Hooded version available? The mix of warmth and super stretchy, wind-resistant material makes it easier to make the same movements you would make in warmer times of the year. But if you want the most warmth for the weight, it cant beat the Plasma 1000. Based on customer reviews and our purchase of this jacket, the quality doesnt seem as good as the REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (see our review above). And that was only for our budget pick. Yes, mens and womens. They have more features than their inexpensive counterparts, like internal pockets, glove-friendly zippers and cinches, and helmet-compatible hoods. //@anonymous: no free shipping. Rabs warranty appears less flexible than other brands, notably Arcteryx. Regular detergents can strip the natural good oils on the down plumes that help it retain its loft. Photo by Emily Haas. All rights reserved. Over the last few years, we have seen the introduction of hybrid down and synthetic fill jackets. The Super/DS is too warm for cross country skiing in 20F but was a layer to pull over when we stopped moving. Gear Junkie noted it as a top jacket for its warmth, price, and clever features such as two-way front zippers and wrist-warming gaiters. Down fill for outdoor gear usually ranges from about 650-1000 fill. A quality down jacket has a hood that will stay up, excellent waterproofing on the shell fabric, and zippers that are unobtrusive. It is not only a comfortable and warm solution but a good deal, too. As a gear review website whose philosophy is rooted in buying less stuff (and that choice being better for the planet), we advocate for gear repairs whenever possible. The Eos also has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than the Patagonia. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. At Treeline, we try to recommend the one down jacket that can do it more, so you can spend less money on gear. Also consider: your sensitivity to cold and wind-chill; time of exposure; activity level; and use of layering.Models shown are 5'9 to 5'11" tall, wearing size S/4, L/12, or XXL/18.". Photo by Duncan Cheung. That extra fill and Pertex Quantum Pro durable shell fabric on the outer layer come at a cost - both price-wise and weight-wise. But if you dont wash your down jacket (or sleeping bag), the down will lose its insulating abilities because oil and dirt reduce its ability to loft. Sustainability is outdoor gear is a criteria we take seriously because we want to keep the planet in good shape for the next generation. Watch this video by our writer Duncan Cheung for a quick explanation of how fill power works. Plus sizing from 1X-3X for this jacket will become available in the spring. Sometimes its also the little details that make a huge difference. We're looking forward to getting some more testing on the Cotopaxi Fuego and will update with testing notes soon. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Both the Agrium and Cerium layer well under more waterproof layers, like a rain jacket, as it is less likely to wet out than other down jackets. Dedicated outdoors people often have a down jacket for shoulder season, one for around town, and one for the dead of winter. We think the Patagonia Down Jacket has the best balance of quality, price, and longevity of the jackets we considered. Im also the author of Treeline Reviews Best Synthetic Insulated Jacket guide. Still, the cold Front hoodie is worth the price and will be a workhorse in my winter and shoulder season wardrobe. For the best ultralight jacket, we had difficulty choosing between the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Jacket (mens and womens) and the Montbell Plasma 1000 (see our full review below). The mens and womens Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket is one of the jackets we considered for best budget jacket. Mountain Hardwear claims that their continuous channel design (thats what gives it a brick-wall look) keeps you warmer than standard down jackets with individual baffles, and in our testing, that is true. We go more into down fill power and weight below. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Photo courtesy Gabi Reyes-Acosta. Check on your jacket regularly. Yes, RDS-certified. Both jackets have No-Slip Zip stops, but the Agrium zipper feels like itll hold up better over time. The plus-size version of the vest is a winner in our The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing guide. Its lightweight at a great budget-friendly price while also being packable and boasting RDS standard down. Thats why for extreme cold, we recommend the Rab Positron Pro, which is even warmer than the old Neutrino. It didnt feel as high of a quality of jacket as the REI Co-op Down 650 jacket, which has attention to small details like pockets that were lacking on the Forclaz. Photo by Emily Haas. The main reason to choose the Cerium over the Agrium is availability. Learn more. The Eos is only available with a hood, whereas you can get the Down Sweater without a hood. Patagonias environmental mission strives to repair gear instead of manufacture new items. When you see a winter jacket with a higher fill number, the better the warmth-to-weight ratio. All jackets we picked use 100% recycled fabric on the outer shell (also called face fabric). Check out this jacket that I first repaired ten years ago. Only one jacket that we picked was over $400. Photo courtesy Amanda Jameson. The Agrium also doesnt adhere to gendered color stereotypes, but thats because it is only available in two colors! Still, if youre able to find an Agrium, we think its the hybrid synthetic down jacket to get. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Bottom line: fill power has to do with the jacket's fluffiness and ability to trap air, not necessarily its warmth. Do not dry clean. But most people will find their needs met by the Patagonia Down Sweater. We researched 44 of the best-rated down jackets and tested the top models for months. Support small. Clever Hiker wrote, When you toss it up in the air and let it float downit literally mimics a feather. But as you tailor your outdoor kit to meet your needs for your activities of choice, you'll also find recommendations for more specialized activities. I also bring almost 20 years of experience working in outdoor retail. Photo by Duncan Cheung. We also found the zipper to be a heavier gauge than the Cerium, which made it a smoother glide and less likely to catch on fabric. The mens and womens Arcteryx Cerium LT was the former winner for Best Hybrid Down Synthetic Jacket. The redesign of the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 jacket has many new thoughtful features like the elastic cuff. Manufacturers defects warranties cover anything that went wrong in production or material that is not as durable as it should be. As a Wilderness Guide for a wilderness therapy organization serving teenagers, I spent four winter seasons living in the snow in Central Oregon. Will you be traveling with your down jacket? Others find they unnecessarily add to the weight of the jacket. RDS down tends to be expensive, especially in the 850 fill power category. Weight: 15.1 (mens) and 14.6 oz (womens), Pockets: 3, 2 zippered hand pockets and 1 chest pocket, Ethically Sourced Down? Jackets from all companies we chose had at a minimum Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturers defects. We look at the big picture, and many of these brands, like Cumulus and Nunatak, are not well known enough to have the number of reviews necessary to put them on our list. This video by ultralight backpacking quilt company Enlightened Equipment explains how to do that. We tested the Patagonia Down jacket and found it to be really f&*%ing warm. We bought our usual size and found there was still plenty of room for layering underneath, confirming expert and customer reviews about the generous cut. We are proud to be independent. Related: Which is better: a down or synthetic jacket? As a result, I became intimately acquainted with cold-weather gear, tips and tricks, and how to teach teens how to be comfortable in the wilderness. But while we find their sleeping bags worth the cost because the quality is unparalleled elsewhere, we think most people will have a hard time justifying spending extra for a down jacket that is similar to the competition. The most comparable Canada Goose jacket to the lightweight jackets in this guide is the Hybridge Light Tech Down, rated for 23 to 41F degrees. The weight-conscious outdoors person may find this a benefit, but is not necessarily worth paying extra for around-town use. Photo by Emily Haas. Pro-tip from Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson: Look for hoods designated helmet-friendly.. But we think most people who want an extreme weather jacket are willing to pay a little extra for 800 fill power. For years, the Positron Pros sibling, the Rab Neutrino Pro (see our review below), was considered the gold standard in the cold weather category. Ive also worked as a Sea Kayak Guide for Pangaea Adventures in Alaska, leading glacier tours by kayak. Sewers are empowered to put together color combinations and designs of their choosing, meaning that jackets are often unique. One cool feature on the Lightline (that again adds weight) is the adjustable zip-off hood. The Fuego is a stylish jacket that is less expensive than some of its competitors. However, the fill power on the Lightline is 700 rather than 800 on the Positron Pro. RDS, no glue or stitching. Fabric zipper guards on the pockets keep moisture out but are stiff enough to not get in the way when reaching into the pockets. We did find that there was some minimal down leakage. This jacket is for someone who still wants excellent cold-weather protection but isnt as concerned about packability or warmth to weight ratio and wants to save $150 over the Positron Pro. After compiling a list of 42 down jackets, we narrowed it down to 10 contenders. Related: Pacific Crest Trail Southbound Strategy, Weight: 17 oz (mens) and 15 oz (womens), Ethically sourced down? This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. $1, CR2$11, Nike5, $88+, Nike$20, GM$192, EL$74/, $18, 2$15, $78, Sitemap|User Agreement|Privacy Policy|Do Not Sell My Data, Dealmoon.ca|Dealmoon.co.uk|Dealmoon.fr|Dazhe.de|Dealmoon.com.au |Singles Day|Black Friday|Amazon Prime Day, Bifrost Silicone Faucet Handle Drip Catcher Mat, Wild Sage Lia Printed 16-Piece Dinnerware Set | Bed Bath & Beyond, Wild Sage Sana Medallion 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in Cloud Dancer | Bed Bath & Beyond, Nike Sportswear Essential Women's Fleece Pants..com, Wild Sage Aveline Rod Pocket/Back Tab Window Curtain (Single) | Bed Bath & Beyond, Wild Sage Maylin Ombre Shower Curtain | Bed Bath & Beyond, Lacoste Classic Cotton Pique Fashion Polo Shirt, Murad Dr. Zion x Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks, Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | PA++++, Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++. Yes, also a not-hooded jacket (mens and womens). Feathers have quills, which can poke through the fabric. While it was hard to find any consumer reviews for this specialty pick, many professional reviewers loved this jacket. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. When you buy through links on dealsea.com we may earn a commission. But its still way more packable than a synthetic insulated jacket or fleece. If improperly cared for or under heavy use, the expected lifetime could be considerably lower. Down insulation is composed primarily of down plumules, not feathers. The shell is made from recycled nylon and has a DWR coating to shed light rain and snow. Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson wears the Rab on a cold fall day in Monument Valley. Many thru-hikers, for example, are okay not having pockets as they mostly wear a puffy jacket when they need their hands, like cooking in camp. All our picks either stuff into their own internal stash pockets or come with their own stuff sack. It is important to note that while relatively light, the Cold Front jacket is better suited for car camping, shorter hikes, and around town. See our guide to Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for our recommendations. And theyre so packable, theyre well-suited for travel. Since at 650 fill, its the lowest fill power of any jacket we picked, it doesnt have the packability or warmth-to-weight ratio of the other jackets we considered. In some cases, we tested the jackets on our shortlist for hundreds or thousands of miles in the backcountry, using the jackets on travel, backcountry adventures, and trips to the park with toddlers. Jacket warmth has more to do with the amount of fill - not the fill rating itself. We tested this jacket on play trips in the snow with kids and around town and found it surprisingly good, especially for the price. The Best Mens Ski Jackets and the Best Womens Ski Jackets, The Best Winter Traction Devices (Microspikes + Crampons), The Best Mens Winter Boots and The Best Womens Winter Boots. It uses down in areas that need warmth and synthetic insulation in areas likely to get wet. But at $50 more than similar down jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater, we couldnt find a reason to justify paying more for this jacket than for similar jackets on our list. The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown is notable for stretchy material, ample handwarmer pockets, ease of mobility, and incredible warmth. We think that unless you are mountaineering, most folks wont need a jacket with the attention to detail found in the Rab Microlight. The downside of down (ha!) Over the years, I've learned what features, materials, sizing, and colors customers want and what aspects of outdoor apparel they find unnecessary. The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing. Another tester spent the past two seasons winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in Wisconsin and Michigan wearing the Super/DS Stretch Down jacket. For a much warmer hooded and pocketed version, check out the similarly named Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Jacket (it has 3.4oz of 1000 fill power down). While fill power starts at 500, we didnt look at anything below 650 fill. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! We developed a list of criteria to judge all the down jackets we considered. For more general information on what to look for (or not look for) in a down-filled product, see how we picked the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. The DWR-treated Pertex shell is weather resistant. There was a problem completing your request. Low quality down has a higher percentage of feathers to plumules. The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie (mens and womens), an insulated down jacket paired with ORs well-respected Helium rain jacket line. The pockets are deep, with thumb loops on arms-both are details that I love in a down jacket. As a result, low quality down is more likely to leak. To get a hood in a women's cut, one has to get the REI 650 Parka. Seriously. The hood is big enough to accommodate a wide variety of hairstyles and head sizes, but the drawcord adjusts it nicely to fit snugly around my medium-sized head. Plus, it will last a long time. Its a favorite of Switchback Travel for everyday wear and casual use and is mentioned by Outdoor Gear Lab. I do gear shakedowns for fun. We are pleased to report that Mountain Hardwear has gone back to a standard design; vertical front zip, two hand pockets, and the ability of the jacket to stuff into one of those pockets. The Montbell also comes with a stuff sack and compresses down to a highly packable size. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Patagonia has its own certification, called Traceable Down. The authors Montbell jacket was repaired with Tenacious tape 10 years ago and is still going strong! Weight: 23 oz (womens) and 27 oz (mens). Among our testing was a November backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada with the Montbell Plasma 1000 womens down jacket. The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 comes in a broader range of sizes than the Plasma (Men's S-XXL and Women's XS-XL). When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Plus, it comes in hooded and longer parka-style versions to fit a variety of aesthetics. Thank you for supporting us! To find the best down jacket, we looked at 35 models. The Agrium is also fair trade certified sewn, unlike the Cerium. By adding insulation, Outdoor Research turned the Helium into a winter jacket that is rain resistant, lightweight, and surprisingly durable. StormRepel Super DWR - our longest lasting moisture-shedding finish on sholders, arms, and lower body of shell, 650 fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, certified by Control Union 851564 More About RDS. : In addition, the synthetic insulation is made of recycled material. Photo by Junaid Dawud. Narrow baffles help compress the down, so it's more packable on adventures. In testing, it blocked the strong coastal breezes, gusts that blew strong enough to batter the tent.It has a drawstring at the back to tighten the top of the head. Like Patagonia, Montbell is another company that does not treat down to make it water-resistant. But after we contacted Rab, we discovered the newest version of this much-beloved jacket has about 1oz less down fill than previous models. and 20% OFF orders of $75+, 20% Off Any $100 Purchase + 6 Piece Gift ($96 value) Valid 8/1-8/15. One drawback of the Montbell is that sizing is limited, with only sizes S-XL in Mens and Womens (there is a Mens XXL in black only), and the fit is athletic. We are excited to see these brands grow, as others have, and become more popular with the everyday user. In my 20 years of working in outdoor retail, Ive found that Patagonia, REI, and Black Diamond have the most inclusive warranties. The Rab Microlight Alpine (mens and womens) is a much-lauded lightweight down jacket that gets high marks from Outdoor Gear Lab, Gear Junkie, and Switchback Travel. The differences between our overall pick, the mens and womens Patagonia Down Sweater (see review above), and Feathered Friends Eos are minimal enough that we went for the option that costs up to $100 less. Similar to the Arcteryx Cerium or Agrium, the Cold Front is a hybrid synthetic down jacket. This jacket would be great for someone who just needs something inexpensive to keep them warm around town or on weekend trips. The Rab Positron Pro does an exceptional job of warming areas of the body that easily become cold (like the back of the neck). One thing we found strange is while there is a hooded version of the REI 650 Jacket in the mens versions, theres no women's hooded jacket. If you absolutely must have 850 fill down and are on a budget, the Forclaz is a decent choice. Still, not all hoods are created equal. If you intend to take your down jacket to a wet climate or some place where it rains, a good DWR or water repellency on the shell is an essential feature to maintain the insulating capability of your jacket. But ultimately, whether you choose a jacket with a pocket or hood is a personal choice. The Montbell is a lighter-weight hiking jacket, but we think all but the most ultralight adventurers, like thru-hikers, won't mind carrying more weight for a few extra features. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Because synthetic insulation will stay warm when wet, the Agrium LT or Cerium LT jacket are good options if you live in a moist climate or plan to encounter inclement weather on your trips. Down fill weight is essential in determining how warm a jacket will be. They can keep you warm in casual situations or any time when its cool. Down jackets usually dont maintain their insulating ability while wet - but a wet jacket doesnt mean it is ruined forever. Fill weight references how much of the overall jackets weight is insulation. The hybrid shell of this 3-in-1 has water-repellent nylon at the shoulders, hood, lower body, and sleeves, and a wool-blend at the center of the body. You can use it as an everyday use as a winter jacket, rather than just extreme mountaineering or ice climbing. Instead, we opted for the similarly designed Rab Positron Pro, which has 10 g of down fill for every 7 g in the Neutrino. Despite its lean stature, the Plasma is toasty warm.. Another design choice that keeps the Montbell Plasma jacket the most ultralight is that it has no hood, no pockets, and no drawcord at the waist. Made using an innovative no-sew, no-glue design, this is a flexible down jacket without the bulk. One everyday reviewer wrote that the 650 Down Jacket was Packable, light, warm. Then the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (mens and womens) is the one for you. We ran in 25 top-rated shorts to find the best trail running shorts for womenwith compression, pockets, curvy fits from Patagonia, Nike, Lululemon, 2XU and more. Weight: 12.2 oz (womens) and 13.1 oz (mens), Ethically Sourced Down? The mens jacket is available in a pink/purple. Its even in our guide to Essential Backpacking Accessories because it works great for field repairs. The Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody (mens and womens) is a comfortable, durable down jacket at an affordable price for a responsibly sourced down jacket. Photo by Emily Haas. If you expect a drizzle or little moisture once in a while, a down jacket should be fine. We developed criteria to judge down jackets based on the advice of experts, our experience working in outdoor retail for 20 years, and our own testing experience. Related: How to Clean and Repair a Down Jacket, Read More: How to Clean, Wash, Repair, and Maintain Outdoor Gear. Like me, he also extolled its fit, durability, and versatility. Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which dealsea.com receives compensation. Treeline Review writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta tests the Outdoor Retailer Cold Front hoodie on a snowy winter hike. So, technically, a jacket with 30 grams of 900 fill would be as warm as a jacket with 100 grams of 50-degree fill. Weight: 21 oz (mens) and 18.7 oz (womens). However, it wasnt an issue with the navy blue jacket we tested. We were initially going to recommend the highly lauded mens and womens Rab Neutrino Pro for our Best for Extreme Weather category. (Wetting out is when down becomes too moist to stay lofty and warm up the air, thus becoming an ineffective insulation material). If its just pockets youre after, see the model listed on their international website. That stretchiness also means you are less likely to tear or rip the fabric while making sudden movements, making it a better choice for durability than many other own jackets. See our Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets story. The Mountain Hardwear ultralight jacket is a favorite among thru-hikers. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Jackets with higher warmth-to-weight ratios have higher fill power down, which tends to be more expensive. The Agrium feels like an updated version of our previous hybrid winner, the mens and womens Arcteryx Cerium LT (see review below). It remains a tried and true ultralight piece. The author wearing the REI Down Jacket on a hike in the snow. Montbell consistently produces high-quality ultralight down options. Related: The Best Base Layers for Men and Women, Weight: 12.9 oz (mens) and 10.8 oz (womens), Hooded version available? Mountain Hardwear fixed all of the issues in the newest model, restoring the classic design features we love with a few minor improvements in fabric and design. I have found the Agrium to be a great outer layer in the damp Pacific Northwest Fall weather. Weve read other reviews complaining it isnt as warm as other jackets, but that was not either of our testers experience. The brand gets a big applause from us for embracing the full color spectrum for mens and womens sizing. This is an excellent option for an affordable down-synthetic hybrid jacket. , Department When washing your down jacket, ALWAYS use a down-specific wash. Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews. As expected, we found the waist cinch inside the pockets such a small detail that noticeably helps keep out drafts. Related: The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing. Weight: 14 oz (mens) and 14 oz (womens), Ethically Sourced Down? //@Harry: Apply Code SPRINGFS in-cart for free shipping. Treeline Editor Liz Thomas telling a campfire story in the Montbell Plasma on a trip in late fall in the Emigrant Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada. Related: How to Clean, Wash, Repair, and Maintain Outdoor Gear. Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. It does not cover normal wear and tear. Weight: 10.6 oz (mens) and 9 oz (womens), Ethically Sourced Down? But if 650 fill down will work for you, then go with the REI Co-op 650. , Item model number Our only complaint about this jacket is that some colors (like orange) tend to show dirt. I've spent 20 years outfitting outdoors people of all skill and experience levels on their quest to stay active in cooler weather. Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson uses her down jacket hood for extra warmth on a chilly morning. Weight: 9.9 oz (womens) and 10.8 oz (mens), Pockets: 3 (2 handwarmers, 1 interior chest pocket), Hooded version available? Here are some honorable mentions. Hiking in the Montbell Plasma 1000 on a cool fall day at elevation in the Sierra Nevada.