Buying a down jacket can be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy a down jacket to help you invest in the right jacket for your needs.
When winter hits, a good down jacket is your ultimate shield against the cold. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
Do you need high fill power or traceable down? Is a hood worth the extra cost? Should you go for hydrophobic down or stick with synthetic insulation?
This guide cuts through the jargon to help you make a confident choice. Whether you’re tackling mountain peaks, commuting in the city, or exploring icy trails, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find a jacket that’s warm, durable, and perfectly suited to you.
What is Down?
Down is the soft, fluffy layer found underneath the tougher outer feathers of ducks and geese. This layer acts as nature’s insulation, keeping the bird warm even in freezing and wet conditions.
Unlike regular feathers, down doesn’t have a stiff quill running through it. Instead, it’s made up of tiny clusters with a spherical shape, designed to trap and hold heat.
How Does Down Work?
Down works by creating millions of small air pockets that trap your body heat. When you wear a down jacket, your body warms these air pockets, which then form a cosy, insulating barrier around you.
The thicker the down, the more air it can trap, and the warmer it will keep you. This is why puffy down jackets are so effective in cold weather – they’re packed with those heat-holding clusters.
Why is Down So Special?
No synthetic material can match the warmth, weight, and compressibility of down. It’s incredibly light but amazingly efficient at keeping you warm.
Down also lasts a long time if properly cared for. Unlike synthetic fills, which can lose their fluffiness and warmth over time, high-quality down keeps its loft for years. Plus, it’s easy to pack – down jackets compress into tiny spaces without losing their shape.
Think about it: Ducks and geese can live in some of the coldest environments on Earth thanks to this natural insulation. The outer feathers protect the down from getting wet, ensuring it stays dry and warm underneath. In your jacket, down works the same way – trapping warmth close to your body while staying lightweight and easy to wear.
When it comes to keeping warm, nature’s design is hard to beat.
When Should You Wear a Down Jacket?
A down jacket is your best friend when the temperature drops. It’s perfect for cold, dry conditions where staying warm is a priority.
Whether you’re heading out for a winter hike, walking the dog on a frosty morning, or travelling to a snowy destination, a down jacket provides unbeatable insulation. It’s also great for low-intensity activities in cold weather, like sitting around a campfire, commuting to work, or enjoying a holiday market.
However, down jackets aren’t ideal for all situations. Down loses its insulating power when it gets wet. If you’re heading out in rain or very damp snow, you’ll want a jacket with a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer.
While some down jackets come with water-resistant coatings, they’re still not as reliable as synthetic-insulated jackets in wet conditions.
Down is also less breathable, making it less effective for high-intensity activities like skiing or mountain climbing, unless you’re in extremely cold, dry environments.
The key is knowing the weather and your activity level. If you’re looking for lightweight, packable warmth to keep you cosy in the cold, a down jacket is hard to beat. Just pair it with the right layers or outer shell if you’re expecting wet or variable weather.
Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
Many people confuse all puffy jackets with being down jackets – this isn’t the case.
A lot of puffy jackets are made using some kind of synthetic insulation. This often looks and feels like down, but it’s a completely different product altogether. While neither is necessarily “better”, its important to know when to choose one over the other.
Choosing between down and synthetic insulation depends on your needs, budget, and where you’ll be using the jacket. Both have unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them will help you make the right choice.
Down Insulation
Down insulation is made from the soft underfeathers of ducks or geese. It’s famous for its warmth-to-weight ratio and exceptional packability.
As we already covered, down works by trapping warm air in its fluffy clusters, creating a lightweight and highly efficient insulating layer.
Pros of Down Insulation
- Incredible warmth-to-weight ratio: Perfect for cold, dry conditions and high-altitude adventures.
- Highly compressible: Packs down small, saving space in your bag. It’s the preferred choice for most ultralight packing lists.
- Durable: Can last for decades with proper care.
- Luxurious feel: Soft, fluffy, and cosy.
Cons of Down Insulation
- Expensive: Down usually costs more than synthetic jackets – sometimes a LOT more.
- Loses warmth when wet: Becomes flat and ineffective if soaked, so you’ll need an outer shell to wear a down jacket in the rain.
- Slow to dry: Takes a long time to regain its insulating properties after getting wet. Down can also be tricky to wash and get back to its proper form if you don’t handle it properly.
- Less breathable: Not ideal for high-energy activities in mild conditions.
- Not vegan-friendly: Sourced from animals.
Best Uses of Down: Extremely cold and dry climates, lightweight and packable layers for hiking or backpacking, and long-term investment gear.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation is man-made, designed to mimic down’s insulating properties while addressing its weaknesses. It typically uses polyester fibres arranged to trap heat effectively, even in wet conditions.
Pros of Synthetic Insulation
- Works when wet: Retains warmth and loft in damp or rainy conditions.
- Affordable: Costs less than most down jackets.
- Quick drying: Bounces back faster after getting wet.
- Breathable: Better for active use or milder weather.
- Durable in rugged conditions: Resistant to punctures and wear.
Cons of Synthetic Insulation
- Heavier: Bulkier and less lightweight compared to down.
- Less packable: Takes up more room in your bag.
- Shorter lifespan: Loses loft and warmth over time, especially with frequent compression.
- Doesn’t perform as well: While this totally depends on the specific jacket, synthetic insulation is usually not as warm, cosy, and luxurious to wear as down.
Best Uses of Synthetic Insulation: Wet or humid climates, activities like skiing or climbing, budget-friendly options, or for those needing vegan insulation.
Down vs. Synthetic: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Down if you need maximum warmth in cold, dry conditions, value lightweight gear, and want a long-lasting investment.
Choose Synthetic if you expect wet conditions, are on a budget, or need a jacket for high-intensity activities.
Each type has its place, and understanding the pros and cons will help you pick the right jacket for your adventures.
Hydrophobic Down vs. Regular Down
Down jackets are incredibly warm, but traditional down has one major weakness: it loses loft (and warmth) when it gets wet.
Hydrophobic down was developed to address this issue by treating the feathers with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating.
It’s important to note that the DWR treatment may wear off over time. It’s also not fully waterproof – prolonged exposure to heavy rain will still affect its performance. It’s useful to have in a light drizzle, but if you want to wear down in the rain, you’ll need to use a proper waterproof outer shell.
And, of course, DWR treated down is more expensive.
Ultimately, hydrophobic down provides extra versatility and peace of mind in unpredictable weather. However, it’s still not a substitute for a waterproof shell or synthetic insulation in heavy rain. Both types benefit from proper care and protection to maximize their performance and lifespan.
How to Choose a Down Jacket: Top Considerations
Choosing the right down jacket isn’t just about picking the warmest one. It’s also definitely not about simply choosing a brand you like either. You need to think about where and how you’ll use it.
You also need to understand all of the different elements that go into a down jacket. This way, you can fairly compare down jackets from different brands based on performance, without the brand label influencing your decision on which down jacket is truly the best.
With that in mind, here are the key factors to help you decide.
Down Fill Power
Fill power measures the quality of down insulation. It tells you how much loft (or fluffiness) the down provides.
Higher fill power, like 800 or 900, means a better warmth-to-weight ratio and more compressibility. For example, 1 ounce of 600-fill down lofts less than 1 ounce of 900-fill down.
Higher fill power down is lighter, more compressible, but pricier. It’s ideal for ultralight packing or extreme cold.
Lower fill power down is more affordable and durable but heavier and bulkier for the same warmth.
Choose a higher fill power for activities where weight and packability matter, like hiking. For casual, everyday wear, lower fill power can be fine.
Traceable or Certified Down
Ethical sourcing matters. Traceable or certified down ensures humane treatment of animals. Look for labels like Responsibly Sourced Down (RDS) or Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS).
Responsibly sourced down ensures birds weren’t live-plucked or force-fed. So, if you care about animal welfare or sustainability (which you should), then certified down is always the way to go.
Construction
Besides the down filling, the construction of the jacket affects both warmth and durability. There are three main methods of down jacket construction. These are:
1. Box-Baffling
- Best for warmth: Creates small “boxes” for the down, allowing maximum loft.
- No cold spots: Seamless insulation across the jacket.
- Expensive and heavier: Typically found in high-end models for extreme conditions.
2. Sewn-Through Baffling
- Lightweight and affordable: The outer fabric is stitched to the lining.
- Less warmth: Creates cold spots where stitching compresses the down.
- Best for casual use: Ideal for mild climates or layering.
3. Welded Baffles
- Windproof and water-resistant: Fused seams prevent fabric punctures.
- Slightly larger cold spots: Seams are thicker than stitches.
Materials
The outer shell and lining materials determine the durability, weight, and water resistance of the down jacket. Here are the key considerations to make:
- Denier (D): Lower numbers, like 10D, are lighter but less durable. Higher numbers, like 30D, are tougher but heavier.
- DWR Coating: As we’ve mentioned, this adds water resistance to protect down. It’s essential for wet environments.
For rugged outdoor use, prioritize durable materials with a DWR coating. For urban or light use, lightweight fabrics can save weight and increase comfort.
Stuffable and Clippable
One of the best features of down is how well it compresses. Many jackets pack into their own pocket or come with a stuff sack. Some even have a carabiner loop for easy clipping to a backpack or harness.
This is useful for compact travel and saving space in your bag. Clippable down jackets are convenient for climbers, as they clip to your harness during multi-pitch climbs.
If packability is a priority, make sure your jacket has these features.
Special Features
Beyond the key considerations above, down jackets can include all kinds of extra features. You’ll generally pay more for more of these features, so prioritse which features are important to you and which you’d be happy to give up for a cheaper jacket.
The typical extra features that add functionality are:
- Pockets: Look for handwarmer pockets, chest pockets, and internal stash pockets for versatile storage. Zippered pockets are definitely worth it.
- Hem Drawcords: Tightens the waist to keep out drafts.
- Two-Way Zippers: Lets you vent heat or access harnesses.
Hooded or No Hood
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a down jacket is whether to go with a hood or not. Hoods add warmth but can also add bulk and weight.
Hoods are great for extreme cold or windy conditions. Having the wind protection around your ears makes an enormous difference. Some hoods have drawcords to seal out drafts, which makes your down jacket infinitely warmer.
Now, we’ve already covered that down jackets are not designed to be rain jackets. However, you can sometimes get away with wearing a DWR down jacket in light drizzle or slightly wet conditions. In these cases, you’ll want to have a hood.
However, hooded versions are usually more expensive. They’re also a bit more bulky. And, if you layer the down jacket under a helmet or shell, the hood can often get in the way.
So, although it sounds counterintuitive, hooded jackets are often better for drier conditions. If you plan to wear your down jacket in a wetter environment, you’ll likely wear it underneath a waterproof shell. In this case, a hoodless jacket is often more convenient. Although, a hood does add a lot to the warmth factor.
Expensive Down Jackets vs. Cheap Down Jackets
Finally, but certainly not last on the list of important factors to consider when choosing a down jacket, is price.
Down jackets can be incredibly expensive. And, prices can vary enormously depending on the jacket.
If cost is your biggest concern, go for a synthetic jacket. If you’re happy to spend on a quality down jacket, then try to look beyond the brand and focus more on features.
From our experience, the cheapest down jackets can perform just as well (if not better) than the most expensive ones. After all, they’re made out of the same thing and generally follow pretty much the same design. What sets them apart are the details mentioned above (fill ratio, materials, construction, extra features).
So, when buying a down jacket, look at the product specs. Compare down fill power, as this is what makes the biggest difference to a down jacket’s performance. Look into the materials they use and the construction methods.
Cheaper down jackets often have things like cheaper zippers or fewer pockets. These aren’t ideal, but if one less pocket saves you a few hundred bucks, then it may well be worth it.
Ultimately, what we’re trying to say is choose your down jacket based on specs and features, and try not to be swayed by brand names. In most cases, the jackets will perform exactly the same.
Conclusion
A quality down jacket is an essential bit of kit. From camping to backpacking, it will make your life a lot more enjoyable.
Choosing the perfect down jacket doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the key factors – like fill power, construction, and insulation type – you can confidently invest in a jacket that matches your lifestyle and adventures.
Whether you’re braving alpine conditions, strolling through the city, or packing light for a trek, the right jacket will keep you warm and comfortable without compromise.