Outdoor Down

Outdoor Down
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Home » Outdoor » The Best Down Jackets of 2022
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November 19, 2021 | By Adam Ruggiero & Morgan Tilton
Every winter wardrobe needs a puffy down jacket. But how to choose? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
It’s one of the simple truths of the outdoors: When warmth is a must, it’s gotta be down. Synthetic has come a long way, but its warmth-to-weight ratio just doesn’t quite rival the best down jackets (yet).
Down is plush, warm, packable, and even something of a fashion staple nowadays. But with dozens of brands offering hundreds of different styles, it can be damn near overwhelming to peg which down jacket is right for you. So we leaned on our experience, testing, research, and insight to cull the best of the best. Each of these down jackets is available now and merits a look for its construction, price, features, and warmth.
It’s also hard to know exactly how eco-friendly a design is for humans and the planet. Next to each product, you’ll notice a score called CSS, or Comprehensive Sustainability Score. This is our objective grade of the product’s sustainability based on quantitative metrics compiled by our team.
To learn more about down jackets and how to choose yours, scroll down to the buyer’s guide, FAQ, and an explanation of the CSS score at the bottom of this article.
Otherwise, take a look at all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:
In researching all the down jackets on the market, we paid particular attention to standouts within a particular category. For example, we have selections for those shopping on a budget, those searching for more sustainable options, and for others who just want the most bomber puffy of all.
This article includes the best down jackets for men and women. You can also check our expanded list of the best down jackets for women .

Dark Peak snuck in as a dark horse in our testing, and boy did it impress. This Kickstarted brand hit the scene with a bold claim as “the warmest jacket in the world.” But an Arctic expedition jacket this is not. Rather, for every jacket purchase, Dark Peak donates another jacket to someone in need without a home (each jacket sold keeps two people warm — hence, the warmest jacket in the world).
But beyond its charitable commitment, Dark Peak makes a stunningly capable and good-looking puffy, the NESSH ($200). The outer and inner fabric use 10-denier ripstop nylon, 850-fill goose down provides both high-loft warmth and packability, two-way zippers accommodate belays, and the hood is both cinchable and helmet-compatible.
Plus, Dark Peak uses those designs and materials in a very thoughtful way. The fit is a good compromise between athletic and roomy, so it’s great for layering under a big shell or with a midlayer underneath. A durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outer is a standard but also welcome addition, and a pair of wrist gaiters with thumb loops make a unique, comfy, and useful addition.
There are also two hand pockets, two big interior stash pockets, and a zippered chest pocket on the inside. You can bring all your stuff!
What’s more, the NESSH comes in five color options (we’re partial to maroon), and the price beats out many competitors — thanks largely to the brand’s direct-to-consumer model. If you’re looking for something that does everything well, this should be among the options you consider.
When testing a bunch of down jackets, the surest way to know which one is best is to look at which one you find yourself wearing most often. That’s exactly what put Outdoor Research’s Helium Down Hoodie ($279) so high on this list.
Its athletic cut has made it ideal for early winter getaways, allowing this tester to toss a big wool flannel on over it when things get especially frosty. But it was still great by itself when things didn’t dip below a little chilly.
The quality and feel are everything you’d expect from a brand like OR — and then some. The brand dubs it the “most durable, lightweight, and technical down hoodie” in its arsenal. That durability comes from a strategic hybrid construction.
The hood and shoulders use Pertex Quantum Shield 30-denier ripstop that fights abrasion and adds a waterproof barrier where you need it — head and shoulders, exactly where rain hits.
But the toughness doesn’t stop there. Covering the Helium Down Hoodie’s 800-fill down is Pertex’s Diamond Fuse ripstop shell, affording the jacket enhanced durability without any significant weight penalty.
By no means the warmest puffy we tested, this one wound up in the backseat, at the ready for just-in-case adventures. If you need one puffy to grab that can handle a range of elements, this one fits the bill.
We expected France’s Decathlon Sports would make a splash in the U.S. And for us, it starts with this 800-fill Trek down jacket ($80). At that loft and price, the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 ($80) even beats out REI’s very popular 650 Down Hoodie . For the money, you get a highly packable jacket (stuffs into its own pocket) that meets the Responsible Down Standard.
Unlike the higher-end offerings on this list, it isn’t loaded with features like two-way front zippers, felt-lined pockets, or recycled materials. But it does stand as a remarkable value considering its light weight, warmth, and basically unmatched price.
Buy this jacket now! Ordinarily, we’d say if money’s less a concern than the years you’ll get out of a puffy, then Eddie Bauer’s Mountain Ops Down Hooded Jacket ($299) is as hard to beat as it is to tear. Unless you’re using this jacket as a doormat, it’s pretty much indestructible — and even then it might hold up.
But right now, you can find this jacket for close to $300! Until the brand updates the design or construction, this one is a hot buy — and it will likely work for years.
Built for cat-skiers and heli-guides, the Mountain Ops down jacket sports a burly ripstop nylon shell with basically bulletproof 500-denier waterproof nylon canvas overlays at the shoulders and sleeves. Uber-cozy, felt-lined pockets are perfect for bare hands, even when the temps drop to the coat’s lower limit rating of -25 degrees. And the rest of you will stay plenty warm too.
The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown Hooded Down Jacket ($275) is among the most flexible down jackets we’ve ever worn, making it super comfortable for everyday errands and recreation. The jacket performed well on commuter rides, nippy walks, and snowy hikes in a range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees plus wind chill at 10,000 feet.
When we lean over the handlebars or shovel snow, there’s no seam restriction on the upper back, arms, or shoulders — it feels like we’re not wearing a jacket at all.
The Super/DS is the first-ever jacket with stitch-free baffle construction and is made from a single fabric, eliminating the need for glue. The 700-fill jacket is lightweight and packs down to the size of a small travel pillow. Most impressively, water droplets roll off the surface with no signs of absorption or loss of loft.
Its hood is stretchy and spacious for a climbing helmet. However, when fully zippered, the hood’s elastic slightly pulls back the front collar, so the lower face is exposed from time to time.
Wearing a puffy doesn’t mean you can’t be active. A few companies tackle the stay-warm-but-stay-cool conundrum with some mix of down fill and thin, highly breathable fabrics where it’s needed.
Mammut stood out for this application with its Flexidown IN down jacket ($299). Pertex Quantum covers the 750-fill RDS down while Pontetorto Tecnostretch lines the underarms and sides. And “Tecnostretch” is exactly what we’d call it too. The freedom of movement this soft, stretchy material provides is second to none. If you felt like doing yoga in this thing, you’d have no trouble.
The Flexidown IN carries a slim, against-the-body fit, which is great for running but not great for layering under. And true to its active pursuits DNA, you get two hand pockets — and that’s it. No carrying all your gadgets in this one.
But for skiing, ski touring, or running in brisk winter, this one’s a winner. Plus, it carries certification from Bluesign and Fair Wear for sustainable practices and conditions, and it uses a PFC-free DWR coating.
What made the original Ghost Whisperer an editor favorite and brand icon, the Ghost Whisperer UL ($375) has in spades — or feathers, rather. Shaving off 2.2 ounces may not sound like much until you realize that’s a 25% reduction in weight (the Ghost Whisperer/2 tips the scales at 8.8 ounces, while the UL comes in at 6.67 ounces).
The Ghost Whisperer UL accomplishes this in large part thanks to 1,000-fill down, giving it an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. A great layering piece you’ll hardly notice behind a wind-blocking shell, the UL sports two zippered hand pockets, one of which it packs into.
This ultralight jacket is a minimal piece, so no accessory pockets here. And the hood doesn’t cinch, though elastic cuffs offer some range of motion. If your adventures don’t hinge on saving every cubic centimeter or gram, the Ghost Whisperer UL is probably more coat than you need — or less, rather.
This light, packable, 850-fill loft down jacket is exemplary for belaying, climbing, and hiking in the fall and spring as well as alpine climbing in the summer. And it’s a solid layering piece to stuff into the backcountry ski pack.
One tester even used this jacket as an outermost layer for backcountry ice climbing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in 0- to 10-degree temperatures. Her routes included multi-pitch and mixed (rock and ice), vertical and overhanging frozen faces, and chimney moves.
The jacket and hood’s insulation kept us warm even with wind, which we couldn’t feel through the fabric. The Cerium SL Hoodie ($359) gets top marks for range of motion. We also really liked the elastic cuffs on the sleeves, which our hands can easily tuck into.
The exterior fabric is supple, durable, and DWR treated to repel moisture — though in a blizzard or rain, it’s a safer bet to wear this jacket beneath a shell. There’s one interior chest pocket and two hand pockets to hold a few items. And after several years of testing, the small, robust zipper has yet to fail.
This 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie ($279) withstands wind, resists moisture, and is lightweight for its level of warmth. We took this jacket on rolling hikes, bike rides, and walks on crisp bluebird days during 5-degree lows and with dry blizzard conditions in Colorado’s Elk and Sangre de Cristo mountains. We stayed dry, thanks to the shell’s DWR finish, which resists moisture.
Heavier amounts of water noticeably dampen the exterior, though it rebounds. This hoodie easily withstood bitter gusts, and the elastic cuffs are comfortable and block wind. When fully zippered, the reinforced neck rise doesn’t slouch, which protects the lower half of the face. But the hood shape is a little too snug to comfortably wear a helmet.
This is an excellent everyday down jacket with great style and protection for the winter season. It’s awesome to pull on post cardio activity, like after a winter run. And it maintains loft and warmth even with snowfall and some moisture.
A solid entry on our list is REI’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid ($259). If price, durability, versatility, and function are all important, this jacket would have to be among the considerations.
Covered in a two-layer waterproof/breathable shell with taped seams and DWR-treated down inside, the Stormhenge can take on sleet and a cold November rain. It’s not the most style-minded coat on this list, but functionally, it’s a solid bet at a very reasonable price.
Odds are you don’t need this jacket. But still, it’s nice to know something this warm is out there should you decide to summit a peak that pokes through the clouds.
Wear the West Rib Parka ($599) with loads of layers beneath — heaven knows there’s plenty of room — for the harshest cold, or by itself for just really cold. Marmot imbues the West Rib with its proprietary WarmCube construction, an ice cube tray configuration of baffles designed to keep the insulation from shifting or settling (creating dreaded cold spots).
We haven’t had the good (mis)fortune of any negative-temp days yet this winter, but this will be the coat we reach for when nothing else matters but staying warm. The West Rib also packs a bunch of utility, including interior mesh pockets, two chest pockets, and two zippered pockets to keep your digits toasty.
If there’s a downside, it’s that this jacket looks as warm as it is. In other words, it has a high Marshmallow Man factor. And with the array of bold colors Marmot offers, others will definitely take notice. But with the brand’s highest ratings for water and wind resistance as well as warmth, who cares?
Of all the down jackets we tested, the Cotopaxi Fuego ($250) received the most “ooh, that’s a nice jacket” comments. Not really surprising, as Cotopaxi has built its reputation on flashy, devil-may-care designs — coupled with ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The Fuego carries on that identity, albeit with a more toned-down, intentionally retro aesthetic. As a puffy, it’s a great around-town choice, with some ready-to-party chops. The 800-fill down makes it acceptably lightweight and packable (think crowler). Though if you take it out enough, you’re bound to scuff up those pretty stripes.
Still, the Fuego is plenty warm for autumn wind and some light precipitation (thanks to a DWR treatment), and it can even fend off some winter bluster. But the jacket’s fit — not too trim, not too baggy — makes it easy enough to layer for added warmth.
The 20-denier shell construction adds a little extra defense against feather loss and daily abuse. Two internal stash pockets and hand pockets round out the build.
While Americans enjoy a plethora of bomber outdoor gear, many brands rarely cross the average consumer’s radar. You’ve probably heard of Jack Wolfskin, but have you worn any of the German brand’s wares?
Quietly, Jack Wolfskin continues to innovate some of the industry’s leading performance and sustainability tech. The 365 Flash Down Jacket ($249) uses 100% recycled polyester shell and lining, features RDS down plus a recycled synthetic fill, and is completely PFC-free.
Definitely something of a statement piece with its motley coloring and big, oversized pockets, the 365 Down targets those whose urban exploits probably outnumber those in the backcountry. Still, it will repel cold, wind, and some light moisture — all with an eye toward eco-sensitivity.
Want a puffy you can wear in the lift line? Spyder’s Impulse ($650) adds some techy extras to the classic down-baffle design. A four-way-stretch shell with GORE-TEX INFINIUM gives you a coat with great range of motion, water repellency, and heat management. Seam taping in critical areas frees you up to get your turns when it’s especially nasty outside.
It’s complete with mesh-lined pit zips, a pass pocket on the sleeve, a powder skirt, and some padding on the shoulders. It also features a goggle pocket with a lens chamois as well as interior mesh paneling to assist with range of motion. It’s a sporty, capable ski jacket within the down puffy family.
Did we mention it’s also crazy warm? Packed with 700-fill goose down, this jacket is puffy and cozy — an excellent insulator. With all the zippers and cord toggles, this coat could easily suffer option fatigue. But the layout is thoughtful — nothing feels like it’s in the way, and all the adjustments are intuitive and easy to use.
Super-plush, super-soft, and super-warm, Patagonia’s Fitz Roy ($399) is a winner for cold days at the crag. Its down-like Pertex Quantum face fabric isn’t the absolute toughest, so expect some tears if you’re brushing against rocks. But all Patagonias are meant to be patched, right?
That said, Patagonia employs 100% recycled material in that fabric, along with Fair Trade sewing. So the brand, per usual, strikes the best available balance between outright performance and social and environmental sustainability.
Two zippered chest pockets add some utility, and while there’s no two-way zipper, the hand pockets are nice and high to accommodate a harness. Overall, the jacket excels in warmth and comfort — so much so, you’d be excused for wearing it away from the granite.
As you’d expect, Black Diamond’s Vision Down Parka ($449) provides high-loft warmth and just the right feature set for cold-weather belays. It wins for durability, using a ripstop reinforced with a “Ja
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