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When you see a winter jacket with a higher fill number, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio. The Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Compact Down Hiking Jacket (mens and womens) is new for this season. , Date First Available Instead, Arcteryx provides a wide option of gender-neutral colors in both categories. The number refers to how many cubic inches of space one ounce of down takes up. After all, with more than 100 reviews of 5 stars, this is one jacket that is well-loved by its owners. The brand gets a big applause from us for embracing the full color spectrum for mens and womens sizing. A higher-quality fill-power means your jacket will puff back up after being packed away and can scrunch down to half the size of a low fill-power garment. One everyday reviewer wrote that the 650 Down Jacket was Packable, light, warm. Ultimately, as our Overall Pick, we think the Patagonia Down Hoody is the best generalist jacket. Patagonia also pulled off the internal chest pocket well, with plenty of room for hands, phones, keys, snacks, or whatever else you like to keep close. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. We think that unless you are mountaineering, most folks wont need a jacket with the attention to detail found in the Rab Microlight. The Eos hood is fixed, and it does not come in a hoodless version, which reduces some of its versatility. A jackets warmth depends on two factors: the fill weight of the insulation and the fill power of the down. We are proud to be independent. Watch this video by our writer Duncan Cheung for a quick explanation of how fill power works. Spot clean with warm water and mild detergent. Many thru-hikers, for example, are okay not having pockets as they mostly wear a puffy jacket when they need their hands, like cooking in camp. For every jacket NESSH sells, they donate another coat to people experiencing houselessness. This womens jacket comes in a stereotypical mens jacket color. But we think most people who want an extreme weather jacket are willing to pay a little extra for 800 fill power. Weight: 12 oz (mens) and 11.3 oz (womens), Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets, 2 internal pockets, 1 chest pocket. Related: How to Clean and Repair a Down Jacket, Read More: How to Clean, Wash, Repair, and Maintain Outdoor Gear. Weve also seen some complaints about the price. Support small. The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS has among the most mobility of any down jacket we tested. Want a puffy jacket that keeps you warm, has a great warranty, and comes in a ton of colors and sizes (including plus-sizes and tall sizes) and features (like hoods or parka-length)? This jacket is for someone who still wants excellent cold-weather protection but isnt as concerned about packability or warmth to weight ratio and wants to save $150 over the Positron Pro. The Dark Peak NESSH (mens and womens) is a lightweight, warm packable jacket designed for trail and lifestyle use. The Ghost Whisperer 2 is an ultralight jacket that still has features many people want including a hood and pockets. Made using an innovative no-sew, no-glue design, this is a flexible down jacket without the bulk. , Department The hand warmer pockets on the Agrium are a little more protected from the elements than the Cerium LT. Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd. The pockets are deep, with thumb loops on arms-both are details that I love in a down jacket. The rest of the jacket is filled with down insulation to maximize warmth. This product is from a small business brand. The Arcteryx Cerium LT Down hoody has strategically-placed synthetic insulation in areas that are most likely to be exposed to precipitation or sweat. Related: The Best Lightweight Rain Jackets. Here are some honorable mentions. The Rab Microlight Alpine (mens and womens) is a much-lauded lightweight down jacket that gets high marks from Outdoor Gear Lab, Gear Junkie, and Switchback Travel. The Microlight Alpine has a versatile and athletic cut that works well for movement, making it a favorite among fast and light alpinists and mountaineers. Still, the jacket is lightweight with a 20d ripstop polyester. It seems bulky, but the 1000-fill down compresses to the size of a small cookpot. When drying your down jacket, always use a front-loading machine (never a top-loader). It remains a tried and true ultralight piece. In some cases, we tested the jackets on our shortlist for hundreds or thousands of miles in the backcountry, using the jackets on travel, backcountry adventures, and trips to the park with toddlers. Wanting a warm down coat might seem like a no-brainer, but not all down fill is created equal. In addition, the synthetic insulation is made of recycled material. In testing, we found the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket to be warm and versatile. Photo by Emily Haas. We found Rabs Customer Service to be responsive when we contacted them. Theres a reason I have so many down jackets. In contrast, the Cerium LT has a slimmer fit. Both the Agrium and Cerium layer well under more waterproof layers, like a rain jacket, as it is less likely to wet out than other down jackets. The Position Pro has everything we like about the Neutrino: its quality, warmth, and sleek appearance. It even has a zippered chest pocket, which many manufacturers leave out on womens puffer jackets. While fill power starts at 500, we didnt look at anything below 650 fill. Whether you want a hood on your jacket is a personal preference feature. We developed criteria to judge down jackets based on the advice of experts, our experience working in outdoor retail for 20 years, and our own testing experience. It weighs the same (26 oz) and has approximately the same fill weight at 10.4 oz. Another reason to be hood-skeptical is that, like hats, they may not always accommodate all hairstyles. But if 650 fill down will work for you, then go with the REI Co-op 650. Compared to the Cerium, the Agrium is better for layering underneath with a mid-layer, fleece, or heavier base layer. After a season of testing the Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket (mens and womens), I can definitively say we love this jacket. When it comes to extreme cold weather jackets, Rab is one of the most respected companies in the industry. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. By adding insulation, Outdoor Research turned the Helium into a winter jacket that is rain resistant, lightweight, and surprisingly durable. Fabric zipper guards on the pockets keep moisture out but are stiff enough to not get in the way when reaching into the pockets. This minor feature makes a big difference when used for any high activity sport, including mountaineering, ice climbing, or being outside in extremely cold weather. Photo by Junaid Dawud. : An elastic cuff and drawcord hem seal in warmth. We judged each jacket based on these features. A fine jacket can get marks to make it a winner if it has a good hood. The mens and womens Outdoor Research Cold Front Down Hoodie will quickly become a mainstay in our daily life, and for a good reason. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. If there are any clumps, it needs more time. The Montbell is a lighter-weight hiking jacket, but we think all but the most ultralight adventurers, like thru-hikers, won't mind carrying more weight for a few extra features. They have more features than their inexpensive counterparts, like internal pockets, glove-friendly zippers and cinches, and helmet-compatible hoods. How confident are you in finding a size that will fit you well? The down jackets we recommend all prioritize packability. You may or may not have noticed the lack of cottage industry or smaller brands on the best-of list, other than Feathered Friends (see our review below). Dark Peak is a European brand that is new to the US market. Although we agree it isnt as compressible or as lightweight as other down jackets, depending on your use case scenario, those criteria may be less important than the price, warmth, and mobility found with the Super/DS Stretch. Right now, Outdoor Researchs website is the only place to find the XXXL womens hoodie. It uses down in areas that need warmth and synthetic insulation in areas likely to get wet. For the best ultralight jacket, we had difficulty choosing between the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Jacket (mens and womens) and the Montbell Plasma 1000 (see our full review below). Hiking in the Montbell Plasma 1000 on a cool fall day at elevation in the Sierra Nevada. Otherwise, they have a standard Limited Lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects at any time (not just the expected lifetime of the product warranty that many other brands use). We like hoods with some adjustability level to keep the hood snug, like a drawstring or velcro tab. The mens and womens Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket was a close runner-up simply for the fact that it wasnt quite as warm as the Rab Positron Pro. We look at the big picture, and many of these brands, like Cumulus and Nunatak, are not well known enough to have the number of reviews necessary to put them on our list. That's one reason we didn't include the popular Canada Goose brand of down jacket. The rain-resistant coating is on the shoulders and hood, the areas most likely to be impacted by weather. Weight: 8.3 oz (mens) and 6.9 oz (womens), The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 is an ultralight classic, a lightweight jacket while still offering pockets and a hood. Related: Pacific Crest Trail Southbound Strategy, Weight: 17 oz (mens) and 15 oz (womens), Ethically sourced down? After compiling a list of 42 down jackets, we narrowed it down to 10 contenders. Bottom line: fill power has to do with the jacket's fluffiness and ability to trap air, not necessarily its warmth. Given that the Transcendent Hoody is the same price as the Patagonia Down Jacket and not as warm or as versatile for on-trail and in-town use, we think our Overall Winner is a better option for most people. One thing we found strange is while there is a hooded version of the REI 650 Jacket in the mens versions, theres no women's hooded jacket. The Eos also has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than the Patagonia. The plumules are incredibly efficient at trapping air warmed by your body heat and preventing that heat from being lost to the surrounding environment. Both the Arcteryx Agrium and Arcteryx Cerium LT are lightweight hybrid down jackets with 850 fill power Responsible Down Standard certified down and synthetic fill in areas more likely to get moist. The shell fabric is also windproof and soft to the touch, making for a comfortable coat. //@anonymous: no free shipping. I still like the Arcteryx Cerium LT. Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. Down jackets are great for staying warm in cold, dry temperatures. The author wearing the REI Down Jacket on a hike in the snow. It depends. It received accolades from Gear Junkie, but their testers also found it was expensive for the amount of warmth it delivers. The Montbell Plasma 1000 is arguably the lightest sweater weight down jacket on the market, packing in a lot of warmth for a minimal weight. Weight: 21 oz (mens) and 18.7 oz (womens). In addition, down jackets from reputable brands often come with warranties that can cover repairs for life (like recommended our Overall Winner, the Patagonia Down Sweater) and, in some cases, even re-stuffing of down. In testing, it blocked the strong coastal breezes, gusts that blew strong enough to batter the tent.It has a drawstring at the back to tighten the top of the head. Montbell was the only company that was not officially certified with the Responsible Down Standard or RDS certification. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Down fill weight is essential in determining how warm a jacket will be. Photo by Duncan Cheung. Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson wears the Rab on a cold fall day in Monument Valley. I have another reason for being an expert regarding down jackets: Im always cold. Jackets from all companies we chose had at a minimum Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturers defects. The main reason to choose the Cerium over the Agrium is availability. Air dry. Like other Arcteryx jackets including our former winner, the Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody, the Agrium uses composite mapping to place extra insulation in areas that get cold quickly and less insulation in areas that get warm during movement. In contrast, we noted that the Agrium fits better, and customer and outdoor media reviews back this up. But if you want the most warmth for the weight, it cant beat the Plasma 1000. Over the years, I've learned what features, materials, sizing, and colors customers want and what aspects of outdoor apparel they find unnecessary. The mens jacket is available in a pink/purple. As with all down jackets, the hooded version is more expensive, also driving up costs. I've spent 20 years outfitting outdoors people of all skill and experience levels on their quest to stay active in cooler weather. A quality down jacket has a hood that will stay up, excellent waterproofing on the shell fabric, and zippers that are unobtrusive. Like the Arcteryx Agrium, the Cerium LT uses what they call down composite mapping. I am not sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned in my reviews - and neither is anyone in my family. The redesign of the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 jacket has many new thoughtful features like the elastic cuff. When you think its done, feel by hand for wet clumps. Photo by Emily Haas. Some are washing machine safe, like in this video from Arc'teryx. Im not alone in saying the Agrium is my go-to mid-layer jacket for cold weather snow sports. Related: The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing. From fast and light shoulder-season hiking to extremely cold weather, budget picks to top-of-the-line upgrades, adventures in the backcountry, and running errands around town, here are our picks for the best mens and womens down jackets for all sorts of outdoor uses. Like the Patagonia Down Sweater, it also comes in toddler and youth sizes. Still, if youre able to find an Agrium, we think its the hybrid synthetic down jacket to get. Check our other gear repair guides, such as How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear. Similar to the Arcteryx Cerium or Agrium, the Cold Front is a hybrid synthetic down jacket. While wearing the Agrium at my day job, one of my customers complimented me on it and proceeded to gush about the Agrium for several minutes. On the other hand, when you use jackets in the front country or around town, hoods can get in the way. Thru-hikers are often willing to sacrifice some features of a down jacket to save weight. In my 20 years of working in outdoor retail, Ive found that Patagonia, REI, and Black Diamond have the most inclusive warranties. The video above, made by Treeline Reviews Duncan Cheung, explains some of the differences. Hooded version available? We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. Design-wise, we found it fits better than the Cerium, and everyday users generally agree. Of all the jackets I tested, this is the one I consistently grabbed when running out the door, despite it being the least favorite of all my testing colors (orange). Thank you for supporting us! For example, a current color in Mens is Renegade, which appears to be purple-pink, and Bushwhack in Womens, an olive-gray. In addition, areas of the body prone to get wet with some snow or mist have a bluesign approved synthetic insulation, so it will stay warm when wet. Some outdoors people swear by hoods and zippered pockets. The Cold Front felt comfortable and roomy enough on our testers torso to fit a medium-weight fleece underneath. In addition, we like the large and functional pockets. Do not wash or bleach. In addition, the eco-friendly water repellency coating repels rain and snow. We considered the Feathered Friends Eos (mens and womens) for the title of Best Overall Down jacket because it has similar specs as the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (see the Comparison Table above). One thing to note is that it warms up quickly! While we were first concerned by consumer complaints that the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket didnt have a drawcord hem. Tiffany Searsdodd testing one of dozens of down jackets we considered for this guife. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Sewers are empowered to put together color combinations and designs of their choosing, meaning that jackets are often unique. While these features are optional, they can make or break a jacket. We believe you can get an excellent down jacket for under - sometimes well under - $400. Photo by Kat Thomas. For more general information on what to look for (or not look for) in a down-filled product, see how we picked the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. Photo by Emily Haas. Unlike the Neutrino, the Positron Pro also has a helmet-compatible hood. is that it doesnt quickly dry once its wet. The hybrid shell of this 3-in-1 has water-repellent nylon at the shoulders, hood, lower body, and sleeves, and a wool-blend at the center of the body. If you absolutely must have 850 fill down and are on a budget, the Forclaz is a decent choice. Down jackets usually dont maintain their insulating ability while wet - but a wet jacket doesnt mean it is ruined forever. Copyright 2022 Treeline Review LLC. Given the comfort, excellent mobility, and durability, we think the Super/DS Stretch is an excellent option for folks who want one jacket for use around town, for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Yes, a jacket version is also available (mens). The authors Montbell jacket was repaired with Tenacious tape 10 years ago and is still going strong! Fill weight references how much of the overall jackets weight is insulation. Weight: 10.8 oz (womens) and 11 oz (mens), Hooded version available? It uses Vertical X Eco 85% recycled polyester synthetic insulation in the shoulders and wrist cuffs. In addition, the Eos may be too warm for what most people need. We tested 19 top-rated mtb shorts to find the best womens mountain bike shorts for all riders. The fill weight on the Mountain Hardwear is almost the same as the 33% fill weight of the Montbell Plasma 1000, making them similar in the warmth category. It was perfect for hiking in 15F weather. The Agrium also has a draft tube behind the zipper, a nice feature that wasnt on the Cerium. The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 comes in a broader range of sizes than the Plasma (Men's S-XXL and Women's XS-XL). Down jackets arent just for hiking. Related: Which is better: a down or synthetic jacket? Factors contributing to down leakage are how tightly the fabric is woven, the presence of coatings, and the quality of the down. Treeline writer Amanda Jameson wears the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 on a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Amanda Zuul Jameson celebrating a PCT milestone in the Ghost Whisperer. Hybrid jackets may be great options for folks who want one winter coat that will work for various conditions and activities. Patagonias environmental mission strives to repair gear instead of manufacture new items. The Agrium also doesnt adhere to gendered color stereotypes, but thats because it is only available in two colors! But we think youre better off choosing another jacket for outdoor use or longevity beyond a season or two. The insulation is 650-fill RDS down, which testers found to be not as warm as other jackets. I also bring almost 20 years of experience working in outdoor retail. There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. As a gear review website whose philosophy is rooted in buying less stuff (and that choice being better for the planet), we advocate for gear repairs whenever possible. Im also the author of Treeline Reviews Best Synthetic Insulated Jacket guide. With the orange color, the down feathers showed through. The OR Helium is a winner in our Best Lightweight Rain Jackets guide. Thats why our pick for Best Around Town jacket (see above) comes without a hood. As a Wilderness Guide for a wilderness therapy organization serving teenagers, I spent four winter seasons living in the snow in Central Oregon. //@anonymous: Code didn't work, $14 $35Graphic Ultrasoft Long-Sleeve Hoodie, $10.40 $26Girls' Extra Mile Trail Tight Leggings, $8.80 $22Rock Hopper Plush-Lined Leggings, $7.99 $14.95Girls' Movement Stretch Leggings, Apply Code SPRINGFS in-cart for free shipping. We tested the Patagonia Down jacket and found it to be really f&*%ing warm. We bought our usual size and found there was still plenty of room for layering underneath, confirming expert and customer reviews about the generous cut. We tested this jacket on play trips in the snow with kids and around town and found it surprisingly good, especially for the price. It is important to note that while relatively light, the Cold Front jacket is better suited for car camping, shorter hikes, and around town. Will you be traveling with your down jacket? It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. The Rab Positron Pro does an exceptional job of warming areas of the body that easily become cold (like the back of the neck). Plus, they use fun words like whilst in their product descriptions. The sustainability initiatives in the Agrium represent the future of where outdoor apparel is going. If you get a jacket with a very light denier, they may recommend washing your down by hand. Check on your jacket regularly. But if you dont wash your down jacket (or sleeping bag), the down will lose its insulating abilities because oil and dirt reduce its ability to loft. The hem is slightly longer than the Cerium LT, roomy enough to fit over my hips, yet fitted enough to prevent drafts. Over the last few years, we have seen the introduction of hybrid down and synthetic fill jackets. Instead, we opted for the similarly designed Rab Positron Pro, which has 10 g of down fill for every 7 g in the Neutrino. The shell and liner can be worn alone or together, depending on weather conditions.NOTE: Temperature ratings are based on a controlled laboratory test by an independent university lab. StormRepel Super DWR - our longest lasting moisture-shedding finish on sholders, arms, and lower body of shell, 650 fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, certified by Control Union 851564 More About RDS. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Weve read other reviews complaining it isnt as warm as other jackets, but that was not either of our testers experience. Down Fill weight means how much of the jackets weight is the insulation (vs. weight that goes to the shell fabric, zippers, sewn on logos, etc.). The drying process takes patience, so consider watching a few episodes of your favorite TV show or reading a book. Ultimately, we found that the higher price tag on the Eos made it less appealing to most people, even if the reason is (in part) because its made in the USA of higher fill down and includes a hood. While down jackets can be expensive, a high-quality down jacket can last you up to ten years (and in some cases, even longer). We researched and analyzed reviews on down puffer coats from Adventure Junkies, Broke Backpacker, Switchback Travel, Clever Hiker, Green Belly, Outdoor Gear Lab, Mens Journal, the Big Outside (see Sources). Photo by Emily Haas. Dedicated outdoors people often have a down jacket for shoulder season, one for around town, and one for the dead of winter. To find the best down jacket, we looked at 35 models. It is the second least expensive Canada Goose jacket and retails for $595, which is double the price of almost all the jackets on our list. This is an excellent option for an affordable down-synthetic hybrid jacket. It is important to follow the manufacturers instructions for washing your jacket. and 20% OFF orders of $75+, 20% Off Any $100 Purchase + 6 Piece Gift ($96 value) Valid 8/1-8/15. Nowadays, most brands have a DWR-treated outer shell. If improperly cared for or under heavy use, the expected lifetime could be considerably lower. We tested the international version of this ultralight jacket and found it to provide an incredible amount of warmth for the weight. Lastly, we want a hood that allows you to wear a hat or even a helmet underneath. Weight: 14 oz (mens) and 14 oz (womens), Ethically Sourced Down? The author wearing the Ghost Whisperer2 down jacket, an ultralight favorite. Photo by Emily Haas. Feathered Friends is a fantastic Seattle-based company that makes high-quality sleeping bags and down jackets, including the impressive mens and womens Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket. Durable Water Repellent isnt a full waterproofing, but it can cause mist and tiny droplets to bead on top of the fabric. The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown is notable for stretchy material, ample handwarmer pockets, ease of mobility, and incredible warmth. Fill power means - ounce for ounce - how much loft you will get from your jacket. RDS, no glue or stitching. We did find that there was some minimal down leakage. //@anonymous: no free shipping, States "This Promo code is not applicable here". The Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody (mens and womens) is a comfortable, durable down jacket at an affordable price for a responsibly sourced down jacket. Down fill for outdoor gear usually ranges from about 650-1000 fill. We like that the Helium Down Jacket is more technical than the REI jacket. The upside of the Lightline is that due to the lower fill power, you see a considerably lower price tag. As Broke Backpacker put it, theyve "been making this down jacket for years now, and its still kicking ass.". But, you can often find this one on sale. Looking for other cool weather gear and apparel? In some cases, you may be paying for a brand name. Both of these factors can drive up the price of a puffer jacket. Package Dimensions We developed a list of criteria to judge all the down jackets we considered. However, it wasnt an issue with the navy blue jacket we tested. But after talking with a Rab representative, we learned of changes to the Neutrino that turn it into a lighter-weight jacket. The big difference is that the Agrium uses bluesign certified rope dyes with a lower energy footprint than conventional wet processing jet dye. See our guide to Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for our recommendations. As a result, I became intimately acquainted with cold-weather gear, tips and tricks, and how to teach teens how to be comfortable in the wilderness. However, the fill power on the Lightline is 700 rather than 800 on the Positron Pro. Photo by Emily Haas. See our Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets story. Related: The Best Plus Size Outdoor Clothing. //@Harry: Apply Code SPRINGFS in-cart for free shipping. The most comparable Canada Goose jacket to the lightweight jackets in this guide is the Hybridge Light Tech Down, rated for 23 to 41F degrees. I've even used it on a cotton skirt I wear when Im in town. We also appreciated the high and warm neckline on this jacket. The Montbell Plasma 1000 (mens and womens) is an ultralight jacket with the highest warmth to weight ratio of any jacket we considered. Yes, only available as helmet-compatible hooded. It does not cover normal wear and tear. All our picks either stuff into their own internal stash pockets or come with their own stuff sack.