The Best Down Jackets of 2024-2025

It’s one of the more versatile, run-of-the-mill jackets we tried that just works well for most situations and looks fine around town. Not too technical, yet not too simple to be ineffective.

Though it doesn’t break any records in the packability or weight department, this jacket is designed to look good for casual wear, while still being functional on the trail. It doesn’t have a hood, cinch cord along the waist, or some other features of more technical jackets, which makes it harder to trap warmth or customize the fit than other models.

It is made with pretty comfortable fabric and uses a recycled nylon shell fabric with DWR treatment that has shown little to no signs of wear after extensive testing in harsh environments.

Given its weight category (11 ounces), it would be nice to have had a couple more additions that add to its warmth and adjustability, but again, its simplicity and affordability are what make this jacket special.

For the casual weekend warrior or even the dedicated backpacker on a budget, this REI staple will disappear in your pack, and keep you warm when you need it most. Its simple, slimmed-down design means you’ll look great at your local coffee shop, and be able to charge into the mountains after work if the opportunity arises.

Heavy water noticeably dampens the exterior, though it rebounds. This hoodie easily withstood bitter gusts, and the elastic cuffs are comfortable and block the wind. When fully zippered, the reinforced neck rise doesn’t slouch, protecting the lower half of the face. But the hood shape is a little too snug to comfortably wear a helmet.

The shell is made with NetPlus 100% recycled ripstop nylon, which is constructed from recycled fishing nets in a push to help reduce ocean plastic pollution. Pretty cool. It’s also insulated with 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, certified by Control Union. This thing has the planet’s well-being in mind.

This is an excellent everyday down jacket with great style and protection for the winter season. It’s awesome to pull on post-cardio activity, like after a winter run. It also maintains its loft and warmth even with snowfall and light moisture.

It serves its purpose as a stylish lifestyle jacket but also performs well in the backcountry. One of our authors used the Down Sweater as his primary insulator for the entirety of a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and it never let him down. Holding up to months of abuse, it weathered weeks of drizzle in the PNW and snowy whiteouts in the Cascade Mountains with ease.

For demanding adventures or chilly strolls around town, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is one of the more versatile, reliable, and stylish down jackets on the market.

We are so stoked about this featherweight puffy that we can’t stop telling all our friends about it, and more importantly, we can’t stop wearing it. Whether we’re taking a quick lap at our local ski area, heading out on an epic alpine mission, or spending a fall evening watching bears, this jacket exceeds all expectations. The 800-fill power insulation provides exceptional warmth while being so light that you may even forget you’re wearing or carrying it.

Many details set it apart. It has stout zippers, three deep zippered pockets, and a hood with a drawcord that is actually easy to adjust using just one hand (and even with gloves on). Elasticized cuffs, an adjustable hem, and the option to stuff it to the size of a water bottle and clip it to your pack or harness elevate the Approach Hoody further.

Weighing in at just 10.7 ounces (men’s size Medium), the Approach achieves its outstanding performance by using warmth-inducing 800-fill-power down, a 10-Denier nylon outer shell, and a functional design. This outer layer sheds water to keep you dry better than most down jackets we tested. This is due to the unique outer coating, GGT Empel Breathable Water Protection Technology, a water-free and PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) that really lives up to its name. Plus, the jacket is filled with water-resistant Allied HyperDRY goose down, so it doesn’t lose loft if it gets damp from light precip or sweat.

Even when we got caught in a hailstorm on an above treeline hike in Grand Teton (sans rain jacket), and our hair, pants, and entire body got wet and cold, the outer and insulation held up, didn’t soak in the moisture, and we stayed warm. Sidenote: the outer fabric feels a bit more delicate than others, but it has held up so far in testing. We will keep an eye on this, but if you’re extra tough on gear and want a bombproof option, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody has a more durable outer layer that has stood up to abuse over time.

Our only two gripes are the price tag and the fit. We know jackets like this utilize techy fibers and may be expensive; however, at $380, we admit we had a little sticker shock. Compared to other jackets of this caliber, it’s not that expensive, but living in a mountain town where everything is already expensive, we are budget-conscious, and we know many of you are, too.

We don’t love the slim fit. It made layering a bit challenging for us, so perhaps size up if you want to wear it as an outer layer on very cold days. It was, however, versatile enough that we used it as an outer layer over a t-shirt or sun hoody for high-altitude climbing trips in the Wind Rivers and as a mid-layer under a shell for frigid Teton ski missions.

One of the aims of the Stretchdown line was to blend the warm insulation of down with the range of motion and versatility of a softshell. And the designers did an excellent job. When we lean over the handlebars, make a big climbing move, or shovel snow, there’s no seam restriction on the upper back, arms, or shoulders.

The Stretchdown is the first-ever jacket with stitch-free baffle construction and is made from a single fabric, eliminating the need for glue. The 700-fill jacket is relatively lightweight (9.3 ounces for a men’s medium) and warm. Over the past year, it was our choice for countless pre-dawn hikes, and for epic backcountry ski adventures in the Tetons. No matter the conditions, it performed better than a standard down jacket. On the super windy summit of Static Peak, we were unfazed. A surprise spring rainstorm while out on a chilly bike ride didn’t come close to stopping us.

While we expect wind and snow resistance from a down jacket, the most impressive thing to see is that water droplets roll off the surface with no signs of absorption or loss of loft. It also has many features that add to its functionality: a stretchy, spacious hood, 3 fleece-lined zip pockets that are so cozy, an inner drop pocket, adjustable hem, and elastic cuffs to seal in warmth, and RDS-certified down.

Due to the unique outer material, a 20-Denier Durable Stretch nylon, this jacket is also relatively indestructible. Throw your newly tuned skis over your shoulder with total abandon. Bushwhack through willow and brush up against as many knobby pines as you want. We did, and they all have nothing on this beefy jacket that quickly became the one we grab for every adventure.

For some, the Stretchdown may be bulky. The added protection of the outer shell means it doesn’t pack down as small as others on this list, like the Ghost Whisperer. However, we’re willing to make this compromise for the uber durability and added protection from the elements. And it’s not bulky in terms of how it fits like some other down jackets that are super puffy. Because it’s streamlined and doesn’t have giant baffles, the Stretchdown works well as a mid-layer under a shell and as an outer layer over a base layer.

Versatile, bomb-proof, and stylish, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody is fast becoming our go-to when we don’t know what might happen out there, which is always because Nature can be fickle.

From multi-day big wall ascents of El Cap in Yosemite to nippy fall nights around a fire in the Appalachians, we put this thing through the wringer to see if it lived up to the hype. In short, this jacket is everything it’s cracked up to be.

What probably surprised us the most about this long-standing staple for alpinists is just how well it moves with you during high-output activities. Rab used what they call “twisted arm baffles,” which improve arm pre-curve and give you complete freedom of movement. While we don’t really understand all that jargon, whatever they did definitely works, and this was a joy to wear in the mountains.

Other features that contribute to its usability include a two-way zipper (essential for belaying and climbing) with an insulated storm flap, a down-filled over-the-helmet hood with a stiffened peak, and beefier ripstop nylon fabric over high-use areas like the shoulders and upper sleeves for increased durability. Despite the extras, the jacket maintains a relatively minimalist and sleek feel, so it still looks great around town.

Finding any negatives for this jacket was hard, but if we had to pick one, it would be that the hood really only fits well if you wear a helmet. Without one, it is quite large and floppy, obstructing your vision and just generally getting in the way. It’s designed for alpine use, though, so we can’t bash it too much on this front.

With 7.5 ounces of 800-fill goose down and an overall weight of only 20 ounces, it’s hard to find a technical down jacket of this caliber anywhere else. For the dedicated mountain athlete who needs a durable, mega-warm-down jacket for the toughest adventures, don’t overlook this beast.

Its athletic cut has made it ideal for early winter getaways, allowing this tester to toss a big wool flannel on over it when things get especially frosty. But it was still great by itself when things didn’t dip below a little chilly.

The quality and feel are everything you’d expect from a brand like OR — and then some. The brand dubs it the “most durable, lightweight, and technical down hoodie” in its arsenal. That durability comes from a strategic hybrid construction.

The hood and shoulders use Pertex Quantum Shield 30-denier ripstop that fights abrasion and adds a waterproof barrier where you need it — head and shoulders, exactly where rain hits.

But the toughness doesn’t stop there. Pertex’s Diamond Fuse ripstop shell covers the Helium Down Hoodie’s 800-fill down, affording the jacket enhanced durability without any significant weight penalty.

By no means the warmest puffy we tested, this one wound up in the backseat, at the ready for just-in-case adventures. If you need one puffy to grab that can handle a range of elements, the Helium Down Hoodie fits the bill.

Using completely recycled face and trim fabrics and stuffed with responsibly sourced RDS-certified down, they have designed it to leave as little of an impact on the planet as possible without sacrificing the warmth and comfort it’s known for — something we’re pretty stoked about.

At 8.8 ounces with 3 ounces of 800-fill down, this jacket boasts one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios out there and is still ultra-packable. It really does stuff down smaller than pretty much all of the jackets (both down and synthetic) we’ve tested. The hem is adjustable, and the shell fabric is quite durable and wind and rain-resistant. If every ounce counts for you, then you might want to try the ultra, ultra light Ghost Whisperer UL ($420), which weighs 2.1 ounces less (that’s a 25% reduction in weight!)

We would have liked to have seen them address some of the complaints of earlier models, however. Namely, the cuffs and overall fit. Prior iterations of the Ghost Whisperer had people wishing for elasticated cuffs and a more athletic, less boxy fit. They don’t seem to have addressed these issues in their update, and the cuffs still make it hard to seal out the cold.

These gripes aside, this jacket still remains a super solid option for fast and light missions into the mountains and for adventurers who need stellar packability and reliable warmth without weighing them down. We love their nudge toward greater sustainability and still think this deserves a spot as one of the best down jackets on the market.

When we threw it on during a spring ski tour of Taylor Mountain off Teton Pass, it brought comfort and immediate warmth. It was also the perfect weight and offered moisture protection while we shoveled snow during a mid-January dump in Jackson. We also got caught in high winds and sleet miles from the trailhead on a Nordic adventure. Thanks to the outer, made of Recycled 20-denier Pertex Quantum, the wind didn’t penetrate this cozy puffy. The jacket absorbed some water, but we didn’t get damp or chilly. The fabric’s moisture absorption was noticeable, making us wonder, will it fail over time? We will keep an eye on this during further testing.

The Pinion Hooded Jacket is a solid choice for those below-zero morning uphill adventures at Snow King Mountain, where we stay moving. We love that after a couple of laps, we can cruise directly to the coffee shop or even a work meeting while still looking stylish. The soft feel makes it more cozy than other down jackets, and the fit is perfect; it strikes the perfect balance between casual and athletic, so there’s enough room where you want it and none where you don’t, no matter what you’re up to.

However, it didn’t offer the warmth we needed during longer breaks on the mountain, on summits, or on colder days, so we don’t recommend it as the one puffy that does it all. And it weighs a few ounces more than most; if you’re looking for a lighter jacket that’s also warmer, check out the Black Diamond Approach Hoody. Though the outer fabric is billed as ripstop, we noticed a few small tears and abrasions after just a couple of uses, whereas we’ve been wearing the Mountain Stretchdown Hoody nonstop for a year and haven’t noticed a single errant feather. This makes us question the longevity and durability of the Stio Pinon, but again, further testing will really tell.

The Pinion Hooded Jacket makes a great outer layer for active pursuits and casual wear or a mid-layer for down-hilling or colder pursuits. Bonus points: you’ll look killer at après fun.

We threw on the Thorium while watching wolves at -20 and felt like we could stand there all day thanks to the larger baffles that provide more loft for those chilly starts. It’s also in our pack while we’re huffing and puffing our way up Glory Bowl or Snow King on frigid mornings; we throw it on at the top during transitions to stay cozy and keep it on for the fast and furious ski down.

We’ve even worn it during intense winds and driving storms where snow accumulated on our shoulders. In these instances, it works as a great standalone piece thanks to the DWR coating and unique design. Arc’teryx employed an interesting hybrid design for the insulation of the Thorium, which they call “Down Composite Mapping.” Its 750-fill-power down is placed along the core, while Coreloft, a synthetic insulation, is used in places that may be more prone to getting wet, such as the shoulders, underarms, cuffs, and collar at the mouth. This means these areas will retain a lot of warmth even when wet. That’s not to say you can forego a hardshell or rain jacket in a downpour, but the Thorium provides more than adequate protection in a high mountain snowstorm or light precip.

The updated version of this jacket (previously the Thorium AR) has many thoughtful features that elevate the jacket’s performance. Cold fingers will immediately appreciate the fleece-lined handwarmer pockets. The higher collar means you can tuck your face and chin in on particularly bitter days, while the insulated, helmet-compatible hood stays snug during high winds. Two internal dump pockets are ideal for stashing climbing skins to stay warm, while a two-way main zip works well with a harness and increases versatility. And, the icing on the cake: this jacket has bigger zippers that you can actually pull while wearing gloves or mitts. Many of these features remind us of the performance-oriented Rab Neutrino Pro, but that jacket has a far superior warmth-to-weight ratio, so it’s a better choice for those seeking a warmer, lighter-weight option. The Thorium is not ideal for light and fast missions (the Cerium is a better option), but it is ideal for everyday use, and those times when counting ounces isn’t imperative, but staying warm and comfy is.

While we would expect this extremely warm jacket to have a bit of heft, the bulk of it slightly limits mobility. We also wish this jacket was a touch longer; the length is a bit short, so when we raise our hands up or bend over, there is a gap in the fabric that allows valuable stored warm air to escape. The $500 price tag is also a bit steep and there are better options on this list that offer greater warmth for less money.

If you need a cold-weather puffy option that’s toastier than a hot tub time machine and offers protection from the elements in a functional package, the Thorium is a great option.

In addition to the light and fluffy 900-fill-power down, the Mythic Ultra shaves some weight by using a thinner 10-Denier Pertex Quantum shell material and eliminates a few extra features seen on most other midweight jackets, like internal pockets.

It does still include most standard features that you’d expect on a high-end down jacket, such as a dual front zipper, two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket, an adjustable hood and hem, and fleece lining in front of the chin.

It also has box baffle construction in the torso — which helps eliminate cold spots that may occur with sewn-through construction — and a heat-reflective inner lining that Rab claims can reduce radiant heat loss by 30%. While we’re not able to quantify radiant heat loss, this is a noticeable feature when you’re wearing just a single layer underneath, but we’d expect less of a direct impact with the more layers you wear underneath.

With its lightweight warmth and impressive specs, why didn’t we rank it higher? Two main reasons. Jackets in this warmth and weight range will probably be used for belaying or for alpine missions as an outermost insulating layer. And compared to other similar models like the Rab Neutrino Pro or the Mounain Hardwear Stretchdown, the Mythic Ultra has much thinner face material (10-Denier vs. 20-Denier) that may not withstand abrasions as well and has a very slim fit in the torso, making it more difficult to dial in the right fit over other layers.

The fit of this jacket is surprisingly slim. One of our primary testers (a 5’11” and 175-pound male) is a pretty standard size Medium in most shirts and jackets, even the other Rab down jackets we tested in this Buyer’s Guide. The size Medium of this jacket fits well in the shoulders and arms but is too tight and constricting around the midsection and waist, even with just a T-shirt on underneath.

We sized up to a size Large to accommodate the slim cut, and while the arms and shoulders are a little baggier than we’d like, the jacket now fits very well across the midsection. We’d recommend sizing up from your normal size in this jacket, especially if you’ll be using it as a belay jacket or an outermost insulating layer.

Overall, the Rab Mythic Ultra has an impressive specs list and one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any down jacket we’ve ever tested. Unless you absolutely need to shave an extra 3-5 ounces from your kit, we’d recommend going with the tried-and-true Neutrino Pro, which has comparable warmth, fits a little better, has thicker shell material, and is almost $100 cheaper.

That said, Patagonia employs 100% recycled material in that fabric, along with Fair Trade sewing. So the brand, per usual, strikes the best available balance between outright performance and social and environmental sustainability.

Two zippered chest pockets add some utility, and while there’s no two-way zipper, the hand pockets are nice and high to accommodate a harness. Overall, the jacket excels in warmth and comfort — so much so, you’d be excused for wearing it away from the granite.

The Alpine 850 Lite has a comfortable fitted hood with an elastic brim that provides great protection around the face. It also features elastic cuff bands and an adjustable drawcord at the hem, ensuring a good seal from cold drafts. The versatile design is classy enough to be worn for a night out on the town, and is technical enough to keep in your pack on fast and light missions where every ounce counts.

This jacket is just as warm as the popular classic Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie, but weighs a surprising 4.6 ounces less (10.4 ounces vs. 15.0 ounces). The reason we don’t rank it higher is because the Patagonia costs $70 less, has thicker outer material (20-D vs. 10-D), and has a few extra features like a hood adjustment cord and an inner zippered pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. The Patagonia also has a little nicer fit and finish, and feels like a more premium product.

The Alpine 850 Lite gave the Rab Mythic G a run for its money for the best overall warmth-to-weight ratio in the lightweight jacket category. The Rab earned the nod by weighing 3 ounces less (10.1 ounces) and is slightly warmer with 4.5 ounces of 1,000-fill-power down and a heat-reflective inner lining. The Alpine 850 Lite is nearly as warm, weighs nearly the same, and costs $125 less, making it a great option for ounce-counters who will appreciate a few extra ounces of green paper in their wallets.

The Fuego carries on that identity, albeit with a more toned-down, intentionally retro aesthetic. As a puffy, it’s a great around-town choice with some ready-to-party chops. The 800-fill down makes it acceptably lightweight and packable, though if you take it out enough, you’re bound to scuff up those pretty stripes.

Still, the Fuego is plenty warm for autumn wind and some light precipitation (thanks to a DWR treatment), and it can even fend off some winter bluster. But the jacket’s fit — not too trim, not too baggy — makes it easy enough to layer for added warmth.

The 20-denier shell construction adds a little extra defense against feather loss and daily abuse. Two internal stash pockets and hand pockets round out the build.

The jacket’s fully recycled poly construction is a nice touch. It sports a neutral fit, an interior accessory pocket, and toggles on the hood, hem, and neck. It’s a solid, no-frills coat made by a brand that knows winter.

For a more modest price, you get similar warmth to the Arc’teryx Cerium, though it doesn’t pack down quite as small and is a little bit heavier. They also added a layer of synthetic insulation over the shoulders of the jacket to help resist moisture, which makes carrying a heavy backpack for long periods of time much easier. The jacket is undeniably durable and just looks good around town, making this a solid cross-over piece.

Recycled down, a recycled shell, and a recycled lining quietly combine to make a Microlight Alpine that feels and performs like the original. It’s not an ultralight contender, but it’s also not a jacket meant to just go to the grocery store and back. The Microlight Alpine is plenty warm, cozy, and packable.

Thoughtful construction makes this jacket suitable for a range of uses — pockets situated to be climbing harness-compatible, a wire-brimmed hood, neutral sizing, and a stuff sack.

Feathered Friends have been masters of down since their garage-grown inception in 1972, and they honor their simple, functional roots to this day. Their products have an unflashy, utilitarian appeal that are crafted for those who need the bare necessities and nothing more. Function over fashion — which is good by us when the temps plummet.

That said, the Eos looks and feels darn good, and is no slouch around town. A slim contoured fit gently hugs your body without being constricting or limiting its layering ability, and two long stitchless baffles run down the sides, giving it a slight unique flair. These vertical baffles aren’t just for looks, though, and make the jacket more mobile and form-fitting.

They also limit fabric bunching, and we feel noticeably unrestricted while contorting our bodies on hikes or rock climbs. Though there is an inner liner that helps prevent cold spots from the horizontal baffle’s sewn-through stitching, the stitching on the vertical baffles are exposed inside, affording a slight amount of ventilation where it counts.

The Eos packs down small, but the chest pocket, unfortunately, doesn’t double as its stuff sack — and we’ve already almost lost the separate one it comes with multiple times. This does save some weight though, as not everyone likes to pack their jacket in a stuff sack on lightweight trips. The two zippered handwarmer pockets are cozy and generously sized, allowing plenty of room for trinkets or bulky gloves. We do wish there were a couple of internal drop-in pockets, as those always come in handy — but we suppose they had to cut weight somehow.

True to Feathered Friend’s ethos, this jacket boasts top-shelf durability and has shown little signs of wear after significant use on a plethora of backcountry climbing and backpacking trips in Colorado and all over Appalachia. We’re big fans of this lightweight, packable wonder — and it seems to worm its way into our luggage on most chilly trips we go on these days.

With a hefty 4.5 ounces of 1,000-fill-power down and a heat-reflective TILT inner lining that Rab claims can reduce radiant heat loss by up to 30%, the Mythic G feels as warm or warmer than other top performers while weighing much less. It weighs 1.9 ounces less than the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (12.0 ounces total, 4.0 ounces of 850-fill down, plus synthetic insulation), and 4.9 ounces less than the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie (15.0 ounces total, 5.3 ounces of 800-fill down).

So what’s the catch? There are only a few. First, the premium materials don’t come cheap. With a $525 list price, the Mythic G is at the top of the price spectrum for a lightweight down jacket and costs $125 more than the aforementioned Arc’teryx Cerium ($400) and $196 more than the Patagonia Down Sweater ($329). It also lists for $100 more than another warmth-to-weight standout in this category, the Montane Alpine 850 Lite (10.4 ounces total, 4.9 ounces of 850-fill down, $425 list).

The jacket also makes a few sacrifices to achieve its scant weight. It uses a 7-denier Atmos nylon shell material, which, while impressively strong for its thickness and weight, is definitely delicate compared to its 10-denier, 20-denier, or 30-denier competitors. It also sacrifices some extra features like an adjustable hood or interior pockets.

Still, we appreciate the Mythic G’s premium feel, and it has found a permanent place in our packs for fast and light shoulder season outings where a performance-oriented insulation piece is needed. The fit is a little more fitted, but it still allows enough room for a few layers underneath without feeling too restricting or too sloppy. And while the hood is not adjustable, the elastic brim dials in comfort and protection around the face.