Survive the Winter in Style With a Quality Down Jacket
Science is forever trying to catch nature. Look at the feathers on ducks and geese. For all the brilliant methods of insulation humankind has devised, we still don’t have anything that allows us to survive in freezing temperatures day after day, drift on icy water, survive blizzards, and still be light enough that we can soar on the capricious winds. The good news is, where the world of invention has failed us, nature provides by allowing us to use the down from our fine feathered fellows to make jackets that can do most of the things listed above, all in a packaging that compresses down tight for easy transport from ski slope to hockey rink to our mountainside bivouac. Though innovation might not be able to match evolution, it can enhance it. Today’s down coats are constantly being given new treatments to reduce wetness and water retention, as well as increasing breathability so that you can stay warm and dry. Even if you long ago swore off down, or have always been a feather devotee, it’s worth looking at the 20 best down jackets around right now, just in case.
20 of the Best Down Jackets for 2023
If you are in the market for a new down jacket to help keep you warm this winter, read on! We have compiled a list of the best down coats for men that are the ultimate combination of stylish, practical, and effective for keeping winter chills at bay. No winter wardrobe is complete without at least one good quality down jacket. Your next one could very well be waiting for you below.
1. Rains Puffer Jacket
If you’re hunting for a simple, classic winter jacket that more than does the job? Look no further. This iconic standard puffer jacket from Rains is made of their signature material, which is lightweight, extremely waterproof, and, most importantly, ultra-comfortable. It’s simple but with lofty padding around the entire jacket. It’s completely and utterly snug with its regular fit that will keep you dry and warm from the cold. And on the plus side, you can keep your hands toasty with the two handwarmer pockets and your head well-protected with the oversized hood. Check Prices
2. REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie 2.0
At first glance, just a puffy jacket, this rei co op 650 down fill coat offers an impressive warmth to weight ratio. A lightweight jacket that is perfect for use in even the coldest seasons, it features zippered hand pockets that keep your hands warm when in use, but prevent any insulation seepage when closed. The wonderful down fill padding is guaranteed to keep you warm and rivals any of the synthetic insulation filled jackets on the market.
3. Isaora Microlight IR Jacket
Putting more down into a jacket isn’t always the key to making it warmer. Sometimes it takes a little know how to primp your winter wear. The Microlight’s down is treated with Celliant, a mineral concoction that uses your body heat to create infrared heating that helps keep you cooking even as a HyperDry treatment evaporates any moisture that seeps beneath the micro ripstop shell.
4. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
A lightweight snug fitting jacket that delivers on all its promises. The hydrophobic down is Q Shield DWR infused, and then covered over with 7D X 10D ripstop fabric that’s tough enough for most conditions. You will find more raw heat in bigger packages, at the loss of portability.
5. PATAGONIA Men’s Hooded Jacket
A quality jacket offering extra warmth compared to other Patagonia models. Hitting you with a 600 fill weight! The jacket is padded with reclaimed goose and duck down feathers, making it a great option for those interested in doing their bit to help make the world a better place. Besides having two zippered hand pockets, the jacket also boasts a zippered internal chest pocket.
6. Arc’teryx Thorium SV
Bearing a seriously beefy build, the Thorium SV is no small wonder, though it manages to keep a trim, athletic cut, even if it is extremely dense. A combination of 750-fill down hits high, with Coreloft synthetic insulation coming in low to cover the most precious spots. That extra heft means more comfort when the cold comes calling, and more durability during tough play dates.
7. Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
Alpine hikers and mountaineers will want to see if they can bear this juggernaut, as it’s made for heading right into the teeth of a cold front with a laugh and a wink. The 800-fill European goose down is heavy, though it’s not for lack of proper care. Hydrophobic treatment allows it to dry fast and keep its powdery fluff long after lesser coats have turned damp and heavy.
8. Eos Men’s Down Jacket
This one is a contender. Made by a ma-and-pop shop in the pacific northwest, you’re getting Made in the USA quality, 900+ fill goose down, and a lifetime warranty meant to live through every kind of weather you can imagine.
9. Montane Featherlite Jacket
Offering a 750 fill weight combined with a surprisingly lightweight finish, this is a great jacket for those that love to be outside in all weathers. Hardwearing and durability are what make this the warmest jacket of its kind. Padded with a HyperDry duck down fill encased in a 100% recycled nylon shell, you could do a lot worse than making this your go-to winter coat which will keep you as warm as a nice cozy sleeping bag.
10. Mountain Hardwear StretchDown RS Hooded Jacket
Serious athletes should consider plunking down the cash for this slim pick. Instead of stitched and sealed seams, Mountain Hardwear has built in more flex for a greater range of movement without sacrificing the ability to keep water from soaking into the 750-fill Q.Shield down lurking under the surface.
11. Outdoor Research Men’s Alpine Down Hooded Jacket
When looking for a winter coat, not only do you need a jacket that will keep you warm, but on that can withstand a freezing winter assault. Windproof, water resistant, and warmth, you want it all. Luckily, this alpine down fill jacket gives you that in spades. Boasting an 800-fill weight and fully zippered pockets, you are sure to be toasty warm in even the worst of winter weather. It also boasts drawcord hem cuffs and specially designed underarm panels for extended reach. This means that the jacket sacrifices nothing in terms of practicability for the climb.
12. Canada Goose Hybridge Lite Hoody
The story with the Hybridge isn’t the 800-fill Hutterite down, but the glorious stretch panels under the arms that drop off excess heat and wetness. This added bit of comfort allows for a simpler transition from a hard day on the slopes to a long night at the chalet, toasting your runs with a stellar single malt scotch.
13. Kjus 7Sphere Down Jacket
A dream come true for lovers of layers. The svelt 7Sphere spreads its down through several baffles to prevent bunching, and even has the rarest of features to be found in a down coat: vents. Cover it with a shell or take it on the road alone, the mix of duck and synthetic down will never disappoint during any heavy action.
14. Nau Copenhagen Down Trench
Never has sustainability felt so good. Organic cotton and recycled ripstop poly form the outer shell, while the down is 650-fill, recycled, extending the life cycle of the down and keeping you warm in the meantime. The matte look is winter chic and cut long to offer coverage for your suit or tux.
15. Aether Loft Jacket
Real riders will recognize the Aether name, though they might well wonder what it’s doing on a list of down jackets. 800-fill goose meant for motorcycling in below freezing temperatures is the answer. Lots of storage and loads of wind-cutting action make this the cold weather choice for those who prefer to ride or die whatever the weather.
16. Fjallraven Polar Parka
View in galleryBuy now That D-Ring mounted dead center isn’t just there for aesthetic appeal. It can act as a latch point in blizzard conditions. It’s 700-fill down put into a broad body to accommodate interior layers, coupled with a kangaroo pouch and all the trimmings you’ll need for long periods out in the winter weather.
17. Aether Tromso Jacket
Named after a Norwegian city that is famed for its brutally cold winters, the Tromso is an 800-fill coat with a low profile that doesn’t skimp on warmth retention. 2L canvas on the exterior adds sea-grade waterproofing that simultaneously cuts wind down to the barest breeze. Featured to the hilt, it’s not to be missed.
18. Fjallraven Arktis Parka
Like a sleeping bag in coat form. For those of us who spend our winters in hibernation, the Arktis has everything we need to keep us warm while we sit perfectly still. G-1000 and G-1000HD pieces add lots of water resistance, and the multitude of pockets are suited for a small flask, phone, and places for all your EDC necessities. The handy chest pocket gives extra storage that many similar jackets lack.
19. Canada Goose Expedition Parka
Though this parka gets a bad rap as a choice for spoiled rich kids, it’s still the same arctic survival overcoat it always was. Intended for survival at 20 below Fahrenheit and literally built with the intent of working at the McMurdo station in Antarctica, wind, weather, water, and bomb proofing come standard.
20. Moncler Montgenevre Quilted Down Jacket
It’s hard to suggest spending this much on a jacket, however, sometimes you really do get what you pay for. The exterior is 100% wool that is buttery soft with a 90% down/10% feather fill that traps heat like an airlock. Truly heaven sent.
Final Thoughts on the Best Down Jackets
There is no shortage of down jackets out there for you to choose from. Hopefully, this list will help you decide on which jacket will be keeping you warm this winter. What is your current winter jacket? What made you buy it and how long has it been your faithful cold weather servant? We’d love to hear your winter warmer tales. Perhaps your jacket has been by your side through blizzards and hail storms, or maybe you get a new one each year because your lifestyle sees you get through coats almost as quick as socks. Don’t be shy. Let us know in the comments!
