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Lightweight, pocketable, and warm—these are the most versatile jackets for any outdoor adventure.
Summer is still in full swing, so it seems strange to shop down jackets when the daily highs are hovering above 90 degrees in most parts of the country. But, fall comes fast, and it pays to prepare early for whatever foliage-season adventuring you have planned this year. Take stock now of your favorite outdoor apparel to see what can be kept, what can be donated, and what needs a serious upgrade.
One of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear is a reliable three-season down jacket. The best packable down jackets are versatile, lightweight (some weigh less than half a pound), small enough to toss in a pocket, and designed to keep you just warm enough. Most can be worn as an outer layer in drier, milder weather or as an insulating mid-layer when the weather turns south. Whatever your budget, look, or adventure style, these are our top picks for the best packable down jackets to shop in 2022.
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Mountain Hardwear’s latest Ghost Whisperer 2 takes everything we love about their stellar hooded down jacket and upgrades it in every way. The second-generation model is among the lightest on this list at less than nine ounces, making it ultra-packable for even the most weight-conscious hiker. Beyond that, it accommodates an excellent range of motion, so it’s comfortable and versatile enough for all-day wear. The best part is that it offers an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for shoulder season and even early winter wear. Plus, it’s one of the best value packable down jackets we’ve ever tested at less than $200. Our only minor quibbles are the lack of a hood cinch and loose-fitting cuffs—both of which can let cold drafts in on chillier days.
Read more: Best Winter Coats for Men
Is there anything Amazon doesn’t make these days? The aptly named Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket is everything its name implies. At 11 ounces, it’s surprisingly lightweight and compressible, making it perfectly packable for just about any outdoor adventure. The water-resistance is mediocre, so this one is built more for dry weather. The inner liner is soft and comfortable, however, the outer shell is thin and feels distinctly like a budget jacket. We also found it difficult to fit into the included stuff sack. Still, despite its shortcomings, it’s hard to complain with a price tag of around $40. If you’re looking for a comfortable, no-frills, budget down jacket alternative, this is your man.
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The Down Sweater Hooded Jacket from Patagonia is among our favorite time- and field-tested packable down jackets. At just under 15 ounces and packed with 3.4 ounces of 800-fill-power down, it strikes a good balance of weight and warmth. We like that it’s beefy enough to wear as an insulating mid-layer for snow season. If you’re looking to buy just one packable puffer, this down jacket’s classic, “crossover” design makes it friendly for both street and trail wear. At nearly $300, it’s at the high end of this roundup, but still a solid value given the Patagonia brand name, reliability, and list of essential features.
Tommy Hilfiger’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket is the most fashion-forward of our down jacket picks. It’s available in more than two dozen colors (more than any on this list) and features a classic, street-friendly design that works well for everyday wear. For outdoor adventuring, it’s not the most technical outer layer. It’s slightly heavier than most on this list, doesn’t compress very well, and the faux down isn’t quite as warm as true down fill. Still, at around $60, it’s an affordable option for city slickers who occasionally venture into the country and are looking to buy just one coat that mostly does it all.
For hardcore outdoor adventuring and high-intensity activities where every ounce counts, we love Arc’teryx’s Cerium SL Superlight Down Hoody. True to its name, it’s the lightest on this list at just 7.6 ounces. It’s an incredibly packable design that fits neatly into just about any pocket. Despite its featherweight construction, the 850-fill true goose down makes this a surprisingly warm choice that works well as a mid- or even outer-layer in all but the coldest weather. Shaving serious weight typically means trading off some durability, and this jacket is no different meaning it’s not the most durable or the most water-resistant. It’s also one of the priciest on this list at north of $350. But, if it’s within your budget, you’d be hard-pressed to find a premium packable down jacket that better balances comfort, weight, and warmth.
This lesser-known Seattle brand is much-beloved among the hardcore outdoor community for its premium, handmade apparel. The Eos Down Jacket’s latest reboot updated our previous favorite and still ranks among the best packable down jackets on the market. It’s lightweight at less than 11 ounces, yet incredibly warm with four ounces of premium 900-fill down—all of which makes it incredibly packable and perfect for the most hardcore technical adventures (think everything from late fall hikes to serious, lightweight alpining). It is the most expensive packable down jacket on this list. But, if keeping warm is just as important to you as going light, in our opinion, there is no second option.
Norrona is little-known among many Americans. But, this Norwegian brand has been crafting some of the best technical apparel for years. So too with the Falketind Down750, a hooded down jacket built with reinforced shoulders and elbows for tackling hardcore ascents. At nearly a pound, it’s heavier than most on this list, but that extra weight equals better durability and weather resistance. We especially love the body-mapped insulation, so there’s more down fill at the core, while synthetic fill is primarily used elsewhere for a warmer and more rugged design. The price varies widely between $200 and almost $400 (depending on size and colorway), but for hard-wearing technical wear, it ticks nearly every box for must-have features.
Like any serious outwear, there is no “best packable down jacket.” There is only “a best packable down jacket for you.” With a long list of features, specs, options, and models available, finding the right one can be a challenge. Here’s the low-down on what we think are the most important things to consider when shopping for the best packable puffer:
We researched, tested, and compared dozens of the best lightweight down jackets available this year. From budget-friendly brands like Amazon Essentials to midrange options to premium alternatives from the likes of Arc’teryx and Mountain Hardwear, we paid close attention to every facet, including fit, durability, technical features, warmth, packability, and, of course, price. The list above represents our honest, field-tested picks of the best packable down jackets of 2022.