28 Cozy Down Jackets
Plus some tips to finding vintage versions.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there isn’t anything quite as warm as a down jacket. Lightweight, packable, and very comfortable, it’s the ultimate barrier between you and the elements in any serious winter climate. Invented by Eddie Bauer in 1936, the down jacket has sprawled into every corner of the outerwear market - embodying everything from status symbols to highly technical pieces of equipment. While the formula is simple - fill two of fabric layers with down, and shape it like a jacket - not all are created equal. So if you’re after some of the best looking, best performing down jackets on the market, just keep scrolling.
Kluane Mountaineering Outer Parka
With nearly a pound of top-quality goose down, this hand-made-in-Edmonton parka is about as serious as it gets. And, you can fully spec one out yourself as they’re all made to order.
Down Type/Fill Power: 850fp Canadian Goose Down
Outer Shell: rip-stop ultra-light nylon
Made in: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Big Rock Candy Mountaineering Arctic Parka
A modern interpretation of the 20th century expedition parka worn by Arctic explorers. Classic, saturated colour palettes, square baffles, rib cuffs, and that signature drawcord waist.
Down Type/Fill Power: duck down (fp unstated)
Outer Shell: “grosgrain” Nylon shell
Made in: China
Rocky Mountain Featherbed Christy
Another favourite take on the heritage puffer, this time with a more Western flavour. Available in a number of colours, and with a mouton collar as well.
Down Type/Fill Power: 90/10 duck/feather
Outer Shell: 70 Denier Nylon/leather/mouton
Made in: Japan
Daiwa Pier 39 Gore-Tex Canadian Down Parka
A function-forward 3-in-1 parka with dozens of pockets, a removable hood, and high-tech materials. It’s worth clicking through to the product listing on this one, I’m amazed they fit this much storage without ruining the look.
Down Type/Fill Power: 85/15 down/feather
Outer Shell: 100% Nylon (100% polyester liner)
Made in:
Mont-bell Alpine Light Down Jacket
From Japan’s favourite French-sounding outdoor brand, Montbell, is a lightweight down layer offering tons of value for money.
Down Type/Fill Power: 800 FP EX Down
Outer Shell: 20D Ballistic Nylon Ripstop
Made in: Vietnam
