Best Puffy Down Jackets of 2022

Gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) is a serious issue for many of us Carryologists, and for me, jackets have always been at the top of that GAS list. Puffy jackets are one of the most useful pieces of clothing that you can have, particularly if you enjoy spending time outdoors. Over the past few months, I’ve been running all over the country in different jackets, testing the best puffy jackets of 2022.

What makes a good puffy jacket, a good puffy jacket?

On a simple level–insulation. Puffy jackets are the ones you throw on when you’re cold, whether it’s 40ºF or -40ºF. I think they are one of the most useful parts of your outdoor arsenal, and I use mine year-round, from nighttime stargazing in winter to early mornings by the ocean in summer. And traveling year-round, the puffy jacket is a must-have.

How to pick the right puffy jacket for you

With puffy jackets, it isn’t as simple as “that looks great” (although that certainly comes into it!). Before purchasing, you really should consider your use cases, and which jacket is going to suit your lifestyle best. For example, if you’re looking for a standalone jacket, maybe compressibility isn’t high on your needs list. But if you’re an avid hiker, you’re likely to want something that disappears into a pocket or stuff sack. 

Why down?

The age-old question when discussing puffy jackets, and in particular insulated jackets is “why down?”. Simply put, down (goose or duck plumage) provides the greatest warmth to weight ratio on the market. It works by trapping air between the feathers and creating your own barrier against the cold. They are extremely lightweight and packable. However, it is not without its faults.

Traditionally, when down gets wet it loses much of its insulation power. And due to the need to create pockets (baffles) to hold the feathers, you can often find “cold spots” in down jackets, where a little air might creep through. Many manufacturers combat this by creating their own variation of baffling to provide as much coverage as possible. Down jackets are also usually a little fragile due to their lightweight nature. These issues are being addressed more and more with each passing season, with better recycled fabrics providing durability, while many companies are now treating their recycled down with hydrophobic coating to avoid ‘wetting out’.

Is there a warmth rating for jackets?

Down is measured in fill-power which tells you the quality of the plumage used in insulating a jacket. Higher fill-power means better loft (fluffiness) and as such has greater insulating efficiency and performance. The big benefit of fill-power ratings is that it often does indicate compressibility. A 1000 fill-power jacket will be considerably more compressible than a 600 fill-power jacket; it’ll also cost more. Although, fill-power alone does not tell you how warm a jacket will be. It combines with the amount of fill weight (not always easy to find) to provide an imperfect formula for warmth. For example, a 1000 fill-power jacket that has only 20g of fill will not be warmer than a 500 fill-power jacket that has 100g of fill. Truthfully, there isn’t a tried and tested perfect formula for jacket warmth, which is why you rarely see an exact temperature rating on a jacket. 

The majority of these jackets were chosen and tested in my local cold wintry climate, and while we haven’t had the traditionally constant brutal three months of sub-zero temperatures, we have had plenty of days where the mercury has plummeted and these jackets have kept me toasty. They’ve ascended to 14’000ft elevation, traveled to the third windiest place in the world, and even been around my local trails! Over the last 16 weeks, I’ve tried to put these into almost every situation that they were designed for. 

As with all of our buying guides, these puffy jackets were chosen on individual merit, rather than as a comparative list. So, without further ado, here are the best puffy jackets you can buy today. 

Versatile Everyday Comfort – 66º North Ok Jacket

What’s it good for? Hybrid Versatility. Trail or Town.

MSRP: $375

Insulation? 800 Fill Duck Down and Polartec® Powerstretch® Fleece

Length: Waist

Notable features or materials: Hybrid insulation and stretch panels.

In the coldest corners of Iceland, you will see one brand stand out – 66º North. With good reason, too! As natives of the Atlantic island, 66º North build products that are designed to thrive in the harshest conditions (did you know that Iceland is the third windiest place in the world!?). The Ok jacket, which is also available in a hooded version, is the perfect hybrid jacket. And while designed for serious alpine activity, the sleek style lends itself to urban/daily use too.

I’ve used this jacket on morning hikes, and while we haven’t hit full winter on the East Coast yet, we’ve constantly had mornings around 20ºF (-7ºC). This jacket has been perfect for rucking and exercising. The Polartec® Powerstretch® side panels allow breathability as you crank up the intensity, while the 800 fill power down (RDS Certified) provides ample insulation. The Poly, Nylon, and Lycra outer shell make this very stretchy and that only adds to the comfort, particularly while active. I often find that some down jackets are restrictive in movement due to their baffling, and I didn’t have that problem with this jacket.

In true Scandinavian style, it is a slick jacket. It blends into most surroundings comfortably with its flattering profile and muted branding. The Ok has an athletic fit, so bear that in mind when choosing your size. The best jackets are duplicitous, and this works perfectly as an active standalone jacket, but also as part of a layering system. If you’re looking for a good value winter hybrid down jacket, this could be the one for you!

Eco-conscious Hybrid – Arc’teryx Agrium Hoody

What’s it good for? Conscious construction, excellent all-rounder

MSRP: $400

Insulation? 850 fill R.D.S. goose down and Bluesign® synthetic

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Arato™ Dope Dyed Material

Down jackets might all look the same, but that doesn’t mean they are the same! The Agrium hoody from Vancouver natives Arc’teryx is a step forward in circular clothing construction! Built from a combination of eco-conscious materials and fabrics, the Agrium is a jacket that’ll keep you warm and stylish, all while reducing its environmental impact. Dope-dyed outer shell materials and yarn are used on the Agrium too, using less water than the traditional dyeing processes.

This jacket came with me to Iceland, and it was the perfect testing ground. Iceland in November is brutally windy but it also gets very wet. The hybrid insulation used in the Agrium kept me warm in both situations and it’s a very comfortable jacket to boot. The Down Composite Mapping™ is an intelligently mixed duo of 850 fill power RDS down and 45% recycled polyester insulation in the high moisture areas–cuffs, neck, etc. This proved to be very useful in a high moisture environment, and the elasticated cuffs combined with the hybrid insulation kept me toasty warm on the small Atlantic island.

The included stuff sack, which is attached to the inside of the chest pocket so that you don’t lose it, is useful for travel and storage. A large StormHood™ covers your noggin from the brutal winds and is also down insulated for maximum warmth. The Agrium is an excellent hybrid hoody that is adept in many situations and shows the intent of Arc’teryx’s commitment to circularity.

Old-School Style – Fjällräven No 1 Down Jacket

What’s it good for? Robust materials, customizable waterproofing, classic style

MSRP: $500

Insulation? 800 fill power down

Length: Hip (with drop tail)

Notable features or materials: G1000® Eco material.

Fjällräven are the masters of balancing fashion and function. The Scandinavian brand are continuously favorites worldwide (and in Carry HQ) because they blur the boundaries of those two apparel categories. The No 1 Down Jacket is arguably one of their most iconic pieces (it was one of their first!) and with good reason too.

Made from the robust and nearly impenetrable G1000® Eco material, the No 1 is the toughest jacket on this list. The 65/35 polyester and cotton mix can handle a lot of abuse, season after season, and look better with each adventure. Much like leather, I find that the G1000® only gets better with more use as it breaks in. While it is already pretty water-resistant, you can increase its weatherproofing by the addition of more Greenland wax. This is a neat feature, and not one that I have taken advantage of (it’s often too cold for serious rain on the East Coast in the dead of winter), but an easy adaptation that can work based on your location or adventures!

Style-wise, down jackets don’t look better than this in my opinion. With a great selection of colors, the No 1 goes from trail to town with ease and never looks out of place in either. The details are subtle but well thought out, such as the leather binding around the hood and cuffs, and the thoughtful labeling that explains Fjällräven’s process. A selection of chest pockets and hand warmer pockets keep either your digits or accessories warm and dry, while the two-way zip gets you in and out quickly. One of my absolute favorites that I can see myself wearing for decades to come.

Ultralight Wonder – Norrøna Trollveggen Superlight Down 850 Jacket

What’s it good for? Packing, layering, warmth to weight ratio.

MSRP: $379

Insulation? RDS Down™ 850+

Length: Hip 

Notable features or materials: “The world’s lightest down jacket with pockets”

There are times when boxes arrive at my house, and I wonder what’s in there. Maybe it is an odd sound, maybe it’s the weight, or in Trollveggen’s case–the lack thereof. I was astounded that there was actually a jacket in the package, and I’ve continued to be impressed ever since. Norrøna are outdoor experts, and there is good reason why they are trusted the world over by both explorers and adventurers. However, some of their performance pieces transcend the traditional boundaries and work excellently in day-to-day life. The Trollveggen is one such piece.

Weighing in at an impossibly light 200g, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d left this at home when you wear it. It packs down small as well, making it the perfect complement to other jackets you may have. I can see this working excellently as part of a layering system, for both active outdoor use and more urban scenarios. The construction and details of this jacket are second to none, and even more impressive considering the weight. Two zippered hand pockets, where the jacket packs down, are often a rarity on ultra-lightweight jackets, particularly ones that are a useful size. Elasticated cuffs keep hassle to a minimum, and keep the sleeves out of the way while maintaining warmth. Subtle branding extends to a reflective logo on the nape of your neck, and a reflective wordmark logo on the chest.

The fit is trim, but not too skinny, and my usual sizing rule of Large for standard fit and XL for athletic fit worked perfectly here. For reference, I’m 6ft, 44″ chest, and 220lbs. The slightly elongated hem helps trap the heat too, so I didn’t have many warmth issues here. The recycled materials and its ability to work both as a standalone jacket and as part of a system make the Trollveggen a true four-season piece and worthwhile addition to your collection.

Feel Good Feathers – Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

What’s it good for? About town comfort, exuberant designs, incredibly comfortable.

MSRP: $275

Insulation? 800FP RDS Down

Length: Hip 

Notable features or materials: Fun colorways and ethical manufacturing from a B Corp Certified brand

Cotopaxi does it right. I mean that in every applicable sense of the word. Their simple but increasingly popular “DO GOOD” slogan is entrenched in their business practices, their manufacturing, and their products. Another of their monikers, “Gear for Good” is perfectly applicable to their offering in the down jacket market–The Fuego.

The Fuego is a versatile and comfortable piece that straddles the line of fashion and function very well. While it certainly looks great (it comes in a whole array of different color combinations and I love the unique color block baffles), it is by no means a one-trick pony. Underneath its charming exterior are high-quality materials, that are ethically sourced and perform excellently. Hearty 800 fill power will stave off chills comfortably while a 20D giant ripstop has DWR coating to shed any precipitation. The giant ripstop is wonderfully smooth to touch and feels supple too. But don’t fret, it is plenty robust.

Elasticated binding at the hood and cuffs are excellent at keeping the warmth in, and the lack of Velcro is welcome at the wrists. There is also a drawcord waist so you can cinch down for the extra-cold mornings. The hood is well sized and easily fits my large noggin and a hat if I’m wearing one. The zippered hand pockets are great for keeping EDC items safe, and a good place to keep the digits warm too.

It packs into one of the internal pockets, which makes it excellent for travel. That’s where I think the Fuego excels; it lends itself to travel because it is a versatile piece. It is fashion-forward enough to not look out of place downtown, but equally adept up in the rarer air if you’re adventuring. If you’re looking for a Do Good®, travel-ready jacket, this is your choice. Plus, you’ll feel great and look great while wearing it!

Expedition Ready – ThruDark Recoil Down Jacket

What’s it good for? Innovative back panel, windproof.

MSRP: £445

Insulation? 750 down fill

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Pertex® materials, unique design.

ThruDark are continuing to produce innovative and unique products for adventures out in the field. That should come as no surprise; they were founded solely on the idea of making products that work at an elite military level. We loved their Patriot jacket that we tested last winter, and the Recoil impresses just as much.

The Recoil has many of the same features that you see in other ThruDark products; an excellent Pertex® Quantum outer that is highly weather, abrasion, and tear-resistant while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Velcro patches on both arms allow you to display multiple morale patches with ease, and there is a stowaway stretch hood in the collar. Six zippered pockets, two on the chest, two lower body, and two internally give you plenty of storage and are all adorned with beefy cotton zipper pulls that are easy to use with or without gloves. 750 fill power hydrophobic down is plenty to keep you warm, ThruDark estimates down to -10ºC (14ºF) and I’ve found that to be pretty accurate.

Now, all of these features are great, but they are not what makes the Recoil stand out. What makes the Recoil innovative is its four-way stretch, breathable back panel. That’s right, a breathable back panel on a puffy down jacket. While that may seem counterintuitive at first, it’s actually incredibly useful if you are active when carrying a pack in any way. Clumped and sweaty down is the worst thing in the world when it comes to being active in cold climates; it can literally feel like you have ice cubes over different parts of your back. Well, not here with this innovation.

The stretch panel covers approximately 75% of the back of the jacket, exactly where you will carry your pack. It allows you all the benefits of down on the rest of the jacket, your body, arms, and sides, while providing excellent ventilation and movement in the area that needs it. I’ve found this to be really useful both hiking and in everyday carry. Heat escapes, your movement isn’t restricted by baffles–you really get the best of both! This isn’t a jacket designed for standing around in, this is made to go with you when you venture into the cold kitted out.

I’ve found the Recoil to be a great addition to my collection, and while it is definitely specialist, if you need a down jacket that allows you to carry loads comfortably, you won’t beat this. Classic style, excellent performance, and innovation all rolled into one.

Stretchy Goodness – Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Pullover

What’s it good for? Movement, movement, movement

MSRP: $240

Insulation? 800FP RDS Down

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Warp Knit HeavyWeight Solid

Mountain Hardwear have always been busy creating excellent and innovative apparel and carry. Every time I get my hands on some of their gear, it becomes a “go-to” piece of mine pretty quickly. That story stays the same here with the Stretchdown™ Pullover.

MH were early adopters of the stretchy puffy jacket, and one of the first to use their own baffle system rather than the traditional quilted baffles. You see, with the asymmetric baffling, the jacket is less prone to cold spots at stitching sites and more fluid thanks to the lack of traditional rigid seams. What does that mean in reality? A very functional, comfortable, and warm jacket. The Pullover is the most compressible version of the Stretchdown™ line to date, and it has proven to be a very versatile layer.

Worn on its own or under a shell, I’ve taken this on the mountain boarding, I’ve worn it hiking, and I’ve worn it as a daily piece. Aside from the Fjällräven listed above, it is probably the most subtle of the jackets here, and while definitely a performance product, it blends into daily life nicely too thanks to the matte exterior of the Warp Knit fabric. Elastic cuff and hood linings keep the heat in, while the half zip design makes this a versatile addition to your collection. This does pack into its own hand pocket, but I’ve worn it so much that I’ve barely wanted to pack it away.

The Stretchdown™ Light Pullover is an excellent addition to the product line and if you’re a one-bag traveler looking for a versatile piece that can do a bit of everything, you’d be hard pressed to find a better balance of value and performance.

Lightweight Hoody – Arc’teryx Cerium SL

What’s it good for? Lightweight warmth on the trail/hill/peaks.

MSRP: $269.25 (On Sale)

Insulation? 850 fill power

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Arato™ 7 Nylon Shell

Arc’teryx are featured twice on this list because, as always, their products innovate, and fit specific use cases so seamlessly. The Cerium SL is an ultralight (215g!) down hoody that should be in your backpack if you’re spending early mornings out in the wilderness or time thousands of feet above sea level.

I say that for many reasons, but firstly it packs down so damn small. When packed in the included stuff sack, this is maybe no bigger than a 16oz beer can. There is always room for it, whatever bag you take, and the performance from said packable jacket is really rather impressive. The warmth to weight ratio on the Cerium SL is notable thanks to the 850FP, and I’ve worn it as a standalone in 5ºF when active and been almost too warm, and 20ºF when static and been happy. I even used it on a cold day ice fishing as my only outer layer and was surprised to be toasty on the ice.

The Cerium is a decidedly minimalist jacket, with two small zippered hand pockets and a central full-length zipper. There isn’t a need for bells and whistles on a jacket like this; it is made with performance in mind. The Arato™ 7 nylon shell adds excellent wind resistance (which certainly increases the range of temperatures that I was comfortable at) and is surprisingly durable. It isn’t indestructible, but I’ve put some miles on this wearing healthy-sized packs, and not noticed any sign of damage or wear.

If your sole goal is lightweight performance in a variety of climates and locations, this is one of the best security blankets around.

Waterproof Down Jacket – Rab Valiance

What’s it good for? Waterproof, windproof, packable.

MSRP: $385

Insulation? 800 fill power

Length: Hip (Drop Tail)

Notable features or materials: Pertex® Shield

Rab makes the best value-for-money outdoor products. There I said it. I don’t like them just because they’re British, I love them because every piece of gear that I’ve tested from them over the past two years has performed exceptionally well and at a very wallet-friendly price point.

The Valiance is like the Cadillac of puffy jackets. It is a high-level performance piece, but unlike other puffy down jackets, it is also waterproof! Constructed with a Pertex® shield, this has a hydrostatic head of 10,000 and is fully seam taped. For any jacket, particularly a down jacket, that is an excellent rating. Combine that with its windproof properties, the 800FP Nikwax® Hydrophobic down and a fluorocarbon-free DWR, and synthetic insulation around the cuffs and hood, and you really have all that you could ever need from a puffy with the Valiance, particularly if you live in an unpredictable or wet climate.

The performance features are impressive, but so is the comfort. The internal Pertex® Quantum literally feels like you’re in your favorite sleeping bag, while the YKK® AquaGuard zippers on both the entrance and hand pockets are sure to keep everything dry. This jacket runs warm and provides heat instantly once you’ve put it on. I would say it’s too hot for high output activities (I did wear it snowboarding for a day) but it is a must-have in your pack for serious weather protection. It comes with its own waterproof stuff sack and roughly packs down to the size of a large Nalgene water bottle.

There isn’t enough space to talk about the merits of the Rab Valiance. It is, in my opinion, one of the best representations of value, performance, and versatility in a puffy jacket.

Nature Does It Best – Ibex Wool Aire

What’s it good for? Proprietary insulation, down alternative

MSRP: $285

Insulation? 80g Merino Wool Insulation

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: PFC-free, Bluesign Certified materials, Oeko-tex Certified dyes 

I’m a big fan of Ibex, their merino wool tees and base layers are amongst my favorites. Great design, brilliant execution, and good value for money. What’s not to love? When they released their Wool Aire Hoodie, I was really intrigued. We all know the benefits of merino wool as a base layer, t-shirt, or accessory. But I had never seen merino used as an insulation tool in a jacket. Well, I’m happy to report that the Wool Aire is as excellent as it is innovative.

With 80 grams of proprietary merino wool insulation (80/20 wool/polyester mix), the Wool Aire does something that many other jackets on this list can’t – it truly regulates your body temperature well. It has all the properties that we know and love from merino–antimicrobial, insulates when wet, regulates temperature, and is virtually odor-free! It isn’t ultralightweight, but it definitely falls into the light category, with my XL jacket just tipping the scales at 13oz. The face fabric is nylon, and is both water and wind-resistant. 

The Wool Aire is impressively comfortable, as most merino wool is, and feels better with each wear. It stashes in its own chest pocket, has zippered hand pockets, and also features elasticated cuffs. I’ve found this to be adept at hybrid use particularly for town to trail; it blends in seamlessly with either task. Thanks to the merino wool insulation, I also found this excellent for morning rucks when it was humid or moisture was lingering; you know what days I mean, when it’s hovering above freezing, but isn’t warm enough to go without a jacket. It layers well too, thanks to the athletic fit, and I could comfortably fit my standard shell over the top of this. I’m really impressed by the innovation shown from Ibex here, I can’t wait to see what they do next!

The Icon – The North Face 1996 Nuptse

What’s it good for? Immediate warmth, old-school cool.

MSRP: $290

Insulation? 700 fill power down

Length: Hip

Notable features or materials: Retro designs, 100% recycled fabrics.

Some jackets are instantly recognizable, long before you see the logo on the chest or shoulder. The Nuptse jacket from The North Face is arguably the most famous puffy jacket on the planet. With good reason too! Various iterations of this jacket have traveled to the highest peaks, been seen on Paris runways, and been worn by at least one person you know.

The classic oversized baffles trap heat immediately the moment you put this jacket on, and you will not suffer from any chilliness wearing this! It’s pretty much the closest you can come to wearing a sleeping bag in public without actually wearing one. With a non-PFC DWR finish and lofty 700FP down insulation, this jacket can handle some pretty severe weather. 

It is also compatible with The North Face Triclimate® system, meaning that you can clip this into a compatible shell and have the ultimate protection. Coming in an array of colors, this version is inspired by the 1996 original Nuptse with oversized logos and a relaxed fit. Other features include the stretchy elasticated cuffs, a cinchable hem, a stowable hood (packed into the collar), a robust VISLON® zipper, and the packable pocket. The Nuptse is a timeless classic that will continue to keep you warm for years to come, just as they have for the past 25 years.

There we have it, a vast selection of some of the best puffy jackets on the market today. Everyone should have a puffy jacket in their quiver; it is one of the jackets that you’ll find yourself using regularly. A good puffy prepares you for more adventures, and keeps you comfy while you do it! Carry on!