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For these of us braving the chilly climate every season, a down jacket is an absolute necessity. Down jackets are comprised of duck or geese feathers, and so they normally have a down fill energy ranking — a better fill energy is normally light-weight, compressible, and insulating. Whether or not you’re packing a 10-ounce ultralight layer for evenings across the campfire or throwing on an enormous parka-length choice for a frigid commute, the vary of jackets within the down-insulated class is huge, and there’s a jacket to suit each want.
We examined 41 down jackets for ladies — from packable layers for chilly locations to waterproof commuter types — and regarded all the pieces from insulation and heat to suit and sturdiness. After our preliminary testing interval, we continued to put on the jackets for a further six months as a result of down jackets could be fast to abrade or lose insulation, and we needed to verify our high jackets held as much as prolonged seasonal exams. Learn on for our high examined picks, in addition to our ideas for getting the perfect down jackets.
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The trendy tailoring, considerate options, and cheap value level made this our high decide for the yr.
This trendy down coat saved us heat throughout chilly commutes in the course of the testing interval, together with a number of days with biting chilly wind. The Claudia suits true to measurement and works effectively with a sweater layered beneath with out impeding vary of movement. This can be a pretty streamlined coat that by no means felt cumbersome or cumbersome, and we appreciated the trendy midthigh minimize with a drop-tail again that saved our bottoms heat when seated open air. This jacket was lighter than we anticipated, and it does have a decrease fill energy than among the others we examined, so you could need to layer in particularly chilly temperatures.
The variety of options, tailor-made minimize, enjoyable colorways, and considerate options solidified this jacket as our high decide this yr. The hood is detachable and adjustable, the cuffs have an elastic end to assist hold out the wind, and the zippered hand pockets are effectively positioned and generously sized for keys, snacks, telephone, and pockets. The development feels high-quality total, which we have been thrilled about contemplating the cheap value level. The coat packs down sufficiently small to be a good selection for journey, and the match is flattering sufficient to look good round city. This wouldn’t be our high decide for frigid climate, as we felt some drafts and it does have a thinner construct than others we examined, however total this is a wonderful and well-priced decide, particularly for journey.
The Particulars: XXS-XXL | 80/20 down-to-feather ratio | 650-fill energy | Detachable hood | Water resistant
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Touchdown on the high of our Finest Puffer Jackets information, the Quince Accountable Down Puffer Jacket is cozily plush with a excessive loft and hip-length hemline. We liked the prolonged sleeves that went effectively previous our midlayer and helped stop draftiness, in addition to the massive baffles that helped hold the down in place.
We wore this puffer round city in the course of the cold-weather take a look at interval, primarily for operating errands and happening walks. The match was true to measurement, becoming intently however with out proscribing vary of movement. We have been in a position to layer a midweight fleece beneath, which is probably going all we’d want with this city fashion. The liner felt softer than different jackets we examined, and the down-filled, outsized hood did much more to create the sensation that we have been sporting a puffy blanket as a substitute of a jacket. In the event you discover the hood to be cumbersome, it’s detachable and took us only some seconds to detach and reattach. We additionally admire the reasonably priced price ticket.
The Particulars: XS-XL | Shell and lining: one hundred pc recycled polyester; shell and lining on shiny black model: one hundred pc nylon | Fill: 90 % goose down, 10 % goose feathers | 700-fill energy | Detachable hood | Water-repellent
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Most individuals will acknowledge the ever present color-blocking of Cotopaxi’s standard down coat, and we’ve been sporting ours persistently for greater than a yr now. It suits true to measurement with none binding by the shoulders, although we suggest sporting slimmer-fit layers beneath, because it doesn’t accommodate bulkier insulation tops. It hits at hip-length however is on the shorter aspect. We have now worn this jacket in all kinds of situations, from cold-weather hikes to chilly mornings in Jackson Gap, and the average match, packability, and athletic look make it a go-to at dwelling and for journey.
The 800-fill down is among the many highest high quality in our examined jackets, and the 20-denier nylon materials helps cut back bulk even additional. This makes it an wonderful alternative for packing as a journey layer, because it takes up little or no room in your pack and packs down into its personal pocket. It’s additionally surprisingly heat for the way light-weight it feels. The scuba hood is spacious, even over ponytails however will not be detachable. Lastly, this jacket is available in a variety of sizes as much as 4XL, and you’ve got your decide of solids or rainbow-striped colours.
The Particulars: XXS-4XL | Shell and lining: one hundred pc 20D ripstop nylon with C0 DWR end | 800-fill energy | 14 ounces | Water resistant | Packable into one among its pockets
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Maybe one of the vital well-traveled jackets of our picks, the Columbia Arctic Crest has been with us on climbing trails, chilly seashores, a glacier, and all the way in which to the sting of a volcano in Iceland. This jacket is designated as activewear and lives as much as its identify with a DWR-treated nylon shell, ample quantities of 700-fill RDS down and OmniHeat lining, and equal elements heat and breathability for high-output actions.
The zip pocket on the chest is a pleasant contact for retaining your telephone and pockets useful. We thought the adjustable waist was a pleasant contact to tailor the match and airflow, whereas the draw-cord adjustable hem helped stop chilly air from seeping up underneath the coat. We thought it regarded a bit of cumbersome and felt a bit tight throughout the chest, nevertheless it does have the power to pack down small into one among its personal pockets for journey.
This jacket was made for actions, that includes articulated arms, body-mapped baffle patterns to forestall movement restriction, and Columbia’s OmniShield remedy on the face material that repels water and wind higher than different handled supplies. “This jacket is designed to imitate the pores and skin of Arctic animals like polar bears, whose black pores and skin absorbs as a lot daylight as potential to retain warmth underneath their white fur, so this jacket retains you very heat for the way gentle and agile it’s,” says Journey + Leisure Senior Editor Lydia Worth. “I used to be in a position to hike and climb with a full vary of movement, stretching my arms up, bending over, and carrying gear with ease.”
The Particulars: XS-3XL | Shell: one hundred pc nylon | 700-fill energy (goose down) | Water resistant | Packable into one among its pockets
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This thoughtfully designed, high-fashion cropped puffer feels fitted and flattering whereas nonetheless leaving room to layer. It’s gentle and lofted, and has fleece-lined zippered hand pockets for cozy heat in addition to bungee adjusters on the hem. The main points are what make Canada Goose definitely worth the splurge — together with grippy zipper pulls, stretchy wrist gaiters, and distinctive inside suspenders that will let you carry the jacket like a backpack as a substitute of carrying it when you might want to take it off
In contrast to the opposite jackets on our record, which use nylon or polyester as their floor material, Canada Goose makes use of Pima cotton, a gentle, silky cotton selection that may be handled for water resistance with out the slippery feeling of synthetics. This jacket additionally has a bolder baffle fashion than thinner technical baffles, which makes it stand out within the crowd. A $1,600-plus jacket isn’t for everybody, however we have been so impressed with the consolation, heat, and sturdiness that we’d say for those who’re going to splurge on a down jacket, it is a good wager.
“I like how heat it’s regardless that it is cropped,” says Affiliate Editor Anna Popp. “It saved my complete higher physique heat and toasty in freezing situations due to the high-quality supplies.”
The Particulars: XXS-XXL | Shell: one hundred pc Pima cotton | 90/10 down-to-feather ratio | 750-fill energy | Water resistant | Detachable backpack straps
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Although this coat has one of many decrease fill powers on this record, its lengthy size saved us heat in below-freezing temperatures due to its full protection and barely puffy nature. We wore it over the course of six months by a New York Metropolis autumn and winter, and it proved to be a go-to for frigid walks, lengthy commutes, and actions like ice skating.
We appreciated the two-way zipper to make the lengthy size straightforward to sit down in. The jacket has three pockets complete — one small zipper pocket on the chest that may maintain a telephone and two giant pockets which can be positioned on the entrance of the thighs somewhat than the perimeters of the coat. We liked how spacious the massive pockets have been, however some individuals could desire a zipper to the single-button closure. We’d additionally add an inside pocket if we might. We’d suggest sizing up one full measurement due to its slim silhouette in each the physique and arms, particularly if you wish to go away room for layering. That slim match additionally makes it extra flattering and never as cumbersome as different lengthy parkas.
The Particulars: XS-XL | Shell: 77 % cotton, 23 % polyamide; lining: one hundred pc recycled polyester | 60/40 down-to-feather ratio | 300-to-350-fill energy | Water-repellent
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This light-weight parka-length coat weighs barely over 1 pound and by some means avoids the downfall of different long-hemline jackets by not impeding our vary of movement — it even feels snug whereas sitting down. It does have a two-way zipper to ease any restriction, however we have been pleasantly shocked at how straightforward it has been to maneuver round in.
That mentioned, the Recycled Down Sweater Parka is a lighter jacket, and we’ve discovered it finest for average winter climate in addition to shoulder-season temperatures throughout our exams within the chilly Northeast. It’s additionally a wonderful journey choice, packing away into its personal zippered pocket and tucking neatly into carry-on baggage. Patagonia has a constant dedication towards sustainability in its attire, and this parka isn’t any totally different, utilizing the model’s NetPlus postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon (comprised of recycled fishing nets) in addition to absolutely recycled goose and duck down filling.
The Particulars: XS-XL | Shell and lining: 20D NetPlus one hundred pc recycled nylon downproof ripstop | 700-fill energy | 1.03 kilos | Water resistant | Packable into one among its pocket
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The Columbia Mountain Croo III is a stellar mixture of heat and waterproofing safety in a classy, thigh-length jacket. Regardless of its longer hemline, absolutely waterproof construct, and mixture of supplies, this jacket didn’t really feel cumbersome throughout testing, and we appreciated the chance to put on a sleeker coat as a substitute of the extra tech-oriented marshmallow fashions. Nothing in opposition to these … generally it’s simply good to really feel heat and stylish. That mentioned, this coat was nonetheless very breathable, and we by no means wound up feeling clammy or sweaty, even after we threw it on postworkout earlier than our sweat had absolutely dried.
We examined this on the steep, hilly streets of Seattle (the place we sometimes work up a sweat throughout canine walks) and felt dry and comfy each time we wore it. Columbia makes use of its proprietary Omni-Tech waterproofing, which stands as much as the costlier manufacturers in the case of breathability and efficiency, with out the eye-watering value factors. This jacket makes use of a 650-fill energy RDS down, which is true in the course of the highway so far as loft and heat go.
The Particulars: XS-3XL | Shell and lining: one hundred pc polyester | 650-fill energy | Waterproof
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We love a size-inclusive choice, and this Out of doors analysis jacket is available in 10 sizes from XS to 4XL which can be tailor-made to suit a wide range of physique shapes for layering each over and beneath. We determined to measurement as much as accommodate extra layers and have been proud of that alternative for bulkier midlayers. We’ve misplaced observe of what number of iterations of this coat have been produced, and it continues to be one among Out of doors Analysis’s most versatile choices. It packs down small, lofts properly due to the high-quality 800-fill down, and has the usual modern streamline we anticipate from this technical open air model. This jacket has a number of inside pockets in addition to lined hand-warmer pockets, and the angled baffle design provides a little bit of aptitude to the development.
The Particulars: XS-4XL | Shell and lining: one hundred pc recycled nylon 20D | 800-fill energy | 11.6 ounces | Water resistant
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Anoraks are an acquired style, and this jacket is a bit too cosy within the shoulders to simply tackle and off, so measurement up.
A pullover down jacket isn’t for everybody, however we’d be remiss to not embody this superbly designed anorak from Fjallraven. Like lots of the jackets on our record, this jacket got here in effectively underneath the load we have been anticipating and packed down small for journey and into our baggage once we didn’t need to carry it round between out of doors stints. It has held up effectively to every day use and reveals no indicators of zipper failures or materials degrading.
The midsection includes a kangaroo pouch frequent on anorak fashion jackets, and we discovered the goose down fill to be ethereal and breathable whereas nonetheless being lots heat. That mentioned, pullover down jackets aren’t for everybody, particularly ones and not using a good quantity of stretch. We thought this one had extra of a slim match, which did make it a bit difficult to drag on and off over our heads, so we’d suggest sizing up. However for a singular fashion and to keep away from the draftiness of a full zipper, it’s a well-made pullover with an attention-grabbing fashion.
The Particulars: XXS-XL | Shell and lining: one hundred pc recycled polyamide | Fill: 90 % goose down, 10 % feather | 700-fill energy | 1.14 kilos | Water resistant | Packable into one among its pocket
Different Down Jackets We Appreciated
Down jackets are a broad class, and we examined too many for all of them to incorporate in our major suggestions. Nevertheless, the next jackets will work effectively for a lot of vacationers regardless of a number of setbacks.
Cotopaxi Alivio Down Jacket: We liked this jacket throughout our White Mountain tenting journey due to its heat and sturdy supplies however discovered the sizing to be much less correct than others we examined. Plus, it’s a shorter minimize so that you’re extra liable to drafts.
Eddie Bauer Ladies’s StratusLite Down Parka: The down fill is light-weight and packed down small once we wanted it to, however we discovered the zipper to be considerably cumbersome, and the match of the coat ran a bit of giant for our liking.
The North Face Ladies’s Terra Peak Hoodie: The elastic hem and cuffs did an ideal job sealing in warmth, and it has an athletic minimize that works for winter actions. Like the opposite two jackets on this class, the match of the Terra Peak felt inaccurate, and the medium we examined match extra like a small.
Our Testing Course of
We examined 41 girls’s down jackets, from light-weight, athletic fashions to knee-length parkas — and all the pieces in between. We wore every jacket a number of occasions in the course of the testing interval and traveled extensively with our jackets for our six-month long-term testing. We thought of all the pieces from sturdiness of face material to total weight and really feel to heat and match.
After initially sporting every jacket for 2 weeks after which an extended testing interval of six months, we reported again on consolation, packability, layering room, measurement accuracy, and the way simply the zippers and equipment labored. We regarded for a wide range of jackets to swimsuit totally different wants and winter climate situations and made certain that all the jackets had at the least some stage of weatherproofing to guard the down insulation from precipitation. We’ll proceed to replace this text to replicate any extra findings as we take a look at extra down jackets.
Ideas for Shopping for Down Jackets
Make sure that it suits appropriately
With the expectation of city-ready parkas, a down jacket is a reasonably normal layering piece — you need to go away a bit of little bit of room to layer beneath (we like to suit at the least a midweight fleece underneath our jackets), however you don’t need it to be too outsized for drafts to seep by. Strive it on whereas sporting the same old layers you could put on with no matter actions you will have deliberate, so that you could get an correct learn on the match. Be sure you can comfortably cross your arms; if it’s too tight, you’ll really feel a irritating restriction in your vary of movement that may put a damper on winter actions.
Take into consideration the climate
The coats in our roundup vary from light-weight 300-fill down for average days to extremely lofted 800-fill down for bitter chilly temps. Whereas down jackets don’t have a standardized heat ranking, learn the producer’s suggestions for temperature ranges, and perceive the fill energy and fill weight each contribute to how a lot insulation the jacket goes to offer. In the event you’re planning on milder climate, search for a thinner jacket with much less insulation. In the event you’re going to bundle up for frigid climate, search for larger fill energy and fill weight, and make sure you prioritize DWR-treated face material or different famous weatherproofing. We’ve famous whether or not the jackets are water resistant or waterproof within the particulars above.
Think about how you propose to make use of it
The jackets on our record of suggestions vary from ultralight and packable to lengthy and thick. The one you select will depend on what you’ll use it for. In the event you’re planning largely athletic actions, search for a slimmer match with a shorter hemline that gained’t prohibit your actions, in addition to a breathable materials. In the event you’re planning to largely put on this round city and for commuting, you will get an extended, extra trendy jacket that’s extra insulating. For journey, search for jackets underneath 1 pound that pack down small and have high-quality down fill that gained’t compress if it’s crammed in a suitcase.
Continuously Requested Questions
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What’s down fill energy?
We listed the down fill energy for every jacket, and most producer websites and retailer pages can even supply this data. Fill energy is the measurement that tells you the standard of down insulation, considerably confusingly decided by the quantity of area a single ounce of down will occupy when absolutely lofted. The upper the fill energy, the lighter and hotter the down will probably be and the extra effectively it traps warmth. The higher warmth-to-weight ratios correlate with a rise in value.
Additional, some manufacturers denote the proportion of down versus feathers of their insulation. Down is the underneath layer beneath the feathers; it packs smaller and traps warmth higher. Feathers are decrease high quality, denser, and don’t insulate as effectively.
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How are you aware if down is ethically sourced?
With right this moment’s growing emphasis on sustainability, if an organization is utilizing ethically sourced down, it should let you know. Search for markers on retailer or producer pages — or on tags for those who’re attempting the jackets on in particular person. The commonest certification is RDS, or “Accountable Down Normal.” This implies the down got here from farms the place the animals are raised inside moral requirements. Traceable down can be an choice, and you may simply discover these markers and badges on most product pages.
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How do you wash and dry a down jacket?
Opposite to standard perception, you do have to clean and dry your down jacket. It helps the face material preserve water resistance and retains your insulation lofted. In the event you don’t dry a down jacket correctly, the feathers inside can clump and create mould. Every jacket is totally different, so make sure you learn the care directions. However for essentially the most half, an at-home washer on a mild cycle utilizing chilly water is a protected wager. We suggest utilizing a down-specific wash, and don’t use material softener. To dry, tumble dry on low warmth with balled-up tin foil or a number of tennis balls to interrupt up the down clumps because the jacket dries. Some jackets, just like the Canada Goose jacket on our record, could also be dry clear solely, so double test all the pieces earlier than washing.
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How do you repair a tear in a down jacket?
A tear in your down jacket simply offers it extra avenue cred — it doesn’t imply it is best to trash it. In the event you’re not sending it again to the producer to be repaired, you may simply patch small tears and holes with matching duct tape or technical restore patches like Noso patches, that are made to stick to the floor materials, and hold the opening from spreading or the down from escaping. Clear the realm across the gap rigorously to do away with grease or oil, slap the patch on, and also you’re good to go. Bonus factors if it’s a enjoyable design.
Why Belief Journey + Leisure
Maggie Slepian is a Montana-based author and editor with a decade {of professional} gear-testing expertise within the out of doors world. She is an avid backpacker, bikepacker, and four-season outdoorsperson, and exams dozens of jackets and layers every season, from ultralight and packable down jackets to heavy-duty, in-town down parkas. To compile this record, she coordinated with T+L’s inside editorial group, combining their examined down jackets together with her background in layering and winter attire that will help you select the perfect girls’s winter jacket for this season.
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