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10 Best Down Jackets of 2023

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Best Down Jackets

PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Best Down Jackets of 2023

Author: Heather Eldridge | Editor: Dave Collins
Last Updated: September 21, 2023

What’s new: The REI Magma 850 Hoodie Men’s / Women’s and REI Stormhenge Men’s / Women’s are back in stock. We’ve added Inclusive Sizing to our What’s Most Important to You section; you can use this new sub-list to easily find which brands are leading the way in making the outdoors a more inclusive space for all. Finally, we’ve reconfirmed our top picks and added some new photos from our recent adventures.

All mountain adventures have one thing in common: cold. Whether you’re summiting snow-covered peaks in the middle of winter or summer camping by a creek on a clear night, it’s only a matter of time until you reach for the warmest thing you brought. In most cases that will be your puffy down jacket. When cold is inevitable and every gram of weight counts, down insulation offers unmatched packability and warmth in cold, dry conditions.

We’ve tested the best down jackets available on trails all over the world and scrutinized every detail so you can focus on what counts: getting out there.

A backpacker wearing the The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Down Jacket in Yosemite

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of the best down jackets, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

Two hikers wearing Cotopaxi Fuego Down jackets in a mountainous desert landscape

Cotopaxi Fuego Hoody men’s / women’s – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A PUFFY JACKET?

PRICE – We can attest that high-quality jackets are well-worth the cost, but we know the price of some of the high-end jackets can be out of reach for some. If you’re willing to deal with a bit more bulk and weight, down jackets that utilize lower-fill-power down (around 650) cost much less and can be a good option.

A hiker wearing the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Down Jacket in front of a lake at the base of a mountain

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown men’s / women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY – Keeping weight to a minimum is important for activities like hiking and backpacking. If you’re looking for a jacket that packs down small and weighs as little as possible, you may need to go without some frills. Opt for a less puffy, but highly efficient jacket with a high fill power (more on fill power below in our Critical Considerations section).

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL men’s / women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WARMTH – During summer, a lightweight jacket might be all you need for warmth in the mornings and evenings. During shoulder seasons, it’s worth considering slightly burlier options that contain more insulating fill.Depending on how extreme the temperatures get, you may even want a winter-worthy alpine parka.

L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Men’s / Women’s & REI Magma 850 Hoodie Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

DURABILITY – Manydown jackets are made with thin nylon, polyester, or Pertex fabrics. If you tend to be accident prone or you often adventure in particularly rugged places, you may want to consider a jacket with more durable fabric. Even the hardiest down jackets can get torn or develop holes though, so it’s wise to keep Tenacious Tape handy for field repairs.

The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown is perfect for activities like rock climbing & bouldering

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

INCLUSIVE SIZING – Everyone should have high performance options that make them feel great and look great. After all, the outdoors is for everyone!

A backpacker wearing the REI 650 Down Jacket in the foggy Goat Rocks Wilderness

REI 650 Down Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WATERPROOFING – Modern down jackets are often made with tightly-woven fabrics and DWR coatings that repel water if you get caught in light precipitation. Most down jackets are not waterproof enough to stand alone in heavy rain and will eventually start to absorb moisture. We usually recommend buying a down jacket that’s compatible with your favorite rain shell, but there are some exceptions, like the 2-layer REI Stormhenge (men’s / women’s).

A hiker wearing the REI Stormhenge jacket on a rocky outcrop with somejagged peaks in the background. The sky is gray

REI Stormhenge Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Sortable Down Jacket Comparison Table

Down Jacket Price Weight Fill Power Fill Weight
1. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 $360 8.9 oz. 800 3.0 oz.
2. Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded $275 14.0 oz. 800 4.2 oz.
3. MontBell Plasma 1000 $479 8.7 oz. 1000 3.4 oz.
4. Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie $329 14.8 oz. 500 5.2 oz.
5. REI Magma 50 Down Hoodie $249 12.3 oz. 850 Not listed
6. L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded $249 14.7 oz. 850 Not listed
7. REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 $100 11.0 oz. 650 3.2 oz.
8. Rab Neutrino Pro $385 21.3 oz. 800 7.5 oz.
9. Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie $329 10.5 oz. Synthetic 2.3 oz.
10. Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody $300 18.0 oz. 700 4.6 oz.
11. Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody $400 11.8 oz. 850 4.0 oz.
12. REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid $279 31.8 oz. 850 Not listed

Best Down Jackets of 2023


Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2

BEST ULTRALIGHT DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $360

WEIGHT: 8.8 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 800 / 3 oz.

PROS: Ultralight, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, packs into its own pocket, wind/weather-resistant (DWR finish), layers easily

CONS: Expensive, no hood adjustments, no chest pocket, less durable than other jackets (general con of UL jackets), slim design isn’t for everyone

BOTTOM LINE: The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (men’s / women’s) is everything you need for fast and light adventures, and nothing you don’t. It’s exceptional balance of warmth to weight is its key strength, but its sleek, layer-able design is also a huge plus. Supplement it with a lightweight fleece or a rain shell, and you’re set for cooler shoulder-season conditions. The price is a bit steep, but the Ghost Whisperer is a top-of-the-line down jacket that’s well worth the cost for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for even more warmth-to-weight efficiency, check out the Ghost Whisperer UL (men’s / women’s), which has upgraded 1,000 fill power down.

OPTIONS: Non-Hooded Men’s / Women’s,Ghost Shadow Hoodie Men’s / Women’s (Synthetic)


Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded

BEST DOWN JACKET FOR EVERYDAY WEAR

MSRP: $295

WEIGHT: 14 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 800 / 4.2 oz.

PROS: Great quality for the price, packs into its own pocket, hem adjustments, weather-resistant (DWR finish), layers easily, durable, stylish, inclusive sizing

CONS: A bit heavy for backpacking, slightly bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: You’ve probably seen the unmistakable style of the Cotopaxi Fuego Hoody (men’s / women’s) at your local ski mountain, climbing crag, trailhead, or brewery. Fun colorways make this jacket stand out when you see it, and high-quality materials and construction set it apart when you put it on.

Surprisingly the Fuego is one of the most affordable jackets on our list, but its weight, down quality, and warmth are on par with many of the higher priced hoodies we recommend. It’s not the lightest hoodie around, but its middling weight is still reasonable for backpacking in the cooler months of spring, fall, and winter

The Cotopaxi Fuego has quickly become one of our most reached-for jackets in our gear closet, and we highly recommend it for those looking for a good all-around down jacket with an emphasis on style.


MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka

BEST WARMTH-T0-WEIGHT PERFORMANCE

MSRP: $479

WEIGHT: 8.4 oz

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 1000 / 3.4 oz.

PROS: Ultralight, best warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, hem & hood adjustments, wind/weather-resistant (Ballistic Airlight with DWR finish), layers easily

CONS: Very expensive, less durable than other jackets (general con of UL jackets), no chest pocket

BOTTOM LINE: The MontBell Plasma 1000 (men’s / women’s) is one of our go-to jackets for ultralight trips due to its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Stuffed with the absolute highest quality down available (1000 fill-power), the Plasma is the most efficient insulator we’ve ever worn. This jacket weighs about the same as some of the other ultralight jackets on our list, but it definitely feels warmer. The biggest downside to the Plasma in our eyes is its price, which will make it prohibitive for many. However, if you’re a thru-hiker or dedicated backcountry traveler looking for top-of-the-line ultralight warmth for 3-season trips, the Plasma 1000 is well worth the investment.

OPTIONS: Plasma 1000 Men’s / Women’s (no pockets or hood)


Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie

STYLISH & WELL-MADE DOWN JACKET FOR ALL-AROUND USE

MSRP: $329

WEIGHT: 14.8 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 800 / 5.2 oz.

PROS: Great quality for the price, packs into its own pocket, hood & hem adjustments, wind/weather-resistant (DWR finish), layers easily, durable

CONS: Heavy for backpacking, more bulky than other jackets

BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie (men’s / women’s) is a warm, well-rounded jacket that’s stylish and practical to wear on a daily basis. It’s offered at an affordable price point for the quality too. The Down Sweater may not be the most technical jacket on our list since it weighs a bit more than our top ultralight picks, but the same features that make it heavier also make it more durable over the long haul. We recommend the Down Sweater for casual use, but it would also work for hiking and backpacking in a pinch.

OPTIONS: Non-Hooded Men’s / Women’s


BEST VALUE DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $249

WEIGHT: 12.3 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 850 / not listed

PROS: Affordable, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, packs into its own pocket, hem & hood adjustments, wind/weather-resistant, layers easily, inclusive sizing

CONS: Not the lightest jacket available, less durable than other jackets (general con of UL jackets), seasonal availability

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for an awesome value, check out the REI Magma 850 Hoodie (men’s / women’s). Its warmth, comfort, and efficiency are on par with competing jackets that cost $100-220 more, while only being 2-3 oz. heavier. The Magma shines brightest for summer trips but also layers well for cooler seasons. The main downside is that it’s only available on a seasonal basis. If the Magma is out of stock in your size, be ready to pounce when new inventory is released (typically in the early fall) since it tends to sell out fast. We hope the Magma becomes available year-round since it’s a great value and one of our favorite jackets on the market.


L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded

BEST MID-WEIGHT DOWN JACKET FOR FALL, WINTER & SPRING

MSRP: $269

WEIGHT: 14.7 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 850 / not listed

PROS: Affordable, very warm, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, packs into its own pocket, hem & hood adjustments, wind/weather-resistant, durable, layers easily, inclusive sizing

CONS: Too warm and a bit heavy for most 3-season backpacking trips

BOTTOM LINE: We’re very impressed with the stylish and warm L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hoodie (men’s / women’s). This jacket is thoughtfully designed with great adjustments, premium weather-resistant fabric, and a generous amount of 850-fill-power down. And the UL 850 is offered at a great price for such a warm jacket with a practical weight. We might opt for a jacket that weighs a bit less for summer trips, but the UL 850 is our go-to for spring, fall, and winter days when our minimalist favorites aren’t quite warm enough.

OPTIONS: Non-Hooded Men’s / Women’s


Stock image of REI 650 Down Jacket on a white background

BEST BUDGET ULTRALIGHT DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $129

WEIGHT: 10.9 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 650 / 3.2 oz.

PROS: Very affordable, ultralight, highly compressible, packs into its own pocket, wind/weather-resistant (DWR), layers easily, inclusive sizing

CONS: Not as warm as some jackets, less durable than some jackets (general con of UL jackets), no hem or hood adjustments (hooded version), no chest pocket, boxy fit

BOTTOM LINE: The REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) is a great lightweight and compressible option for those on a budget. It’s simple, comfortable, and extremely versatile for around town or backcountry use. The 650 Down is made with lower-fill-power down, so it’s not quite as heat-efficient as some of the more technical jackets on our list. But, for the price, we’re happy with its performance, especially when layered with a lightweight fleece. The 650 Down is a great basic down jacket for an affordable price.


BEST WATERPROOF DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $279

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 15.8 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 850 & synthetic fill / not listed

PROS: Affordable, fully wind and waterproof, very warm, fleece-lined pockets, pit zips (breathable), 2-way zipper (climbing harness compatible), hem & hood adjustments, durable, inclusive sizing

CONS: Heavy, more bulky than other jackets, less versatile than a separate down jacket and rain shell

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Stormhenge (men’s / women’s) is a unique two-in-one option that offers warmth and protection from the elements in one jacket. While it’s not as versatile as two separate jackets for backcountry trips, we found the Stormhenge to be very cozy and convenient for everyday outdoor wear in chilly, wet conditions. We love that it has pit zips to dump excess body heat when you’re on the move and a two-way zipper for easy access to a belay loop for climbing. We recommend the Stormhenge for those who prefer an all-in-one insulated, rain-proof jacket instead of multiple layers in the frontcountry.

OPTIONS: Parka length Men’s / Women’s


Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket

WARMEST DOWN JACKET FOR WINTER

MSRP: $400

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 5.3 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 800 / 7.5 oz.

PROS: Very warm, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, hem & hood adjustments, fleece-lined pockets, 2-way zipper (climbing harness compatible), wind/weather-resistant, durable

CONS: Expensive, heavy, bulky, too warm for most 3-season ultralight backpacking trips

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a technical jacket that’ll keep you toasty on winter camping trips or alpine ascents, theRab Neutrino Pro (men’s / women’s) is an excellent choice. It’s stuffed to the gills with 800-fill-power down for maximum heat retention and features solid hardware, durable high-tech fabric, and excellent craftsmanship that justifies the steep price. The Neutrino is a bit heavier than some other jackets, but it’s actually very practical in its weight and packability for the level of warmth it provides. The Neutrino Pro is super high quality and it’s our go-to when we expect really cold conditions.


BEST SYNTHETIC ULTRALIGHT JACKET

MSRP: $329

WEIGHT: 10.5 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: Polyester Pluma Fill / 2.3 oz.

PROS: Ultralight, highly compressible, packs into its own pocket, wind/weather-resistant, layers easily

CONS: Not as warm as some jackets, no hem or hood adjustments, no chest pocket, less durable than some jackets (general con of UL jackets), synthetic insulation breaks down over time

BOTTOM LINE: Patagonia’s Micro Puff Hoodie (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest jackets you can get, which makes it great for summer evenings or ultralight hiking and backpacking trips. The Micro Puff uses synthetic PlumaFill insulation, which provides lightweight warmth, great compressibility, and performs slightly better when wet compared to down. We really like the slim athletic cut, the elastic form-fitting hood, and the way the jacket moves with you. The Micro Puff will serve you well on most warm-weather adventures, but you may want something a bit loftier and warmer for cooler fall, winter, and spring months.

OPTIONS: Non-hooded Men’s / Women’s


Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody

DURABLE & COMFORTABLE DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $300

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 2 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 700 / 4.6 oz.

PROS: Great quality for the price, comfortable (soft & stretchy), durable, highly compressible, layers easily

CONS: Heavy for backpacking, bulkier than other jackets, no hood adjustments

BOTTOM LINE: We love the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody (men’s / women’s) for its exceptional comfort and durability. The rugged stretch fabric makes it easy to move freely in for athletic activities and also far less likely to catch or tear when we’re doing yard work. The Stretchdown Jacket contains 700-fill-power down, so it isn’t the warmest jacket on our list, but it’s great for all but the bitterest cold and the unique baffle system eliminates cold spots. The Stretchdown is one of the most comfortable jackets we’ve found for casual everyday wear, and it’s our top choice for rock climbing and tough outdoor jobs.


STREAMLINED, LIGHTWEIGHT DOWN JACKET

MSRP: $400

WEIGHT: 11.8 oz.

FILL POWER / FILL WEIGHT: 850 / 4 oz.

PROS: Lightweight, highly compressible, sleek & stylish, wind/weather-resistant (DWR finish), layers easily

CONS: Expensive, not very adjustable, no chest pocket, less durable than other jackets (general con of UL jackets), slim design isn’t for everyone, runs small (we recommend sizing up if you’re on the edge)

BOTTOM LINE: The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (men’s / women’s) is an attractive streamlined jacket made with top-quality materials. It’s exceptionally compressible and is a great layering piece for three-season use. Unfortunately, we find the Cerium a bit basic for such a high price point. It fits wonderfully (as long as you have a slim body type), but leaves a bit to be desired as far as adjustments. For the price and weight savings, we’d probably go for a jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 for ultralight backpacking, though some may find the Cerium more attractive style-wise and worth the additional chunk of change.

OPTIONS: Non-Hooded Men’s / Women’s

A woman wearing the Rab Neutrino Pro on a winter camping trip in the high desert

Rab Neutrino Pro Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Honorable Mentions

The following down jackets didn’t make our final list, but they’re very popular and they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these jackets might be perfect for you:

  • Feathered Friends EOS Men’s / Women’s – very high fill power down jacket with a large hood
  • Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie Men’s / Women’s – stylish budget-friendly down jacket on the heavy side
  • Marmot Hype Down Hoody Men’s / Women’s – heavy, but generously stuffed for the price down jacket
  • Amazon Essentials Lightweight Hooded Puffer Men’s / Women’s – budget synthetic jacket for non-technical use in mild weather
The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown Jacket & Pants

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Jacket Men’s / Women’s & Pants Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

CRITICAL Down Jacket CONSIDERATIONS

NOT JUST FOR WINTER – You might first imagine a winter scene when you think of a puffy jacket. But, if you’re like us, you’ll probably use your down jacket year-round. Even during the summer (especially on backpacking trips), we wear our down jackets multiple times a day. Puffies make frigid mornings and evenings in the mountains much more bearable and are also convenient to pull out on breaks when you’re hiking. On top of that, they make great pillows for backpacking trips and can increase the warmth of your sleep system (sleeping bags / pads) on extra chilly nights.

The REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie 2.0 uses down that’s certified to the Responsible Down Standard.

REI Magma 850 Hoodie Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

NOT JUST FOR BACKPACKING – Down and synthetic jackets are not only great for the backcountry, they’re also practical and stylish to wear around town. They pack down small enough to keep handy in a backpack and they’re also really easy to pack in luggage for travel. Low-profile designs fit well underneath a rain shell, look sleek, and compliment every outfit.

Comparing weight and packability of the best down jackets.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

HOODED VS. NON-HOODED JACKETS – Most down jackets are designed with hoods, but there are a few awesome non-hooded options out there too. Hooded down jackets trap heat more efficiently because you can cover your head and neck, but they’re typically more expensive. Non-hooded down jackets will need to be paired with a warm hat in really cold conditions, but they tend to be a little more compressible and they’re easier to layer when worn as a mid-layer.

A backpacker wearing the Rab Neutrino Pro jacket in camp

Rab Neutrino Pro Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WHERE DOES DOWN COME FROM? – Down is the fluffy, small plumage found underneath the outer feather layer on waterfowl birds, mostly ducks and geese. These tiny filament fibers insulate the birds and keep them warm even in frigid conditions. Most down is a byproduct of the meat industry, 70% of it coming from China.

AVOIDING INFERIOR QUALITY AND POOR ETHICS – Sometimes affordable down jackets are stuffed with materials other than down or contain only a small amount of down that’s blended with feathers or filler. For the best insulating value and warmth-to-weight ratio, look for jackets that are made with 100% duck or goose down. If the fill power isn’t advertised, it’s likely the jacket isn’t top quality and won’t compress very well. Inexpensive down jackets are also sometimes made with materials that are unethically sourced. To be sure you aren’t supporting bad practices like force feeding or live plucking, check whether a company uses traceable down or complies with the Responsible Down Standard. Companies that use good practices are generally proud of it and clearly state it for their customers to see. For us, it’s worth paying a bit more for the peace of mind.

A backpacker wearing the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka on a fall trip

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka Men’s / Women’s – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WHAT IS FILL POWER? – Fill power is a measurement of the “fluffiness” of the down. The higher the number, the more efficient the down is at insulating. The warmth of the jacket also depends on how much down it’s stuffed with (typically in oz.), so it’s important to look at both fill power and fill weight. Just remember, the greater the fill power, the loftier the fibers are. This means that you need a smaller amount of high-quality down to trap the same amount of body heat that a larger amount of low-quality down would. So high-fill-power jackets are usually slimmer, lighter, and more packable. The warmest down jackets will also have hoods, cinches at the cuffs/hem, and wind-proof fabric to help retain maximum body heat.

Hooded jackets, like the L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Hooded Jacket, trap heat more efficiently than non-hooded jackets.

L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WHEN HIGH FILL POWER MATTERS – 800+-fill-power down products like clothing, quilts, and sleeping bags are generally much more expensive than lower-fill-power products. But for activities like backpacking where weight and bulk matter a lot, it makes sense to spend more money for highly efficient down that compresses easily to fit into a backpack and fluffs back up when you need it. For times when packability and weight aren’t as important however, a super puffy jacket stuffed full of lower-fill-power down will keep you just as warm.

The ultralight Men’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 and the women’s Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka on a summer backpacking trip in Badger Creek Wilderness.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Men’s / Women’s & Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

HYDROPHOBIC DOWN – Goose and duck down are naturally hydrophobic to start with. The problem is that unwashed down smells and can rot if it’s not stripped of the majority of its natural oils, so it gets thoroughly cleaned which reduces its hydrophobic properties. Some outdoor apparel companies choose to treat their down with chemicals to make it absorb less water and dry out faster if exposed to moisture. To make the down more hydrophobic again after washing, PFC-based, silicone-based, or wax-based coatings can be applied, but the jury is still out on whether or not they make much of a difference. As far as we can see, hydrophobic treatments don’t hinder the performance of down, however, they do increase the environmental impact of manufacturing. If you really want to make sure your down jacket stays dry, the best defense is a good water-repellent shell and taking care to keep it out of conditions it’s not intended for.

Many down jackets, like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2, have a DWR coating to shed light rain

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

WASHING Down is a durable material, but it loses some of its efficiency when it gets oily or dirty over time. If properly maintained, a down jacket can last for many years. For details on down care, visit ourHow to Wash a Down Coat tutorial.

To get the most life out of your puffy jacket, wash it with Nikwax Down Direct or Woolite once or twice per year

Nikwax Down Direct & Woolite– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

need more Gear advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

We own and use all of the down jackets we recommend.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear yourfeedback.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (Left) and Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka (Right) are two of our favorite ultralight, packable down jackets.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Men’s / Women’s & Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Parka Men’s / Women’s– PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

The whole Cleverhiker gang rocking some of our favorite down jackets on Mt. Hood

PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)



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