12 Finest Ultralight Down Jackets [2024]


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It is a gear evaluation in regards to the Finest Ultralight Down Jackets 2024.

On this evaluation of light-weight down jackets for 2024. The standard of down jackets are higher now than they’ve ever been.

On the subject of staying heat a down jacket presents one of the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any jacket. They need to be part of each layering system when backpacking and might work nicely as an insulated windproof layer or mid-layer. Add a hardshell akin to a rain jacket and you may be tremendous heat on most chilly climate backpacking journeys.

Let’s check out the down jackets for day climbing, backpacking, and ultralight thru-hiking.


How We Examined

All of the Down Jackets on this evaluation have been extensively evaluated and researched by the knowledgeable creator who has greater than 30 years of expertise in Through-Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Mountain climbing, and Bike Touring. Among the Ultralight Down Jackets had been bought and a few had been equipped by the producer. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in every kind of climate. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to give you the Finest Ultralight and Light-weight Backpacking Down Jackets for 2024. Learn the Evaluation Coverage for additional particulars.

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Finest Light-weight Down Jackets for Backpacking 2024

The Finest Light-weight Down Jackets for Backpacking in 2024 are:

Finest Down Jacket – Total

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Evaluation

Arcteryx Cerium LT reviewArcteryx Cerium LT review

Weight – 11.9 oz / 337 grams
Down Fill weight –
4 oz / 105 grams
Whole Loft – 3400 cubic inches
Down Fill Energy  –
850 loft down
Outer cloth –
Climate-resistant Arato 15D cloth with DWR
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sack –
Sure
Execs:

> Extremely light-weight.
> 850 fill down.
> Extra fragile materials than the opposite jackets reviewed
Cons:
> Hydrophobic down be an enchancment for this down jacket

The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is a brilliant light-weight down jacket that’s a lot hotter than it appears. This up to date mannequin has a barely thicker outer shell than the earlier mannequin which has elevated the burden by nearly one ounce, however it’s nonetheless very light-weight and heat.

Though the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody 850 fill-down jacket doesn’t use hydrophobic down, it does have a water resistant outer with DWR Therapy. Among the excessive moisture areas use artificial insulation as a substitute of down. This results in degree of water resistance however the lack of hydrophobic down will maintain this jacket from being a favourite moist atmosphere.

The outer materials of the jacket is a really light-weight cloth that’s windproof and robust sufficient to face up to gentle abuse. Nevertheless it is a little more fragile and care is required to ensure it isn’t destroyed by sharp sticks on the path. For climbing on trails, it’s excellent. Bashing your manner by an unmarked path with sharp sticks in the course of nowhere, possibly not.

Total, this light-weight down jacket for women and men makes use of excessive fill energy non-hydrophobic down and is likely one of the higher down jackets. It’s ultra-light and heat sufficient for thru-hiking all however the wettest of trails. The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody can be near the right ultra-light-down jacket for climbing the Pacific Crest Path.

Finest Ultralight Down Jacket

Zpacks Goose Down Jacket

Zpacks Goose Down JacketZpacks Goose Down Jacket

Weight – 7.4 oz / 211 grams
Down Fill Weight –
3.8 oz / 108 grams
Whole Loft – 
3610 cubic inches
Down Fill Energy  –
950+ loft down
Outer cloth –
7D cloth with DWR
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sack –
stuffs into the chest pocket
Execs:

> Ultralight and greatest heat to weight
> 950+ Hydrophobic Down
> Very heat
> Good climate resistant materials and DWR
Cons:
> No zips on the pockets
> 7D cloth is just not designed for any off-trail climbing
> Not the most affordable

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is an impressively gentle down jacket. It isn’t solely one of many lightest down jackets in the marketplace however the complete loft and heat of this jacket make it higher than nearly all the opposite jackets on this evaluation!

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is full of 950+ hydrophobic down. The baffles on the jacket are beneficiant sufficient to permit the all the way down to loft up properly and supply degree of heat.

To maintain the burden down Zpacks have used a really skinny and light-weight 7 Denier cloth. Whereas this does a superb job of holding the general weight of the jacket to a minimal it ought to be famous that it makes the jacket slightly delicate, and subsequently greatest suited to climbing on trails or to be used at camp. Carrying this jacket for any off-trail climbing is just not advisable.

The mix of the 7D cloth coated with a DWR and the usage of hydrophobic down offers this jacket degree of water resistance. Whereas I might not suggest that you simply use this jacket within the rain, I examined this jacket in gentle rain and it retained its heat and loft. Good to know should you ever get caught out in poor climate. However please deliver a light-weight rain jacket for dangerous climate!

Throughout testing, I famous that the match of the jacket is sweet, with sufficient room to layer a fleece jacket beneath if wanted. Be very positive to observe the sizing pointers on the Zpacks web site, as they’re very detailed about what measurement you should purchase. In the intervening time they don’t have girls’s particular sizing, so girls ought to pay attention to the hip measurement when shopping for. And should you occur to be curvy then this jacket might not be for you.

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket comes with 2 hand hotter pockets that don’t have a zipper. The dearth of zips retains the burden down, however storage of something is not going to be a good suggestion. They do job of holding fingers heat and positioned in order that they don’t intervene with hip belts when backpacking.

It comes with an honest hood that has a toggle adjustment. The hood is just not one of the best compared to others on this evaluation, but it surely serves the aim of holding the pinnacle heat whereas holding the burden down. It additionally has a toggle to regulate the waist which is a helpful function does the job nicely.

The down jacket is saved within the zippered chest pocket which is beneficiant sufficient in measurement to make packing and unpacking simple.

Total, the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is one of the best ultralight down jacket for 2024. Keep tuned for a full in-depth evaluation of this as I take a look at the jacket for long-term sturdiness.

Finest Light-weight Down Jacket

Feathered Associates Eos Evaluation

Feathered Friends Eos Ultralight Down Jacket ReviewFeathered Friends Eos Ultralight Down Jacket Review

Weight – 10.8 oz / 306 grams
Down Fill weight –
4 oz / 104 grams
Down Fill Energy –
900+ Fill loft down
Whole Loft –
3600 cubic inches
Shell cloth – 
Pertex cloth 37g/m2 with DWR
Execs:

> Pertex protect shell cloth.
> Top quality 900+ down.
> Nice heat to weight.
Cons:
> No Hydrophobic down

The Feathered Associates Eos has been up to date for the 2023 season to suit higher than the earlier model. They up to date the hood so it suits higher and added a chest pocket.

and has an general weight of 10.8 oz / 306 grams. This jacket presents a few of the greatest heat to weigh of any jacket on this evaluation. The 105 g / 4 oz of 900 fill energy plus down makes this an excellent down jacket for its warmth-to-weight ratio, to not point out the brand new chest pocket that they added.

Add to that the standard ripstop nylon Pertex outer protect shell materials with DWR to dam the wind and dangerous climate.

The one factor stopping the Feathered Associates Eos Down Jacket from being one of the best on this evaluation is the shortage of hydrophobic down which makes this jacket, not as climate resistant as others.

However heat offered for chilly mornings or nights in good climate this jacket makes this jacket an excellent alternative. Excellent as an ultralight thru-hiking down jacket on the Continental Divide Path the place hikers want a barely hotter jacket than on different thru-hikes

Total, the Feathered Associates Eos is likely one of the greatest gentle weight down jackets in the marketplace. It feels a lot hotter than the light-weight would point out. Excellent as an gentle down jacket for thru-hiking. The usage of hydrophobic down would rocket this jacket to one of the best ultra-lightweight down jacket on this evaluation.

Finest via Mountain climbing Down Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody Ultralight down jackets reviewMountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody Ultralight down jackets review

Whole Weight – 8.8 oz / 249 grams
Down Fill Weight –
3 oz / 85 grams
Down Fill Energy –
800 loft down
Whole Loft –
2400 cubic inches
Shell cloth – 
10D ripstop cloth 30g/m2 with DWR End
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sack –
No, it stuffs right into a pocket.
Execs:

> Ultralight
> very small pack measurement
> Excellent for the ultralight thru-hiker
Cons:
> No hydrophobic down
> No changes within the hood

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is likely one of the hottest Light-weight Down Jackets among the many ultralight thru-hikers of the world. An excellent mixture of a few of the lightest materials and no-frills designs mix to make this one of many prime picks.

The up to date Mountain {Hardware} Ghost Whisperer 2 down jacket doesn’t use hydrophobic down because it had beforehand. In my view, this can be a transfer backward but it surely has purchased the worth down a bit of which is optimistic.

Regardless of the shortage of hydrophobic down, it does have DWR end however general this jacket doesn’t fare nicely in damp situations.

One other factor used to maintain the burden down is the elastic on the hood slightly than an elastic draw chord. This helps maintain the general weight. Total the jacket works nicely and is a prime decide for the ultra-light thru-hiker.

I might like to see the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 return to utilizing hydrophobic down as was the case on the earlier mannequin earlier than this replace.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is likely one of the greatest light-weight down jackets for backpacking in 2024. It is usually probably the most packable because it stuffs into its pocket. This jacket is greatest suited to ultralight hikers akin to Through Hikers who need the Finest Down Jacket for the Pacific Crest Path. This is likely one of the lightest down jackets with heat to weight ratio. Need one thing even smaller? Additionally they make an ultralight down vest.

Finest Backpacking Down Jacket

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody

Patagonia Down Sweater HoodyPatagonia Down Sweater Hoody

Weight – 15.1 oz / 428 grams
Down Fill Weight –
5 oz / 142 grams
Whole Loft – 
4000 cubic inches
Down Fill Energy  –
800 loft down
Outer cloth –
100% recycled ripstop nylon cloth with DWR
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sack –
No, jacket stuffs into chest pocket
Execs:

> Moderately priced contemplating it’s Patagonia
> Heat
> Environmentally pleasant
Cons:
> Not the lightest down jacket
> Cumbersome pack measurement

The Patagonia Down Sweater is likely one of the hottest down jackets on the planet. A mixture of environmentally pleasant design, manufacturing, and light-weight match makes for an excellent down jacket.

I used and examined this down jacket whereas thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Path and Continental Divide Path. Whereas it might not charge as ultralight or in some circumstances not even light-weight, it does sincere job of holding you heat.

As you’d anticipate with Patagonia, they use a recycled nylon face cloth coated with a DWR. The down is an ethically sourced 800 loft.

The mix of the standard down, good face cloth, practical match and set of hand pockets, and chest pockets make for down jacket. Aside from the environmentally pleasant heritage, there may be nothing particular about this jacket. And that’s what makes it nice. No frills, no advertising and marketing hype. It simply works.

Total, the Patagonia Down Sweater is an effective, sincere backpacking-down jacket with out the frills and advertising and marketing hype. It simply works. If you’re heading off on the paths or touring the world, this is likely one of the greatest backpacking down jackets in the marketplace in 2024.

Finest Water Resistant Down Jacket

The North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Hoodie

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn HoodieThe North Face Summit Series Breithorn Hoodie

Weight – 16 oz / 454 grams
Down Fill Weight –
unknown
Whole Loft –  unknown
Down Fill Energy  –
800 fill loft
Outer cloth – 
Recycled ripstop cloth with DWR Therapy
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sac –
No, packs into left hand pocket
Execs:

> Hydrophobic Down.
> Recycled shell cloth with DWR
> Very heat.
> Among the finest light-weight weather-resistant jackets.
Cons:
> Heavier than the opposite jackets
> Not very compact.

The North Face Summit Sequence Breithorn Hoodie is the not too long ago upgraded model of one in every of my favourite Summit Sequence jackets from The North Face. And like its predecessor, it packs a good diploma of climate resistance.

The recycled outer face cloth is coated with a PFC-free DWR end. And contained in the jacket, the 800 loft hydrophobic down resists water absorption. If you get caught out within the rain, that is the water resistant down jacket.

The North Face Summit Hoody could also be barely heavier than a few of the different jackets on this evaluation but it surely is likely one of the warmest. Making this higher suited to somebody who feels the chilly or heading into temperatures under freezing. It additionally packs up barely bigger than a few of the different jackets.

It comes with a generous-sized chest pocket and two outsized hand pockets. When not in use, the jacket folds into its left hand pocket for storage.

It is available in each a males’s model and a girls’s model.

Total, The North Face Summit Down Jacket is likely one of the higher water resistant Down Jackets for these heading into dangerous climate or wanting one of many hotter jackets. High quality every thing on this jacket. The added heat comes at the price of weight and it isn’t essentially the most compact of all of the jackets. One other jacket that’s excellent for moist chilly trails or early season begins on any of the Triple Crown Mountain climbing Trails or the Te Araroa Path in New Zealand.

Finest Down Jacket for Australia and New Zealand

Macpac Icefall Evaluation

Macpac Icefall Down Jacket ReviewMacpac Icefall Down Jacket Review

Weight – 10.5 oz / 300 grams
Down Fill Weight –
3.3 oz / 95 grams
Down Fill Energy –
800 loft Down
Whole loft –
2640 cubic inches of down fill
Shell cloth – 
Pertex Quantum Y Fuse 100% recycled Ripstop with DWR
Hooded Jacket –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sack –
No, stuffs inside one of many two zippered hand pockets
Execs:

> Extremely light-weight
> Most water resistant jacket on this evaluation
> Highest high quality every thing
Cons:
> Solely out there in Australia and New Zealand

The Macpac Icefall was totally up to date in 2022 and is even higher than the earlier mannequin. I’ve been utilizing and testing this product for a number of years in every kind of climates. On account of my testing I can say it is likely one of the greatest down jackets in the marketplace. This well-thought-out jacket combines every thing anybody might need from a tricky light-weight down jacket.

The outer shell materials has been totally up to date to the brand new high-quality Pertex Quantum Y fuse ripstop nylon that’s 100% recycled. It’s a sturdy, light-weight materials that may be a very water resistant cloth. The DWR remedy assists in making this extra water resistant than many of the different jackets on this take a look at.

The addition of 800 loft fill energy Hydrophobic down makes for a jacket nicely capable of stand up to the extra a few of the worst climate. Not solely is there hydrophobic down however the areas almost certainly to get moist such because the shoulders and cuff space are crammed with Artificial insulation within the type of Primaloft Gold. I’ve even been caught out in a big rainstorn and not using a rain jacket and this down jacket stored me dry.

The brand new Macpac Icefall is a slim to common match which is a lot better than the earlier mannequin and can match a lot better than the earlier mannequin.

These Light-weight Down Jackets can be completely fitted to all however the coldest climbing journeys anyplace on the planet and excellent for via climbing in moist locations such because the Te Araroa Path in New Zealand. This ultra-light down jacket girls’s sizing is just like the boys’s however with a greater match. I even know some males who put on girls’s down jacket.

Total, I believe the Macpac Icefall is likely one of the greatest down jackets for 2024. It’s nicely thought out with all one of the best design options potential. One of many top-spec Water Repellant Down Jackets reviewed and a private favourite. However it is just out there in Australia and New Zealand at this stage.

Lightest Down Jacket

Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket Evaluation

Montbell Plasma Down Jacket ReviewMontbell Plasma Down Jacket Review

Whole Weight – 4.8 oz / 135 grams
Down Fill Weight –
1.6 oz / 45 grams
Down Fill Energy –
1000 fill ex down
Whole Loft –
1600 cubic inches
Outer cloth –
21g/m2 7 denier with DWR
Hood –
No
Pockets –
No
Stuff Sack –
Sure
Execs:

> Ultralight
> Finest heat to weight ratio
Cons:
> Not utilizing hydrophobic down
> Non responsibly sourced down
> No Pockets or Hood

With a complete weight of solely 135 grams, this is likely one of the lightest down jackets on the listing.

For the hiker searching for out the lightest down jacket with among the best warmth-to-weight ratios. However one of the best in school heat to weight ratio comes at a small price.

The 1.6 ounces of 1000-fill loft down is a a lot larger fill energy than any of the opposite down jackets reviewed. It isn’t hydrophobic down like many different manufacturers but it surely does add as much as 1600 cubic inches of loft to maintain you heat. However this jacket is nowhere close to as heat because the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket which packs nearly 3 occasions extra loft than this jacket.

The jacket makes use of a really skinny shell materials. It’s a very gentle 7 denier cloth which mixed with among the best DWR therapies does an okay job repelling water. However watch out of this jacket in dangerous climate and watch out to not get this jacket caught on sharp sticks and branches when climbing. All of this combines to make an extremely light-weight jacket.

How sturdy is the 1000 loft down? Most individuals are likely to agree that the candy spot for the standard vs sturdy down lies someplace between 750 fill and 900 fill energy loft. I might anticipate many lengthy years of use out of this high quality jacket if taken care of and washed as wanted.

This ultralight jacket has no frills. This males’s ultra-light down jacket is the non hooded model with no pockets. This retains the general weight down which is the principle cause to think about this extremely light-weight down jacket.

At 4.8 ounces or 135 grams, this can be a true ultralight weight jacket for the gram counting ultralight hiker or somebody eager to cowl large miles with all of the lightest potential gear. Simply watch out, it might not be as sturdy as the opposite jackets on this gear evaluation. It is usually not one of the best insulated jacket in the marketplace and never as heat because it appears. For the this jacket to be superior I want to see a bit extra loft and only a bit extra down fill within the jacket.

Total, if you’re searching for the lightest down jacket on the listing with one of the best heat to weight ratio and one of the best packable down jacket then that is it. This extremely gentle packable down jacket merely is gentle in weight but it surely could possibly be a bit of hotter. Additionally be mindful, this jacket has no hood.

Need one thing hotter with pockets and a hood? Take into account the Montbell Plasma 1000 Fill Energy Alpine Down Parka.

Finest Price range Down Jacket

REI Co-Op 650 Down Jacket 2.0

Whole Weight – 11 oz / 312 grams
Down Fill Weight –
4.2 oz / 119 grams
Down Fill Energy –
650 fill down
Whole Loft –
2730 cubic inches
Outer cloth –
Recycled Nylon
Hood –
No
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff Sack –
No packs into the left pocket
Execs:

> Moderately priced
> Will maintain you heat sufficient, did I point out it’s low-cost!
Cons:
> Discontinued so may not be in inventory within the close to future
> Heavy for the heat

The REI Co-Op 650 2.0 Down Jacket is neither the lightest nor the very best quality down jacket however is the most affordable. If you’re on the lookout for a funds down jacket then that is it.

It’s crammed with 650 fill RDS down and has outer cloth. At 11 ounces it’s affordable for the burden. Additionally, observe that it’s now discontinued so it’s a actual cut price for the time being.

Total, this is likely one of the greatest males’s down jacket for these on a funds.

Down Jackets value Contemplating

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket Evaluation

Rab Microlight AlpineRab Microlight Alpine

Weight – 17oz / 470 grams
Down Fill Weight –
5 oz / 143 grams
Down Fill Energy  –
750 fill loft down
Whole Loft –
3750 cubic inches
Shell cloth –
Climate resistant Pertex Quantum 32g/m2 with DWR coating
Hood –
Sure
Pockets –
Sure
Stuff sac –
Sure
Execs:

> Very heat.
> Nice climate resistance.
> Fine quality supplies.
Cons:
> Heavy.
> 750 loft down.

The 5 ounces of down creates a large 3750 cubic inches of all the way down to maintain you heat. Though the Rab Microlight Alpine is barely heavier than the opposite jackets on this evaluation it’s the warmest.

The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket makes use of high-quality hydrophobic down, high quality DWR Therapy and among the best within the enterprise outer shell materials materials, Pertex Quantum. It is a severely weather-resistant jacket.

If solely this jacket was utilizing a better loft down akin to 800 plus and was a bit of bit lighter.

The Rab Microlight Alpine jacket has all one of the best options and all one of the best supplies, if solely the loft of the down was larger than 750 fill it could deliver down the general weight and improve the general high quality to make this among the best down jackets. I might like to see this jacket embody 800 or 900 fill energy hydrophobic down.

Total, Rab makes a few of the greatest out of doors gear, and this jacket is not any exception. For anybody heading off into chilly damp areas, this jacket will likely be an excellent match. Excellent for moist chilly trails akin to early season begins on any of the Triple Crown Mountain climbing Trails or the Te Araroa Path in New Zealand.


Better of the Relaxation

The next is an inventory of superior Down jackets which are definitely worthy of a glance:

  • Rab Neutrino – The Rab Neutrino is the large brother of the Alpine jacket. It’s hotter, bulkier, heavier and higher suited as among the best winter down jackets.
  • Katabatic Gear Tarn Down Jacket: The Katabatic Gear Tarn is made by the well-known quilt maker and appears to be nicely fitted to damp chilly climate. I hope to be testing this jacket actual quickly.

Down Jacket Comparability Desk

Supply: Producers


Finest Ultralight Down Jacket for Through-Mountain climbing

Most thru-hikers solely put on a down jacket at night time or very first thing within the morning till the physique has warmed up. Mountain climbing in a down jacket is just not widespread until the climate turns chilly and nasty.

The Finest Extremely light-weight down jackets for thru-hikers are the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket, Feathered Associates Eos, Arc’teryx Cerium, Ghost Whisperer 2, Macpac Icefall, and Montbell Plasma.

Every is beneath 300g and stand up to the cruel remedy they are going to be put by. The Montbell Plasma is much and away the lightest however is nowhere close to as heat because the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket.

If climbing on moist thru-hikes such because the Appalachian Path or Te Araroa Path the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket, The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie and the Macpac Icefall are the stand out selections.

Testing the best backpacking down jackets for this reviewTesting the best backpacking down jackets for this review
Testing to seek out one of the best backpacking down jacket

Finest Down Jackets for Wet Climate

With hydrophobic down, high quality DWR repellent, and one of the best outer supplies it’s laborious to go previous the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket, Macpac Icefall, The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie, and Rab Microlight Alpine

The Macpac Icefall and Arc’teryx Cerium add artificial insulation into the excessive moisture areas that are more likely to get moist akin to hoods, cuffs, and shoulders, however the lack of hydrophobic down actually lets it down in foul climate.

Total, the Macpac Icefall is one of the best down jacket for dangerous climate, carefully adopted by the Rab Microlight Alpine and The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie that are each fairly a bit heavier however are each hotter jackets.


Finest general Ultralight Down Jackets

Each single jacket on this evaluation might do one thing that may make them the standout winner and most suitable option. Because it stands a few jackets rise to the highest however could possibly be improved.

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is one of the best ultralight jacket. With very excessive loft, good heat, high quality down and light-weight there may be little to fault.

The Feathered Associates Eos would attain the highest spot if it used hydrophobic Down. It is rather heat, gentle, match, and nice in all however wet climate. The identical may be stated for the Arcteryx Cerium.

The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie and Rab Microlight Alpine would attain the highest spot in the event that they had been lighter in weight. Regardless of being feature-rich, weather-resistant, and heat, they’re barely too heavy.

Montbell is ultralight in weight however missing in options. That is one of the best decide for the hiker who doesn’t care about pockets, hood, or climate resistance and desires the lightest jacket in the marketplace.

The Macpac Icefall ticks all of the bins for climate resistance, high quality, light-weight, and heat. It will take out the highest spot if it was out there for non New Zealanders or Australians.

Total, I just like the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket and Macpac Icefall for climbing in dangerous climate. For a mix of heat and ultralight weight, I like Zpacks Goose Down Jacket, Arcteryx Cerium  and Feathered Associates EOS.

Testing the Patagonia Down SweaterTesting the Patagonia Down Sweater
Testing the Patagonia Down Sweater in Montana

Methods to Select a Down Jacket

The are a number of components you must take into accounts when taking a look at down jackets.

They need to be, light-weight, have high quality fill energy and fill weight of down and a few type of climate resistance is sweet within the type of Hydrophobic down, water resistant face cloth, and a DWR end.

One other vital consideration when shopping for a down jacket is that the down is responsibly sourced. The Accountable down commonplace ensures the down is traceable and sourced from animals that adjust to animal welfare requirements.


Options in a Light-weight Down Jacket

What options are vital in one of the best light-weight down jacket for backpacking?


Hood

For most individuals, a hood is tremendous vital. The necessity for a down jacket within the outdoor is to maintain heat. A hood is likely one of the best methods to do that. The added weight to the down jacket is value it. Most are adjustable with some type of light-weight conch wire to tug tight in windy climate.

Down Jacket hoodDown Jacket hood

Pockets

Pockets are one other nice function. Any hiker that has been hit by colder than anticipated temperatures will admire warming their fingers of their pockets. Generally gloves will not be sufficient. Different occasions you will have forgotten to deliver gloves with you.

Pockets are both within the chest space, abdomen space, or each. They usually can embody a zipper or not.

Chest pockets make a helpful place to retailer one thing like a cellphone or snacks when strolling. They’re typically used as a reversible stuff sack for jackets when they don’t seem to be in use.

Hand pockets are greatest suited as a spot to maintain fingers heat. All of the jackets on this evaluation have their hand pockets positioned in such a spot that it lets you use a backpack and hipbelt. Whereas zippered hand pockets may be good, they are going to add to the burden and will not be all the time crucial as one thing you want.

Down Jacket pocketsDown Jacket pockets
Down Jacket Pockets are a good suggestion

Down Jacket Storage

A stuff sack is a good thought to retailer the jacket. In any other case, the flexibility to pack the jacket into one in every of its two zippered hand pockets or zippered chest pockets to make them packable when not being worn. All of the reviewed jackets have some type of storage methodology.

Down jackets packed into their pockets for storageDown jackets packed into their pockets for storage
Down jackets packed into their pockets for storage

Cinch Cords on hoods and Waist

Cinch cords on the hood and backside of the jacket are used to limit the quantity of chilly air coming into the jacket and supply one of the best match. Not all jackets have this function and people who do are over people who don’t.

Some jackets use easy elastic stitched into the jacket to offer a good match across the waist or hood. The cinch wire does add a small quantity of weight and price to the jacket however for essentially the most half, that is thought of nicely value it. Some use a easy cinch wire on the hood to maintain it in place.

Conch cord on the waist of down jacketConch cord on the waist of down jacket
Cinch wire on the waist to tighten to cut back air circulate and maintain you heat

The heat of a Light-weight Down Jacket

The Finest Down Jackets for Through Mountain climbing or Bikepacking will likely be a compromise between light-weight and options.

It’s unlikely that the majority light-weight down jackets will likely be utilized by anybody climbing Mt Everest however they are going to definitely be seen on backpacking journeys or thru-hiking trails such because the Pacific Crest Path, Appalachian Path, Continental Divide Path or Bikepacking the Nice Divide Mountain Bike Path.

All of the down jackets reviewed listed here are compact, light-weight, and heat sufficient for most individuals in temperatures round freezing. For temperatures considerably under freezing additional layers will likely be wanted, particularly if at camp and inactive.


What’s Fill Energy and why Is it vital?

All one of the best down jackets ought to have a fill energy of 800 or larger. The quantity 800 fill energy refers to its lofting capacity. When you take 1 ounce of down it’ll increase or loft to 800 cubic inches. 850 will loft to 850 cubic inches and so forth. Total, Confused?

The video under does an excellent job of explaining every thing to do with Fill Energy.


Water Resistance of a Down Jacket

Down doesn’t like getting moist. It tends to clump collectively and when that occurs it loses its capacity to maintain you heat. To stop that from taking place all one of the best down jackets use a tightly woven outer shell cloth to stop as a lot water as potential from making contact with the down.

Pertex is taken into account among the best outer materials however many corporations use comparable supplies that shield water from entering into the down as a lot as potential.

Some jackets use a small quantity of artificial insulation materials in areas with excessive contact with moisture akin to shoulder and arm cuffs.

Down jackets akin to Macpac Icefall and Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody use a small quantity of artificial fill materials within the shoulders and cuffs to stop excessive moisture areas from wetting out the down.


What’s Hydrophobic Down? And why it is best to use it in a down jacket

In recent times Nikwax has developed a hydrophobic down that resists the overwhelming majority of contact with water, therefore is ready to keep properly lofted if involved with water.

Jackets with hydrophobic down ought to be thought of of upper high quality than these with out. I’ve a choice to make use of a jacket with hydrophobic down but it surely hasn’t all the time been that manner. It gives a safer choice if I’m sporting a jacket in dangerous climate.

If heading out into dangerous climate as I skilled on the Appalachian Path and Te Araroa Path in New Zealand, the next jackets can be excellent. The jackets under use hydrophobic down:

  1. Zpacks Goose Down Jacket
  2. The North Face Summit Breithorn Hoodie
  3. Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
  4. Macpac Icefall

Watch the loopy video under which demonstrates how good hydrophobic down is.


What’s a DWR Coating and why do I want it?

Consider the DWR end as being like placing a layer of wax on the automobile. It permits the water to bead and runs off the material. And like a layer of wax on a automobile, it doesn’t final ceaselessly, and finally, the DWR will put on off and the material will moist out.

All the corporations besides Out of doors Analysis use a DWR on the surface of the jacket. DWR stands for Sturdy Water Repellent.

Retreating the outer cloth with Nikwax TX Direct or comparable will make the material proof against water once more.

Testing the water resistance of the Zpacks goose down jacketTesting the water resistance of the Zpacks goose down jacket
Testing the DWR and water resistance of the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket

Methods to restore Down Jackets

Down Jackets will not be essentially the most sturdy of outside gear. The usage of light-weight materials mixed with sharp sticks and branches, a spark from a campfire, or a fall in tough terrain can simply injury a down jacket.

A small rip or tear within the cloth will happen if used for a protracted time outdoor. There are two methods to restore the out cloth.

The primary and simplest way is to cowl the opening with some Tenacious Tape. Consider this tape because the superglue of material tapes. Lower to measurement a canopy the opening. Tenacious tape on a down jacket is an indication of a well-used jacket that has spent high quality time outdoor.

The second manner is to stitch a patch over the broken layer of material. I want the primary methodology of utilizing Tenacious Tape as it’s low-cost and it really works. I’ve used it many occasions over time to patch small holes.

Testing the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket in cold weatherTesting the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket in cold weather
Testing the Patagonia Down Sweater on the Continental Divide Path

Finest Worth Down Jackets

If the very best quality jacket prices a lot you can’t afford to spend time outdoor or are too scared to take the jacket someplace for worry of damaging it then we’ve an issue. Among the jackets reviewed are very well-priced and the shortage of some options makes them worthy of consideration.

A high quality down jacket will final a few years and if nicely cared for it’s value spending a bit of extra now for one thing that may final a few years within the nice outdoor.


Down Jackets vs Artificial Jackets

Artificial jackets are slowly however certainly catching as much as down jackets with their heat to weight to packability ratio. Materials like Polartec Alpha and Primaloft Gold are a few of the greatest out there for the time being however they’re nonetheless not so good as down.

Down additionally has a fantastic capacity to be compressed and lofted with out damaging the down. The identical can’t be stated for all synthetics simply but. I think within the subsequent 10 years an artificial product will come alongside that may make down out of date. Watch this house.

Ultimately, synthetics will surpass down however the time is just not right here but.


Conclusion

With so many Down Jackets in the marketplace listed here are one of the best ones:


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BikeHikeSafari Gear Evaluation Course of

The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and out of doors gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari is just not half of a giant weblog community and is proudly impartial. All evaluations on this website are impartial and sincere gear evaluations of outside merchandise by the creator.

The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an outside retail retailer and may be very skilled in what’s vital when utilizing and testing gear for evaluations like this.

BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for evaluations and they don’t settle for sponsored evaluations on this web site. All of the feedback in regards to the gear evaluations are from the creator based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial evaluation was useful for you.

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