What to Look For in a Down Jacket

A down jacket is a winter kit staple for anyone who likes to explore sub-zero environments.down jacket Its lightweight insulation traps your own body heat to keep you warm, and it compresses into a tiny package that packs easily in a backpack or rucksack. But where does that warmth come from, and how do you know if your down jacket is responsibly sourced? In this article, we break down the ins and outs of this versatile piece of outdoor gear.

Our down jacket testing team is made up of long-distance thru-hikers, backcountry skiers, and mountain bikers who spend much of their time in chilly climates.down jacket Maggie, Sam, and Kaylee have a combined 77 years of hiking experience between them, and they’ve all trekked the Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest Trail at least three times each.

The quality of a down jacket is largely determined by its fill power, a rating that quantifies how much space one ounce of down takes up in a cubic inch of fabric.down jacket Typically, higher fill power equals greater loft and more warmth for the weight. The premium level is 800-fill, and we’ve seen high-end brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx use it in their best designs.

Besides fill power, you should also keep an eye on the jacket’s fill weight and shell denier. Thicker fabrics create a heavier overall garment, and they’re more vulnerable to snags, tears, and abrasions. On the flip side, thinner materials reduce the overall weight of the jacket and are more resistant to wind and moisture.

For most hikers, backpackers, and alpinists, a lightweight down jacket is the way to go. They’re ideal for shoulder seasons and warmer winter days, or as a mid-layer under a hardshell during backcountry skiing trips. If you’re looking to stay warm in colder conditions, consider a mediumweight design with 800-fill down and a weather-resistant shell.

Many manufacturers now treat their down with hydrophobic technology to make it more water resistant than traditional untreated down. This is a big improvement over past products, which would lose their loft and warmth when saturated with water (like a wet sleeping bag). We’ve included plenty of these hydrophobic down jackets in our reviews, including the Rab Microlight Alpine.

The newest innovation is in what's called bonded or welded baffles. This technique uses a heated element to essentially fuse the outer shell of the jacket together with the inner down layer. This eliminates the need for stitching, and it makes the jacket more wind and water resistant. However, it's important to note that bonded or welded baffles don’t offer the same thermal properties as sewn through baffles. We’ve only tested a few jackets with this new technology, but it’s worth considering when shopping for your next down jacket.