Nowadays, a puffer jacket is just about synonymous with two phrases: “winter” and “bulk”. That’s until you will have a packable down jacket, which is usually simply as heat in opposition to chilly climate, minus any stiff, cumbersome, uncomfortable sensations.
Whether or not you are an avid traveler, a devoted outside fanatic, or just in search of a space-saving addition to your wardrobe, packable down jackets and puffers ship on their promise to maintain you cozy whereas guaranteeing easy portability. For those who’ve lengthy dreamed of getting a jacket that packs down so small, it suits into its personal pocket, now’s your likelihood. Learn on to search out out extra about packable down jackets, and get our prime 14 picks for those so as to add to this season’s buying record.
The perfect packable down jackets, at a look:
- Finest total: Patagonia, Down Sweater Hoody, $329
- Runner up: Mountain Hardwear, Ghost Whisperer2 Down Hoodie, $350-$360
- Finest on Amazon: Eddie Bauer, Microlight Down Jacket, $98
- Runner up: Amazon Necessities, Light-weight Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket, $71
- Finest luxurious: Arc’Teryx, Cerium Hoody, $400
- Finest mid-priced: L.L.Bean, Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket, $199-$269
- Finest finances: Uniqlo, Extremely Gentle Down Jacket, $80
- Finest splurge: Loopy, JKT Levity, $650
- Finest mid-length: Lands’ Finish, Ultralight Packable Lengthy Down Jacket, $185
- Finest for chilly climates: Fjallraven, Expedition Pack Down Hoodie, $275
- Finest for layering: Outside Analysis, Helium Down Hoodie, $167-$299
- Finest minimalist: Lululemon, Pack It Down Jacket, $198
- Finest maximalist: Cotopaxi, Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, $295
- Most sturdy: Black Diamond, Method Down Hoody, $380
What to search for in a packable down jacket
Fill energy
A packable down jacket is, because the title might counsel, packable. In the case of down fill—and, extra particularly, down fill energy—what’s most vital to notice is, the upper the quantity, the lighter and extra packable the down merchandise is. In accordance with REI, “Down fill-power doesn’t inform you how heat a jacket or sleeping bag can be as a result of too many different components have an effect on heat, together with how a lot of that down fill is within the jacket or bag.” So whether or not you’re headed off for a weekend at a ski resort, bundling up for a hike within the mountains, or simply snuggling with associates round a campfire, that packable down jacket can pack fairly the punch.
Associated Tales
Kind of insulation
Duck or goose feathers:
Conventional down provides a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and wonderful compressibility, making it superb for light-weight, high-performance jackets that do not add bulk. Nevertheless, it isn’t waterproof, and even waterproof. (Although they do make hydrophobic down that’s handled with a water-repellent coating to retain its insulation when uncovered to moist situations.) Moreover, down is an animal byproduct and is usually not cruelty-free. If you wish to go the feather route, we advocate searching for merchandise marked with the Accountable Down Customary seal, which ensures the supplies are sourced ethically and meet environmentally aware requirements.
Artificial insulation:
Many producers supply artificial, cruelty-free alternate options, like PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, that skip feathers altogether. Whereas not as heat as actual down, they’re moisture-resistant and dry sooner once they get moist. A lot of them are simply as compressible as the actual factor and will not weigh you down wherever you pack ’em.
The way it packs
Lastly, take into account how the packable down jacket truly packs down. Most both:
- Could be folded right into a small sq. or rolled up right into a small, accompanying bag or stuff sack
- Could be stuffed into itself, often right into a pocket
Fairly nifty, we all know.
Are packable puffers heat?
Certainly, they sometimes are. That aforementioned fill energy does extra than simply assist make a jacket extra packable. A better fill energy provides extra insulation, which makes the jacket hotter total. If staying heat is of the utmost concern to you—and why wouldn’t or not it’s, when it’s freezing exterior?—search for a packable jacket with a down fill-power of 800 or extra. Moreover, the upper the down high quality, the extra it fluffs again up after it’s compressed, making the jacket hotter total.
The 14 greatest packable down jackets
Finest total:
Patagonia, Down Sweater Hoodie — $328.00
Out there sizes: XXS-XXL
Patagonia is mainly synonymous with outside gear that performs to a excessive normal, so it’s no shock they’ve a packable down jacket that makes the grade. Whereas additionally they have non-hooded and puff packable choices, we choose this one for its multitude of options assured to make each outside tour really feel just a bit bit higher.
Not solely is that this slim-fitting type crafted from recycled fishing nets reworked into nylon ripstop (to scale back ocean air pollution), however its shell has a water-repellent DWR coating and the fill is 100% Accountable Down Customary licensed down. Plus, it has two totally different adjustable drawcords on the hood, zippered handwarmer pockets, and a restore patch for fast fixes on the go. We name all of {that a} whole cold-weather win.
Colours: 7
Materials: 100-percent postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop
Fill energy: 800
- Comprised of sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Packs into its personal inside pocket
- Versatile
- Adjustable hood
- Expensive
- Runs small—measurement up
Runner up:
Mountain Hardwear, Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie — $360.00
Out there sizes: XS-XL
A barely boxy silhouette and colourful recycled nylon ripstop lay the inspiration for this packable down jacket with 800-fill energy down. Whereas earlier iterations of this jacket didn’t have elastic cuffs, this one does—so maintaining the chilly out and the heat in simply acquired an entire lot simpler. When packing it into its personal inside pocket, you’ll discover an inner carabiner clip loop for straightforward storage. We additionally just like the non-obtrusive hood, which does its job staying out of the way in which once you don’t really feel like utilizing it. All in all, this light-weight jacket is a stable possibility for individuals who like a bit of colourful drama with their facet of icy temps.
Colours: 5
Materials: 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop
Fill energy: 800
- Comprised of sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- A number of inside and exterior pockets for storage
- Packs into an inner pocket
- Versatile
- Expensive
- Sizing is restricted
- Boxy silhouette, should you choose a extra fitted look
Finest on Amazon:
Eddie Bauer, Microlight Down Jacket — $98.00
Out there sizes: XS-2X
The unique down jacket was created by Eddie Bauer himself, however the OG iteration has come a good distance since. The Microlight is available in seven totally different colours, together with daring color-blocked choices, and packs effortlessly into its personal hand-warmer pocket. It additionally includes a StormRepel® DWR end, which helps repel moisture—excellent for dewy morning hikes and snow-filled days, particularly because it’s good right down to -5 levels. Lastly, this jacket has loops that allow you to snap it into the model’s WeatherEdge® shells for additional insulation. Recreation, set, match.
Colours: 7
Materials: 100-percent polyester
Fill energy: 650
- Versatile
- Moisture-repellant
- Packs into an inner pocket
- Light-weight and layer-friendly
- Reasonably priced
- Not as a lot fill-power as different jackets
- No hood (though there’s a hooded model obtainable)
Runner up:
Amazon Necessities, Light-weight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer — $71.00
Out there sizes: XS-6X
With 20 totally different coloration selections, sizing as much as 6X, and a value underneath $50, that is jacket price a attempt. Nevertheless, whereas this packable jacket is down-filled, the precise quantity isn’t referenced, so that’s one thing to notice earlier than shopping for. That stated, it’s waterproof and packable, full with its personal stash bag—plus it includes a full-zip entrance, flattering contoured seaming, and zip pockets. It additionally has over 13,000 5-star opinions, pointing to its packability and luxury, makExecs and Consing it a pacesetter of the pack(ready jackets).
Colours: 20
Materials: 100-percent polyester
Fill energy: Not included
- Inclusive measurement vary in 20 totally different colours
- Versatile
- Packs into its personal stash bag
- Water resistant
- Reasonably priced
Finest luxurious:
Arc’teryx, Cerium Hoody — $400.00
Out there sizes: XXS-XXL
We are able to’t lie—this Arc’Teryx jacket is costly. However if you wish to drop $400 on a packable down jacket, that is undoubtedly the one to do it on. Initially, it’s clearly packable (it suits into its personal chest pocket). Other than that, it has responsibly sourced 850-fill right down to preserve you supremely toasty, and the hood is insulated for additional heat. Although it’s fitted, the model truly redesigned it lately to supply a roomier match all through the chest. All in all, it’s filled with particulars that can be a lot appreciated come winter.
Colours: 5
Materials: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill energy: 850
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Excessive fill-power
- Inclusive measurement vary
- Roomy and layer-friendly
- Packs into its personal inner pocket
Finest mid-priced:
L.L.Bean, Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket — $269.00
Out there sizes: XXS-XL
A waterproof jacket that even includes a water-repellent 850 down fill? Now that’s one thing that checks some much-needed packable down jacket packing containers. Fortunately, this L.L.Bean jacket does all that and extra. The marginally fitted jacket has a full entrance zip, double adjustable hood drawcords, flattering facet panels, and zippered pockets, then packs away into its personal pocket once you’re able to journey. Carry on the chilly entrance.
Colours: 7
Materials: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill energy: 850
- Water-repellant
- Packs into its personal inner pocket
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Extra inexpensive than different luxurious choices
Finest finances:
Uniqlo, Extremely Gentle Down Jacket — $80.00
Out there sizes: XXS-XXL
Don’t let the puffiness idiot you—this Uniqlo down jacket packs right into a small duffel that simply suits right into a backpack or small suitcase. It is available in a wide range of distinctive hues, like dove grey and lilac pink. The 2-snap collar and hid zipper entrance assist seal out the chilly, along with 750-fill down. Oh, and did we point out it clocks in underneath $100? For a packable jacket with out the steep price ticket, this Uniqlo type undoubtedly suits the invoice.
Colours: 11
Materials: 100-percent nylon
Fill energy: 750
- Reasonably priced
- Inclusive measurement vary in big range of colours
- Versatile
- Packs into an accompanying stash duffel
- On the bulkier facet
- Decrease fill-power
Finest mid-length:
Lands’ Finish, Ultralight Packable Lengthy Down Jacket — $185.00
Out there sizes: XS-3X in three lengths
For those who’re searching for a barely longer silhouette that also packs proper into its personal pocket, this Lands’ Finish coat is one to observe. It’s filled with must-have options, from a drawcord hood and facet zip pockets to the 800 fill energy and loft that retains even when moist. Lands’ Finish recommends it for temps as little as 7 levels Fahrenheit, so that you’ll keep heat even when it’s actually freezing. Plus, it’s acquired nearly 800 five-star opinions, a lot of which level to its excessive packability. Actually, what extra might you ask for?
Colours: 8
Materials: 100-percent nylon
Fill energy: 800
- Number of colours, together with neutrals and extra fashion-forward tones
- Slim, flattering silhouette
- Out there in common, petite, and tall sizing
- Not all colours obtainable in all sizes
- Longer silhouette might not work for shorter frames
Finest splurge:
Loopy, JKT Levity Down Jacket — $650.00
Out there sizes: XS-L
Colours: 3
True to the model’s title, Loopy’s JKT Levity Down Jacket is loopy gentle and heat. It’s by far snuggliest on this record, insulated with 950 fill-power ethically sourced goose down that’s lofty and nearly weightless. Not like different jackets on this record, it’s additionally nearly seamless and options glued cells to maintain the feathers inside (in order that they gained’t poke by means of unexpectedly.) Much more, each the fill and outer are protected in a water-repellent coating to maintain you dry within the parts. It’s a must have for severe skiers, backpackers, and different outdoorsy of us who need to benefit from the chilly with out feeling weighed down.
Fill energy: 950
- Heat and water-repellent
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Extraordinarily light-weight
- Minimal seaming
- Costly
- Restricted sizing
- Doesn’t truly pack into itself, nevertheless, may be stuffed very simply into absolutely anything
Finest for chilly climates:
Fjallraven, Expedition Pack Down Hoodie — $275.00
Out there sizes: XXS-XL
It might be known as a hoodie, however don’t be fooled—this can be a full-on down jacket. Chances are you’ll be stunned that the loftier silhouette packs into its personal pocket, but it surely most actually does, so it’s okay to set free an audible sigh of aid. As soon as that’s over, you’ll love its myriad extra options, like a handful of zippered pockets to stash your necessities and a number of drawcords for a completely adjustable match.
Colours: 4
Materials: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill energy: 700
- Comprised of sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Heat and sturdy
- A number of inside and exterior pockets for storage
- Packs into inner pocket
Finest for layering:
Outside Analysis, Helium Down Hoodie — $299.00
Out there sizes: XS-3X
In our packable down jacket analysis, we got here throughout this one from Outside Analysis—and it appeared like a match made in, effectively, packable-down-jacket heaven, anyway. Colours like cherry pink, teal, and royal blue mix with options like wind-and waterproof nylon ripstop, an adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and 800-fill goose down for a jacket that brings the warmth as soon as it’s chilly. (This jacket might resist the weather, however we will’t resist the climate puns.)
Colours: 7
Materials: 100-percent nylon
Fill energy: 800
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Inclusive measurement vary in big range of colours
- Water- and wind-resistant
- Packs into its personal inner pocket
Finest minimalist:
Lululemon, Pack It Down Jacket — $198.00
Out there sizes: 0-14
Stuff sack. Detachable hood. Waterproof and wind-proof cloth. 700-fill energy goose down. This Lululemon packable jacket packs fairly the winter wallop. The slim match is subtly elongated, and it even includes a hidden telephone pocket. Winter gained’t know what hit it with this minimalist must-have.
Colours: 3
Materials: 85-percent nylon, 15-percent elastane
Fill energy: 700
- Packs into its personal inner pocket
- Elongated, slim match for added protection
- Water resistant
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Restricted sizing
- Restricted colours
Finest maximalist:
Cotopaxi, Fuego Down Hooded Jacket — $295.00
Out there sizes: XXS-3X
There’s daring, after which there’s daring. In the case of the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket, the emphasis is on BOLD. This packable down jacket options vibrant color-blocking that can truly make you lengthy for the chilly. The scuba hood helps additional seal out the chilly, the adjustable waist drawcord enables you to customise the match, and the 800-fill down retains you heat and comfortable. Taking it alongside on a tenting or backpacking journey? Simply zip it into its personal inside pocket and head off into the wilderness.
Colours: 9
Materials: 100-percent nylon
Fill energy: 800
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Packs into its personal inner pocket
- Inclusive measurement vary in big range of colours
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Not windproof or waterproof
- Runs small
Most sturdy:
Black Diamond, Method Down Hoody — $380.00
Out there sizes: XS-XL
Searching for a layerable down jacket that packs into its personal chest pocket and secures to a backpack with a carabiner clip? Discovered it. This Black Diamond type options an environmentally-friendly, PFC-free, water-repellent DWR coating together with an insulated drawcord hood, a number of zippered pockets, and an easy-to-wear slim match. It additionally weighs an nearly mind-boggling half a pound, so suffice it to say, you aren’t carting round plenty of additional weight throughout your subsequent mountain hike.
Colours: 3
Materials: 100-percent nylon
Fill energy: 800
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced supplies
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Water-repellant and sturdy
- Carabiner clip secures to a backpack
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