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There is nothing worse than trying to enjoy a hike, winter activity, or just going about your day and having it be ruined by the cold. While we can't control the weather, we can try to stay as warm as possible with the right jacket! Down jackets are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay extra warm this winter. Down jackets are insulated with either duck or goose feathers, and typically have shells made of nylon or polyester. They may even have super warm fur collars and hoods and differ greatly in length and style.
Whether you're going on an outdoor adventure, or just trying to stay warm when you walk to your car, a down jacket can provide the protection you need. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your desired level of warmth, style, and shell material. Our top choice, the Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat offers some of the best warmth, quality, and versatility on the list.
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Table of Contents
After seeing so many great options, now you need to narrow down the best jacket for your purposes. Keep reading to find out what you should consider!
Nylon and polyester are two common types of shell materials, or the materials used for the outer layer of the coat. They are similar, but there are pros and cons to each.
Polyester is typically more resistant to water and UV rays. This makes it great for climates both wet and sunny. However, nylon is much more durable than polyester. If you value longevity over water resistance or UV protection, nylon might be better for you.
Some jackets do have a shell made of a combination of polyester and nylon, in which case you get the best of both materials!
The warmth of a down jacket will depend on its feather fill amount and type and how it's sewn. Here are some things to keep in mind.
There are typically two types of techniques used when lining a down jacket. These are the more commonly used “sewn through” method and the “box baffle” technique.
Sewn through means the outer shell is sewn directly to the inner shell, creating pockets or chambers for the feathers. Heat can escape through the stitching more easily, making this type of jacket more breathable.
The box baffle technique has an extra wall of vertical fabric to create boxes between layers. This means the heat can't escape as easily because it's trapped by the inner walls. It can make the jacket warmer, but heavier.
Sewn-through jackets are typically more lightweight and may appear to have pinched oval-shaped chambers instead of rectangular ones. If you are looking for a jacket to keep warm around town, this might be the best type for you.
Jackets that use the box baffle technique distribute the feathers more evenly, and usually appear to have flatter, rectangular-shaped chambers. If you want to be the warmest possible, this is your best option.
The two main types of feathers used for down jackets are goose and duck. Most down jackets will be made with duck feathers or a combination of both. If you are in search of the best quality, goose feathers are generally the right choice.
Goose feathers tend to be both warmer and lighter. Duck feathers have the advantage of being more available and holding up against moisture better. And, while goose feathers are generally warmer, a good quality duck feather coat can be warmer than a coat that has low quality goose feathers.
Down jackets will usually include information about the fill power in their descriptions. The fill power refers to the volume of feathers in the jacket. The larger the number, the more loft the feathers in it have. This means they can trap more air with less weight and better compressibility.
Fill power numbers range from 300 to 900 and up. 400 to 500 is the most common. 650 is considered to be good quality, but 750 to 850 is even better. Anything over 900 uses the best possible quality down, because those feathers naturally create more air pockets.
This doesn't necessarily mean that higher fill power is better, because it also depends on how much down the jacket has, which we'll look at next. But it does mean you get a better warmth to weight ratio.
Remember to consider the fill weight. This is a simple measurement of the total weight in ounces or grams of down in the jacket. Typically, the higher the number, the warmer the jacket will be.
However, many manufacturers don't include the fill weight when they describe their jackets. If you're especially concerned about the actual insulation your jacket will provide, it's crucial to consider the fill weight and the fill power in relation to each other.
Things like pockets, hoods and collars can help you to stay warm in any environment. Fur and linings will add to your toastiness.
Pockets can add an element of warmth, especially when they are padded or lined with extra fabric. Even with gloves, sticking your hands in your pockets adds warmth and protection. The deeper and thicker the pockets, the warmer you’ll be.
If there is enough room for both hands and anything you have to carry, you can protect your hands and wrists fully from any cold winds. Remember to pay attention to how thick the material is too. Deep but thin pockets won’t protect you as well as pockets made of thicker material could.
Hoods are great to have to protect your ears and face from the cold. With added fur, it’s even warmer. Similarly, a fur collar can help keep your neck and chin warm without having to carry a scarf.
Some jackets even have both, offering a detachable hood for when you don’t need it and a remaining fur collar to still provide warmth. Fur holds body heat much better than most other materials. If you are looking for the warmest coat possible, looking for a jacket with a fur hood or collar would be smart.
If you are simply looking for a good winter jacket for when you’re out and about, you won’t need anything as heavy as someone who plans on going skiing or on some other arctic adventure.
A lightweight down jacket with a simple hood and pockets may be enough for someone who is preparing for cold weather at home, but if you are living or going somewhere particularly frigid, consider a much heavier and longer jacket. Features like hoods with fur, lined pockets, and chin guards would be ideal.
Waterproof jackets come in handy if you are planning on being in a particularly wet climate, whether that's snow or rain. Down jackets are made waterproof through the use of water repellent. This repellent is used to coat the jacket, making it hydrophobic. A warm jacket can quickly become cold if ice-cold water seeps into the fabric.
The level of durability needed may change depending on your desired activity as well. If you are more of an outdoor adventurer, find a jacket with a thicker shell and durable fabrics.
Once you know what you want in a down jacket for practical purposes, decide how you want it to look! There are solid-color jackets in nearly any color. Choose a neutral color to go with anything, or bright color or pattern if that’s more your style.
Some jackets have fur on the collar or hood. This may add warmth, but it can also just be added for aesthetic purposes. You can decide if this is something you’d prefer, and if so, what color!
Speaking of hoods, decide if you want one at all. They can be good in colder or wetter climates, but other times they can just get in the way. Detachable hoods are also worth it considering you’d get the best of both worlds.
Decide if you want buttons, a zipper, or both for closure. Zippers are great for functionality, but buttons are cute and can work as extra security and warmth protection over the zipper.
Another big aspect to think about is the length of your jacket. Down jackets can fit comfortably at your waist, go down to your knees, or even to your ankles. Decide what’s best for you coverage-wise and what you prefer for your own personal style!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat | $209.30 Mid | Long Jacket With Fleece Lining for the Coldest Days | ||
2 | Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie | $279.00 Mid | Tough Hoodie for Outdoor Adventures | ||
3 | RAB Microlight Alpine Jacket | $139.98 Low Mid | Jacket That's Designed for the Mountains | ||
4 | Patagonia Silent Down Jacket | $249.00 Mid | Lightweight but Warm Jacket With Snap Buttons | ||
5 | Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody | $279.00 Mid | Hooded Jacket That Stuffs Into Its Own Bag | ||
6 | Marmot Chelsea Coat | $380.00 High | Waterproof Fleece-Lined Jacket for Maximum Warmth | ||
7 | Land's End Faux Fur Hood Long Down Coat | $199.95 Mid | Long Jacket With Detachable Fur Hood | ||
8 | Wantdo Hooded Packable Ultra Light Weight Short Down Jacket | $60.97 Low | Nylon Jacket With Carrying Pouch | ||
9 | Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded Down Jacket | $324.99 High Mid | Water-Resistant Jacket Suitable for Backpacking | ||
10 | The North Face Gotham Jacket | $229.95 Mid | Warm Jacket With Removable Fur Ruff for Urban Winters |
Eddie Bauer's Lodge Down Duffle Coat has a polyester shell paired with fleece lining along the collar for extra warmth. It has a removable hood, zip pockets, and an adjustable drawcord waist. The coat falls past the knees, so it's great in very low temperatures and high winds.
Although some say they wish the coat had deeper pockets, they do like that the pockets are lined. Reviews confirm that this coat holds up well against the cold, saying they are able to be comfortable in very low temperatures with limited layering. Customers also find it convenient that the zipper goes all the way down.
In addition to the hood, this jacket offers waterproof shoulders. It has both external and internal pockets for storage and a drawcord hem for the perfect fit. The shell material is tough, making this a great jacket for outdoor activities from snowmobiling to farm chores.
A few reviewers say the sleeves were too long or tight. But they love that it's durable and lightweight, making it easily packable for traveling. Reviewers also praised the abundance and placement of zippers and pockets.
The Microlight Alpine Jacket has a front zipper and zipped pockets for secure storage. The hem cord and body-mapped tailoring help to fit the jacket as perfectly as possible to your body, so you don't sacrifice ability to move. The chin guard and hood make this jacket especially good at withstanding cold weather for an extended period of time.
Reviews warn to order carefully, as it's UK sizing. They love how lightweight and comfortable this jacket is, saying it's great for mobility. They describe the fabric as stretchy. Reviewers typically used this jacket for camping or hiking, since it offers good flexibility and warmth.
Patagonia's Women's Silent Down Jacket includes a front zipper that is further protected by a line of snap buttons. There is an interior pocket to keep any belongings you carry safe, as well as snap pockets in the front. There is a drawstring waist to fit the jacket close to your body.
Some customers warn that the zipper is difficult to access. However, reviews describe this jacket as soft and lightweight, with a slightly cropped length. They enjoy that the jacket is water-resistant, and appreciate the overall aesthetic as well, both in style and fit.
This polyester-shell jacket has both a hood and chin guard to protect your face from the cold. There are interior and exterior pockets and a hem cord. The jacket can squish down into its own internal stuff sack, which has a loop to hang it from a carabiner!
According to reviews, although this jacket runs small, it is both insulated well and breathable. Customers find it durable and confirm that it offers protection against wind. Reviews also love that the materials for this coat are recycled, so they feel like they're making a good choice for the environment!
Marmot's Chelsea Coat is a long jacket that goes past your knees. It has fleece-lined cuffs and pockets to keep your hands warm, and even has adjustable cuffs to keep as much cold out as possible. In addition to these features, it has a two-way zipper that prevents bunching.
Some reviewers found the hood to be too tight and small. However, others describe this coat as chic and stylish, then add that it doesn't sacrifice warmth or comfort to do so. They love that it's lightweight and good for a variety of different events.
This Land's End coat provides extra coverage with its length and a fur hood. It has both a zipper and snap front, ensuring your coat won't accidentally open. It's also water-resistant and comes in neutral or bright colors!
Reviewers warn that this coat runs large and the hood is big. However, they love the style, especially the extra length it provides. They also find the coat to be durable and sturdy, even against extreme weather.
With this jacket's carrying pouch, lightweight fabric, and hole for headphone wires, it's ideal for traveling. It's also water-resistant and warm. There are interior and exterior zipper pockets, elastic cuffs, and 12 colors to choose from.
Reviews love that this jacket is warm, but doesn't sacrifice mobility by being too bulky. They also highlight the water-resistance, saying that it keeps them dry in damp weather. Reviewers say that the zippers are very durable, but it seems to run small, so keep that in mind when ordering.
Mountain Hardware's Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded Jacket has a water-resistant nylon shell. It's made to be light but warm, with an adjustable drawstring hood. It's also made to be packable in its own pocket, so carrying it when it's too warm to wear won't be an issue!
Reviews say that this jacket runs small, especially in the armpits and shoulders. They agree that this jacket is great for backpacking since it is durable and long-lasting. According to reviews, it holds up well against the wind too. They also love the deep pockets as there is extra room for items and warmth for their hands.
The North Face's Gotham Jacket provides protection from harsh weather with its adjustable hood and removable fur ruff. It has a polyester shell and sits either at the hips or just past depending on your height. It also has exterior zip pockets.
According to reviews, this jacket does a great job of keeping you warm and dry. A few people had issues with it shedding feathers at first. They describe the coat as stylish, saying that the faux fur is soft and doesn't look cheap. Reviewers also agree that the coat has a good fill-to-weight ratio.
Brrrr! Winter is on the way, but there's no need to hide indoors. Check out these lists for more ways to stay warm.
No. 1: Eddie Bauer|Lodge Down Duffle Coat
No. 2: Outdoor Research|Helium Down Hoodie
No. 3: RAB|Microlight Alpine Jacket
No. 4: Patagonia|Silent Down Jacket
No. 5: Patagonia|Down Sweater Hoody
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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