So you’ve found yourself perusing the jacket section, gearing up with the hardware for a cold-weather adventure to embark upon.
To start the search informed about the lightweight down jacket, there are two types of jackets that will keep you warm, dry, and cozy when the conditions are leaning into the opposite of those feelings: down and synthetic.
While both of these travel jackets have their advantages, this guide will inform you of the best packable down jackets to keep your eyes on for the 2019 season.
First, let’s answer the question, “What is down, and why would it be chosen over a synthetic or polyester counterpart?”
Contrary to popular belief, a down is not the actual feathers of waterfowl, but the fluffy mid-layer that maintains the warmth by creating thousands of little air pockets that are heated up by the body of the person (or bird) wearing the plumage not letting you feel the cold air when you wear it.
It’s not the down itself keeping the body warm, it’s the down that’s keeping the warmth within the layer that your body has spread its heat to.
(This is why it is common to hear that sleeping with fewer clothes on in a down sleeping bag is more beneficial to stay warm, so the body can share its heat with the tiny pockets of air, creating a cocoon for sleeping bliss and making the perfect winter jacket.
On the flip side, this is why it’s actually not in best heating practice to squeeze two people into one sleeping bag for more warmth, as this extended the fabric to capacity and loses the magic space between, and just releases all heat through the thin layer of squished down.)
Down garments are constructed through insulated filling from either duck, goose, or a combination of the two. Goose down is regarded as premium in terms of weight and heat retention, but duck or a combination can easily be found as well for a lighter price tag.
With this information, it’s important to choose what’s going to work best under the conditions in which you are gearing up for and to synergistically work with the jacket that will sustain you through the cold. Luckily, here you will find the information you need to find the best lightweight down jacket to wear on your next winter hiking trip.
Here are a few more things to understand this warm jacket and reference about down when shopping for which jacket is best suited for your expedition in question:
Table of Contents
Best Down Jacket Grade
When exploring your options for a down jacket, the grade is something to gauge the capability of the down itself. The grade is the stuffing ratio of down to feathers. For example, a down article with a grade of 80% will contain 80% down and 20% of the other small miscellaneous feathers that were not separated during the manufacturing process.
The higher the grade/percentage down, the greater the degree of warmth you will be getting, which is directly proportional to the cost as well. The higher the grade, the steeper the price of the insulated jacket you will wear.
Jacket Fill Power
Fill power (loftiness) is indicative of the weight to warmth ratio and the quality of down under observation, as a measure of the volume in cubic inches that 1 ounce of down will occupy.
For the function of packability and retention of loft integrity, higher fill power is ideal under backpacking circumstances providing more warmth through fewer ounces. These features are the ones you should be looking for in your travel jackets
Advantages of Down
In a comparison of warmth to weight, down exceeds nearly any synthetic insulated warm jacket. It is notoriously breathable which allows unwanted moisture to release but keeps the cold air away from your body.
Down retains the structure and thickness of insulation (loft), making it ideal to stuff in a pack with the peace of mind that it will come back out with the degree of integrity it went in with.
It is a seriously durable insulator, and can easily be one of the pieces of gear the stands out through the years as a reliable expedition companion. Relative to alternatives, its lightweight and ability to compress make it the front runner of packable apparel.
Disadvantages of Down
While down takes the cake in warmth, weight, and compressibility, it loses all its stunning capability when we, which can be a real bummer when the down jacket that is keeping you insulted gets ultra sweaty or rained on.
Down also takes a very long time to dry relative to its synthetic polyester counterpart, which can render it essentially useless in times of need. So don’t expect to be a waterproof winter jacket.
Jacket Hydrophobic and DWR Solutions
To broach the issue of down is useless when wet, a polymer coating that manufacturers can apply to the down has been developed to prevent the material from absorbing moisture to keep you dry while hiking and allows the garment to retain loft and thus its ability to keep the wearer feeling as delightful as possible in cold and damp conditions. This is called hydrophobic insulation.
Hydrophobic down is more expensive, so it’s something to consider when evaluating the conditions, region, and climate under which you will be utilizing the jacket.
It does add a fractional amount of weight to the insulation, but barely enough to notice when the conditions call for your jacket to stay dry and functional. The weight of applying a hydrophobic solution is fractional when taken into consideration.
DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent and is another way that manufacturers can make standard down jackets for travel, more durable under wet or sweaty conditions by coating the outer shell of the garment to make it not completely waterproof but water-resistant.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket for Packability
Ultralight down jackets are crafted for precision when all ounces weighed are going into your pack for the backcountry, climbing excursions, backpacking trips, or wherever your boots may take you.
Ultralight jackets body and sleeves are designed with premium quality down for a higher fill power, have a lighter shell fabric and minimize extraneous weight through minimal pockets and zippers.
Construction Considerations
Some features to consider when evaluating how your lightweight down jacket is going to be most effective for the circumstances:
Hood
When looking for a down lightweight jacket for hiking to use in a layering system between a base and outer layer, a hood might not be necessary if it’s provided in another article of clothing. No hooded-down sweaters save a bit of weight as well.
For a more multifunctional all-around garment that can be used as the outer layer under more urban circumstances or when an outer shell is not required, it could definitely be more convenient to have a hood in your ultralight jacket.
Box Baffle or Sewn Through
Sewn-through is the cheapest and most common way to construct a down ultralight jacket, as it is simpler and demands less material.
Box Baffle is a construction that maximizes loft by providing an individual section for the down to reside. This results in less clumping of the down in one specific place and minimizes cold spots. This process requires more material than the sewn-through method, which makes the end result thicker and generally more expensive.
Denier
Denier is a measure of fabric durability. A higher denier indicated thicker, sturdier, and more durable. Lower represents softer, lighter, and less durable. A higher denier also indicates more weight to the garment, and ultralight ultra-functional apparel is a mix of finding a sturdy shell while keeping weight into consideration.
Ethical Consideration of Down
Down insulation jackets for travel are controversial in terms of sourcing and sustainability of usage of natural material that is meant to keep ducks and geese warm.
When searching for the perfect down jacket to wear, make sure to familiarize yourself with the companies practices (or lack thereof) in terms of sourcing. The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an independent, global standard that companies can certify their products to accolade a high emphasis on animal welfare.
Top Picks for Packable Down Jackets
BRAND/STYLE | WEIGHT | FILL POWER | WATER RESISTANCE | PACKABILTY | MFG PRICE |
MontBell Plasma 1000 | 4.8
ounces
|
1000 | standard DWR coating | 3.9” x 5.5”
stuff sack |
Around $329.00 |
Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket | 7.8
ounces
|
800 | Nikwax hydrophobic Down |
Around $350.00 |
|
Patagonia Down Jacket | 9.5
ounces
|
800 | DWR coating finish | chest pocket |
Around $149.00 |
Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Jacket | 10
ounces
|
800 | light weather resistance | left pocket |
Around $249.00 |
Arc’teryx SL Cerium Jacket | 7.1
ounces
|
850 | DWR finish | stuff sack included |
Around $329.00 |
Feathered Friend EOS Down Jacket | 9
ounces
|
900 | DWR finish | stuff sack included |
Around $309.00 |
Rab Continuum Jacket | 12.5
ounces
|
850 | Nikwax hydrophobic Down | stuff sack |
Around $350.00 |
#1 Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
At Mountain Hardwear is a brand that stands on a valued pillar of “ethical, sustainable manufacturing practices and is committed to assuring that the partners with whom we do business share these values.” Not only do they ask for standards within their own company, but ask the same of the spectrum of their influence.
Ghost Whisperer Jacket
- Alpine fit for a trim, close to the body fit; easy for layering.
- Comes in Men’s and Women’s styles.
- Elastic inner cuff to keep the cold from seeping in.
- Fabric’s weave is naturally windproof and water repellent.
- Available with or without hood, depending on the specific need.
The Mountain Hardwear Men's Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket won a number of awards in the industry when it was first released back in 2012, and it has since become the gold standard in ultralight down jackets.
#2 Patagonia Down Jacket
Patagonia is a leader in promoting sustainable practices, providing premium quality and function reflected in their mission: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Patagonia Down Jacket
- Available in Men’s and Women’s styles.
- 15 Denier shell and lining for high durability while still keeping the weight low to keep you ultralight while hiking.
- Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked).
- Two hands warmer pockets.
The perfect warmth for just about everything, our classic Down Sweater is lightweight and windproof with a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked.
Further Read: Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket vs Nano Puff Compared
#3 Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Jacket
Outdoor Research is on a mission to “provide innovation and inspiration for the relentless adventurer”, which is perfectly aligned with the Illuminate Down Series.
Illuminate Down Jacket
- This ultralight jacket comes without the hood or hoodie style.
- On the heavier side when spare ounces are precious but provides a cross-function from pack to casual wear or hiking gear.
- Men & Women’s styles are available.
The Illuminate Down Hoody and Jacket are the lightest, warmest, easiest-to-grab midlayer pieces that pack 800-fill responsibly sourced down insulation into their own left-hand pocket. A sturdy nylon shell and lining provide light weather resistance and next-to-skin ultra-soft comfort, while fine-tuned details like a brushed tricot interior and zip chest media pocket ensure hands and valuables stay warm, dry, and safe.
#4 Arc’Teryx Cerium SL Jacket
Arc’teryx is a brand with one central mission: to build the finest products and gear possible through obsessive, precise design for the perfect wear.
Cerium SL Jacket
- Intended as a light mid-layer gear.
- Cross-functional is a minimalist stand-alone for moderate warmth.
- The lightweight down jacket is designed to be as functional as light as possible.
- Built for cool, dry conditions.
- Available for Men and Women.
- Available with or without a hood.
Superlight, highly packable down hoody performs as a mid-layer or standalone piece.
Further Read: Arc’teryx Cerium vs Thorium Compared
#5 Feathered Friends EOS Down Jacket
Feathered Friends is a Seattle based company committed to ethical sourcing with RDS certification using down from humanely treated geese.
EOS Down Jacket
- Proudly made in Seattle with traceable roots for each piece of production.
- Sewn-through construction.
- Lightweight down jacket designed for no-fuss early morning starts.
Check out the latest prices on the EOS jacket here
#6 RAB Continuum Jacket
Rab has one simple mission: “To awaken the climber in everyone and equip their gear for the ascent”. This vision is strategically presented in the versatility of their apparel.
RAB Continuum Jacket
- Recognized among alpinists for fast and light ascents.
- Micro baffles to mitigate down from clumping and creating cold spots.
- All Rab down products are RDS certified for ethically sourced down.
Rab fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax Helmet-compatible hood, with flexible polymer peak YKK front zip, internal insulated storm baffle, chin guard 2 YKK zipped handwarmer pockets 1 YKK zipped chest pocket, doubles as an integrated stuff sack.
#7 Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket
Montbell is a brand that prides itself in creating trusted tools built for adventure and hiking. The down used for their products is sourced from a variety of ethically responsible markets as a by-product of the demand from the food industry to keep costs low and quality consistently high.
Plasma 1000 Down Jacket
- Sewn-through construction.
- High-fill power and elastic cuffs to seal out any breeze or drafts that might try and sneak through.
- Comes in men’s and women’s styles.
- This jacket does not have a hood for lighter weight, nor does it contain hand pockets.
- The fit runs one the more slim side, making it great for wear in layering while hiking.
The MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket represents the ultimate in minimalist, ultralight design. No pockets, no hood, no bells and whistles. Only serious warmth in a super light and extremely packable package. Unheard-of 1000-fill powder goose down with a sewn-through construction provides extreme warmth and the seven-dernier.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions About Down Jackets
Are packable down jackets warm?
Yes, packable down jacekts can and will keep you warm, but without the typical bulk associated with down jackets.
What does packable jacket actually mean?
A packable down jacket should be compressable down to a 1-2 feet and be able to be layered under another jacket (e.g. a ski jacket, for example).
Can I wear a down coat in the rain?
Most down jacekts are not suitable for persistently wet climates. While they typically have a water resistant outer shell, moisture is kryptonite to down. With moisture, down loses it’s insulation quality. Down jackets also tend to take a very long time to thoroughly dry out.
Final Zip: Which Packable Down Jacket is Best?
So there we have it, our top 7 picks for the best packable down jacket for the 2019 season and what to take into consideration when choosing the most appropriate lightweight down jacket. A down layer is typically for wear it as a mid layer to keep the warmth and dry in with an outer shell, but can often be used versatilely as the outer layer itself.
Use this guide to find what works for you under any condition, whether planning a summit or gearing up for cold weather camping or any range between.
Further read:
- Canada Goose vs The North Face (2019 UPDATED) – Which Winter Jackets Are Better?
- Canada Goose vs Woolrich Jackets
- What are the Best Arc’teryx Jackets
- Goose vs Duck Down Compared
- Arc’teryx vs Norrona Jackets Compared
- Arc’teryx vs Mammut Jackets Compared
- Arc’teryx vs North Face Jackets Compared
- Mackage vs Canada Goose Jackets Compared
- Columbia Lake 22 Jacket Review
- Columbia Titan Ridge Jacket Review
- Best Fleece Jackets Review
The All-Outdoors Guide team is comprised of enthusiastic experts that enjoy helping others that aspire to be better at outdoor fun. Part of that is making sure you have the right gear and information when it’s time to go out and have fun. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. No matter what our readers want to learn and do, our team is here to help them accomplish those goals.