The Best Down Jackets of 2024

Wading through the crowd of stinky, exuberant hikers at the Appalachian Trail Days festival this year in Damascus, Virginia, we were shocked at the sheer number of Arc’teryx Ceriums ($400) trotting about.

When you start to see a jacket popping up in more and more thru-hikers’ packs as their insulator of choice for a 5-month journey across America, you know they’re made right.

At 11 oz. for a men’s medium, the Cerium strikes a healthy balance between reliable warmth and lightweight simplicity for a wide range of backpackers and adventurers. While not as light as the classic ultralight synthetic jackets most die-hard trekkers are using, its stellar packability and crazy warmth put it on our radar.

Arc’teryx employed an interesting hybrid design for the insulation of the Cerium, which they call “Down Composite Mapping.” 850 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 their warmth when wet.

Our one complaint, if we had to find one, is that we wish the included stuff sack was integrated into the jacket, or that the jacket packed down into one of its pockets.

In short, the Arc’teryx Cerium is one of the best down jackets you can buy for lightweight epics across the country or weekend outings to your favorite alpine lake. Boasting a stellar warmth-to-weight ratio, durable fabric, and a stylish fit, you really can’t go wrong with it.

As an all-around, affordable workhorse, the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($129) scored a spot on this list for its reliable warmth, solid durability, and approachable price point. It’s nothing flashy and fancy, but boasts a surprisingly solid warmth-to-weight ratio, and has held up great over many adventures.

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, sinch 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 is partly what makes 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.

When testing a bunch of down jackets, the surest way to know which one is best is to look at which one you find yourself wearing most often. That’s exactly what put Outdoor Research’s Helium Down Hoodie ($299) so high on this list.

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. Covering the Helium Down Hoodie’s 800-fill down is Pertex’s Diamond Fuse ripstop shell, 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, this one fits the bill.

What made the original Ghost Whisperer an editor favorite and brand icon, the Ghost Whisperer UL ($420) has in spades — or feathers, rather.

Shaving off 2.2 ounces may not sound like much until you realize that’s a 25% reduction in weight (the Ghost Whisperer/2 tips the scales at 8.8 ounces, while the UL comes in at 6.67 ounces).

The Ghost Whisperer UL accomplishes this in large part thanks to 1,000-fill down, giving it an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. A great layering piece you’ll hardly notice behind a wind-blocking shell, the UL sports two zippered hand pockets, one of which it packs into.

This ultralight jacket is a minimal piece, so no accessory pockets here. And the hood doesn’t cinch, though elastic cuffs offer some range of motion.

If your adventures don’t hinge on saving every cubic centimeter or gram, the Ghost Whisperer UL is probably more coat than you need — or less, rather.

For marathon belays in freezing temps, or winter excursions requiring maximum warmth, the Rab Neutrino Pro ($400) stands out as one of the best down jackets for the job. This is probably one of the comfiest, most versatile, and most well-designed jackets we’ve tested in a while for cold climbing expeditions or chilly adventures where weight and durability are a concern.

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 gives 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 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.

Of all the down jackets we tested, the Cotopaxi Fuego ($295) received the most “ooh, that’s a nice jacket” comments. Not really surprising, as Cotopaxi has built its reputation on flashy, devil-may-care designs — coupled with ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.

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.

As you’d expect, Black Diamond’s Vision Down Parka ($465) provides high-loft warmth and just the right feature set for cold-weather belays. It wins for durability, using a ripstop reinforced with a “Japanese Liquid Crystal Polymer.” This makes it tougher, but a little less soft than the Fitz Roy.

However, the Vision offers a two-way zipper and water-resistant zippers on the hand pockets — nice added touches for those planning to be in the wild on cold days. It also offers a bigger fit for layering under.

The Vision is extremely warm, very durable, and great for belays. But it’s heavier than many options, and its price tag will empty your wallet a bit more.

Check our in-depth full review of the Black Diamond Vision Down Parka.

Super-plush, super-soft, and super-warm, Patagonia’s Fitz Roy ($399) is a winner for cold days at the crag. Its down-like Pertex Quantum face fabric isn’t the absolute toughest, so expect some tears if you’re brushing against rocks. But all down jackets are meant to be patched, right?

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 Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Down Jacket ($300) is among the most flexible down jackets we’ve ever worn, making it super comfortable for everyday errands and recreation. The jacket performed well on commuter rides, nippy walks, and snowy hikes in a range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees plus wind chill at 10,000 feet.

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. From what we can tell, the designers did a pretty great job. When we lean over the handlebars or shovel snow, there’s no seam restriction on the upper back, arms, or shoulders — it feels like we’re not wearing a jacket at all.

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 and warm but somewhat bulky. Most impressively, water droplets roll off the surface with no signs of absorption or loss of loft.

Its hood is stretchy and spacious, however, when fully zippered, the hood’s elastic slightly pulls back the front collar, so the lower face is exposed from time to time.

Who would know how to fend off the cold better than the Swedes? Fjallraven’s Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($275) is a handsome coat with not too many features but a solid build. And surprisingly, you get all that without the sticker shock you might expect from the premium outdoor brand.

Fully recycled poly construction is a nice touch. The jacket sports a neutral fit, an interior accessory pocket, and a range of 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.

This 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie ($329) withstands wind, resists moisture, and is lightweight for its level of warmth. We took this jacket on rolling hikes, bike rides, and walks on crisp bluebird days during 5-degree lows and with dry blizzard conditions in Colorado’s Elk and Sangre de Cristo mountains. We stayed dry, thanks to the shell’s DWR finish, which resists moisture.

Heavier amounts of water noticeably dampen 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, which protects 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 bring down 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 Down Sweater is one of the more versatile, reliable down jackets on the market.

For an even more sustainably-focused down jacket with similar specs as the Down Sweater, check out the anticipated new Patagonia offering, the SugarDown Hoody.

Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, the latest iteration of Rab’s Microlight Alpine ($295) does what its predecessor did, only with far more recycled materials.

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.

No down jacket guide would be complete without the legendary, time-tested Ghost Whisperer ($360) from Mountain Hardwear, now dubbed the “2.” This recently revamped classic introduces slight increases in durability and warmth (with a small weight penalty), and is made with trash … though it’s far from trash itself.

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 on.

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.

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.

Boasting one of the lightest weights on this list — without sacrificing warmth — the Feathered Friends Eos ($409) is an ounce counter’s dream. Four ounces of 900+ fill premium down ensures each gram of this jacket packs a punch, and the Eos has consequently become one of our favorite insulators for speedy trips where maximum warmth and minimal weight are paramount.

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.