Winter is coming and by this, I don’t mean season 8 of the Game of Thrones but rather literally the cold and brutal winter season and this is a season not too many look forward to as its the time of the year where you’ll have to chuck that favorite board shorts or bikini for a packable down jacket!
I’ve been traveling since 2016 and in that period have been through many winters and in that time my go-to outfit has always included a packable down jacket.
I remember looking for good packable down jackets online which took a lot of my time and overall was a pain in the ass to travel with. However it takes a bit of time to really learn how to pack for the winter and fortunately, you can learn it the easy way right from an article rather than having to make mistakes like me.
In this article, I share my insights on what I think are the best packable down jackets that are easy to pack in a carry on bag and also perfect to throw in a day bag. I also talk about what to look for in a packable jacket so as to share my basis for recommending them.
Best Packable Down Jackets 2019
1. Patagonia Down Sweater - Best Packable Down Jacket 2019
A well balanced packable down jacket that’s lightweight, windproof and made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell perfect to keep you warm in cold and wet conditions.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 13.1 oz.
- Fill: 3 oz. of 800-fill down
- Material: Polyester ripstop with a DWR finish
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
Traceable Down Insulation
All Patagonia virgin down is certified to the advanced global traceable down standard by NSF international. This makes sure that the birds that supply the raw material required for the jacket are not force-fed or live-plucked.
Water Resistant
The fabric of this jacket apart from being highly durable and lightweight is durable water repellent fabric light rain and snow and decreases dry times.
When DWR is used with a waterproof/breathable barrier the DWR finish actually helps keep the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job well.
PROS:
- Lightweight and durable shell fabric
- Durable water repellent finish
CONS:
- Fit can be a little rigid
Final Verdict: I personally love the versatility of this jacket as it can be used in both cold and wet weather unlike other jackets and of course does a really good job at keeping things warm and tidy.
2. REI Coop Down Jacket - Budget Lightweight Down Jacket
A versatile piece of gear made for a range of temperatures and activities. It’s specially made for down insulation and constructed with weather-resistant nylon that joins forces to keep you war.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 10.2 oz.
- Fill: 650-fill down
- Material: Treated ripstop polyester
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
Extremely Lightweight
At only 10.02 ounces this jacket is extremely lightweight making it a perfect companion for anyone looking to pack light for the winter. Sure it’s warmth isn’t as much but the 3 ounces of 650-fill-power down will keep you warm in most cold climates.
Affordable pricing
As compared to another premium packable down jackets like Patagonia you will find the pricing on this jacket really low in fact it’s probably the most affordable jacket on the list.
PROS:
- Affordable pricing
- Extremely lightweight (about 10 ounces)
CONS:
- Warmth is lacking a little
Final Verdict: It may not be the most padded jacket but it’s definitely the most affordable for the cooling capacity it provides which makes it a no-brainer for anyone looking for an affordable no-fuss jacket for a light winter pack.
3. Mountain Hardwear Hooded Ghost Whisperer - Lightweight Packable Down Jacket For Travel
One of the lightest packable jackets on the list that sports a minimalist design styled for active travelers.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 7.7 oz.
- Fill: 2.8 oz. of 800-fill down
- Material: 7D ripstop nylon
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
Thin and Lightweight material
Sure this jacket won’t replace a heavyweight jacket but its exceptional ability to compress makes it perfect for anyone traveling in a cool climate and wants to travel light. Moreover, it can be layered with activewear so it can be used in cooler climates.
Versatile with feature-rich
While this jacket is made from thin 7D ripstop nylon fabric it can still effectively maintain body temperature in cold climates. The 800-fill power down is treated with Q.SHield moisture-resistant hydrophobic down insulation making it great to fight both cold and wet climates.
PROS:
- Feature rich with good warmth
- Lightweight (7.7 ounces)
CONS:
- A lightweight zipper isn’t as rugged
Final Verdict: If you want lightweight and something that will work for cool (not extremely cold) region then this packable down jacket is a great option that will do the job just right without breaking the bank.
4. Arc’Teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket - Best Insulated Packable Down Jacket 2019
Arc’Teryx is Canada’s answer to Patagonia but in the united states but to make them work for Canada’s brutal winters they’re all heavy duty perfect for extremely cold climate.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 10.8 oz.
- Fill: 3.4 oz. of 850-fill down
- Material: ripstop nylon
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
Great insulation suitable for extremely cold climate (10.8oz)
For the weight, this jacket most definitely sports great insulation, in my opinion, the warmth-to-weight ratio is truly exceptional.
The 850-fill-power down works great to provide enough insulation that can be used in incredibly low temperatures and the light 10.8oz to not be a hassle in the pack.
Excellent material with well-thought-out design
I love the high tech design feature of composite mapping from Arc’teryx that consists of a small amount of Coreloft synthetic insulation to specific areas that are prone to moisture.
The synthetic material is vitalized around the shoulders, collar, cuffs and most importantly the underarms.
PROS
- Heavy duty jacket with excellent warmth and insulation
- Lightweight
CONS
- Pricing is a little high as compared to competitors
- Fit can be a little tight
Final Verdict: If you want something that will work for extremely cold climates and also lightweight this jacket will not disappoint. Sure it can be a little bit expensive but that’s the case with anything that’s good.
In short for most active travelers the Cerium jacket would be a solid option for lightweight heavy-duty winter wear that’s also packable.
5. Cotopaxi Fuego Light Down Jacket - Lightweight & Breathable Down Jacket
An exceptionally lightweight and breathable jacket that can provide the right amount of insulation from fall through early summer.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 7.7 oz.
- Fill: 2.8 oz. of 800-fill down
Material: 20D giant-ripstop nylon with DWR finish
Best Reasons to buy this Packable down Jacket
Proprietary Polartec technology
The latest technology used in synthetic insulation that offers a great combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability in a “puffy” style garment.
Because of this insulation, the packable jacket is highly durable and more stable than other synthetic insulation products, offers more open-construction woven face and back fabrics that can be selected to create a package that’s permeable to air. This makes the jacket quite versatile as now it can be worn in a wider range of activities.
Lightweight
At only 7.7oz this is one of the lightest packable downs on the list that is perfect for packing light for the winter. However, unlike other jackets, this one isn’t simply lightweight but also warm at a whopping 800-fill goose down making it one of the lightest 800 FP downs in this list.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Versatile because of Polartec alpha technology
- Good After sales support
CONS
- Can be slightly expensive as compared to other competitors
Final Verdict: If you want something extremely lightweight but also great for an extremely low winter then this jacket will be your favorite companion. It’s got the perfect warmth to weight ratio making it an absolute no-brainer to get as compared to other bulkier 800 fill power downs.
6. Rab Microlight Jacket - Durable Water resistant Packable Down Jacket
This down jacket from Rab is warm, feels comfortable and easy to pack which is check check check on my list for a best packable down. Although rabis a lesser known brand it does not take away from its quality, durability, and effectiveness.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 22.4 oz.
- Fill: 8.8 oz. of 750-fill-down
- Materials: 100 nylon ripstop inner
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
Good Construction with insulation
This jacket uses Nylon Ripstop fabric on the inside and Pertex microlight on the outside of the jacket. It has 750 fill power goose down that works well to protect you from windy and cold climates.
Extremely Durable
When it comes to durability this jacket is one of the most durable on the list it utilized hydrophobic nylon that repels moisture and will definitely keep your jacket warm and dry in wet cold weather.
PROS
- Hydrophobic water-resistant nylon that repels moisture well
- Durable properties
CONS
- Bulkier than other options
- Can be a little pricey
Final Verdict: Sure this jacket is a little bit on the bulkier end but the warmth and insulation it provides are quite decent. The materials are another huge selling point being made of hydrophobic nylon that ensures good durability even against water. Moreover, if you want a jacket that will last you a long time then the microlight is the perfect option.
7. Marmot Quasar - Stylish Packable Down Jacket For Travel
This is the more stylish option on our list available with many color options. However, this jacket not only looks good but has decent insulation to keep you warm and comfortable.
Jacket Specifications:
- Weight: 13.1 oz.
- Fill: 4800-fill goose down
- Materials: 20 Denier Woven Baffle Fabric
Best Reasons to buy this Packable Down Jacket
One of the biggest selling points of this jacket is its ultra-light make and construction. This makes it immensely functional, mobile and warm which is a win-win-win for any traveler looking to pack light for the winter.
PROS
- Innovative low profile design
- Consistent insulation throughout the jacket
- Lightweight
CONS
- Can be pricey
Final Verdict: If you want a more stylish packable down jacket but one that will also keep you warm and comfortable through the winter the Marmot Quasar will not disappoint.
It is one of the most stylish packable down jackets on our list that will definitely keep you warm and comfortable throughout the cold winters and most important not be a hassle when packing.
Best Packable Down Jacket Buyer’s Guide: What is a Packable Down jacket?
A Packable down jacket also known as a puffer jacket is perfect for the cold season travel. It will keep you warm and at the same time be lightweight which is a perfect combination for any traveler looking to pack light for the winter.
You can also roll them into a small compression sack that helps you save suitcase space.
Factors that make a good Packable Down Jacket
Insulation aka how warm is it?
This related to what materials are used in your jacket and how they relate to the level of comfort you get when you wear it. To quantify how good a packable down jacket is “fill power” is used as a measurement.
Fill power is basically the amount of loft the down has the higher the more loft meaning it covers more area. Hence with high quality down you get more fill (warmth) and with a lower down you get less warmth but also less weight.
What Brand is it?
Packable down jackets are made from animals and hence it’s important to get them from authorized brands that follow ethical standards and practices in the procurement of these materials.
Some unethical companies undergo unethical practices like live-plucking birds for down, force-feeding to produce products like foie gras and this that’s why premium companies like Eddie Bauer, Mountain Hardwear, North Face etc have audited certifications for their down.
Note: Patagonia has their own traceable down standard which is the highest in the industry at the moment.
What is the style aka aesthetics?
This is not only to do with looks but also with the construction of the down jacket. The shell and lining for down jackets are typically made from ripstop polyester or nylon due to their lightweight and insulating properties.
Finding the right shell weight and construction can be challenging to companies as the shell needs to be both durable and lightweight. A way to quantify this is in “denier” with lower deniers reflecting lower weight and less durable and vice-versa.
Is it resistant to water?
Moisture in most cases is the biggest threat to apparel once moisture penetrates a down it can begin to clump and the lofts that keep you insulated won’t work.
Most companies work to repel water from the outside using Durable water-resistant coatings or DWR while others add another layer of protection by treating the down itself to prevent it from absorbing water.
Pro Tip: Even the jackets with the best water protection are not completely waterproof so always wear layer items under the waterproof shell to preserve the longevity of your down,
How portable is the jacket? (packability)
If you’re looking for a packable down you need portability to take it with you on your travel journeys be it whether you climb mountains, do some hiking or skiing on weekends.
Packability is an important feature to have as it will make packing for the winter much less of a hassle than it already is. Consider jackets that are more compressible with higher fill power and lighter weight that is with lower denier and zipper weights.
Note: Styles that pack down into a pocket are more preferably as they can be stuffed quite easily into a pack.
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