The Best Down Jackets for Women in 2021
We found the best women’s down jackets for every budget and activity. Whether you’re looking for a versatile hoodie, a high-end technical outerlayer, or a wallet-friendly puffy, we have you covered.
Down jackets are a winter staple but are functional year-round in certain climates. They provide top-level warmth while packing down fairly small. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose.
Our group of testers donned dozens of the best down jackets in salty elements at work and exploring the outdoors. We tested these outer layers while running errands around town, shoveling snow, camping, rock climbing, hunting, and more.
And while there isn’t a perfect jacket for every single activity, we’ve found a variety of the best down jackets for women to keep you warm all season. This collection of down layers focuses on a variety of functional hip-length puffy jackets.
To learn more about the details of down jackets, check out our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart lower in the article.
If you’re interested in everyday longer-length jackets and parkas, read our women’s winter jackets buyer’s guide. Otherwise, keep scrolling or jump to our favorites below:
- Best Overall Women’s Down Jacket
- Runner-Up
- Best Budget Down Jacket for Women
- Best Stretch Down Jacket for Women
- Best Waterproof Women’s Down Jacket
- Best of the Rest
The Best Down Jackets for Women in 2022-2023
Best Overall Women’s Down Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
With a contoured silhouette that reaches the hips and snugs up beneath the chin, this 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329) is an excellent every day jacket. Especially if you don’t need a longer parka or the highest degree of oven action. The design withstands wind, resists moisture, and is lightweight for its level of warmth.
Plus, Patagonia keeps improving the environmental standards for this product year after year. For all of those reasons, it tops our list of favorites as a cold-weather ally.
The 100% recycled ripstop 20-denier polyester shell and liner is made from fishing nets to reduce ocean plastic pollution. Patagonia supports manufacturers through essential services provided via the Mamata organization. And the insulation is ethically sourced Advanced Global Traceable Down, to name a few of those eco-star traits.
Throughout several winter seasons, we’ve used this jacket on chilly cruiser rides around town and walks on crisp bluebird days during 5-degree lows. We’ve worn it in blizzard conditions in Colorado’s Front Range, Elk, and Sangre de Cristo mountains. We stayed dry throughout thanks to the shell’s PFC-free DWR finish, which blocks precipitation.
Heavier amounts of water noticeably dampen the exterior, though it rebounds and maintains warmth. This jacket easily withstood bitter gusts, and the simple elastic cuffs are comfortable and help stomp out 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 over a helmet.
For any cold day or night, this is an excellent every day down jacket with great style and protection for the winter season. It’s awesome to pull on after cardio activity, like a winter run.
The reason the Down Sweater tops our list as the best down jacket? It’s durable over time, and we found it just slightly warmer than our runner-up choice. Plus, the size run spans from XXS to XXL.
Specs:
- Weight: 371 g
- Fill: 800 FP down (RDS certified by Control Union)
- Waterproof: No. Water-resistant shell and liner with PFC-free DWR finish
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, everyday, around town
- Key features: Interior chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack with carabiner loop, two zippered hand pockets and drop-in interior pockets, fixed hood
Pros:
- Nice amount of stretch for movement
- Lightweight
- Really soft liner inside chin guard
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- DWR finish is not fluorocarbon-free
Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry
Runner-Up Best Women’s Down Jacket: Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket
The Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 ($229-249) is versatile, warm, lightweight, waterproof, durable, and so much more. This jacket is quality, featuring 800-fill goose down, a “super” DWR, stretch panels, and it’s tested to a temp rating down to -5 degrees F.
In testing, we definitely found it warm. And there’s room to comfortably fit a baselayer and light midlayer beneath.
Eddie Bauer markets it as its premium ultralight jacket, and we agree. The fill power is premium, and so is the quality of the fabric and design. The exterior fabric is a strong 20-denier ripstop polyester that’s windproof and 50% recycled.
We do want to note this jacket is ultralight, and in order to shave weight, Eddie Bauer gave it an active fit. Depending on your frame, the shape of this jacket may be narrow in the hips, so consider sizing up. Fortunately, there are ample size options in petite, regular, tall, and plus options. You can even opt for the variation with a hood.
What our staff testers and online reviewers from Alaska to Wisconsin liked most about the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 jacket is that it’s warm and lightweight and versatile — for everything from skiing to daily wear to travel.
It kept us warm in fall, winter, and spring (and stood up well to that wear). A chilly 40-degree fall morning, a 10-degree ski day, or even a dash through a blizzard — the MicroTherm can handle all sorts of cold.
The last feature that swayed this jacket toward the top of our list? The array of clean, elegant color choices. This jacket rocks.
Specs:
- Weight: 289 g
- Fill: 800 FP down
- Waterproof: No. Features a DWR treatment to repel water off surface
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, general wear, hiking, camping
- Key features: Two interior stash pockets (for goggles or gloves), packs into its chest pocket and has carabiner clip-in loop, zippered chest pocket, hand pockets with zip closures, Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, 50% recycled ripstop polyester shell
Pros:
- Great fit
- Stretch side panels increase overall range of motion, comfort, and breathability
- Hood-free (lessens bulk)
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Some ladies might be looking for a bulkier, cozier option for everyday use
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Eddie Bauer
Best Budget Down Jacket for Women: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($100) is for anyone in search of a comfortable and straightforward down jacket that won’t break the bank. It packs down easily into its own pocket and quickly regains its shape after unpacking.
The DWR coating protects from light moisture. It even withstood an accidental spill — the coffee just sat on top and rolled off with a quick shake — no stain, no absorption. The jacket never got soggy, and the wind never bit us. The zipper’s storm flap actually works.
We appreciate the tall collar for style and protection against a cold breeze. But we sometimes wish a hood was attached, too.
One con is the feathers did leak more than expected. But as a DWR-treated jacket with a 650-fill at less than $100, it’s easily our budget pick.
Specs:
- Weight: 306 g
- Fill: 650 FP down
- Waterproof: No. DWR-treated to repel moisture off surface
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, everyday, camping, hiking
- Key features: Two zippered hand pockets, recycled nylon taffeta shell fabric, Bluesign certified nylon taffeta liner, RDS certified
Pros:
- Includes plus sizes in 1X, 2X, and 3X
- Wind-resistant
Cons:
- No hood
- Those feathers sneak out of the seams
Best Stretch Down Jacket for Women: Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody
This is the most flexible down jacket we’ve ever worn, which makes it super comfortable for everyday outdoor tasks and recreation. The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($290) is the first-ever jacket with stitch-free baffle construction and is made from a single fabric, eliminating the need for glue and stitching.
It’s one continuous channel of down wrapped into a woven construction that’s super stretchy — amazing. When we leaned over our bike’s handlebars, there was no seam restriction on our upper back, arms, or shoulders. Our ability to fully reach feels like we’re not wearing a jacket at all.
The jacket performed well on commuter rides, nippy walks, and snowy hikes in a range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees plus windchill at 10,000 feet.
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 enough 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. Still, given the warmth and stretch, the Stretchdown jacket would be our first pick for cold climbing-based endeavors.
Specs:
- Weight: 396 g
- Fill: 700 FP down
- Waterproof: No. But the Q.Shield goose down resists moisture
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, climbing, biking, shoveling snow, everyday
- Key features: Fabrication removes the need for stitching and glue, chest pocket, two zippered hand pockets, fixed hood, RDS certified down, fluorine-free water resistance treatment on down
Pros:
- Excellent freedom of movement thanks to stitch-free design
- Durable face fabric is pliable and soft
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Hood is streamlined which could be a drawback for some
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Best Waterproof Down Jacket for Women: Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket
If you need a workhorse layer for winter conditions and a layer that blocks all the wild weather from snow to wind to rain, invest in the Rab Valiance ($395). The 700-fill down insulation is hydrophobic, meaning it’s treated to withstand moist, wet, and damp conditions, retain it’s loft, and dry fast.
While down fill can’t be waterproof (it’s feathers — it won’t ever replace a full-on rain jacket) this is as waterproof as a down jacket can get while being stuffed with natural fill versus synthetic.
Even more key, the hydrophobic treatment is free of toxic fluorocarbons. The interior liner and exterior face are made of 100% recycled material. And this year, the jacket is upgraded with 100% recycled down.
Plus, Rab is a Fair Wear partner to raise and protect labor standards for factory workers. The company is also Climate Neutral certified. We dig.
We most liked this layer for when we had to work on the trailer, truck, and snowmobile in freezing conditions. We could count on the face fabric to not tear while also staying super cozy while being intermittently stagnant. The exterior fabric is 30-denier Pertex Shield, which is waterproof and breathable.
The fixed hood also has a rigid brim for blocking the elements. The collar is tall in the front, which we appreciate. Also, the cuffs have wide Velcro straps for adjustability.
Valiance is a great choice for women that will be outside in cold, rugged, and wetter- or rougher-than-average winter conditions.
Specs:
- Weight: 682 g
- Fill: 700 FP down
- Waterproof: Yes. Goose down features Nikwax fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish. Inner and outer fabric is treated for waterproofness and features fully taped seams. Plus there’s synthetic insulation in the hood and around the cuffs.
- Best use: Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions, working on the snowmobile and trailer, cold campouts, traveling outside in blizzard or gusty conditions
- Key features: Fully taped seams, helmet compatible and insulated fixed hood, drawstring cord for hood rim and back-of-hood for overall snugness, wide Velcro wrist cuff closures, plus YKK zippers used on front, two hand pockets, and internal chest pocket
Pros:
- Extremely warm
- Super durable face fabric
- Blocks wind and water like a superhero
Cons:
- Not as athletic-fitting as other down jackets
- Pricier option
Best of the Rest
KUIU Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket
If you need an extremely tenacious, dependable down jacket for hiking through the woods and remote wilderness, the KUIU Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket ($319) is the one for the job.
The down insulation is unbelievably lightweight at only 193 g but also carries the most warmth on our list with more than 850 fill power. The fill and face fabric are treated for moisture resistance while walking through vegetation covered in dew, beneath a light rain, or standing still in the snowfall.
Hunters need to be totally silent out there. So KUIU selected a Toray fabric that’s quiet thanks to a heat treatment process that keeps the feathers inside while eliminating a traditional interior liner, which is noisy.
Also, a one-of-a-kind baffle structure helps the down stay put, keeping the jacket’s warmth consistent throughout.
Specs:
- Weight: 193 g
- Fill: 850+ FP down
- Waterproof: No. But the down and face fabric are DWR-treated to prevent moisture absorption
- Best use: Dry to moderately wet winter conditions, hunting in the mountains, backpacking, backcountry skiing, skiing (especially while going slower and teaching the kiddos)
- Key features: DWR-treated down, left hand pocket doubles as stuff sack, fixed hood, YKK zippers, adjustable hood with drawstring along hem and in center back for overall tightening
Pros:
- Extremely warm
- Very quiet fabric
Cons:
- Pricier choice
- DWR treatment is not eco-friendly
REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket
REI Co-op’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket ($259) checks so many of the best boxes we can’t leave it off our list. Furthermore, the design puts eco-friendliness at the forefront.
We wore this jacket while camping out in the high-elevation desert of Colorado in winter and in freezing temps in the alpine. Overall, we were impressed by the performance and stoutness of the jacket.
With a powerful 850-fill, the goose down is RDS certified and Bluesign approved. Those recycled polyester fibers throughout the exterior, cuffs, hood, and underarms likewise meet Bluesign standards. To compliment the natural feathers is recycled synthetic insulation. Plus the factory is Fair Trade certified to ensure a healthy, quality working environment.
Nothing is skimped here, and REI even made this jacket completely waterproof with taped seams, waterproof zippers, and DWR-treated feathers — a rare package for a down jacket.
Why add synthetic fill, too? To help retain heat when the jacket gets wet, especially in areas where the body perspires, and for quick drying action.
Beneath the sleek shell, the baffles are bonded, so the down is held in place throughout the jacket, and it can’t clump up.
We love the insulated collar that wraps around the back of the neck, which the brand describes as a “draft tube” to keep in warmth, and it works well. We also liked the variety pockets — two interior drop pockets, an interior and exterior chest pocket large enough for a sizable phone, and two zippered hand pockets — with YKK zippers. The cuffs are a tapered (longer toward the pinky), which we like for a bit of style.
We’re also impressed by the well-articulated fit of the insulated hood. It’s not too big, stays put, and slides on over hats. And there’s a sturdy 2-inch integrated visor to shield and protect our faces from drizzle.
On the downside, we wish the hanging loop was a wider diameter — it only slides over our tiniest hooks! And the pit zip placement is a tad more toward the shoulder blades than we’d like for convenience and quick access.
Ultimately, the Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket marries sustainable and durable design.
Specs:
- Weight: 738 g
- Fill: 850 FP down (plus recycled synthetic insulation in targeted zones)
- Waterproof: Yes, 2-layer HydroWall nylon shell with fully taped seams
- Best use: Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions, working on the snowmobile and trailer, cold campouts, traveling outside in blizzard or gusty conditions
- Key features: Fixed hood with integrated visor, underarm vents, wide velcro closures
Pros:
- Insulated collar wraps around neck beneath the hood
- Super warm
- Waterproof design
Cons:
- Zipper isn’t the sleekest to thread
- Not the most compressible jacket on our list
- A bit boxier style isn’t for all
Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie
We love that Outdoor Research makes a burly, wind-blocking down jacket in a huge size run from XS to XXXL. With 700-fill insulation, a slightly longer silhouette, and an overall roomy design for layering, it’s a great choice for many body types. And at only $229, the Coldfront Down Hoodie isn’t a bad price, either.
One of the coolest (er, warmest) features of the design is the addition of synthetic fill in the tops of the shoulders and around the wrist cuffs, where the majority of moisture is expected to hit in a snowstorm.
Plus, the eco-friendly insulation is nearly all recycled. The exterior fabric and liner also has 30-denier toughness.
We absolutely love the softly lined hand pockets, which feature brushed tricot fabric. The hood is a bit spacious, but it works.
For the sizing options and cozy features, the Coldfront Down Hoodie is one of the best women’s down jackets for the price.
Note: be sure to size down if you prefer a more athletic fit.
Specs:
- Weight: 600 g
- Fill: 700 FP down (plus synthetic fill in the tops of the shoulders)
- Waterproof: No. Water-resistant
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, sailing, ski touring, resort skiing, everyday
- Key features: Bluesign approved materials, 53% recycled polyester shell and lining, 85% recycled polyester insulation in tops of shoulders and wrist cuffs, wrist gaiters with thumb loops, fixed hood, RDS certified
Pros:
- Size range is from XS to XXXL
- Wind- and water-resistant
- Lofty
Cons:
- Heavier jacket
- Slightly longer design compared to our other options — a con for some
- Not a streamlined-looking silhouette
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket
For another warm natural fill that’s not down, consider the windproof and highly scuff-resistant Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket ($400), which utilizes wool as insulation. After testing out this design, we can say it’s super durable and functional. The jacket has unique design features, and kept us cozy and protected in winter conditions.
The wool fill is sustainably sourced from black sheep of the Swiss Alps. The jacket uses various weights of wool for tailored warmth: The front and upper sleeve area is a bit warmer compared to the lighter fill in the hood and lower sleeves.
Merino inserts are in the chin, collar, and back area to help block wind. Thanks to the wool, the jacket is fairly breathable for its level of warmth.
Streamlined and comfortable, the wrist gaiters are not too tight and don’t have thumbholes, which is fine. The cuffs are adjustable with a wide Velcro strap.
Spacious for all kinds of items and compatible with backpacks, the hand pockets are 10 x 6 inches wide. That Pertex Quantum face fabric is robust.
We also love the soft, breathable fabric that lines the inner collar, which generously reaches 6 inches in height. For a down alternative, the Swisswool Zinal is a prime choice.
Specs:
- Weight: 558 g
- Fill: Wool
- Waterproof: No. Water-repellent
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, everyday use, freeride skiing, and snowboarding
- Key features: PFC-free, Fair Wear certified, climate neutral, two-way front zipper, wrist gaiters, one interior chest pocket, two large exterior hand pockets, extra zippered pocket on arm for ski pass or keys, insulated fixed hood, drawstring cord on back of hood snugs up the fit
Pros:
- Windproof
- Four pockets
- Down alternative
Cons:
- Not the most packable
- Pricier choice
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
The Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket ($275) reworked the fit so it’s roomier around the bust, waist, and hips, making this a very comfortable casual grab in cold weather.
With a 20-denier ripstop nylon face fabric and liner, the jacket is fairly strong for everyday use. A DWR coating helps keep moisture away. The jacket is fairly lightweight and packable, too.
Whether we were venturing around the Pacific Northwest (and wearing this beneath a rain coat) or traveling to Santiago, Chile, this was a comfortable, stylish down jacket that was ideal for layering with other midlayer or outerlayers.
Specs:
- Weight: 397 g
- Fill: 800 FP down
- Waterproof: No. Treated with DWR
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, casual, layering beneath a rain coat
- Key features: Two interior stash pockets, two zippered hand pockets, jacket stuffs into its own pocket, fixed hood
Pros:
- Fun color options
- Sheds light precipitation
Cons:
- Little too boxy for some
- Won’t keep you warm enough at a bus stop in Chicago
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket
The Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket ($225) is a great slimmer-fitting contender for everyday warmth without shattering the wallet. While it’s not built to combat for heavy moisture, this jacket is a great layer to pair beneath a waterproof rain or ski shell.
From adventuring in the mountains of Alaska, winter surfing in the Pacific Northwest, and trekking the Camino de Santiago, we found this layer to be packable and dependable in the cold and wind.
Once you drop down to super low temperatures and windchill, consider a beefier jacket or layering wool or fleece beneath. Due to the athletic design of the Highlander, consider sizing up if you’d like to pull on bulkier midlayers.
Specs:
- Weight: 377 g
- Fill: 700 FP down
- Waterproof: No. But the down is treated for water resistance
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, everyday, camping, hiking, layering beneath ski shell
- Key features: Two zippered hand pockets
Pros:
- Wind resistance
- Multiple interior chest pockets
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Shoulder and bust area can be snug with layers beneath
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Mammut Whitehorn IN Jacket
There’s a lot to like about the Whitehorn IN Jacket ($249) from Mammut. First, let’s talk about an unusual standout feature — it’s reversible. You basically get two warm and comfortable looks for the price of one. Plus, you can feel good knowing it’s top-of-class for sustainability.
The outer is protected with a PFC-free DWR coating to repel moisture and keep you dry. We had no problem in light, wet snow, but be sure to bring a shell for any wetter conditions.
With a combo of 650-fill recycled down and strategically placed recycled synthetic Ajungilak insulation along the shoulders, we stayed plenty warm during 10- to 20-degree days.
This jacket doesn’t pack down super small, so it’s not a favorite choice for lightweight backcountry outings. But anyone looking for a warm, comfortable, sustainable puffy will appreciate the Whitehorn IN for everyday winter use.
Consider sizing up if you prefer more room to move and layer.
Specs:
- Weight: 454 g
- Fill: 650 FP down (plus strategically placed synthetic insulation along shoulders)
- Waterproof: No. Water-repellent exterior fabric
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, casual winter days, around-town errands, general travel
- Key features: Zippered chest pocket, two interior side pockets with snap buttons, two zippered exterior side pockets, 100% recycled down, synthetic fill in shoulders is recycled, Bluesign approved, PFC-free DWR treatment, Fair Wear certified, collar only (no hood)
Pros:
- Reversible design
- Strong 50-denier fabric
Cons:
- Doesn’t pack down the smallest
- No hood
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Mammut
Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody
This light, packable, 850-fill, lofty down jacket ($359) is exemplary for belaying, rock climbing, and hiking in the fall and spring as well as alpine climbing in the summer. We also love it for backcountry skiing and splitboarding. The Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody is easy to move in.
When we used this jacket for backcountry ice climbing in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in 10-degree temperatures, our routes included multipitch and mixed (rock and ice), vertical and overhanging frozen faces, and chimney moves.
The jacket proved extremely protective, warm, and tenacious while facing the grind. It even kept us warm while we belayed and we didn’t overheat on the climb. It’s super lightweight for the level of insulation.
It’s insulated hood kept us warm even with wind, which we didn’t feel through the fabric. We also really liked the elastic cuffs on the sleeves —we can easily tuck our hands to warm them.
But we wouldn’t recommend this jacket for wet winter conditions, as heavy snowfall dampened the outer layer. It might be breathable, but with high-end 850 fill, it’s very warm so it’s not a layer for cooling off. And there are no interior pockets.
Arc’teryx’s Cerium SL gets top marks for range of motion, and for the supple yet durable exterior fabric.
Specs:
- Weight: 205 g
- Fill: 850 FP down (plus synthetic insulation in spots where moisture builds)
- Waterproof: No. Moisture-resistant outer fabric treated with DWR
- Climate:
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, plus ice, alpine, and rock climbing
- Key features: Synthetic insulation placed where moisture accumulates, down insulated and fixed hood that fits over helmet, includes stuff sack, two hand pockets that are zippered, minimal zippers reduce bulk (yet have never broken in several years)
Pros:
- Ultralight technical design
- Highly compressible
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No interior pockets
- Feathers can sometimes sneak out
The North Face 1996 Nuptse Down Jacket
Designed for full warmth with a nod to The North Face’s retro style, this goose-down jacket is one of our favorites in the height of winter. The Nuptse Down Jacket ($320) has 700-fill down, a DWR finish for protection in wet weather, and a cinch at the hem to keep heat in. Wide baffles, oversized logos, and a more relaxed fit complete the style.
We loved a lot of things about this down puffy, namely, its warmth, packability, and adjustable cuffs with a wide Velcro closure. Most jackets we tested simply had stretch cuffs. This jacket’s adjustability is great for creating a seal around your winter gloves or mittens.
A nylon taffeta lining is paired with the ripstop nylon exterior, which is durable and soft. The stowable hood also packs into the high-reaching insulated collar. And the entire 1996 Nuptse jacket compresses down to zip into its own pocket.
Specs:
- Weight: 685 g
- Fill: 700 FP down
- Waterproof: No. Features DWR treatment on face fabric
- Best use: Dry to mildly wet winter conditions, everyday casual wear
- Key features: RDS-certified, stowable (non-insulated) hood, two zippered hand pockets, jacket stows in right-hand pocket
Pros:
- Hood can be stashed into collar (it’s not removable)
- Classic wide baffle and aesthetic
Cons:
- Fit is not as athletic as other jackets
- DWR treatment and fabric are not recycled or chemical-free
- Easily stains so be careful
Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry
Down Jackets for Women Comparison Chart
| Down Jacket | Price | Weight | Fill | Waterproof | Best Use |
| Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody | $329 | 371 g | 800 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket | $229-249 | 289 g | 800 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 | $100 | 306 g | 650 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody | $290 | 396 g | 700 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket | $395 | 682 g | 700 FP down | Yes | Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions |
| KUIU Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket | $319 | 193 g | 850+ FP down | No | Dry to moderately wet winter conditions |
| REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket | $259 | 738 g | 850 FP down | Yes | Dry to the wettest coastal winter conditions |
| Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie | $229 | 600 g | 700 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket | $400 | 558 g | Wool | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket | $275 | 397 g | 800 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket | $225 | 377 g | 700 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Mammut Whitehorn IN Jacket | $239 | 454 g | 650 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody | $359 | 205 g | 850 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
| The North Face 1996 Nuptse Down Jacket | $320 | 685 g | 700 FP down | No | Dry to mildly wet winter conditions |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our GearJunkie team has tested and reviewed dozens of women’s down jackets in a range of cold-weather conditions across the country. For this guide, we examined the fine details of each down jacket, including comfort, functionality, protection from the elements, ease of use, and style. We also strongly considered the most popular, highly acclaimed, well-made, and size-inclusive women’s down jackets across price points.
Throughout the West and Rocky Mountains, we’ve cruised on our bikes, walked in blizzards, sat on park benches, cheered on cross-country ski races, and shoveled our rigs out of powder piles. We used these down jackets farming, hunting, camping, backpacking, backcountry skiing, splitboarding, and rock climbing. We tested down jackets in Colorado’s Gunnison Valley — one of the coldest, snowiest destinations in the United States.
While a single jacket likely won’t meet all of a person’s needs, this comprehensive list provides options with unique specialties and versatility. We’re confident these are the best women’s down jackets of the year.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Women’s Down Jacket
Down insulation is made from goose or duck plumage, a natural undercoat beneath feathers. This traditional jacket fill is known for being lightweight and compressible while maintaining warmth due to intricate clusters that capture air and body heat.
In frigid conditions, an insulated down jacket is perfect for wearing after a gym workout, before you step into a frigid car, and for running errands. Some down jackets are more water- and wind-resistant than others based on how the surface fabric or fill has been chemically treated. Down fill that’s chemically treated for water resistance is called hydrophobic down, so the down absorbs less water and dries faster.
Among the options, technical down jackets are typically lightweight and constructed with super durable materials, so they’re more tenacious against the surrounding terrain and dynamic activity, as well as packable. The price tag can often be higher than other casual down jackets.
A dependable and easy-to-pack down jacket (or a synthetic fill jacket) is pretty much requisite for camping in high alpine or desert climates, backcountry trips like backpacking, alpine or rock or ice climbing, and backcountry splitboarding or skiing.
Beefier down jackets feature a higher down fill, so they’re warmer, which is excellent for winter camping, emergencies, or arctic conditions.
Down vs. Synthetic
You may be wondering if you even need a down jacket. Down is incredibly insulating and warm. It’s also very light. The downsides of down are a loss of insulation when wet and an inability to dry fast. In the long run, it also requires special cleaning.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from polyester fibers and is designed to imitate down clusters and properties with a few key differences. If you compare two equal-weight jackets, down is warmer than this alternative. But synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. It’s also easier to wash and usually comes at a lower price point.
- Pros of down: excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, compressibility, lightweight, high inherent warmth
- Cons of down: inability to insulate when wet, more difficult to wash, pricier
Some down jacket designs have a hybrid fill — they integrate synthetic fill into areas where moisture tends to collect like over the shoulders and around the wrist cuffs. That includes the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie, Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody, and the Whitehorn IN Jacket. And in a very unique approach, the Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket uses sustainably sourced wool for insulation instead of down.
Within synthetic jackets, active insulation is another progressive subcategory to know. These technical garments are designed to dump extra heat and dry fast, so you don’t have to remove the jacket during vigorous activity. But these layers also need to be durable, warm, and wind-resistant. They ultimately won’t be as warm as a straightforward down jacket. It’s a tricky balance.
Down Fill
Down fill power measures the loft and quality of the down. To calculate fill, a one-ounce sample of down is compressed in a cylinder. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the higher the quality and warmer the jacket — though the fill power isn’t the only variable affecting a jacket’s warmth.
But the higher the fill quality, the less down is needed to create the same warmth. This is because it’s able to trap more air and warmth within the jacket. Higher fill power — around 800 to 900 — is more compressible, loftier, more lightweight, and pricier.
Fill power ratings range from 400 to 900 and even greater. Most of the jackets on this list are in the 800-fill range, with a few clocking in above or below. Generally, the quality increases with the fill number:
- 400-500: fair quality
- 600: good quality
- 700: great quality
- 800: excellent quality
- 900 and above: highest quality
The other thing to consider is fill weight.
Fill Power vs. Fill Weight
A down jacket’s fill power is the down’s quality and amount of loft. You’ll see jackets labeled as 600-fill or 800-fill, for instance. The fill weight, which is measured in ounces, reflects the density or amount of that down stuffed inside the jacket. (Note: fill weight differs from the jacket’s overall weight.)
So when two 700-fill jackets have different weights, we know the heavier one is warmer.
On the other hand, if two down jackets weigh the same with different fill power (such as two 15-ounce jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the higher fill jacket is going to be less bulky, lighter, and more compressible.
It’s also trickier to compare jackets with differing fill power. But in general, the lower the fill power, the less loft and warmth are provided.
Water Resistance & Hydrophobic Down
Down does not perform well when wet. And this is one of the places synthetic jackets tend to win out. To catch up, there has been a growing use of hydrophobic down, which has evolved over the past decade.
Essentially, the down feathers are coated in a water-resistant polymer. It still doesn’t match the water resistance of synthetics. But for light precipitation, hydrophobic down can’t be beat.
The face fabric of some down jackets is treated with DWR to help block light moisture, too, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals that are toxic for the environment. Jackets can also have sealed seams to block moisture.
Waterproofness
Many down jackets are not waterproof, but some offer a degree of water resistance, which works fine in dryer winter climates — where the snow water equivalent (read: the amount of liquid water in the snow) is lower.
There are four general snow climates: coastal, transitional, intermountain, and continental. Generally, the closer you are to the coast, the more precipitation you’ll experience and the water content will be higher in the snow — it’ll be wetter and heavier!
In contrast, the snow in continental climates is dryer, lighter, and accumulates less compared to the coast. That includes most of the Rocky Mountains, such as in Colorado. Intermountain regions and ranges show characteristics of both and transitional areas are similar to the coast but with less rain and snow.
Examples according to the Utah Avalanche Center:
- Coastal (wettest): California, Washington, Oregon, coastal Alaska, and coastal British Columbia
- Transitional (moderately wet): Areas and targeted locations in Montana, northern Idaho, and Oregon
- Intermountain (mildly wet): Utah’s Wasatch Range, most of Idaho, Montana, and portions of Northeast Oregon and Southwest Colorado
- Continental (mostly dry): Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, interior Alaska, and interior British Columbia
Collar & Hood
An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for protecting your face, head, ears, neck, and hair against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions while shielding you from the elements.
Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels comfortable against the face, a key component on a windy day. Hoods on down jackets are typically insulated and fixed rather than removable or non-insulated, which you’ll see on lifestyle parka designs. Certain designs have an elastic cinch in the back to snug up the overall fit or one along the hood’s hem.
Occasional hood designs are non-insulated or feature a rigid brim to help keep moisture away from the face. The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket has both, as well as a unique packable (non-removable) hood — it rolls down and stuffs into the collar.
Sleeve Cuffs & Pockets
On most women’s down jackets, the sleeve cuffs have a streamlined elastic wrist cuff that stretches when you slide your hands through, meaning it’s easier to pull the jacket on before you put on your gloves. A handful have a wide velcro strap to tighten down the closure once you pull the jacket on.
The cut of cuffs is typically straight across at the wrist, so the arm length is functional and not cumbersome.
Very few down jackets feature wrist gaiters with thumbholes for extra hand warmth, but the Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket does.
Most jackets include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures. Often, there is at least one interior chest pocket with a zip closure, which can be great for chambering a credit card, ID, or key.
Fit & Size
Women’s down jackets are generally either trim with a streamlined fit or they can be roomier, puffier, and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Many materials offer a bit of flexibility or a ton of stretch for a wide range of movement. Not many down jackets look like a marshmallow these days — even the thickest jackets have articulation and style.
Both options can be comfortable. A roomier jacket is better if you plan to wear a bunch of layers beneath your jacket. You can still add layers beneath a fitted style but you might want to consider sizing up, because often the arm, shoulder, or chest areas can get too snug with a midlayer or two beneath.
Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own size charts. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up with the size charts, which can differ across brands.
Some companies provide more size inclusivity with broader offerings. That includes Outdoor Research with a size run of XS to XXXL. The North Face has sizes XS to XXL, and Eddie Bauer offers a size range of XS to XXL including regular, petite, tall, and plus options. Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy.
Weight & Compressibility
A down jacket’s weight and compressibility can be an important variable for cargo space and airline travel as well as storage and closet space. Otherwise, a jacket used for everyday errands and social events will generally weigh more than a lightweight technical down jacket made for athletic pursuits. Having a lightweight design for an everyday jacket is typically less of a priority because the comfort, ergonomics, and high warmth factors are the most important.
The longer a jacket is, the more it will weigh and the more space it will take up. The heavier a jacket is, the warmer it will be (read more about fill weight above). If you don’t need a warm winter jacket built for arctic conditions and need one for milder winter temperatures that hover above or around freezing, then the jacket will most likely weigh less.
The lightest down jackets range from the 850+ KUIU Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket at a mere 193 g and the 205 g Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody to the 600 g Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie and Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket, which is 615 g. The majority of our favorite down jackets sit around 300 to 400 g.
Ultimately, don’t compromise a jacket’s safety or comfort features and adequate warmth to drop grams.
Length & Zippers
The length of women’s down jackets typically reaches the hips but can reach a bit further, below the hips, which affects the overall warmth and protection from the elements.
Down jackets typically use a single one-way zipper in the front and zippered exterior hand pockets. To help snug up the fit, the hip-length jackets usually have a streamlined drawstring cord that can be easily tightened and loosened, which can help prevent gusts or snowflakes from scurrying up into the jacket.
The Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket is among the few down jackets with a two-way front zipper, which helps with harness compatibility.
Eco-Friendly & Recycled Materials
Beyond responsibly sourced down, like the ethically-sourced Advanced Global Traceable Down in the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, down jackets have an opportunity to include a bunch of eco-friendly design traits.
Some jackets are created with PFC-free DWR treatments for the exterior or down. That includes the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, which employs a fluorine-free water resistance treatment on down fill. The Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket likewise features a Nikwax fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish on its down fill.
Other designs are made with recycled materials from recycled down to recycled polyester or implement recycled down or a recycled interior fabric liner. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody has 100% recycled ripstop polyester shell and liner. The Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 implements a 20-denier ripstop polyester that’s windproof and 50% recycled. The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket uses a recycled nylon taffeta shell fabric. In its hybrid design, the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie even uses 85% recycled polyester insulation in tops of shoulders and wrist cuffs.
Some jackets also guarantee Fair Trade sewing or Bluesign or climate neutral or Oeko-Tex Certified fabrics.
Price
Our budget pick in this guide is the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($100).
At full price, the most expensive down jackets on our list are among the warmest and offers the most coverage against the elements. Those typically sit in the $300 range like the Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket ($385), KUIU Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket ($319), and Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoody ($359), The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket ($320), and Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329).
Reaching an even higher price is the wool-filled Ortovox Swisswool Zinal Jacket ($400).
A huge variety of warm down jackets exist between those two price marks. Most of our favorite down jackets are in the $100 range: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($172), Whitehorn IN Jacket ($168), Marmot Women’s Highlander Jacket ($158), and the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket ($165).
A handful are in the $200 zone including the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($290) and Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 ($229).
As fill power and fill weight increase, the warmth increases, and you’ll see the price of a jacket go up. That’s one reason why super lightweight, durable, technical cold-weather jacket are pricy. Jackets that are more expensive also feature more technical design features, materials that are more robust against a range of weather conditions and materials, as well as high-end sustainable materials.
Down Standards
Outdoor industry brands have made an effort to source down ethically without animal cruelty and create transparency in the global supply chain. Various certifications exist, but the most common is the Responsible Down Standard and Global Traceable Down Standard. Without meeting such standards, animal abuse can become part of the supply chain. Synthetic choices can set some folks at ease.
Animal materials aside, synthetics can sometimes be a safer choice overall for wearers in wet or mixed weather. Active insulation is best for high-output action. If it’s cold and dry, down is optimal despite a higher cost. The above are a handful of the best down jackets to keep you covered in the cold.
FAQ
What Are the Different Types of Winter Jackets?
After you learn the different types of winter jackets, you might need to get one of each! This guide focuses on warm, functional, well-made choices for being outside during everyday commutes, errands, and casual activity. They’ll protect you on your bike ride to the post office, walking the dogs, or going to and from the nordic center or gym.
Here’s how winter jackets as a whole are each a bit different:
Down Jackets
- Provide warmth — some are warmer than others
- Good for dry, cold conditions and drier snow
- Some designs are stylish and tailored to everyday use, while athletic-oriented designs are great for winter activities like ice climbing
- Length can reach the hip, knee, or ankle (to learn more about winter jackets that are longer than hip length, check out our women’s winter jackets buyer’s guide)
- Example: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Synthetic Jackets
- Warm outerlayer — can also be layered beneath a waterproof non-insulated shell
- Suited for wet environments
- A good choice for activity like skiing or snowboarding in very cold conditions
- Synthetic jackets can also be called insulated shells
- Example: Norrona Trollveggen PrimaLoft100 Zip Hood
Active Insulation Jackets
- Lightweight, streamlined, athletic jacket that is breathable yet insulated
- Nice for cardio activity like nordic skiing or running
- Some designs are hybrid with two types of visible fabrics strategically placed
- Typically have panels of synthetic insulation but are more breathable than full synthetic jackets
- Example: Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hybrid Insulator Jacket
Shells
- Waterproof or water-resistant and block wind
- These jackets are most often not insulated
- Offer more range of motion than insulated synthetic jackets
- Great for high-output cardio activity like shoveling, backcountry snowmobiling, or powder skiing
- To clarify, a synthetic jacket is often called an insulated shell
- Example: Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket
3-in-1 Jackets
- A waterproof or water-resistant shell zips into a separate jacket liner
- The interior jacket could be a fleece, synthetic fill, or down fill
- You can wear the two jackets separate or together
- Good budget option
- Example: Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece 3-in-1 Interchange Jacket
What's the Best Down Jacket to Buy?
The best down jacket to buy is based on how technical you want your down jacket to be and how warm or water-resistant you need it to be. Take a close look at the product details for each down jacket in our guide to see if it’s a good fit for your intended use.
In general and for everyday casual use in cold conditions, one of the best down jackets that reigned supreme in our testing was the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, but we also included a runner-up (the Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 Down Jacket). But a single jacket isn’t going to perfectly fit and please everyone. You simply can’t go wrong with either of these for everyday use and travel.
Is Down Good for Backpacking?
Generally, a down puffy is a perfect layer to add to your backpacking pack, whether it’s for day hiking or backpacking — unless you expect a ton of moisture then consider a synthetic option.
If you’re buying a puffy specifically for backpacking, you’ll also want to make sure it works with your other layers, is comfortable to wear with a pack, and can pack down small.
How Should a Down Jacket Fit?
Down jackets are designed to be insulating and warm. However, you should still leave a little room for layering. That being said, you don’t want a jacket to be too big. If so, the airspace between your body, the inside of the jacket, and the insulation is wasted space and you’ll lose heat.
If a jacket is too small, you won’t have as good of a range of motion — essential, especially when engaging in high-output activities in the cold — or be able to layer much beneath.
We recommend checking each brand’s sizing guide (which is unique to each and very single brand) to ensure that you get the best-fitting jacket possible.
What Is the Highest Down Fill Power?
The highest fill power, 900, is also going to be the warmest. The majority of down jackets we tested (and a good reflection of what’s on the market) were 650-fill to 800-fill.
Which Down Fill Is in My Price Range?
Our down jackets range in price from $70, the 650-fill REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket, to the 800-fill Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket ($385). For a dependable, long-lasting, and comfortable jacket that blocks the elements and keeps us safe, that price range isn’t too bad even at the high end.
Fill power ratings range from 400 to 900 and even greater. Most of the jackets on this list are in the 650- to 800-fill range, with a few clocking in above or below. Generally, the quality increases with the fill number:
- 400-500: fair quality
- 600: good quality
- 700: great quality
- 800: excellent quality
- 900 and above: highest quality
The 900-fill down is probably overkill, unless you’re traveling to arctic or high alpine environments in winter.
The higher the fill power, the higher the price will be. You’ll want to weigh price but also usage. Do you frequent cold places and need a quality jacket? Do you run cold? Then consider investing in a higher-fill down option, like 800-fill Rab Valiance Waterproof Down Jacket or 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody.
Also consider that not all down jackets are the same level of windproofness or water resistance, which can influence your overall warmth depending on the conditions where you’ll be. Some jackets are also loftier than others and better for stationary activities like standing at the sled hill versus dynamic heat-producing activities like alpine climbing.
That said, if you’re deciding between two jackets and one is much higher in price, always check the fill power. Most well-made down jackets we own are between 650- and 700-down fill. As we mentioned, the amount of fill power you need depends on where you’ll be adventuring — how cold it will be — and whether or not the activity is sedentary. But it doesn’t hurt to have an 800-fill for your coldest adventures.
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