Best Packable Down Jackets Reviewed

Materials & Warmth

Patagonia leads the field in sustainability and responsible material sourcing with 100% traceable down in this sweater. This means the company has gone through extra lengths to ensure the geese are never force-fed nor live-plucked. The shell reflects efforts for sustainability as well with 100% recycled polyester ripstop.

This sweater has a fill power of 800; users find it provides reliable warmth as a mid-layer in very cold temperatures. In moderately cold weather, the DWR (durable water resistant) coating and combination of 20D and 30D polyester ripstop do an adequate job of blocking the wind when worn as a regular jacket.

Packability

According to Patagonia’s website, this jacket weighs in around 12.2 ounces for women and 13.1 ounces for men. The heavy zippers and thicker fabric add a bit of weight to this down sweater but it remains mid-range for weight when compared to similar models. However, it does come in an ultralight version as well, weighing 8.2 ounces for women and 9.5 ounces for men. This jacket stuffs into an interior chest pocket.

Features

This down sweater relies on heavier zippers that have a wicking storm flap through the body and comforting fleece lining areas around the face. Two zippered pockets are insulated to warm hands and the internal zippered pocket doubles as a stuff sack. Elastic cuffs and a pull-cord hem that can be pulled from the pocket helps to cinch this jacket down and keep cold air and snow out.

Fit

The down sweater is neither loose nor snug. There is a bit more space through the torso and sleeves than more fitted jackets. However, users find the jacket maintains a good range of motion when layered over another sweater but it does not feel too baggy when worn with a thin base layer.

Value

The price will range between 200 and 300 dollars on this high-quality jacket. It is a great value for the weight-to-warmth ratio and you can feel good about supporting Patagonia’s responsible practices when compared to the other best packable down jackets.

Materials & Warmth

This jacket uses Nylon Ripstop fabric on the inner part and Pertex microlight on the outer part of the jacket. It has 750 FP goose down and is designed to protect you from the wind and the cold.

Packability

The Rab Microlight is one of the heavier jackets on this list, weighing in at 15.4 ounces. While it may not be your top choice for a long backpacking trip, users still find it to be lightweight and convenient for packing into the included stuff sack.

Features

This jacket is one of the most durable selections from the best packable down jackets list. It utilizes Hydrophobic down, so you don't need to worry if it gets wet. This one will keep you warm and wick away moisture at the same time.

Fit
This jacket fits well and the sizes run true to size.

Value

At around $200, this jacket is pricey but worth it if you are looking for a durable, waterproof, comfortable, and packable option from the best packable down jackets list.

Materials & Warmth

Down composite mapping strategically places real down around the core and hood with synthetic Coreloft material around the shoulders, underarms, collar, and cuffs. The use of synthetic Coreloft filling in areas most prone to getting wet reduces the chances of moisture penetrating the down and compressing it. Reviewers do not report much difference in warmth between this jacket and those of full-down. It provides good warmth as a mid-layer for outdoor sports or as an around-town jacket.

The shell is made of a combination of 20D and 10D ripstop nylon fabrics to find the proper balance of heavy durability and lightweight portability.

Packability

At 10.8 ounces, it is not the lightest weight option for down jackets. However, it still cannot be considered heavy, especially when taking into account the warmth and insulation it provides with only 10.8 ounces of material. It comes with a 0.21-ounce stuff sack that can be tied inside the pocket of the jacket.

Features

This jacket features a hood and insulated hand warmer pockets.

Fit

The Cerium LT hoody runs small and has a fitted silhouette that fits easily under shells and backpacks. It is a bit shorter through the torso than others on this list.

Value

The Arc'teryx name carries with it a reputation for high-quality design, reliable performance and clean lines, and, with that, a higher price tag. The strategic use of synthetic Coreloft extends the life of this jacket so it should last a few more seasons than a budget brand. A few reviewers note some feather shedding but most find it to be on par with other quality down jackets.

Warmth & Materials

This is an 800 fill goose down jacket so it is designed to keep you incredibly warm, which makes it a great choice from the best packable down jackets list. It's woven fabric provides a seamless fit and you will find this jacket to be both comfortable and incredibly warm.

Packability

This jacket is ultra light and designed to be packable. It's functional, mobile, and warm--what's not to love?

Features

This jacket features 2 zippered handwarmer pockets and 1 zippered chest pocket.

Fit

The fit is described as classic. It is loose enough to layer under and slim enough to be worn under a heavier coat. This jacket lacks the fluffy silhouette of most down and is becoming a favorite among alpine climbers as it stays out of the way of packs and gear.

Value

A little on the pricey, but not out of the ordinary for a down jacket.

Materials & Warmth

Some reviewers describe this jacket as more of a heavy sweater. With 650 fill power, it provides less warmth than some of the more expensive jackets. However, thicker 20D polyester shell and 44D nylon lining provide more substantial protection from the wind than flimsy alternatives. Down is certified according to the RDS.

Packability

With the hood, a men's large weighs in around 15.4 ounces. It packs into one of the two zippered handwarmer pockets to a fairly small size. Most users are impressed by the packability and do not seem to notice the extra few ounces.

Features

This jacket features a fully adjustable hood, drawcord hem, two zippered hand pockets, and one zippered chest pocket.

Fit

This jacket has a slim fit that is roomy enough to accommodate a sweater and streamlined enough to fit under another jacket making it an ideal mid layer.

Value

If you are seeking a quality mid layer to add to your outdoor wardrobe, the value of this sweater is unbeatable. It can frequently be found for less than 200 dollars and the more durable shell prevents snags and shedding so you can enjoy your down layer longer.

Materials & Warmth

Similar to the Cerium, the Thorium features down composite mapping to place natural 750 fill down in the areas you need the most warmth and synthetic Coreloft in zones more prone to moisture. With a 40D Nylon exterior and DWR coating, this jacket provides more protection against the wind than any other on this list. Users find this jacket to be the best for all-around use and most closely takes the place of a heavier parka.

Packability

Despite its strong exterior and more substantial feel, the Thorium maintains a light weight of 14.5 ounces with the hood. It remains quite a bit larger than the Cerium when packed into its stuff sack but is more manageable than a parka.

Features

This jacket shares the same insulated hood and zippered hand pockets as the Cerium.

Fit

It has a bit more bulk than the lighter weight jackets but it remains fairly streamlined. Users find it an excellent fit as an outer shell but can also successfully layer it under a waterproof layer for more extreme conditions.

Value

Like most Arc’teryx gear, the price runs a bit high. However, this All Around jacket runs slightly lower in cost than its more popular brother. Users find it a worthy investment for a jacket that can be worn daily with a convenient option to pack it away.

Materials & Warmth

Mountain Hardwear uses patented Q-shield technology to infuse down with water repelling properties. This hydrophobic down does not get weighed down as easily when exposed to moisture and will retain its heat better than regular down. To maintain a lightweight, this jacket uses a tight weave of very light 7D x 10D nylon ripstop for the outer shell. Despite the thin feel, users find this jacket performs and blocks wind and light moisture just as well as some mid-weight options and much better than its fellow lightweights.

Packability

This Mountain Hardwear jacket weighs in at just 7.8 ounces according to their website. Users report the outer shell does feel very delicate but seems to be more durable than one would think. The ultralight zipper does reduce weight but a few users find it a bit too flimsy at times. Ultimately, the jacket packs down very small into its own pocket and adds minimal weight to your pack.

Features

Despite its lightweight, this jacket manages to include zippered pockets, an insulated hood and an adjustable cord at the hem.

Fit

The fit is described as form-fitting. It runs a bit tighter across the chest and shoulders with some more room through the torso.

Value

This Mountain Hardwear jacket falls in the more expensive price bracket of 300-400 dollars. While it is more expensive, it does offer excellent performance and surprisingly good durability for its lightweight.

Materials & Warmth

The Marmot Ares has a fill power of 600 which is quite a bit lower than other similar jackets. The down is treated with Down Defender to improve water resistance and warmth in wet conditions. The shell is polyester mini-ripstop with a DWR coating, they do not report a denier amount. Overall, users find this coat functions well in moderate cold and block the wind pretty well.

Marmot does not certify their down through an independent third party but reports sourcing according to their animal cruelty policy which means they buy from farms that never live-pluck.

Packability

Weighing in at 15.5 ounces, this jacket is a bit heavier than the competition especially when considering it does not have a hood. It does pack down fairly small into one of the zippered pockets and is easy to travel with.

Features

This jacket does have 2 zippered pockets, one of which doubles as a stuff sack. The hem has a drawcord that can be adjusted conveniently through the pockets. Some users love this feature as they do not need to take hands out into the cold. Others would prefer unobstructed space in the pockets.

Fit

This jacket has an athletic fit with Angel Wing design to allow for improved range of motion through the arms and shoulders.

Value

At less than 200 dollars, this is an excellent budget option. This jacket does not excel in any one category but provides practical features as well as reasonable warmth and packability.

Insulation

The chambers are filled with 750 down. It's one of the warmest jackets we tested.

Brand

Mountain Hardwear is a great company and has been making quality outdoor products since 1993. They're known for their tough and durable apparel.

Style

Users felt like this looked good when wearing it around town. Some people were disappointed that it didn't have more of a technical fit.

Water Resistance

The shell material offers the user pretty good protection against moisture. If the insulation does get wet the 750 down still keeps its loft to help you stay warm.

Portability

This one doesn't pack down as small as some other options on the best packable down jackets list, but it can definitely be packed into some pretty tight places.

Insulation

The 650 fill down will keep you warm on chilly days by itself. This also makes a great mid-layer for extra cold outdoor adventures. The down conforms to Responsible Down Standards (RSD) and is bluesign® approved as well.

Brand

REI has been making and selling great outdoor apparel and products since 1938. All of the products they make have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can be exchanged or returned for a refund up to a year after purchase and can be exchanged at any time during the life of the product if there are problems due to materials or workmanship.

Style

It looks like a pretty standard down jacket. Some users missed it having a drawstring at the hem for a custom fit but were happy that a down jacket this nice was available at a low price.

Water Resistance

The nylon shell is treated with a DWR (durable water repellant) finish that is fairly effective at repelling light moisture. It is also windproof.

Portability

One of the most packable jackets on our list, it only weighs 10.5 ounces and conveniently stuffs into its own left-hand pocket.