, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and rock climbing.

LaHatte allowed each jacket an average of 25 hours of testing time — from 30 minutes of walking her puppy to 4+ hours of alpine skiing — she tested each layer in situations that require prolonged insulation and comfort. Her most recent test period was from January to May to see how each coat lasted through the winter and into spring across snow, thunderstorms, and sunshine-speckled afternoons.

As we test, we examine the fine details of each down jacket. This includes warmth, packability, overall fit and ease of entry, style, zippers and zip pills, packability, durability, stretch, seams, liner, cuffs, zipper, hood, collar, material, and pockets. We also consider the functionality, weather protection — including wind and precipitation — and sustainability.

We also strongly consider the most popular and size-inclusive down jackets for women across a range of price points. Check out our Best Down Jackets buyer’s guide for some other down options. Or, if you’d like to round out your kit, consult our guides to the best fleece jackets for women, the best synthetic insulated jackets, and the best rain jackets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Down Jacket for Women

First off — if you’re looking for a fashion-forward insulated jacket with length and high warmth, read our Women’s Winter Jackets buyer’s guide. That list includes durable parka-style silhouettes that are oriented for more casual use and mild activity. They aren’t the most compressible designs.

Here, our favorite down jackets for women are all fairly technical and packable. Each product offers excellent warmth while being hip-length. These down jackets differ based on degree of windproofness, water resistance, insulation, durability, packability, and style. Those factors all influence the price.

Down insulation is made from goose or duck plumage, a natural undercoat beneath feathers. This traditional fill is known for being lightweight and compressible while maintaining warmth due to intricate clusters that capture air and body heat.

Down vs. Synthetic

You may be wondering if you even need a down jacket. Down is incredibly insulating and warm. It’s also very light. The downsides of down are a loss of insulation when wet and an inability to dry fast. In the long run, it also requires special cleaning.

Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from polyester fibers and is designed to imitate down clusters and properties with a few key differences. If you compare two equal-weight jackets, down is warmer than this alternative. But synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. It’s also easier to wash and usually comes at a lower price point.

• Pros of down: excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, compressibility, lightweight, high inherent warmth
• Cons of down: inability to insulate when wet, more difficult to wash, pricier

Some down jacket designs have a hybrid fill — they integrate synthetic fill into areas where moisture tends to collect, like over the shoulders and around the wrist cuffs. That includes the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie and the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody. And, in a very unique approach, some jackets use sustainably sourced wool for insulation instead of down or synthetic fill.

Within synthetic jackets, active insulation is another progressive subcategory to know. These technical garments are designed to dump extra heat and dry fast, so you don’t have to remove the jacket during vigorous activity. But these layers also need to be durable, warm, and wind-resistant. They ultimately won’t be as warm as a straightforward down jacket. It’s a tricky balance.

Down Fill

Down fill power measures the loft and quality of the down. To calculate fill, a one-ounce sample of down is compressed in a cylinder. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the higher the quality and warmer the jacket. However, fill power isn’t the only variable affecting a jacket’s warmth.

But the higher the fill quality, the less down is needed to create the same warmth. This is because it’s able to trap more air and warmth within the jacket. Higher fill power — around 800 to 900 — is more compressible, loftier, more lightweight, and pricier.

Fill power ratings range from 400 to 900 and even greater. Most of the jackets on this list are in the 800-fill range, with a few clocking in above or below. Generally, the quality increases with the fill number:

• 400-500: fair quality
• 600: good quality
• 700: great quality
• 800: excellent quality
• 900 and above: highest quality

The other thing to consider when selecting the best down jacket for you is fill weight.

Fill Power vs. Fill Weight

A down jacket’s fill power is the down’s quality and amount of loft. You’ll see jackets labeled as 600-fill or 800-fill, for instance.

The fill weight — which is measured in ounces — reflects the density or amount of that down stuffed inside the jacket. (Note: fill weight differs from the jacket’s overall weight.)

So when two 700-fill jackets have different weights, we know the heavier one is warmer.

On the other hand, if two down jackets weigh the same with different fill power (such as two 15-ounce jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the higher fill jacket is going to be less bulky, lighter, and more compressible.

It’s also trickier to compare jackets with differing fill power. But in general, the lower the fill power, the less loft and warmth are provided.

Most of the brands we reached out to were unable to provide the fill weight for each jacket. But, here are some of our favorite products fill weights from the greatest fill weight to the lowest fill weight:

• Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket: 700-fill, 6.7 oz-fill weight, 396 g product weight
• Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket: 800-fill, 3 oz-fill weight, 275 g product weight
• Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket: 800-fill, 2.4 oz-fill weight, 289 g product weight
• Rab Women’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket: 900-fill, 2.1 oz-fill weight, 286 g product weight

Water Resistance & Hydrophobic Down

Down does not perform well when wet. And this is one of the places synthetic jackets tend to win out. To catch up, there has been a growing use of hydrophobic down, which has evolved over the past decade.

Essentially, the down feathers are coated in a water-resistant polymer. It still doesn’t match the water resistance of synthetics. But for light precipitation, hydrophobic down can’t be beat.

The face fabric of some down jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody is treated with DWR to help block light moisture. Jackets can also have sealed seams to block moisture.

Waterproofness

Many down jackets are not waterproof, but some offer a degree of water resistance, which works fine in dryer winter climates — where the snow water equivalent (read: the amount of liquid water in the snow) is lower. If serious rain is in the forecast, though, it’s best to pair these jackets with a solid raincoat.

Materials

Aside from the insulation type and other construction elements, it is important to consider the material types of a down jacket. Many outdoor companies implement different fabric types for the interior and exterior fabrics. These materials tend to have varying degrees of softness, stiffness, noise levels, and coatings. We’ll dive into some specifics below.

Interior Fabrics

The interior liner of a down jacket serves many purposes: providing extra comfort, insulation, and moisture management. Some common materials used in these interior elements are nylon, polyester, and other down-proof fabrics.

• Nylon: Nylon is a smooth, lightweight fabric commonly used in down jacket interiors. It helps keep the wearer dry by wicking away moisture without compromising insulation
• Polyester: Durable, soft, and sometimes made of recycled materials, polyester is a frequent material used in the interior liner of a down jacket
• Down-Proof Fabrics: Higher-end down jackets will sometimes have a liner made of tightly woven fabrics that prevent any feathers from poking through the liner and escaping 

Interior fabrics are consistently less robust than those used for the exterior. They are much softer and more malleable. Because they are exposed to fewer elements and abrasion, they can afford to be silky smooth and thinner. If your down jacket’s liner was composed of stiffer materials it certainly would be less comfortable. 

Exterior Fabrics

Exterior fabrics make up the outer face of a down jacket. The layer serves one of the most important purposes when it comes to construction: It protects the insulation and user from elements like rain, snow, wind, and sleet. You’ll notice that exterior fabrics typically have different feels, looks, stitching, and sound. 

Much like interior fabrics, a down jacket’s shell materials are typically made from nylon and polyester. However, they are often treated with finishes like DWR (durable water repellent) to make them hydrophobic- and stain-resistant. 

If you find that your down jacket’s shell sounds crunchy, the noise may be due to a couple of factors. The shell material could be made with a stiffer nylon fabric. With added treatments, it can be a bit noisy or scratchy. Typically down jackets made with premium materials are less noisy due to their finer construction, softer hand feel, and flexibility.

Overall, materials can make or break a down jacket. But, you can trust all of the jackets we’ve listed here are well-constructed, durable, and built to last.

Collar & Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for protecting your face, head, ears, neck, and hair against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions while shielding you from the elements.

Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels comfortable against the face, a key component on a windy day. Hoods on down jackets are typically insulated and fixed rather than removable or non-insulated, which you’ll see on lifestyle parka designs. Certain designs have an elastic cinch in the back to snug up the overall fit or one along the hood’s hem. The collar on the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket sits nice and high, providing plenty of protection for the chin and mouth during relentless weather.

Occasional hood designs are non-insulated or feature a rigid brim to help keep moisture away from the face.

Sleeve Cuffs & Pockets

On most women’s down jackets, the sleeve cuffs have a streamlined elastic wrist cuff that stretches when you slide your hands through, meaning it’s easier to pull the jacket on before you put on your gloves. A handful have a wide Velcro strap to tighten down the closure once you pull the jacket on.

The cut of cuffs is typically straight across at the wrist, so the arm length is functional and not cumbersome. The thick elastic cuffs on the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket are among our favorites for comfort, protection, and rebound. Those on the Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody include synthetic insulation for added moisture protection.

Very few down jackets feature wrist gaiters with thumbholes for extra hand warmth, but some do.

Most jackets include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures. Often, there is at least one interior chest pocket with a zip closure, which can be great for chambering a credit card, ID, or key. It’s always a plus when these interior pockets are made with buttery soft materials, so that your hands stay comfortable while tucked inside. The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie has some ultrasoft polyester-lined pockets that kept our hands cozy while facing the cold. 

Some down jackets even have an interior self-stow pocket for easy packing and compressibility. Simply flip the pocket or pouch inside out, and then roll or press the jacket into the pocket. Typically there will be a closure — a zipper, button, or drawstring — that you can use to secure your coat inside of itself. This feature especially stood out in the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket and Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket.

Fit & Size

Women’s down jackets are generally either trim with a streamlined fit or roomier, puffier, and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Many materials offer at least some flexibility. Others, such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, have ample stretch for a wide range of motion.

Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own charts. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up. Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy.

Straight Sizes

Straight sizes refer to sizes small to large, which are constructed from a specific size block. You’ll often see straight sizes numerically listed from 6 to 14. As the sizes go up, the length changes, but the ratio remains the same. After building prototypes, the brand then checks that each size matches a fit model in that size. That step is the same for extended sizes and plus sizes.

Extended Sizes 

Extended sizes are the applications of XS, XXS, XL, and XXL (as well as 0-2, 16-20) that go beyond the small-to-large spectrum.

Apparel designers take the pattern of a straight size block — typically the medium, in the middle of the lineup — and adjust the dimensions for smaller or larger bodies. Each silhouette will be proportional and similar in shape to the next size up or down. For example, the waist-to-hip ratio is the same for the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket in all sizes from XS to XL.

Extended Sizes in Women’s Down Jackets:

• Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (XXS to XXL)
• Rab Valiance (XXS to XXL)
• Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket (XXS to XXL)
• Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie (XS to L)
• Rab Women’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket (XS to XL)
• Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody (XS to XL)
• Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket (XS to XL)
• REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket (XS to XL)*
• Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie (XS to XXL)
• The North Face 1996 Nuptse Down Jacket (XS to XXL)*
• Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody (XS to XXL)
• Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket (XS to XXL)

*Products with an asterisk have extended sizes and plus sizes

Plus Sizes

Plus sizes are built from an entirely separate size block, which has different ratios than the size block used for straight sizes. This size run is designed to accommodate a fuller bicep, waist, and bust. The sections — like the torso or arms — don’t get longer or taller as they go up in size. Plus sizes are typically labeled 2X, 3X, 4X, etc.

Some companies provide more size inclusivity with broader offerings, and a handful of brands now offer plus sizes. Cotopaxi has the most impressive size range for women’s down jackets from XXS to XL, and 1X to 4X. REI Co-op offers XS to XL and 1X to 3X. The extended sizes ring includes Outdoor Research with a size run of XS to XXL. Eddie Bauer — including the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket — offers a size range of XS to XXL, including regular, petite, tall, and plus options. 

Plus Sizes in Women’s Down Jackets:

• Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket (1X to 3X)
• REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket (1X to 3X)
• Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket (1X to 3X)*
• The North Face 1996 Nuptse Down Jacket (1X to 3X)

*Products with an asterisk have extended sizes and plus sizes

Adjustability 

Some down jackets have somewhat customizable fits and lengths, making it quick and easy to tailor the coat to your needs. This usually takes the form of pull cords, toggles, Velcro, and buttons located at the waist and collar. Having a customizable waist is great for when you want to tighten the fit for more insulation or create a shorter crop to accommodate a harness while belaying. 

In terms of adjustability, the Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody has a pull cord at the hem to create a looser or cropped fit. The Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie also has an elastic, adjustable waistband to help seal in more warmth when the temps drop. 

Down Jacket Weight & Compressibility

A down jacket’s weight and compressibility are important variables for pack space, carry weight, cargo space, and storage. Our favorite women’s winter jackets are longer, bulkier, and heavier.

These down layers are meant to be packable and have a high warmth-to-weight ratio. The weight range starts at the 275 g Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket or 290 g Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody and climbs to the 590 g Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie and Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket, which is 682 g. The majority of our favorite down jackets sit around 300 to 400 g.

Like a sleeping bag, some down jackets come with a stuff sack to assist with compressibility and packing. This accessory helps protect and secure your down jacket in a carry-on, backpack, or duffel. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody includes an interior stuff sack with a latch to attach a carabiner or your keys. 

While it can be super convenient to put your down jacket in a stuff sack, we wouldn’t recommend it for long-term storage. This can cause damage to the down and lessen its lifetime of loftiness and insulation abilities. 

When thinking about compressibility, it’s important to recognize that weight and compressibility typically do not correlate. An insulated jacket’s ability to compress is usually dependent on its insulation and material types. Even if a natural down jacket is heavier than a synthetic, it will still probably compress a bit better because of down’s natural loftiness. A higher fill power will compress better than a lower fill power.

Temperature Rating 

The temperature rating of a down jacket refers to the range of temperatures that the down jacket is designed to perform in. In other words, keep the wearer warm. It’s important to note that there is no universal measuring tool for temperature ratings. Many companies utilize various sliding scales, tools, and labels to help consumers understand the performance range.  

Ways to Rate

Some manufacturers use a specific number or degree to describe their down jacket’s temperature rating. For example, the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 has a digitized temperature rating of -5°F. Meaning, the jacket can be comfortably worn in temperatures as low as -5 when doing moderate activities. However, specific degree temperature ratings should be treated more as a guideline than a hard and fast rule – everyone tends to have various personal preferences and regulate their body temperatures differently. Wind chill is also a factor, as is sweat.

Other companies have specific conditions listed or sliding scales to reflect their temperature ratings. An example of this is The North Face, which has a “warm” sliding scale of 1 to 3. Three is the warmest offering from the brand. 

What It Helps With

Temperature ratings can also be a good guideline for how you should layer with your down jacket. Jackets with higher temperature ratings can function well with lighter layers underneath, meaning less bulk. However, they may be toastier on warmer fall and spring days. Alternatively, jackets with lower temperature ratings might require a thicker base layer or more midlayers on chillier days but should be comfortable when the temps are milder. 

If you’re looking for a down jacket with a specific temperature rating, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and consider factors beyond just the temperature rating, such as the jacket’s fill power, insulation amount, and overall design. 

Windproofness & Wind Resistance 

If you live in a windy climate or are planning on traveling to a gusty place like Chicago, it’s important to purchase a down jacket that has windproofness or wind resistance. 

Windproofness is achieved through a down jacket’s exterior materials and coatings. Tightly woven nylon and polyester shells create a barrier that protects the user from wind. Denser fabrics and windproof coatings are ideal if you’ll be higher up in the alpine or in the midwest where the wind can be highly unpredictable. 

One of the best-insulated jackets for wind resistance in this guide is the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody, thanks to its special nylon shell. We wore it in some cold slams without feeling any wind penetrate its surface. Also, the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket is almost windproof thanks to the windproof (and recycled) 20-denier ripstop polyester shell.

Breathability 

Down jackets are built to be toasty warm, so breathability seems like an oxymoron. It can be hard to find one that’s breathable without sacrificing the insulation. With modern textiles and designs, brands are creating hybrid puffers that are a tad more breathable and suitable for more active use.

Breathable down jackets are ones that utilize mesh zones near the waist, armpits, and back. These sections of fabric allow air to travel to those parts of the body that typically generate the most heat and moisture. The Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket has these vents in the armpits, making it a breathable option.

Another way that designers can add a bit of breathability to a down jacket is with two-way zippers. This also allows for a more customizable fit, because you can keep either your upper or lower torso insulated. This application is highly useful for climbers belaying at the crag or needing to cool off at the summit of an alpine climb. We loved the two-way zippers on the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody that could be adjusted for maximum airflow.

Length & Zippers

The length of women’s down jackets typically reaches the hips but can reach a bit further, below the hips, which affects the overall warmth and protection from the elements.

We felt that the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket came to just the right length at the hips without limiting any sort of movement or sacrificing warmth. 

Down jackets typically use a single one-way zipper in the front and zippered exterior hand pockets. To help snug up the fit, the best hip-length down jackets for women usually have a streamlined drawstring cord that can be easily tightened and loosened, which can help prevent gusts or snowflakes from scurrying up into the jacket.

Some down jackets have a two-way front zipper, which helps with harness compatibility.

Eco-Friendly & Recycled Materials

Beyond responsibly sourced down — like the ethically sourced Advanced Global Traceable Down in the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody — down jackets have an opportunity to include a bunch of eco-friendly design traits. The Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Hoody boasts responsibly sourced down and 100% recycled outer materials.

The Jones Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie sets a benchmark. As the first-ever down jacket made of 100% upcycled down, 100% recycled materials, and PFC-free DWR, this jacket is not only well-made but also highly sustainable. Furthermore, it’s designed with bluesign-approved materials. Even the zippers and pull cords on this jacket are recycled.

Some jackets also guarantee Fair Trade sewing, Bluesign, climate neutral, or OEKO-TEX Certified fabrics.

PFC-free Treatments

Some jackets are created with PFC-free DWR treatments for the exterior or down. PFC stands for perfluorinated compounds, which have been found to be quite harmful to the environment and wildlife exposed to waterways in which these chemicals are deposited. PFC-free products include the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, which employs a fluorine-free water resistance treatment on the down fill. The Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket likewise has a Nikwax fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish on its down fill.

ExpeDRY

ExpeDRY, an insulation from ALLIED Feather + Down, uses FUZE technology: a chemical-free alternative to hydrophobic-treated down. FUZE is as cool as it sounds — it bonds gold particles to the down feather clusters, which speeds up the water molecule evaporation process, so it dries faster. It also helps to prevent mold and bacteria growth — and therefore, odors — and it’s permanent, so it’ll last for the product’s lifespan. According to ALLIED, ExpeDRY makes the down dry 4X faster compared to untreated down.

Recycled Materials

Other designs are made with recycled materials or implement recycled down or a recycled interior fabric liner. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody has a 100% recycled ripstop polyester shell and liner. The Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 implements a 20-denier ripstop polyester that’s windproof and 50% recycled. The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket uses a recycled nylon taffeta shell fabric. In its hybrid design, the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie even uses 85% recycled polyester insulation on the tops of shoulders and wrist cuffs.

Responsibly Sourced Down & Traceability

Outdoor industry brands have made an effort to source down ethically without animal cruelty and create transparency in the global supply chain. Various certifications exist, but the most common are the Responsible Down Standard and Global Traceable Down Standard. Without meeting such standards, animal abuse can become part of the supply chain. Synthetic choices can set some folks at ease.

Patagonia is one brand that meets the Global Traceable Down Standard and also has a Recycled Down program, which reuses bedding, pillows, and other feather-based products, keeping them out of landfills. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody utilizes recycled materials and 100% virgin goose down that meets the Global Down Standard, for instance.  

TrackMyDown Program

However, new programs can help you understand where your jacket’s down is sourced from. The ALLIED Feather & Down TrackMyDown program allows users to trace their down products back to the origin of the fill. 

Winner of a 2019 ISPO Gold Award, the TrackMyDown program provides detailed information on the source of your jacket’s down feathers, including the country of origin, the supplier, and the farms where the birds were raised. Customers can also view information on the quality of their down, including the fill power and the cleanliness of the material. Simply type in your lot number (found on your down jacket’s hang tag) and press enter. 

Alternatives to Down: Synthetic, Plant, Wool

Down alternatives include synthetic fill, plant-based textiles, and animal-derived materials from sheep and alpacas. 

Synthetic Fill

Synthetic fill is made from plastic-based materials like polyester, from petroleum-derived products. These fibers are shaped and woven to mimic a natural down cluster with similar insulating abilities. While synthetic insulation is typically more affordable and better performing in moisture-high environments, there are some negative environmental impacts. 

Because synthetic insulation is plastic-based, these products will not break down in a landfill and shed microplastics over time. Microplastics are ever increasing in our modern world and have been found in both humans’ and animals’ organs, bloodstreams, and feces. 

One great option is the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket, which utilizes Thermore Ecodown insulation made from recycled PET bottles.

Plant-Based Fill

Insulation is typically down or synthetic but the Marmot Women’s Guides Down Hoody introduced a twist: natural insulation derived from ceiba, also known as kapok, trees. Found in the southern hemisphere, these trees drop their seed pods that are full of fibers, which are harvested and manufactured into a textile. The Guides Down Hoody is made with a 80% recycled down and 20% ceiba blend. 

Wool-Based ‘Fill’

Made with a wool-based down, some jackets from Ortovox utilize wool from sheep that provides warmth when wet — similar to a synthetic, but without the use of harmful plastics. 

Washing & Care

A down jacket’s material and insulation type influences its care. We always recommend consulting the care tag found inside the jacket or reaching out to the manufacturer for guidance before throwing it in the washer.

Spot Cleaning

Regardless of insulation or exterior fabric, if you have a small stain on your jacket, we recommend attempting a spot clean of it before a total wash. To remove a stain — whether from dirt, chain lube, or a muddy dog paw — simply take a damp washcloth with mild soap and gently tap the affected area. This should remove any small stains without dampening the entire coat. Spot cleaning will also dry fast and can be done in a jiff, so there isn’t much need to wait for your jacket to dry before it can be worn again.   

Machine Washing Down & Synthetic Jackets

For jackets with down or synthetic fill, we recommend washing them once a month if heavily used or every three months if moderately worn. Doing so will keep the jacket looking and smelling fresh.

To wash a down jacket, find yourself a front-loading washer. Top-loaders have an agitator that tends to cause damage to winter coats. 

After you’ve emptied and zipped all the pockets, put the jacket in the washer, and set the cycle to gentle with cold water. Add a minimal amount of down-friendly detergent (we love Nikwax) and let the machine do its magic. Remember — normal detergents, softeners, and bleach will damage natural down by stripping the feathers of the oils that give them their loftiness. 

For synthetic fill jackets, we recommend using a gentle non-biological detergent or pure soap. 

After its wash, throw your coat in the dryer on the lowest setting with some wool or tennis balls. Once it’s dried, give it a few shakes to fluff up the loft and you’re good to go. 

How to Layer

To make the most of your down jacket’s powerful insulation, it’s good to dial in a layering system. The best down jackets should be roomy enough that you can properly layer beneath to help keep you warm and comfortable. 

The key to layering is to find a balance between warmth and mobility. Too many layers can restrict your movement and make you feel stiff, while too few layers can leave you feeling chilly.

1] Base Layer

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your skin dry and warm. Choose a fabric like merino wool or fleece that fits snugly to your body. This layer should be close-fitting but not so tight that it restricts any movement. The more breathable the layer, the better. Avoid any cotton materials, which do not dry well once wet. Your down jacket should be doing the bulk of the warming work, so make sure you don’t overdo it. 

2] Midlayer

If you want extra warmth, you can always add an insulating puffy vest or midlayer sweater over your base layer and beneath the down jacket. 

3] Outer Layer

Your down jacket can be pulled on as your outer layer or as insulation beneath a shell jacket. If precipitation is in the forecast — like rain, snow, or sleet — then you’ll want to add a waterproof jacket on top.

Price & Value

Budget

Our most economical pick in this guide is the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($129). As fill power and fill weight increase, the warmth increases, and you’ll see the price of a jacket go up. That’s one reason why super lightweight, durable, technical cold-weather jackets are pricy. Jackets that are more expensive also feature more technical design features, materials that are more robust against a range of weather conditions and materials, as well as high-end sustainable materials.

Mid-Tier

A huge variety of warm down jackets exist between those two price marks. Most of our favorite down jackets are in the $200-300 range: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($279), Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket ($225), and the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket  ($295). Also the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($300), and our favorite budget pick, the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 ($249).

Premium

At full price, the most expensive down jackets on our list are among the warmest and offer the most coverage against the elements. Those typically sit in the $300 range like the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329). Reaching an even higher price are the Rab Valiance Jacket ($395), and the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody ($400).

Frequently Asked Questions