Fill: 2.8 oz. First is the 50-denier fabric, which is considerably more robust than much of the competition. Like the heavyweight Neutrino Pro above, Rabs popular Microlight Alpine Jacket pays tribute to the brands climbing heritage. Lightweight jackets (this category includes most down sweaters) are remarkably versatile too, and they can pull double duty as both midlayers and standalone pieces. These issues aside, the Rab is an exceptionally warm and comfortable winter piece at a good price. But like the Eos, it cant match the Patagonia in terms of everyday appeal. of 700-fill downWhat we like: Warm for the price; water-resistant build.What we dont: Not as much daily appeal as the Patagonia Down Sweater. Further, $275 is no small price for a casual item (you can save with the REI 650 above or Stratocloud below), and some will appreciate the even more casual appearance of the Patagonia Silent Down (below). of 900-fill downWhat we like: Premium build quality and superb warmth-to-weight ratio.What we dont: Technical appearance and occasional issues with availability. The first step in finding the best women's down jacket is determining what your end use will be. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to accomplish the same comfort goals. No matter what the manufacturer names a jacket, keep a close eye on fill weight and total weight to make your own determination. Even though hydrophobic down still doesnt match the wet-weather performance of synthetics, it can be an extra line of defense. Very few down jackets are made with stretchy shell fabrics, but we like the brands' innovations here. For activities like hiking and skiing youll want to look elsewhere, but the Silent Down is a solid daily driverand now it comes in an extra-long (44.5 in.) And models like the Patagonia Down With It Parka go all the way to the knees, which is excellent for staying cozy but can make it difficult to sit down or cover long distances walking. Down feathers unfortunately lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, turning into a clumpy and soggy mess. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. However, gear manufacturers have found a way to treat down to make it more water-resistant. Leading models include the Patagonia Down Sweater, REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0, and Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody. Of note: you can expect an update to the Eos by the end of the year, including a new chest pocket and drawstring hoodRead in-depth reviewSee the Feathered Friends Eos. You do pay a bit of a premium at $389 (price recently jumped $50), and it certainly doesnt have as much daily appeal as the Down Sweater or Cerium LT above, with a non-adjustable hood, limited color options, and overall technical appearance. Second, the REIs hood is not helmet compatible, taking it out of the running for some climbers and skiers. That said, almost all of the jackets on this list are made with reasonably lightweight shell fabrics. Category: LightweightWeight: 14 oz.Fill: 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Retro styling with premium down fill. of 700-fill downWhat we like: A technical down jacket with classy Scandinavian styling.What we dont: Expensive and not as warm or light as other options here. is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. Finally, the Coldfront doesnt pack down as small as the higher-fill-power options above and below, but considering the price and warmth, its all most women need in a down jacket. What are the downsides of the Neutrino Pro? of 600-fill downWhat we like: Great styling and a major boost in warmth over shorter down jackets.What we dont: Not everyone will like the length. Not only is Patagonias fit and finish at or near the top of the market, but were also big fans of their sustainable practices and ethically sourced materials. To start, it's built to handle wind and light moisture thanks to a tough Pertex Quantum shell, DWR coating, and hydrophobic down. The lower the denier, the thinner the fabric. The jackets knit fabric is very tough, and the stretchiness gives it a plush feel that you typically dont get from a down piece. For one, the length eliminates the need for insulated pants on quick jaunts around the block. Lower-fill-power down offers less warmth per ounce, so in order to make an apples-to-apples comparison between jackets, its important that they have identical (or similar) fill powers. Ultralight Category: LightweightWeight: 12.2 oz.Fill: 3.4 oz. On the other hand, if you need a layer for around-town and occasional outdoor uses like downhill skiing, you'll be completely fine with a somewhat heavier and more affordable build like the 14.8-ounce Arcteryx Thorium AR. of 650-fill downWhat we like: Considerably cheaper than any other jacket on this list, yet surprisingly well built. But we have a soft spot for this jacket (no pun intended), which receives compliments almost every time we go out. Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. And finally, the style is undeniably classy, whether youre walking the dog or going out on a Saturday night. In addition, weve found the crinkly Diamond Fuse shell makes the OR jacket a little less cozy than an alternative like the Cerium, and the jacket is known to run small for its size. Tack on some clean stylingeven the logo is understatedand the Stretchdown is a practical and good-looking jacket for everyday use. For uses like backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, ski touringor whenever you have to lug around your own gearthe total weight of your down jacket should play a significant role in your buying decision. The good news is that some brands have started making the shift to PFC-free DWR, but it's mostly been limited to the rain jacket and hardshell markets (Marmot and Mountain Hardwear are leaders here). Mountain Hardwear launched its Stretchdown line a handful of years ago, epitomized by soft and stretchy shells and welded seams (rather than stitched baffles). and Feathered Friends Eos (9.3 oz.) Its also worth noting that Mountain Hardwear offers a number of versions of the Stretchdown, including a heavyweight parka, which has become one of our testers go-to jackets for everyday winter use.See theMountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody. But in the end, it all comes down to intended use and how you plan to layer for your preferred activities. It's We meander through old growth, gaining vert slowly at first, then with haste. And the Silent Down Jacket here is no exception, combining an eye-catching casual design and sleeping-bag-like comfort with recycled materials throughout. Another way that gear manufacturers fight moisture is a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment on the outside on the jacket (which we mention in the sustainability section below). With lightweight materials and Patagonias high-quality construction, the result is one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios here and an ideal insulator for speedy winter missions when every ounce counts. The inside of the jacket has a fleece liner that is noticeably soft to the touch, and the outside has a DWR treatment to help with light precipitation. They do this by adding a polymer to the down before filling the jacket, and the result is that it resists water better and you dont have to worry as much about light precipitation. The first is the total weight at 1 pound 2.7 ounces, which is reasonable for serious winter use but too heavy for shoulder-season conditions. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Loaded with premium down. The price point is decidedly high for most casual users, but the Thorium ARs premium materials and construction will last you season after season. The Eos packs 2.8 ounces of 900-fill goose down (one of the most premium fill powers here) into a sub 10-ounce packagea very impressive amount of warmth for the weight. But the performance chops of the Stretchdown are limited: The 700-fill-power down has less loft than the true backcountry pieces on this list, and the jacket is bulky and heavy for the amount of warmth you get. Our impact on the environment has never been of greater concern, and its nice to see gear companies step it up with more sustainable practices. Keep in mind that none of these technologies are guaranteed to keep your down completely dry, but they do make nice lines of defense against light to moderate precipitation. The two jackets shortcomings are similar: The Cubits bulk and heft take it out of the running for weight-conscious missions (we still love it for cragging), and $300 is expensive for a casual down jacket. Updated last year, the jacket now sports a water-resistant Pertex Quantum Pro shell but retains everything else that made it a classic. In fact, the first time we put on the Cubit, we were struck by its loft, which felt on par with a jacket like the Patagonia Fitz Roy above. Featuring premium 800-fill down and a versatile 20-denier shell that is reasonably tough yet lightweight, the Fuego is well-built and capable despite its clear casual intentions. Because of this, the REI suffers in the warmth-to-weight department compared to the pricier options here (for example, the Arc'teryx Cerium LT above is much warmer at a lower weight). 850-fill down & 80/100g CoreloftWhat we like: Great warmth and weather protection in a sub-10-ounce package.What we dont: Expensive and not super durable. parka-length version, too, which goes head to head with a jacket like the OR Coze Down Parka below.See the Patagonia Silent Down Jacket. Finally, winter-ready jackets will obviously be the heaviest options, including the 1-pound-10-ounce REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid. Casual jackets will generally use lower-quality down and weigh more, too. In our picks above, we often call out a jackets intentions. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article: Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood? Keep in mind that although the REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 stuffs into its hand pocket, the 650-fill-power isnt as lofty or compressible as more premium models on this list that hit 800-fill power or higher. First, a fabric with stretch (like Mountain Hardwears Stretchdown and Rab's Cubit Stretch Down) will have a lot more give to it, meaning it will stretch under pressure rather than rip. What we dont: Expensive and sizing can be tricky. 600-fill isnt as light and compressible as higher-fill-power down, but this is less of a concern for casual use and 8.3 ounces is a generous supply. Along with warmth for the weight, compressibility is an area where down dominates the vast majority of synthetic-insulated jackets. Jackets in this weight class also are far puffier than the other categories, and as a result take up quite a bit more space when stuffed down. Its warmer than lightweight options like the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arcteryx Cerium LT but falls short of a heavyweight like Rabs Neutrino Pro for truly frigid conditions. With that in mind, it comes as little surprise that the Feathered Friends Eos is one of the leading technical down jackets for women on the market. In testing the Coldfront, we were immediately impressed by the lofty and cozy build that uses a mix of 700-fill down and weather-ready VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation at the shoulders and cuffs. Category: MidweightWeight: 14.8 oz.Fill: 4.5 oz. The majority of down jackets on this list hover between $2o0 and $400, but REIs 650 2.0 costs of fraction of that at just $100 (and often less on sale). For backcountry missions when every ounce counts, youll need a jacket that offers big warmth for a low weight. Most importantly, it packs in a ton of down7 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down, to be exactat roughly the same price as less-insulative options from Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear. An ultralight jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 can be stuffed into its own pocket and end up much smaller than a Nalgene bottle. At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. 1.1 oz.Fill: 5.3 oz. Wed love to have a temperature rating system to measure this warmth, but unlike sleeping bags (which are given an official EN rating), down jackets are more like the Wild West. As always, we appreciate the sleek look and impressive quality of Arcteryx products, which is why two of their down jackets made our list Read in-depth reviewSee theArc'teryx Thorium AR Hoody. This is known as the amount of loft, and the more loft a jacket has, the more body heat it traps and the warmer you will be. For everyday use, jackets will have thicker shell fabrics (the Gothams shell is 50D), regular fits that are great for layering, and features like knee-length hems and fur-brimmed hoods. And while the Down With It doesnt compress well for travel, its got one big thing going for it: warmth. The temperature range for lightweight jackets depends on factors like layering and exertion, but we find that they are typically suitable for approximately 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (more on this in Our Estimated Temperature Scale below). For everyday use and casual winter adventuring, the Coldfront is a very well-rounded option. Some parkas, like Marmot's Montreal below, are classified as thigh-length rather than knee-length, but the added inches here are especially nice in cold climates like the Midwest or Northeast. And for those looking to save, Marmot's $100-cheaperHype Down Hooded Jacket boasts the same fill weight and fill power as the Fitz Roy, but in a heavier and less premium packageRead in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody. And for warmer conditions, the Down With It is available in a hip-length version, which packs in 7.1 ounces of 600-fill down and is affordably priced at $199Read in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Down With It Parka. 10 denier is fairly standard for ultralight pieces, and a more substantial 20 denier is what youll find most often in an average down sweater. Overall, we think the Rabs combination of warmth, weather resistance, and reasonable $280 price make it a well-rounded backcountry pieceRead in-depth reviewSee theRab Microlight Alpine. As true down specialists, Feathered Friends jackets stand out from the rest for their quality craftsmanship, ethically sourced materials, and high performance for serious outdoors people. On the shorter end of the spectrum, many down sweaters and other lightweight pieces end right around the waist or hips. Packing 5.1 ounces of 700-fill-power down in a womens medium (size 12), the Rab is warmer than competitors like Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody (3.5 oz. To top it all off, the jacket has a premium feel reminiscent of pricier down jackets, with a full suite of storage (including interior dump pockets) and adjustments. Category: LightweightWeight: 15.4 oz.Fill: 3.2 oz. Optimally, you would have both, but if youre only in the market for a single jacket, theres simply no better insulator than down. Fill Weight Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Theres no shortage of down jackets to choose from, but the Cotopaxi Fuego stands out with its fun, retro styling. For insulation that we wear during activity (such as while climbing or backcountry skiing), well reach for synthetic over down nine times out of 10. But while the Helium Downs partially waterproof shell is a nice touch, you wont find us relying on it for much more than a light rain or snow. Further, theyre typically more fully featured and durable than ultralight options and are less bulky (and offer greater mobility) than their mid and heavyweight counterparts. One measure were seeing more and more of is the use of responsibly sourced down (look for an RDS certification or, in the case of Patagonia, Advanced Global Traceable Down). But for the right environment (fast-and-light pursuits), theyre indispensable.Midweight and Heavyweight And for a popular alternative thats slightly warmer and more durable (for a considerable weight penalty), check out the Thorium AR Hoody below.See the Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody. A cozy baselayer can buy you an extra 5 to 15 degrees depending on its thickness and quality. The lightweight down jacket category is the industrys most popular and our top choice for daily wear, travel, light adventuring, and layering for winter sports. Fill: 3.7 oz. However, while the Ghost Whisperer/2 is built to resist a light chill at the belay or during a summer evening at camp, its notably less insulated than most other options here (when you factor in the difference in fill power, its approximately as warm as the REI 650 2.0 above). Second, youre ensured insulation under you while sitting, which you dont always get with a parka-length jacket. of 900-fill down). For true wet weather, your best bet is a synthetic jacket, which is able to insulate even when wet. In terms of competitors, Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody uses the same 800-fill-power down and has a slightly thicker 20 x 30-denier shell but is 1 ounce heavier and costs $279 (without the Cotopaxis fill weight, its difficult to precisely nail down which is the warmer jacket). of700-fill downWhat we like: Similar styling and comfort as the Rab Cubit below in a lighter package.What we dont: Not equipped for wet weather and shorter cut than much of the competition. Throw in responsibly sourced down and the fact that Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, and the Fuego is an easy jacket to get behind. To summarize: if durability is one of your top priorities, youll want to dig a little deeper than the initial denier spec. A number of down parkas like the Marmot Montreal offer thigh-length coverage, which offers a nice boost in warmth compared to the down sweater counterparts. And we like what theyve done, combining high-quality materials with an elegant urban style. However, they also cost considerably more than your typical and more casual down sweater. With the Thorium AR, you get more warmth than the Cerium LT above, along with a considerable boost in durability and wind resistance (30D vs. 10D)all at a savings of $54. On paper, their Expedition Pack Down Hoody looks a lot like many other jackets here: you get 3.5 ounces of 700-fill down and horizontal baffling in a sub-1-pound build that packs nicely into its own pocket. If youre in the market for a single down jacket that works well in almost every environment, down sweaters are a great place to start. These down jackets might have similar fill weights as those in the lightweight category but are ultralight due to their use of premium down (fill power), thin shell fabrics (denier), and minimalist zippers and pockets. See the Rab Neutrino Pro. Mountain Equipment and Rab also err on the trimmer side, while brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear often have more accommodating shapes that balance everyday comfort with performance. The most direct competitor is the Feathered Friends Eos below, which has similar specs and quality but lacks the everyday appeal of the Arc'teryx here. Simply put, nothing beats the lofty and premium warmth that down provides. Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (7.8 oz.) Fill: 2.5 oz. Other than denier, there are a few other factors that impact the overall durability of your jackets shell. Sizing can be trickywe recommend finding a way to try on the Coze or purchasing from an online retailer with a good return policyand unlike many parkas, you dont get a cinch at the waist. We find it interesting that fill weight is much less publicized than fill power, which leads to a lot of confusion for shoppers who associate higher fill power as always meaning more warmth. Interestingly, we frequently see this category of down jacket worn as daily layers around cities, including the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 and Feathered Friends Eos. The jackets slim fit means you cant layer much underneath, and the European-style left-hand zipper takes some getting used to. Patagonia updated the Fitz Roy a couple seasons ago, with changes including a 5-ounce-lighter weight, noticeably less down (4.5 oz. Although many down jackets are ideal for mountain environments and outdoor activities given their lightweight and packable nature, down jackets are also our first choice for everyday warmth in the cold winter months. For those who want added coverage, the Down Sweater also is made in a hooded version for $50 more. At $229, its considerably cheaper than the more premium options on this list but doesnt fall too far behind in terms of performance. For a functional down jacket at a great price, the REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 is tough to beat. While Arcteryxs Cerium series shaves weight and features for technical pursuits, their Thorium collection places a bigger premium on everyday functionality. For casual use or as a midlayer for skiing, many go without the hood and carry a separate beanie instead. For days that start at the trailhead and end at the brewery, the Fjallraven is a versatile and standout piece. But if youre looking for one jacket that can do it all, the Patagonia Down Sweater is perhaps the most versatile option on the market. And finally, weve found that REI Co-op and Columbia fall on the roomier end of the spectrum, and we occasionally need to size down (including with theREI 650 Down Jacket 2.0).