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While synthetic insulation for lightweight coats have come a long way, nothing beats the warmth of down when it comes to winter jackets. Since there are hundreds of options available, in all sorts of styles and at all sorts of price points, it can be difficult to figure out which will be the best option for you and your lifestyle. Luckily, you have this handy guide to the best down jackets for men to help you choose the best options, for a variety of activities and budgets.
How to choose the best down jackets for men
Fill power
Calculated by the space one ounce of fill takes up in a cylinder, fill power refers to the quality of the down inside a jacket. While it’s not the only thing that indicates how warm a jacket will ultimately be, it does provide a good guide. The higher the fill power, the more room it has to trap warmth inside the jacket. Higher quality jackets typically have fill powers above 600, with 800 considered excellent, and 900 or higher the absolute best.
Fill weight
Fill weight tells you how much actual down has been shoved into a particular jacket. Lower fill weight means less warmth, so when choosing which jacket is best for you, make sure to consult the fill weight, not just the fill power number. For example, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL down jacket has 1000 fill power, but its fill weight is only 70 grams. The Rab Neutrino down jacket is made with 212 grams of 800 fill power, making it the warmer jacket by far. For even more about the intricacies about fill, our guide to the best down pillows is a good resource.
Durability
If you plan to wear your expensive down jacket during activities like hiking or rock climbing, make sure the exterior fabric is sufficiently durable to withstand close contact with rock, tree bark, and other obstacles.
Water resistant, hydrophobic down
We all know down doesn’t do well in wet conditions. If you’re out in the rain, add a waterproof shell on top of your down jacket. Many down jackets do come equipped with a water-resistant shell layer, but this won’t help you much in a true downpour. Some jackets contain hydrophobic down, where the feathers are treated with a water-resistant polymer.
Responsibly sourced down and recycled materials
The majority of the jackets on this list are made with certified, responsibly sourced down and recycled materials, something which is important to many consumers (myself included).
Our top picks for down jackets for men
Most versatile down jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater
Lightweight and windproof, the Patagonia Down Sweater makes for the perfect packable trail, hiking, or travel jacket. (Don’t let the name confuse you, as it’s definitely an outer layer!) With an insulating layer under a shell, it’s also ideal for alpine skiing or snowboarding. It features sufficiently long sleeves with elastic cuffs and a high collar with a chin zipper guard for optimal comfort while sealing in warmth. The coat is available in a range of colors including cosmic gold, carmine red, navy, plum, and, of course, basic black. Shopping tip: Patagonia was on our list of the best men’s clothing brands, and they also earned spots on our list for the best hoodies and best casual pants for men.
Specifications:
- Weight: 13 ounces
- Fill: 800 fill 100% RDS (responsible down standard)
- Main features: Center front zipper, 3 zippered pockets plus 2 internal drop-in pockets, recycled shell fabric
- Sizes: XXS-3XL
- Price on publish: $279
What we like:
- Comes in nine different colors
- Shell made from 100% recycled nylon
- Ample sleeve length
- Versatile
What we don’t like:
- On the heavier side for prolonged backcountry adventures
The bottom line:
Warm, relatively lightweight, versatile down jacket for use when hiking, walking around town, or (when worn under a shell) skiing and snowboarding.
Patagonia Down Sweater
Best budget down jacket: Columbia Delta Ridge Down Jacket
Lined with an Omni-heat reflective lining, the Columbia Delta Ridge Down Jacket gives off futuristic vibes while doing an excellent job of keeping you warm. The jacket is also constructed with stitch free baffles, referring to the compartments created to keep the down evenly distributed. In most down jackets, baffles are achieved by sewing the outer shell to the lining, but the thing is, every one of these stitching lines is a potential cold spot. By eliminating them, the Delta Ridge prevents most cold spots from forming in the first place. Columbia is also a go-to cold weather brand, making our list of the best fleece jackets and best winter boots for men.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Fill: 650 fill RDS down
- Main features: Zippered hand pockets, water resistant, thermal reflective lining, chin guard
- Sizes: S-5X
- Price on publish: $150
What we like:
- Made with heat seal construction
- Available in 12 different colors
- Excellent size range (including tall)
What we don’t like:
- On the heavier side
The bottom line:
Budget friendly, warm down jacket with innovative heat reflective lining for outdoor activities.
Columbia Delta Ridge Down Jacket (Dark Stone) Men's Coat
Best ultralight down jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody
Made with 100% recycled fabric and responsibly sourced down insulation, the Ghost Whisperer will heat you up. Synthetic insulation in the first cuff baffle keeps them from getting soggy when it's wet and the elastic binding on the hood helps seal in the warmth on windy days. It’s available in seven vibrant colors including raw carnelian, moon moss, and dark caspian. Plus, it packs down into one of the pockets, stowing easily in your pack without adding much in the way of weight.
Specifications:
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Fill: 800 fill RDS goose down
- Main features: Ultra-lightweight, two zippered hand pockets, drawcord hem, packable
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Price on publish: $270 (sale) $360 (regular price)
What we like:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Made with recycled materials
- Vibrant colors
What we don’t like:
- Fit a bit boxy
The bottom line:
Ultra-lightweight, packable down jacket that keeps you warm while hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, alpine climbing, and other outdoor adventures.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody
Best heavyweight down jacket: Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
Designed specifically for mountaineering and alpine summiting, the Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket features a two-way front zipper for easy use while wearing a harness. It has an adjustable, down-filled, helmet compatible hood, and extra durability in the shoulder and upper sleeve areas (for those times when you need to connect with the rock and ice around you).
Both wind and weather resistant, the Neutrino Pro keeps you warm, even while trekking or climbing through blizzard conditions. If all that doesn’t convince you that this is the optimal jacket for all your alpine adventures, it also offers anatomically engineered twisted arm baffles–in other words, you’ll have full range of movement in your arms while belaying, repelling, and questing.
Specifications:
- Weight: 20.6 ounces
- Fill: 800 fill European goose down
- Main features: 3 zippered pockets, helmet compatible, articulated sleeves for mobility
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Price on publish: $400
What we like:
- Made specifically for alpine adventures
- Premium high loft down
- Warm in below freezing temperatures
What we don’t like:
- Bulky
The bottom line:
A heavyweight, durable, premium down filled jacket with alpine climbing specific features, like anatomical shaping and shoulder and arm reinforcement.
Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket - Men's Army, L
Best down jacket for everyday use: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket comes in a wide range of colors, including those with stylish, retro stripe accents, making it a great option for everyday use. As one reviewer wrote, it's only problem is, “It looks so good, I even wear it when it's too warm to wear a jacket.” Cotopaxi adheres to sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes (and their travel gear has made our lists for the best carry on luggage and best belt bags), so you can feel just as good about wearing it as you look. It’s warm enough on its own for colder temperatures, but if the temperature dips into freezing territory, you’ll likely want to add a layer underneath.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Fill: 800 fill RSD down
- Main features: 3 zippered pockets, packable, water resistant, drawcord on hood
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Price on publish: $221.25 (sale) $295 (regular price)
What we like:
- The retro stripes
- Lifetime warranty and repairs
- Sustainably made
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say it runs big
The bottom line:
A stylish, water-resistant, sustainably manufactured down jacket for everyday use with year round versatility.
Cotopaxi Men's Fuego Hooded Down Jacket in Cinder Stripes | Size Medium
Best down jacket for lightweight warmth: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
The Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody utilizes down composite mapping. The synthetic insulation is used in areas that may experience moisture buildup and a bio-derived lining material that is made from 60% castor bean oil. With an overall minimalist, lightweight, slim design, the Cerium works well as a mid-layer jacket when alpine climbing or a standalone jacket while camping or hiking. Plus, it packs down into the included stuff stack for easy portability.
Specifications:
- Weight: 11.9 ounces
- Fill: 800 fill RSD down
- Main features: Reverse coil front zipper, insulated storm hood, 3 zippered pockets, lightweight
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Price on publish: $400
What we like:
- Made with recycled and sustainable materials
- Moisture and wind resistant
- Lightweight
- Adjustable hem and hood cords
What we don’t like:
- Stuff sack isn’t integrated, so it’s easy to lose
The bottom line:
Full featured, compressible and packable, premium down hoody that provides warmth and protection for all sorts of activities and weather conditions.
Cerium Hoody Men's
Warmest down jacket: Canada Goose Crofton Puffer
Allowing you to endure temperatures down to -13°F, the Canada Goose Crofton Puffer is one of the warmest down jackets you can buy. While heavier than the others on this list, it’s still lightweight and packable enough to stuff into a carry case. This is the jacket you grab when you don’t expect the temperature to rise at all during the day and you’re going to be outside for the duration. Available in seven colors with black reflective details on the hood, underarm gussets, and articulated sleeves that accommodate a full range of movement, you can take (and wear) this jacket almost anywhere.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 pound, 15 ounces
- Fill: 750 fill RSD duck down
- Main features: 2-way zipper, 2 zippered pockets, adjustable hood, removable interior backpack straps
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Price on publish: $1,095
What we like:
- Rated for temperatures down to -13°F
- Excellent weight to warmth ratio
- Made in Canada (who, if not Canadians, know how to make a warm jacket?)
- Made with recycled fabrics
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Premium, water-repellent, wind resistant and exceptionally warm down puffer jacket rated for temperatures as low as -13°F.
Canada Goose Crofton Puffer
Best packable down (alternative) jacket: Patagonia Nano Puff
The Nano Puff features an incredibly lightweight and compressible recycled polyester insulation. This is the jacket I stuff into the seat bag on my bike or the corner of my backpack for “emergency” use when on long day trips or multi-day adventures. The polyester ripstop shell provides water resistance while the horizontal, double stitched quilting lines add an impressive level of abrasion resistance.
I’ve had my Nano Puff for over a decade. It’s traveled with me all over the world, has never let me down, and is yet to show any real signs of wear. My only complaint is that the front zipper is not two-way–if it were, this jacket would be perfect.
Specifications:
- Weight: 11.9 ounces
- Fill: 60-g Primaloft gold polyester
- Main features: Two zippered hand pockets, internal zippered pocket
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Price on publish: $239
What we like:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Available in nine different colors
What we don’t like:
- No two-way zipper
The bottom line:
Polyester insulated, lightweight, down alternative jacket that easily stuffs into a backpack.
Patagonia Nano Puff
Best waterproof down jacket: L.L. Bean Waterproof Ultralight Down Jacket
One of the best things about this waterproof down jacket from L.L. Bean is the underarm venting zippers, an important feature in a waterproof jacket. That’s because waterproof coatings render jackets much less breathable, so sweating is always a concern. Underarm zips provide the ventilation you need for fluctuating temperatures and activity levels which, along with its low bulk and warmth, is what makes this jacket so versatile. You can wear it hiking, walking, standing on the sidelines of your kids’ football game, or even to dinner. Plus, it's available in four different colors (black, navy, terracotta, and marine blue) to suit a range of tastes.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces
- Fill: 650 fill DownTek water repellent down
- Main features: Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered chest pocket, one internal zippered chest pocket
- Sizes: S-XXXL (regular and tall)
- Price on publish: $329
What we like:
- Underarm ventilation zips
- Comes in tall sizes
- Packable
What we don’t like:
- No double zipper
The bottom line:
Well-made, durable, waterproof down jacket with multiple zippered pockets (and underarm zip vents) suitable for a range of activities and situations.
Men's Waterproof Ultralight Down Jacket Dark Terracotta Medium, Polyester/Nylon L.L.Bean
Best 3-in-1 and commuter down jacket: North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate Jacket
I own the women’s 2015 version of this jacket (called the Gala) and it's my absolute, all time, all-activity favorite jacket. I wear it pretty much every day while bike commuting through the fall, late spring and winter in New York City. The neck fit is wide and high enough to comfortably tuck your chin into while not hindering your movement (or choking you), the zip-out inner down lining can be worn on its own or as a layer when temperatures dip, and the outer shell is both waterproof and wind blocking. It even has underarm zippered vents.
The zippered wrist pocket is a handy place to stash your money, credit card, and Chapstick (or ski pass) and the side pockets are big enough to shove a large smartphone into (I have a Galaxy S21). North Face also offers a lifetime warranty and free repairs.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2 pounds, 8 ounces
- Fill: Thermoball Eco insulation
- Main features: Two zippered hand pockets, zippered pocket on wrist, zippered chest pocket
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Price on publish: $400
What we like:
- Zippered underarm vents
- Wide, comfortable neck fit
- Multiple zippered pockets
What we don’t like:
- Not a two-way zipper
The bottom line:
A versatile, feature-filled, durable, waterproof jacket with a zip-out insulated polyester down shell that can be worn on its own.
The North Face Men’s Thermoball™ Eco Snow Triclimate® Waterproof Jacket (Size: Large): Cave Blue
How we selected the best down jackets for men
As a professional stylist, tailor, pattern maker, and textile artist with 32 years of experience, I know a ridiculous amount about all kinds of apparel and fabrics. I’m also an avid hiker, backpacker, and camper. Along with my personal knowledge, I took into consideration the recommendations and preferences from fellow outdoor adventurers, actors, and crew members (if you’ve ever been on an outdoor shoot, you know that sometimes you have to spend hours standing around in the freezing cold doing nothing). I also consulted online reviews to find the jackets that performed the best in the largest range of situations and activities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which down jackets are the warmest?
The warmth of a down jacket is determined by both the fill power and the fill weight. Fill power measures the quality of the fill–the better the down, the higher the number. This number is determined by calculating the amount of space one ounce of down occupies in a cylindrical tube, which demonstrates the loft of a particular down. The more loft present, the more space it has to trap body heat and the warmer you will feel.
Fill weight is the amount of down a jacket contains. The more down present in a garment, the warmer it will be. For instance, if you have two jackets and they both use 800 fill down, the warmer one will be the one that has more ounces of actual down (or the heavier in weight of the two). Simply comparing fill powers doesn’t really accurately determine which jacket will be warmer, although it can indicate which will have a better warmth to weight ratio.
Is 700 fill down warmer than 600?
As stated above, if you compare the same number of ounces of 700 fill down with 600 fill down, the 700 fill will be warmer, but you can’t necessarily use that as the only indicator of whether a particular jacket is warmer than another. You also need to take into consideration how much the jacket weighs.
What is the difference between a down jacket and a puffer jacket?
Puffer jackets tend to be heavier than down jackets and less compressible and packable. However, there are companies who manufacture lightweight puffers too, like the Canada Goose one included in this guide.
Should down jackets be fitted or loose?
This is a completely personal preference. If you want the option of adding layers underneath—like a hoodie or a sweatshirt—look for something with a looser fit.
How much fill should a down jacket have?
As explained above, higher fill power creates a fluffier, puffier product, and holds more air to trap in warmth. A good quality fill power is 600-700, while 800 and above is considered a premium quality.
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