The 11 Best Down Jackets for Women, Tested and Reviewed

For these of us braving the chilly climate every season, a down jacket is an absolute necessity. Down jackets are made out of duck or geese feathers, and so they often have a down fill energy score — a better fill energy is often light-weight, compressible, and insulating. Whether or not you’re packing a 10-ounce ultralight layer for evenings around the campfire or throwing on a large 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 kinds — and regarded every part 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 prime jackets held as much as prolonged seasonal checks. Learn on for our prime examined picks, in addition to our ideas for getting the perfect down jackets.

PHOTO: Lole

Why We Love It

The trendy tailoring, considerate options, and affordable value level made this our prime choose for the 12 months.

This trendy down coat saved us heat throughout chilly commutes throughout 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 underneath with out impeding vary of movement. It is a pretty streamlined coat that by no means felt cumbersome or cumbersome, and we appreciated the fashionable midthigh reduce with a drop-tail again that saved our bottoms heat when seated outdoors. This jacket was lighter than we anticipated, and it does have a decrease fill energy than among the others we examined, so chances are you’ll need to layer in particularly chilly temperatures.

The variety of options, tailor-made reduce, enjoyable colorways, and considerate options solidified this jacket as our prime choose this 12 months. 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, cellphone, and pockets. The development feels high-quality total, which we have been thrilled about contemplating the affordable value level. The coat packs down sufficiently small to be a sensible choice for journey, and the match is flattering sufficient to look good round city. This wouldn’t be our prime choose 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 choose, particularly for journey.

The Particulars: XXS-XXL | 80/20 down-to-feather ratio | 650-fill energy | Detachable hood | Water resistant

PHOTO: Quince

Touchdown on the prime of our Best Puffer Jackets guide, 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 forestall draftiness, in addition to the big baffles that helped hold the down in place.

We wore this puffer round city throughout the cold-weather check interval, primarily for operating errands and occurring walks. The match was true to measurement, becoming intently however with out proscribing vary of movement. We have been capable of layer a midweight fleece beneath, which is probably going all we’d want with this city type. 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 carrying a puffy blanket as a substitute of a jacket. If you happen to discover the hood to be cumbersome, it’s detachable and took us just a few seconds to detach and reattach. We additionally admire the inexpensive price ticket.

PHOTO: Cotopaxi

Most individuals will acknowledge the ever-present color-blocking of Cotopaxi’s widespread down coat, and we’ve been carrying ours persistently for greater than a 12 months now. It suits true to measurement with none binding by way of the shoulders, although we advocate carrying slimmer-fit layers beneath, because it doesn’t accommodate bulkier insulation tops. It hits at hip-length however is on the shorter aspect. We’ve worn this jacket in all types of cases, from cold-weather hikes to chilly mornings in Jackson Gap, and the reasonable match, packability, and athletic look make it a go-to at residence 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 excellent choice 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 isn’t detachable. Lastly, this jacket is available in a variety of sizes as much as 4XL, and you’ve got your choose of solids or rainbow-striped colours.

Columbia Women's Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket

PHOTO: Columbia

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 components heat and breathability for high-output actions.

The zip pocket on the chest is a pleasant contact for preserving your cellphone 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 forestall chilly air from seeping up below the coat. We thought it seemed a bit cumbersome and felt a bit tight throughout the chest, however it does have the power to pack down small into one in all 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 therapy on the face cloth 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 below their white fur, so this jacket retains you very heat for the way gentle and agile it’s,” says Journey + Leisure Senior Editor Lydia Price. “I used to be capable of hike and climb with a full vary of movement, stretching my arms up, bending over, and carrying tools with ease.”

The Particulars: XS-3XL | Shell: 100% nylon | 700-fill energy (goose down) | Water resistant | Packable into one in all its pockets

PHOTO: Canada Goose

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 well worth the splurge — together with grippy zipper pulls, stretchy wrist gaiters, and distinctive inner suspenders that permit you to carry the jacket like a backpack as a substitute of carrying it when you might want to take it off

Journey + Leisure/Anna Popp

In contrast to the opposite jackets on our listing, which use nylon or polyester as their floor cloth, Canada Goose makes use of Pima cotton, a comfortable, silky cotton selection that may be handled for water resistance with out the slippery feeling of synthetics. This jacket additionally has a bolder baffle type 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 despite the fact that it is cropped,” says Associate Editor Anna Popp. “It saved my entire higher physique heat and toasty in freezing circumstances due to the high-quality supplies.”

PHOTO: Kari Traa

Although this coat has one of many decrease fill powers on this listing, 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 way of 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 cellphone and two giant pockets which might be positioned on the entrance of the thighs slightly than the edges of the coat. We liked how spacious the big pockets have been, however some individuals could want a zipper to the single-button closure. We’d additionally add an inside pocket if we might. We’d advocate sizing up one full measurement due to its slim silhouette in each the physique and arms, particularly if you wish to depart 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 p.c cotton, 23 p.c polyamide; lining: 100% recycled polyester | 60/40 down-to-feather ratio | 300-to-350-fill energy | Water-repellent

Patagonia Women's Recycled Down Sweater Parka

PHOTO: Patagonia

This light-weight parka-length coat weighs barely over 1 pound and in some way avoids the downfall of different long-hemline jackets by not impeding our vary of movement — it even feels comfy whereas sitting down. It does have a two-way zipper to ease any restriction, however we have been pleasantly stunned at how straightforward it has been to maneuver round in.

That stated, the Recycled Down Sweater Parka is a lighter jacket, and we’ve discovered it finest for reasonable winter climate in addition to shoulder-season temperatures throughout our checks within the chilly Northeast. It’s additionally a wonderful journey choice, packing away into its personal zippered pocket and tucking neatly into carry-on luggage. Patagonia has a constant dedication towards sustainability in its attire, and this parka isn’t any completely different, utilizing the model’s NetPlus postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon (made out of recycled fishing nets) in addition to totally recycled goose and duck down filling.

Columbia Women's Mountain Croo III Mid Down Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

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, totally 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 towards these … typically it’s simply good to really feel heat and stylish. That stated, 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 totally 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 correct in the midst of the street so far as loft and heat go.

The Particulars: XS-3XL | Shell and lining: 100% polyester | 650-fill energy | Waterproof

Outdoor Research Women's Transcendent Down Hoodie

PHOTO: Outside Analysis

We love a size-inclusive choice, and this Outside analysis jacket is available in 10 sizes from XS to 4XL which might 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 in all Outside Analysis’s most versatile choices. It packs down small, lofts properly due to the high-quality 800-fill down, and has the usual glossy 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: 100% recycled nylon 20D | 800-fill energy | 11.6 ounces | Water resistant

PHOTO: Fjallraven

What to Think about

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 embrace this superbly designed anorak from Fjallraven. Like lots of the jackets on our listing, this jacket got here in effectively below the load we have been anticipating and packed down small for journey and into our luggage after we didn’t need to carry it round between out of doors stints. It has held up effectively to day by day use and exhibits no indicators of zipper failures or materials degrading.

The midsection encompasses a kangaroo pouch widespread on anorak type jackets, and we discovered the goose down fill to be ethereal and breathable whereas nonetheless being lots heat. That stated, 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 tough to drag on and off over our heads, so we’d advocate sizing up. However for a singular type and to keep away from the draftiness of a full zipper, it’s a well-made pullover with an attention-grabbing type.

Different Down Jackets We Preferred

Down jackets are a broad class, and we examined too many for all of them to incorporate in our main suggestions. Nevertheless, the next jackets will work effectively for a lot of vacationers regardless of just a few 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 reduce so that you’re extra vulnerable to drafts.

Eddie Bauer Women’s StratusLite Down Parka: The down fill is light-weight and packed down small after we wanted it to, however we discovered the zipper to be considerably cumbersome, and the match of the coat ran a bit giant for our liking.

The North Face Women’s Terra Peak Hoodie: The elastic hem and cuffs did an awesome job sealing in warmth, and it has an athletic reduce 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 ladies’s down jackets, from light-weight, athletic fashions to knee-length parkas — and every part in between. We wore every jacket a number of instances throughout the testing interval and traveled extensively with our jackets for our six-month long-term testing. We thought of every part from sturdiness of face cloth to total weight and really feel to heat and match.

After initially carrying 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 seemed for a wide range of jackets to go well with completely different wants and winter climate circumstances and made positive that the entire jackets had a minimum of some stage of weatherproofing to guard the down insulation from precipitation. We are going to proceed to replace this text to replicate any extra findings as we check extra down jackets.

Ideas for Shopping for Down Jackets

Be sure that it suits appropriately

With the expectation of city-ready parkas, a down jacket is a reasonably customary layering piece — you need to depart a bit little bit of room to layer beneath (we like to suit a minimum of a midweight fleece below our jackets), however you don’t need it to be too outsized for drafts to seep by way of. Attempt it on whereas carrying the standard layers chances are you’ll put on with no matter actions you might have deliberate, so to get an correct learn on the match. Ensure 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 reasonable days to extremely lofted 800-fill down for bitter chilly temps. Whereas down jackets don’t have a standardized heat score, 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. If you happen to’re planning on milder climate, search for a thinner jacket with much less insulation. If you happen to’re going to bundle up for frigid climate, search for larger fill energy and fill weight, and make sure to prioritize DWR-treated face cloth 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 listing of suggestions vary from ultralight and packable to lengthy and thick. The one you select will depend on what you’ll use it for. If you happen to’re planning principally athletic actions, search for a slimmer match with a shorter hemline that gained’t prohibit your actions, in addition to a breathable materials. If you happen to’re planning to principally put on this round city and for commuting, you may get an extended, extra trendy jacket that’s extra insulating. For journey, search for jackets below 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

What’s down fill energy?

We listed the down fill energy for every jacket, and most producer websites and retailer pages will even supply this data. Fill energy is the measurement that tells you the standard of down insulation, considerably confusingly decided by the quantity of house a single ounce of down will occupy when totally lofted. The upper the fill energy, the lighter and hotter the down will likely 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 below layer beneath the feathers; it packs smaller and traps warmth higher. Feathers are decrease high quality, denser, and don’t insulate as effectively.

How are you aware if down is ethically sourced?

With right now’s rising 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 making an attempt the jackets on in particular person. The most typical certification is RDS, or “Accountable Down Customary.” This implies the down got here from farms the place the animals are raised inside moral requirements. Traceable down can also be an choice, and you may simply discover these markers and badges on most product pages.

How do you wash and dry a down jacket?

Opposite to widespread perception, you do have to scrub and dry your down jacket. It helps the face cloth keep water resistance and retains your insulation lofted. If you happen to don’t dry a down jacket correctly, the feathers inside can clump and create mould. Every jacket is completely different, so make sure you learn the care directions. However for essentially the most half, an at-home washer on a delicate cycle utilizing chilly water is a secure wager. We advocate utilizing a down-specific wash, and don’t use cloth softener. To dry, tumble dry on low warmth with balled-up tin foil or just a few tennis balls to interrupt up the down clumps because the jacket dries. Some jackets, just like the Canada Goose jacket on our listing, could also be dry clear solely, so double test every part earlier than washing.

How do you repair a tear in a down jacket?

A tear in your down jacket simply provides it extra road cred — it doesn’t imply you need to trash it. If you happen to’re not sending it again to the producer to be repaired, you’ll be able to 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 world 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 checks dozens of jackets and layers every season, from ultralight and packable down jackets to heavy-duty, in-town down parkas. To compile this listing, she coordinated with T+L’s inner editorial staff, combining their examined down jackets together with her background in layering and winter attire that will help you select the perfect ladies’s winter jacket for this season.

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