It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the An iconic Patagonia jacket named after an iconic Patagonian peak, the Fitz Roy has gone through a number of iterations over the years. And while the Down With It doesnt compress well for travel, its got one big thing going for it: warmth. Further, theyre typically more fully featured and durable than ultralight options and are less bulky (and offer greater mobility) than their mid and heavyweight counterparts. Second, Americans may have problems with the European-style left-hand zipper, which can take a while to get used to. The Rab cant compete with the Fitz Roys coziness, but it wins out in both weather protection and durability, with hydrophobic down and a 30-denier Pertex Quantum shell (weve found the Fitz Roys 20D shell to be pretty fragile). Premium down is 800-fill and above and what Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear use for their high-end down jackets. For example, if Jacket A has 6 ounces of 800-fill down and Jacket B has 3 ounces of 800-fill down, you can expect that Jacket A will be significantly warmer (we estimate that it would increase comfort levels in low-output activities by approximately 10-20 degrees). If youre in the market for a single down jacket that works well in almost every environment, down sweaters are a great place to start. 
Category: MidweightWeight: 2 lbs. And although the Ghost Whisperer/2 did get a slight durability boost in the latest update from a 7-denier shell to 10-denier, we still dont recommend this jacket as your daily driver. Category: LightweightWeight: 15.5 oz.Fill: 3.3 oz. Its far from the lightest option on this list (ounce counters should see the more performance-focused Arc'teryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 below), and the fit is shorter and a bit boxier than more performance-oriented models. Keep in mind that the Marmot Montreal's thigh-length cut is a little shorter than competitors like the Patagonia Down With It Parka, which translates to less protection and warmth (but a more playful style). Sizing can be trickywe recommend finding a way to try on the Coze or purchasing from an online retailer with a good return policyand unlike many parkas, you dont get a cinch at the waist. and Feathered Friends Eos (9.3 oz.) Factors like fit, layering, your level of exertion and circulation, and wind all play a role. Category: LightweightWeight: 14.8 oz. How does the OR Coldfront stack up to the picks above? First is the 50-denier fabric, which is considerably more robust than much of the competition. But like the Eos, it cant match the Patagonia in terms of everyday appeal. We find it interesting that fill weight is much less publicized than fill power, which leads to a lot of confusion for shoppers who associate higher fill power as always meaning more warmth. If youre headed out in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand, a jacket with hydrophobic down like the Rab Microlight Alpine (along with a waterproof shell) is a smart choice. And the Silent Down Jacket here is no exception, combining an eye-catching casual design and sleeping-bag-like comfort with recycled materials throughout. You do pay a bit of a premium at $389 (price recently jumped $50), and it certainly doesnt have as much daily appeal as the Down Sweater or Cerium LT above, with a non-adjustable hood, limited color options, and overall technical appearance. What we dont: Not a lot of subtle color options, no fill weight provided, and not the softest hand feel. Category: HeavyweightWeight: 2 lbs. In this case, you get 4.5 ounces of 800-fill down (the Down Sweater has 3.5 oz. Instead, the Gotham fills a nice niche for women who want the warmth and comfort of a down puffy without the techy appearance or specialized features. For those who want added coverage, the Down Sweater also is made in a hooded version for $50 more. For example, the Patagonia Down Sweater and Cotopaxi Fuego are both great for casual wear but lightweight enough to pack for active pursuits. Nitpicks aside, the Heliums solid weatherproofing and durability make it an intriguing standalone piece, earning it a spot on our list.See the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie. In other words, the Fuego offers performance practically on par with our number one pick, but for $29 less and with a few extra style points (its noteworthy that Patagonia recently added two striped colorways to their Down Sweater lineup). Wordlessly, we begin again and settle into a slow Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. of 800-fill down) and Feathered Friends Eos (2.8 oz. The two jackets shortcomings are similar: The Cubits bulk and heft take it out of the running for weight-conscious missions (we still love it for cragging), and $300 is expensive for a casual down jacket. Further, the rigid structure of the jackets brimmed hood has a hardshell-like feel, offering great all-around coverage and protection. What we dont: Not warm enough for true winter use. For a step up in warmth from the Patagonia Down Sweater, the Fitz Roy Down Hoody is built for cold weather and technical use. The Helium uses Pertexs Diamond Fuse technology throughout the shell, which improves abrasion resistance without adding weight. Casual down jackets come in all shapes and sizes, but we love the extra warmth and coverage that a parka provides. Youll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight Alpine stands out as one of the more weather-ready midweight down jackets weve tested. All told, it's a great budget choice for everything from daily use to hiking and resort skiing. Some parkas, like Marmot's Montreal below, are classified as thigh-length rather than knee-length, but the added inches here are especially nice in cold climates like the Midwest or Northeast. We also love the soft-yet-rugged shell and nice touches like fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, snug-fitting cuff gaiters with thumb loops, and classy branding on the sleeve. Fill: 2.5 oz. weigh very little for the warmth they provide and compress down extremely small in your pack. Mountain Equipment and Rab also err on the trimmer side, while brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear often have more accommodating shapes that balance everyday comfort with performance. Whether youre looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka for around-town use, or something in between, theres a down jacket that fits the bill. Enter the 7.8-ounce Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2, one of the most impressive jackets in its class. However, despite their high quality, we find most ultralight jackets fragile and minimalist (not to mention expensive), and thus impractical for everyday use. The thickness of a jackets outer fabric is listed in denier (D), which is a measurement of the weight of a thread. Finally, the Coldfront doesnt pack down as small as the higher-fill-power options above and below, but considering the price and warmth, its all most women need in a down jacket. For added warmth and coverage, its also available in a classy parka-length variation for an additional $25Read in-depth reviewSee the Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. In terms of competitors, Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody uses the same 800-fill-power down and has a slightly thicker 20 x 30-denier shell but is 1 ounce heavier and costs $279 (without the Cotopaxis fill weight, its difficult to precisely nail down which is the warmer jacket). Featuring premium 800-fill down and a versatile 20-denier shell that is reasonably tough yet lightweight, the Fuego is well-built and capable despite its clear casual intentions. To top it all off, the jacket has a premium feel reminiscent of pricier down jackets, with a full suite of storage (including interior dump pockets) and adjustments. Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. Dont underestimate the impact of denier: even the difference from 10 to 20 denier can play a significant role in the total weight and potential lifespan of your jacket. 3.5 oz.Fill: 8.3 oz. U.K.-based Rab is among our favorite outdoor clothing brands, and the Neutrino Pro is their beloved down jacket for cold-weather climbing and mountaineering. If youre in the market for a technical piece for skiing, hiking, climbing, and other human-powered activities, look for high fill power, low weight, and features like a helmet-compatible hood and two-way zipper. of 600-fill downWhat we like: Good overall warmth and weather protection for much less than the competition. Lower-fill-power down offers less warmth per ounce, so in order to make an apples-to-apples comparison between jackets, its important that they have identical (or similar) fill powers. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. The stylish metal-snap closure, large baffles, stand-up collar, and subtle colorways offer a great look, but the true selling point (at least for us) is the soft and stretchy shell fabric that give the jacket its name. But while the Stratocloud holds strong with other jackets in terms of warmth, weather protection, and features, where it lags behind is in weight and packability. The first step in finding the best women's down jacket is determining what your end use will be. On the shorter end of the spectrum, many down sweaters and other lightweight pieces end right around the waist or hips. The Eos packs 2.8 ounces of 900-fill goose down (one of the most premium fill powers here) into a sub 10-ounce packagea very impressive amount of warmth for the weight. But for lightweight warmth in a premium package, the Eos is a great match for serious adventurers. On our list above, weve noted both the fill power and weight whenever possible so that you can make an accurate and informed choice when shopping around. is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. 1.1 oz.Fill: 5.3 oz. One measure were seeing more and more of is the use of responsibly sourced down (look for an RDS certification or, in the case of Patagonia, Advanced Global Traceable Down). Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (7.8 oz.) But for top-notch coverage from a trusted brand, the Coze is an attractive option.See the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. These jackets will likely have thinner fabrics (read: less durability), trimmed-down feature sets, and slim fits (the Arcteryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 are prime examples). While Arcteryxs Cerium series shaves weight and features for technical pursuits, their Thorium collection places a bigger premium on everyday functionality. At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. Keep in mind that the higher the fill power, the more easily your jacket will compress. However, gear manufacturers have found a way to treat down to make it more water-resistant. An interesting feature of the Cerium LT is the use of Down Composite Mapping. Its warmer than lightweight options like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arcteryx Cerium LT but falls short of a heavyweight like Rabs Neutrino Pro for truly frigid conditions. Second, fit varies significantly by brand. Youll also want to take length into account with your down jacket purchase. For all their inherent strengths, down jackets arent perfect: namely, they perform poorly in wet weather and their thin fabrics are often lacking in durability. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Impressive versatility, good looks, and ethically sourced down.What we don't: A bit heavy and streamlined for true performance use. Throw in responsibly sourced down and the fact that Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, and the Fuego is an easy jacket to get behind. of 700-fill downWhat we like: A technical down jacket with classy Scandinavian styling.What we dont: Expensive and not as warm or light as other options here.
Category: MidweightWeight: 2 lbs. And although the Ghost Whisperer/2 did get a slight durability boost in the latest update from a 7-denier shell to 10-denier, we still dont recommend this jacket as your daily driver. Category: LightweightWeight: 15.5 oz.Fill: 3.3 oz. Its far from the lightest option on this list (ounce counters should see the more performance-focused Arc'teryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 below), and the fit is shorter and a bit boxier than more performance-oriented models. Keep in mind that the Marmot Montreal's thigh-length cut is a little shorter than competitors like the Patagonia Down With It Parka, which translates to less protection and warmth (but a more playful style). Sizing can be trickywe recommend finding a way to try on the Coze or purchasing from an online retailer with a good return policyand unlike many parkas, you dont get a cinch at the waist. and Feathered Friends Eos (9.3 oz.) Factors like fit, layering, your level of exertion and circulation, and wind all play a role. Category: LightweightWeight: 14.8 oz. How does the OR Coldfront stack up to the picks above? First is the 50-denier fabric, which is considerably more robust than much of the competition. But like the Eos, it cant match the Patagonia in terms of everyday appeal. We find it interesting that fill weight is much less publicized than fill power, which leads to a lot of confusion for shoppers who associate higher fill power as always meaning more warmth. If youre headed out in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand, a jacket with hydrophobic down like the Rab Microlight Alpine (along with a waterproof shell) is a smart choice. And the Silent Down Jacket here is no exception, combining an eye-catching casual design and sleeping-bag-like comfort with recycled materials throughout. You do pay a bit of a premium at $389 (price recently jumped $50), and it certainly doesnt have as much daily appeal as the Down Sweater or Cerium LT above, with a non-adjustable hood, limited color options, and overall technical appearance. What we dont: Not a lot of subtle color options, no fill weight provided, and not the softest hand feel. Category: HeavyweightWeight: 2 lbs. In this case, you get 4.5 ounces of 800-fill down (the Down Sweater has 3.5 oz. Instead, the Gotham fills a nice niche for women who want the warmth and comfort of a down puffy without the techy appearance or specialized features. For those who want added coverage, the Down Sweater also is made in a hooded version for $50 more. For example, the Patagonia Down Sweater and Cotopaxi Fuego are both great for casual wear but lightweight enough to pack for active pursuits. Nitpicks aside, the Heliums solid weatherproofing and durability make it an intriguing standalone piece, earning it a spot on our list.See the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie. In other words, the Fuego offers performance practically on par with our number one pick, but for $29 less and with a few extra style points (its noteworthy that Patagonia recently added two striped colorways to their Down Sweater lineup). Wordlessly, we begin again and settle into a slow Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. of 800-fill down) and Feathered Friends Eos (2.8 oz. The two jackets shortcomings are similar: The Cubits bulk and heft take it out of the running for weight-conscious missions (we still love it for cragging), and $300 is expensive for a casual down jacket. Further, the rigid structure of the jackets brimmed hood has a hardshell-like feel, offering great all-around coverage and protection. What we dont: Not warm enough for true winter use. For a step up in warmth from the Patagonia Down Sweater, the Fitz Roy Down Hoody is built for cold weather and technical use. The Helium uses Pertexs Diamond Fuse technology throughout the shell, which improves abrasion resistance without adding weight. Casual down jackets come in all shapes and sizes, but we love the extra warmth and coverage that a parka provides. Youll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight Alpine stands out as one of the more weather-ready midweight down jackets weve tested. All told, it's a great budget choice for everything from daily use to hiking and resort skiing. Some parkas, like Marmot's Montreal below, are classified as thigh-length rather than knee-length, but the added inches here are especially nice in cold climates like the Midwest or Northeast. We also love the soft-yet-rugged shell and nice touches like fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, snug-fitting cuff gaiters with thumb loops, and classy branding on the sleeve. Fill: 2.5 oz. weigh very little for the warmth they provide and compress down extremely small in your pack. Mountain Equipment and Rab also err on the trimmer side, while brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear often have more accommodating shapes that balance everyday comfort with performance. Whether youre looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka for around-town use, or something in between, theres a down jacket that fits the bill. Enter the 7.8-ounce Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2, one of the most impressive jackets in its class. However, despite their high quality, we find most ultralight jackets fragile and minimalist (not to mention expensive), and thus impractical for everyday use. The thickness of a jackets outer fabric is listed in denier (D), which is a measurement of the weight of a thread. Finally, the Coldfront doesnt pack down as small as the higher-fill-power options above and below, but considering the price and warmth, its all most women need in a down jacket. For added warmth and coverage, its also available in a classy parka-length variation for an additional $25Read in-depth reviewSee the Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. In terms of competitors, Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody uses the same 800-fill-power down and has a slightly thicker 20 x 30-denier shell but is 1 ounce heavier and costs $279 (without the Cotopaxis fill weight, its difficult to precisely nail down which is the warmer jacket). Featuring premium 800-fill down and a versatile 20-denier shell that is reasonably tough yet lightweight, the Fuego is well-built and capable despite its clear casual intentions. To top it all off, the jacket has a premium feel reminiscent of pricier down jackets, with a full suite of storage (including interior dump pockets) and adjustments. Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. Dont underestimate the impact of denier: even the difference from 10 to 20 denier can play a significant role in the total weight and potential lifespan of your jacket. 3.5 oz.Fill: 8.3 oz. U.K.-based Rab is among our favorite outdoor clothing brands, and the Neutrino Pro is their beloved down jacket for cold-weather climbing and mountaineering. If youre in the market for a technical piece for skiing, hiking, climbing, and other human-powered activities, look for high fill power, low weight, and features like a helmet-compatible hood and two-way zipper. of 600-fill downWhat we like: Good overall warmth and weather protection for much less than the competition. Lower-fill-power down offers less warmth per ounce, so in order to make an apples-to-apples comparison between jackets, its important that they have identical (or similar) fill powers. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. The stylish metal-snap closure, large baffles, stand-up collar, and subtle colorways offer a great look, but the true selling point (at least for us) is the soft and stretchy shell fabric that give the jacket its name. But while the Stratocloud holds strong with other jackets in terms of warmth, weather protection, and features, where it lags behind is in weight and packability. The first step in finding the best women's down jacket is determining what your end use will be. On the shorter end of the spectrum, many down sweaters and other lightweight pieces end right around the waist or hips. The Eos packs 2.8 ounces of 900-fill goose down (one of the most premium fill powers here) into a sub 10-ounce packagea very impressive amount of warmth for the weight. But for lightweight warmth in a premium package, the Eos is a great match for serious adventurers. On our list above, weve noted both the fill power and weight whenever possible so that you can make an accurate and informed choice when shopping around. is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. 1.1 oz.Fill: 5.3 oz. One measure were seeing more and more of is the use of responsibly sourced down (look for an RDS certification or, in the case of Patagonia, Advanced Global Traceable Down). Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (7.8 oz.) But for top-notch coverage from a trusted brand, the Coze is an attractive option.See the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. These jackets will likely have thinner fabrics (read: less durability), trimmed-down feature sets, and slim fits (the Arcteryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 are prime examples). While Arcteryxs Cerium series shaves weight and features for technical pursuits, their Thorium collection places a bigger premium on everyday functionality. At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. Keep in mind that the higher the fill power, the more easily your jacket will compress. However, gear manufacturers have found a way to treat down to make it more water-resistant. An interesting feature of the Cerium LT is the use of Down Composite Mapping. Its warmer than lightweight options like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arcteryx Cerium LT but falls short of a heavyweight like Rabs Neutrino Pro for truly frigid conditions. Second, fit varies significantly by brand. Youll also want to take length into account with your down jacket purchase. For all their inherent strengths, down jackets arent perfect: namely, they perform poorly in wet weather and their thin fabrics are often lacking in durability. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Impressive versatility, good looks, and ethically sourced down.What we don't: A bit heavy and streamlined for true performance use. Throw in responsibly sourced down and the fact that Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, and the Fuego is an easy jacket to get behind. of 700-fill downWhat we like: A technical down jacket with classy Scandinavian styling.What we dont: Expensive and not as warm or light as other options here.