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Jackets in this weight class also are far puffier than the other categories, and as a result take up quite a bit more space when stuffed down. Finally, the Neutrino Pro is overkill for all but the coldest days and therefore isn't as versatile as a midweight option like the Arcteryx Thorium AR below. The good news is that some brands have started making the shift to PFC-free DWR, but it's mostly been limited to the rain jacket and hardshell markets (Marmot and Mountain Hardwear are leaders here). But were getting into the nitty gritty with these critiques, and most of us arent too deterred by the addition of a few ouncesespecially when theyre accompanied by hundreds of dollars of savings. For a more detailed explanation of this topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation.Back to Women's Down Jacket Picks Back to Women's Down Jacket Comparison Table. Read more about us. Its also on the heavier side for performance use and lacks the Rabs weather-ready shell and hydrophobic down, which go a long way in boosting protection on particularly wet adventures. Fill Weight The temperature range for lightweight jackets depends on factors like layering and exertion, but we find that they are typically suitable for approximately 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (more on this in Our Estimated Temperature Scale below). Further, the rigid structure of the jackets brimmed hood has a hardshell-like feel, offering great all-around coverage and protection. For insulation that we wear during activity (such as while climbing or backcountry skiing), well reach for synthetic over down nine times out of 10. Ultralight is a buzzword of sorts that you will inevitably run into when shopping for a down jacket, and its worth noting there arent hard-and-fast rules as to what qualifies. The Fitz Roy Hoody (the previous model was the Parka) now falls into the midweight category, similar to the Rab Microlight Alpine below. On the other hand, if you need a layer for around-town and occasional outdoor uses like downhill skiing, you'll be completely fine with a somewhat heavier and more affordable build like the 14.8-ounce Arcteryx Thorium AR. These down jackets might have similar fill weights as those in the lightweight category but are ultralight due to their use of premium down (fill power), thin shell fabrics (denier), and minimalist zippers and pockets. Down enthusiasts love its compressibility and for good reason. Switchback Travels female editorial staff hit the slopes, trails, and city streets to compile this list, which ranges from technical, performance-oriented jackets to casual everyday designs. Fill: 3.7 oz. Style and technical performance dont always go hand in hand, but Fjallraven manages to merge the two better than most. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. However, they also cost considerably more than your typical and more casual down sweater. However, despite their high quality, we find most ultralight jackets fragile and minimalist (not to mention expensive), and thus impractical for everyday use. In addition, weve found the crinkly Diamond Fuse shell makes the OR jacket a little less cozy than an alternative like the Cerium, and the jacket is known to run small for its size. weigh very little for the warmth they provide and compress down extremely small in your pack. Category: HeavyweightWeight: 2 lbs. On top of that, you get a soft and durable 70x90-denier plain weave shellgreat for withstanding the rigors of city useand side zips that make it easy to sit, bike, or drive. For days that start at the trailhead and end at the brewery, the Fjallraven is a versatile and standout piece. Its also worth noting that Mountain Hardwear offers a number of versions of the Stretchdown, including a heavyweight parka, which has become one of our testers go-to jackets for everyday winter use.See theMountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody. A final trend to touch on is the use of PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finishes. of 750-fill downWhat we like: Do-everything personality.What we dont: Expensive despite having less premium down. In terms of competitors, Patagonias Down Sweater Hoody uses the same 800-fill-power down and has a slightly thicker 20 x 30-denier shell but is 1 ounce heavier and costs $279 (without the Cotopaxis fill weight, its difficult to precisely nail down which is the warmer jacket). Its far from the lightest option on this list (ounce counters should see the more performance-focused Arc'teryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 below), and the fit is shorter and a bit boxier than more performance-oriented models. Category: LightweightWeight: 9.9 oz.Fill: 3.35 oz. The Rab cant compete with the Fitz Roys coziness, but it wins out in both weather protection and durability, with hydrophobic down and a 30-denier Pertex Quantum shell (weve found the Fitz Roys 20D shell to be pretty fragile). This makes them a serious liability in wet conditions or if youre sweating heavily, which is why some prefer synthetic jackets, which continue to insulate when wet. But generally, we think of ultralight and lightweight jackets (including down sweaters)which usually have between 2 and 4 ounces of downas providing solid warmth in conditions ranging from around 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. of 700-fill downWhat we like: Warm for the price; water-resistant build.What we dont: Not as much daily appeal as the Patagonia Down Sweater. First is the 50-denier fabric, which is considerably more robust than much of the competition. of 900-fill downWhat we like: Premium build quality and superb warmth-to-weight ratio.What we dont: Technical appearance and occasional issues with availability. Keep in mind that although the REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 stuffs into its hand pocket, the 650-fill-power isnt as lofty or compressible as more premium models on this list that hit 800-fill power or higher. To start, it's built to handle wind and light moisture thanks to a tough Pertex Quantum shell, DWR coating, and hydrophobic down. And it ups the ante in terms of warmth, with 5.3 ounces of 700-fill down compared to the Stretchdowns 3.3 ounces. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Impressive versatility, good looks, and ethically sourced down.What we don't: A bit heavy and streamlined for true performance use. Jackets like the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie take this to the next level, with a waterproof shell on the shoulders and the hood. Fill power (600-fill, 700-fill, 800-fill, etc.) Despite its all round designation (hence the AR), the Thorium is no slouch in the performance department. When gear companies really prioritize cutting weight, youll see changes to zippers, a trim fit, and a lack of pockets. parka-length version, too, which goes head to head with a jacket like the OR Coze Down Parka below.See the Patagonia Silent Down Jacket. Further, the 20-denier shell has a quality feel and offers surprisingly good abrasion resistance. And while the Down With It doesnt compress well for travel, its got one big thing going for it: warmth. Checking in at 15.8 ounces and stuffing down to the size of a loaf of bread, its heavier and bulkier than jackets like the Patagonia Fitz Roy and Rab Microlight Alpine below, both of which are arguably warmer with higher quality down fill. As always, we appreciate the sleek look and impressive quality of Arcteryx products, which is why two of their down jackets made our list Read in-depth reviewSee theArc'teryx Thorium AR Hoody. For uses like backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, ski touringor whenever you have to lug around your own gearthe total weight of your down jacket should play a significant role in your buying decision. For example, if Jacket A has 6 ounces of 800-fill down and Jacket B has 3 ounces of 800-fill down, you can expect that Jacket A will be significantly warmer (we estimate that it would increase comfort levels in low-output activities by approximately 10-20 degrees). Some jackets do a great job at splitting the difference, with competitive warmth-to-weight ratios but fits and finishes that transition nicely for around-town use. In terms of the competition, the Cerium LT above is significantly lighter, and the use of synthetic Coreloft in the hood and shoulders (which insulates even when wet) lends similar wet-weather assurance. The first step in finding the best women's down jacket is determining what your end use will be. First, a fabric with stretch (like Mountain Hardwears Stretchdown and Rab's Cubit Stretch Down) will have a lot more give to it, meaning it will stretch under pressure rather than rip. With a total weight of 9.9 ounces, a nearly complete feature set, and a silky interior and exterior, the Cerium LT plays and looks the part. With lightweight materials and Patagonias high-quality construction, the result is one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios here and an ideal insulator for speedy winter missions when every ounce counts. The result is a sub-1-pound down jacket that is both impressively durable and relatively capable in wet weather. Weve included a number of our favorite mid and heavyweight options in this article, but for a more in-depth look at the market, see our article on the best winter jackets. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to accomplish the same comfort goals. And for those looking to save, Marmot's $100-cheaperHype Down Hooded Jacket boasts the same fill weight and fill power as the Fitz Roy, but in a heavier and less premium packageRead in-depth reviewSee the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers Editor's Picks: Mountain Running Gear Guide, Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody ($325), See the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody, Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($229), See the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie, Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($275), See theMountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, See the REI Co-op Stratocloud Down Hoodie, Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($250), See the Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie, Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie ($279), See the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie, Back to Women's Down Jacket Comparison Table. And the Silent Down holds its own in terms of performance too, with a durable 40-denier weave and 3.7 ounces of down fill for ample insulation against a shoulder season or mild winter chill. Of note: you can expect an update to the Eos by the end of the year, including a new chest pocket and drawstring hoodRead in-depth reviewSee the Feathered Friends Eos. Second, fit varies significantly by brand. of 650-fill downWhat we like: Considerably cheaper than any other jacket on this list, yet surprisingly well built. To be sure, the Silent Down is not a performance piecelike the TNF Gotham and Marmot Montreal above, this is an everyday jacket for in-town use. Very few down jackets are made with stretchy shell fabrics, but we like the brands' innovations here. The majority of down jackets on this list hover between $2o0 and $400, but REIs 650 2.0 costs of fraction of that at just $100 (and often less on sale). Although many down jackets are ideal for mountain environments and outdoor activities given their lightweight and packable nature, down jackets are also our first choice for everyday warmth in the cold winter months. For bitter cold and climbing higher peaks, an even heavier performance down parka (such as Patagonias Grade VII Down Parka and the Arcteryx Firebee AR) may be in order. Below is information that should help you fill in the gaps.Fill Power For true wet weather, your best bet is a synthetic jacket, which is able to insulate even when wet. 4.1 oz. They generally cost the most, look the best (Patagonia is a close competitor), and perform well enough for serious mountain athletes to put them through the wringer on a consistent basis. Category: LightweightWeight: 14.8 oz. You get 2.5 ounces of premium 800-fill hydrophobic down in a package that stuffs down smaller than a 1-liter Nalgene (complete with a carabiner clip loop). Youll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight Alpine stands out as one of the more weather-ready midweight down jackets weve tested. And with that premium Patagonia build quality and finish, the Down Sweater doesnt look overly technical for walking around town or grabbing a drink after a long day in the mountains. While Arcteryxs Cerium series shaves weight and features for technical pursuits, their Thorium collection places a bigger premium on everyday functionality. The price point is decidedly high for most casual users, but the Thorium ARs premium materials and construction will last you season after season. compared to the previous versions 6.4), and a slightly shorter hem. A cozy baselayer can buy you an extra 5 to 15 degrees depending on its thickness and quality. But the performance chops of the Stretchdown are limited: The 700-fill-power down has less loft than the true backcountry pieces on this list, and the jacket is bulky and heavy for the amount of warmth you get. Fabric thickness also plays an important role, and thinner-denier fabrics logically pack down smaller. 600-fill isnt as light and compressible as higher-fill-power down, but this is less of a concern for casual use and 8.3 ounces is a generous supply. Keep in mind that none of these technologies are guaranteed to keep your down completely dry, but they do make nice lines of defense against light to moderate precipitation. Some parkas, like Marmot's Montreal below, are classified as thigh-length rather than knee-length, but the added inches here are especially nice in cold climates like the Midwest or Northeast. Second, Americans may have problems with the European-style left-hand zipper, which can take a while to get used to. On the shorter end of the spectrum, many down sweaters and other lightweight pieces end right around the waist or hips. 3.5 oz.Fill: 8.3 oz. Patagonia updated the Fitz Roy a couple seasons ago, with changes including a 5-ounce-lighter weight, noticeably less down (4.5 oz. Our impact on the environment has never been of greater concern, and its nice to see gear companies step it up with more sustainable practices.