While many warm winter jackets are on the market, it’s hard to beat down jackets. Whether it’s for casual use or outdoor adventures, the best down jacket for winter will keep you warm throughout the winter. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is generally much better than other jackets out there. Not to mention, it can pack down small, so you can easily store it in your backpack. A high-quality down jacket will also have nice longevity. But since there are so many options on the market, choosing the one that suits you can take a long time. It’s okay, though, as we’ve done the hard work for you. Below are some of the best options on the market! So, why don’t you give it a look?
Table of contents
- Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
- Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
- Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie
- The North Face Aconcagua Insulated Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody
- Outdoor Research Sonata Hoody
- Eddie Bauer Cirruslite Down Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket
- Marmot Ithaca Down Puffer Jacket
- Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket
- Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
- Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
- Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Down Jackets for Winter
- Is a down jacket warm enough for winter?
- Is down warmer than wool?
- Are down jackets worth it?
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
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Kicking off this list is the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. This jacket is extremely versatile. You can use it for hiking, skiing, backpacking, and other activities. It allows you to stay warm and comfy during those activities while looking stylish doing it. Apart from that, we also love the Pertex Quantum shell that can stand up to the weather and offer impressive water resistance.
This reliable jacket boasts 5 ounces of 750-fill-power hydroponic goose down. By wearing this jacket, you’ll never shiver anymore! However, it’s worth noting that the increased insulation means this jacket is slightly heavier. But if you can look past this, this jacket is worth getting.
Pros
- It has superior warmth compared to other jackets around a similar price range.
- It’s perfect for many outdoor activities.
- This jacket stands up well to windy conditions as well.
Cons
- Sadly, the hood isn’t removable.
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Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
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Of course, we have to include the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie on this list. This modern jacket offers 800-fill-power goose down, allowing you to stay warm even when the temperature drops. In fact, it’s warmer than many other jackets around the same price point. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?
Aside from that, the shell of this jacket is made of recycled polyester ripstop, making it a sustainable option. Additionally, it’s treated with a DWR finish, meaning it’s also a nice option for wet weather. Also, the contoured fit will look good on anyone, no matter the weight and gender!
Pros
- This jacket is one of the most comfortable options available.
- With 800-fill-power down, this is a nice option for extreme winters.
- As expected from a Patagonia jacket, it’s really durable.
Cons
- Compared to others, it’s definitely on the heavier side.
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Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie
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The Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie may not pack many bells and whistles, but it’s a solid option if you’re after the best down jacket for winter. First, let’s talk about its fit. Unlike other cheaply made jackets, this jacket stays true to size. Its regular fit allows you to show off your body shape well without looking too bulky.
Moreover, this jacket offers an extra layer of insulation around the shoulders. This helps the jacket resist moisture. More importantly, it’s extremely durable. It undeniably looks good, so you can wear this jacket for many winters to come. Also, it’s relatively affordable!
Pros
- This jacket can pack into its pocket, making it a nice option for traveling.
- It’s a simple, modern, and timeless jacket.
- Available in many sizes, this jacket is true to size.
Cons
- There are only three pockets, which is too little for some people.
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The North Face Aconcagua Insulated Jacket
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The North Face’s fleece jackets and North Face vinyl bags are awesome, but did you know that its Aconcagua Insulated Jacket is also loved by many? This down jacket for winter is stretchy, making it the perfect option if you plan to be active throughout the winter and need extra mobility. Whether you’re planning to go for a hike or run some errands, you can always rely on this jacket.
That’s not all! This awesome jacket also comes with 550-fill-power goose down throughout the body and sleeves. In addition, there’s also synthetic heat seeker insulation on the sides and around the shoulder panels for that extra warmth. And if you’re wondering, this windproof jacket is available for both men and women.
Pros
- This stretchy jacket allows you to move around freely.
- Many people appreciate how lightweight this jacket feels.
- Its standard fit flatters your body shape well.
Cons
- Some people are disappointed that there are no internal pockets available.
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Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody
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Most Versatile. Whether it’s for everyday activities or outdoor adventures, one can always rely on the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody. The jacket’s biggest selling point is its capability to offer enough warmth and a wide range of motion without sacrificing comfort. With this jacket, you can move freely as if you’re not wearing one!
Furthermore, this is the brand’s first stitch-free jacket, so there’s no need for glue. Additionally, the 700-fill down is relatively lightweight. But what’s more impressive is the water-repellent shell. With everything this jacket offers, it’s hard not to fall in love with it!
Pros
- The zipped hand and chest pockets are spacious.
- You can move freely without any movement restrictions.
- It’s not as expensive as some of its competitors.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this jacket is a little bit bulky.
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Outdoor Research Sonata Hoody
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Another down jacket for winter that can effectively protect you from the cold is the Outdoor Research Sonata Hoody. The biggest selling point of this jacket is its weight. Yep, this is one of the most lightweight options on this list. Thanks to that, it also works great as an extra layer.
Moreover, the jacket’s 100% nylon 22D ripstop shell and lining are extremely durable. Feel free to wear this jacket every single day! Apart from that, we also appreciate that the 650-fill-power goose down is responsibly sourced. Better yet, it doesn’t look overly puffy.
Pros
- Despite its quality, this jacket remains affordable.
- There are plenty of pockets to store small items.
- It’s more affordable than many of its competitors!
Cons
- Some people find this jacket too thin for them.
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Eddie Bauer Cirruslite Down Jacket
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Who says you have to spend your entire savings to have the best down jacket for winter? The Eddie Bauer Cirruslite Down Jacket is proof that you can get a high-quality jacket without spending too much. This jacket is made of DWR-treated nylon, meaning it can wick off light precipitation. No matter what you’re doing, you’ll be able to stay warm and cozy.
Available in plenty of shades, this down jacket is also fashionable! Plus, it allows you to wear a sweater underneath for added warmth when the weather decides to go berserk. Best of all, this jacket is super inclusive. Aside from the regular sizes, it also comes in Petite, Plus, and Tall sizes.
Pros
- This jacket is ridiculously lightweight and also packable.
- It comes with a water-repellent finish.
- The high neckline prevents heat from escaping, allowing you to stay warm longer.
Cons
- Its 650-down insulation is not as warm as its competitors.
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Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket
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Best Lightweight. The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket is easily one of our favorites, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same. The main highlight of this jacket is its weight. At just around 6.67 ounces, this jacket is extremely lightweight. Despite that, it’s still more than capable of keeping you warm, all thanks to the 1,000-fill down.
Moreover, this down jacket for winter is sustainable. The ripstop shell is fully recycled, and the down is responsibly sourced. Meanwhile, the relaxed fit allows you to layer this jacket over base layers. Best of all, it can conveniently pack down into its pocket! Talk about portability! Are you looking for more reviews about this item? Take a look at what Switch Back Travel has to say!
Pros
- From hiking to backpacking, this jacket is perfect for all activities.
- It’s not only lightweight but also compact.
- Its relaxed fit allows you to do layering.
Cons
- This is a minimal jacket, so there are no pockets included.
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Marmot Ithaca Down Puffer Jacket
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Perfect for harsh winters, the Marmot Ithaca Down Puffer Jacket is a down jacket for winter that won’t disappoint. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this jacket is its own, which is treated with a Down Defender coating. Thanks to this, the down will stay puffy even in wet weather and ensure it can retain its insulating properties.
In addition, this gorgeous jacket is also warm enough for sub-zero temperatures. Aside from its warmth, it also has many additional features. For instance, we find the hand-warming pockets to be super handy. Plus, they’re lined with fleece, providing extra warmth. Also, there’s a hidden internal pocket to store your smaller essentials.
Pros
- This beautiful jacket comes with a removable hood with faux fur.
- There are many pockets, which is always a big plus.
- There’s an extra snap pocket found on the shoulder.
Cons
- Some people think this jacket isn’t warm enough.
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Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket
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Most Stylish. There are many warm down jackets on the market, but many of them look the same. If you want something that can wow people, you can’t go wrong with the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket. Coupled with its popularity and reasonable price tag, there’s no reason not to get this amazing down jacket for winter.
The jacket’s 800-fill down allows it to be lightweight and extremely packable. And when it comes to fit, this packable down jacket is not too tight or baggy. This allows you to add an extra layer for added warmth when needed. Also, we’re huge fans of the 20D shell that allows the jacket to take some beating!
Pros
- This lightweight jacket can pack into its own pocket.
- We find the interior stash pockets to be super handy.
- This retro-inspired jacket is available in many colorways.
Cons
- Some people wish it were a bit more slim fitting.
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Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
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Best Quality. A popular brand that manufactures the best jackets for winter hiking and the best backpacking jackets don’t be surprised to find many people wearing a jacket from Arc’teryx during winter, like the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody! Yep, this down jacket for winter is trendy. One of the main reasons behind its popularity is because of its perfect weight-to-warmth ratio. While it’s not the lightest, it’s packable and offers a crazy amount of warmth for adventurers like you.
Furthermore, its hybrid design is worth the praise. The 850-fill-power down is used at the core, while synthetic insulation is used in areas that are more susceptible to wetness. Oh, have we mentioned how much we love the design? This jacket is modern and timeless, and both men and women can use it. If you need more convincing, check out halfwayanywhere.com’s review!
Pros
- Thanks to its hybrid insulation, you can use this jacket in wet weather conditions.
- Though not the lightest, it’s still pretty lightweight and offers plenty of warmth.
- We love the jacket’s timeless and modern design.
Cons
- Considering everything it offers, don’t be surprised by the price tag!
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Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
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Everyone who owns the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie will want to wear it every day, and we’re not surprised! That’s because this down jacket for winter is extremely comfy. Not to mention, its athletic cut makes it the perfect option for winter activities. You can wear an extra layer on top of it when things get extremely cold.
We’re also impressed by how smart the brand is in designing this jacket. The shoulders and hood area are made waterproof, which is where the rain hits! On top of that, this jacket is ridiculously durable. According to the official product page, it’s both rip and tear-resistant. Apart from that, many also admire its lightweight.
Pros
- This jacket has five big pockets in total.
- It’s available for both men and women.
- The down used is Responsible Down Standard certified.
Cons
- While it’s extremely cozy, this jacket isn’t the warmest.
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Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
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Best Warmth. Yes, there are plenty of warm winter jackets on the market. But we think it’s only fair to name Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket as the warmest! With 8 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down, even the coldest winter won’t be able to bother you anymore. Speaking of which, the hydrophobic down is ethically sourced. Not to mention, its long-lasting 20D shell is water-resistant.
If you think this jacket is already impressive, you’ll be even more surprised! For that extra warmth, this jacket also boasts a down-filled hood, which does a great job of protecting your head. Additionally, we also love how there’s an internal zipped pocket that you can use to keep your phone or wallet. What’s not to like?
Pros
- This down jacket for winter comes with a stuff sack for easy storage.
- It’s available in many sizes and shades to choose from.
- Its anatomical shape allows you to move freely!
Cons
- Some people find the hood a bit too big.
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Our Verdict!
Depending on your budget and preferences, every jacket above can be the right one. All of them can keep you warm all winter and can last a long time. However, there are some jackets that we think are better in some categories, which are:
- Best Warmth: Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
- Best Quality: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
- Most Stylish: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket
- Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket
How To Choose The Best Down Jackets for Winter
Now, it’s time to learn about some of the most important things to consider when you’re getting the best down jacket for winter!
Warmth
The warmth of a down jacket is indicated by two things: fill power and fill weight. Fill power indicates the quality of the down. The higher it is, the better the down is. Good down jackets will have around 800 fill power or higher. Meanwhile, fill weight indicates how much down is inside your jacket. It’s often measured in ounces, but it isn’t always listed.
Weight
A lightweight jacket can go a long way, especially if you’re an adventurer who loves outdoor activities. However, you should be careful as if it’s too lightweight, it might not be warm enough for winter.
Size
Getting a down jacket for winter that fits you nicely is also important. Most jacket brands will provide a sizing chart, so we recommend checking it out and measuring yourself against it to get the right size. Also, you can consider getting a one-size larger jacket if you want to wear extra layers underneath.
Is a down jacket warm enough for winter?
Of course! Down is an amazing insulator; its fluffiness creates countless small air pockets that capture warm air and hold heat, making it an excellent insulator.
Is down warmer than wool?
Generally, down is warmer than wool. However, you should always check the warmth rating of the jacket to know whether it’s warm enough or not.
Are down jackets worth it?
Definitely! Down jackets are fantastic insulating jackets. They’re lightweight, warm, and packable, making them the perfect winter gear.
