Winter weather is merciless. While layering is an effective way to keep warm, sometimes you need a little something extra to get the job done - and that's where a down jacket can become your best friend. The biggest thing to remember when buying a down jacket is the fill count. Essentially, the fill count is a rating on how warm the jacket will be; the higher the number, the warmer.
While there was once a point in time that you wouldn't want to wear a down jacket in the rain for fear of ruining it, most modern down jackets have been treated to withstand light rain should you get caught in the middle of something. Otherwise, these jackets are going to be your best line of defense against whatever winter may throw at you. Below, we've rounded up 13 of our favorites from some of the best brands around to ensure you're nice and warm, all winter long.
1. Marmot Stockholm Down Jacket
BEST OVERALL
Marmot has really gone above and beyond with this coat: A 700-fill synthetic down is some of the warmest rated down around which means it will stand up to even the harshest of conditions. That down has also been treated with the brand's "Down Defender" which prevents it from clumping together when it's introduced to water, so you'll stay warm even in the rain. There's added versatility too, the hood is removable so you can tailor the jacket to your needs. Plus, it's at a price point well below the competition. All in all, it's a well-rounded jacket that won't fail you, even when the cold is at its worst.
© Provided by SPYMarmot Stockholm Down Jacket (in gray)
Buy: Marmot Stockholm Down Jacket $275.00
2. REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket
BEST VALUE
If you're looking to get warmth for winter that won't cost you an arm and a leg, going with this down jacket from REI's in-house Co-op line is your best, and smartest, option. Made from 850-fill down, it's warm enough for the majority of activities you'll find yourself doing throughout the winter. It's also totally wind and waterproof, should you (unfortunately) find yourself caught in an extra-breezy rain or snowstorm. An all-around great option, you'll be hard-pressed to find a jacket with these features for this price.
© Provided by SPYREI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket
3. Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Down Jacket
BEST COMBO
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean the rain (or snow!) will stop. In order to combat the elements, sometimes you need to reach for something that's capable of handling the worst of what winter weather throws at you - and that's exactly where the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 down jacket comes into play. As evidenced by its namesake, the jacket is three different pieces in one: an outer rain jacket, an interior 700-fill down jacket and then both pieces zip together to create a super warm, waterproof down raincoat. With the Voltron of winter weather gear, you'll be prepared for whatever may come your way.
© Provided by SPYpatagonia tres 3in1 down jacket
4. Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hooded Down Jacket
BEST HOODED OPTION
The Arc'teryx Cerium LT hooded down jacket is a great selection for those looking for full upper-body warmth. Made from a powerful 850-fill down, it's incredibly warm; the slightly extended body will provide extra coverage in spots that other jackets won't. Meanwhile, the hoodie portion has an included throat guard (forgoing the need for a scarf) while also offering up adjustable drawstrings to really keep that warmth from escaping. There are even a number of fun colors like red, green, blue, grey and black. If you're a person that's always chilly or someone living in a brutally cold area, this is your best defense.
© Provided by SPYArc'teryx Cerium LT Hooded Down Jacket (in red)
5. UNIQLO Seamless Down Parka
ON SALE NOW
Okay, okay. We already gave you the down jacket with the best value, but right now, this down parka takes the cake. Right now, you can currently get this UNIQLO down parka on sale for just $80. Yup, $80. It's insanity. The parka has a ton of top-notch reviews backing it up and is totally windproof and water-repellent. Though it might look heavy, it's super-lightweight so it won't feel as if you're lugging your coat around all day. It looks much more expensive than it is, so don't be afraid to lie a little by calling this bad boy a splurge. No one will ever know.
© Provided by SPYUNIQLO Seamless Down Parka Jacket
6. Eddie Bauer Downlight Hooded Jacket
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Sick and tired of sweating bullets in cold weather because of your choice of down jackets? Well, my man, do we have an option for you. This lightweight downlight hooded jacket from Eddie Bauer is an 800 fill RDS jacket made for dudes who don't want to drown inside their coat. Even though it's lighter than your average down jacket, it's made with a rain-resistant finish and is entirely windproof, so it doesn't lack any down jacket must-haves. It's complete with a drawcord waist to keep cold air out and can even pack into itself if traveling.
© Provided by SPYEddie Bauer Downlight Hooded Jacket
Buy: Eddie Bauer Downlight Hooded Jacket $174.99
7. Fjallraven Greenland No. 1Down Jacket
MOST STYLISH
A down jacket wrapped in a fun, cotton shell, this Fjallraven is our pick for the most stylish down jacket. Designed in the brand's signature orange (with great contrasting white buttons and a pop of navy), it looks like a standard canvas jacket you'd wear as a transitional spring or fall layer but is instead bolstered with a warm 600-fill down. The cotton shell will do wonders to cut down on wind, while the hood adds another bit of protection. Furthermore, two chest pockets will give you room to store any sort of random knickknack you may need to carry, without you having to fumble around to try and find it.
© Provided by SPYFjallraven Greenland No. 1Down Jacket
8. Marc New York Horizon Down & Feather Coat
BEST COLLAR
The issue with a lot of down jackets is that sometimes, the warmth doesn't transition well to properly cover the neck. If your area is prone to bone-chilling temperatures in the winter, you'll know damn well how chilly that neck can get. Combat any cold neck-related issues with this hybrid down and feather coat for a warming property incomparable to any other down jacket. The coat is complete with a down-zip closure and storm placket to keep all wind out, and obviously, a faux-fur trim around the neckline to keep you toasty at all times.
© Provided by SPYMarc New York Horizon Down & Feather Coat
9. Canada Goose MacMillan Slim Fit Hooded Down Jacket
BEST SPLURGE
Canada Goose has become a household name for millennials over the last few years due to both their iconic silhouettes and because they make really, really quality products. This MacMillan slim fit down jacket helps to avoid a lot of that Stay Puff Marshmellow man look that sometimes happens when you slip on a down jacket, opting for a really trim profile that doesn't skimp on warmth. But its other design details stand out as well.
© Provided by SPYCanada Goose MacMillan Slim Fit Hooded Down Jacket
10. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
BEST FOR TRAVEL
It feels like an understatement to say that weather can be unpredictable, but it's an absolutely true statement. Hence, it makes sense to invest in something like this packable down jacket from The North Face. Capable of stuffing down inside itself, it's great to bring on an airplane for when you're traveling from a warm place to a cold place, cutting down on both space and the number of layers that you'd need to pack. And at 700-fill, it's more than likely to be up to snuff against the majority of cold climates. Toss it in your bag and you won't need to worry if things take a turn for the bitter cold. Best part of all? The retro look is super stylish, so you'll look great no matter where you're headed.
© Provided by SPYThe North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
11. Everlane ReNew Short Parka
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE
Down jackets are great and all, but most of the time, they're not entirely eco-friendly. If you're looking for a solid down feather jacket alternative that will still keep you warm in chilly temps, look no further than the ReNew Short Parka from Everlane. This boxy, relaxed-fit jacket is made with 100% recycled fabric with 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation, which is a high-performance insulation option more sustainable than down. All in all, this baby is made from 55 renewed plastic water bottles, which should make you more than proud to wear it.
© Provided by SPYThe North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
12. L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket
THE DARK HORSE
You may not anticipate a down jacket from L.L. Bean being among the highest quality down jackets on the market - but that's where you'd be wrong. The water-resistant and windproof nylon shell is actually made from recycled fabric, while the down itself has been treated to keep its warmth and loft even if it comes into contact with water. Meanwhile, the 850-fill puts it as one of the warmest options on this list. But if that wasn't enough, it will also stow into itself for added portability. Tough as nails features, environmentally friendly, with an excellent price point? Well, that's one hell of a statement.
© Provided by SPYBean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket
13. Columbia Voodoo Falls 590 Turbo Down Jacket
BEST MILD WEATHER
If you're in an area of the country where it only gets a little cold, you're a naturally warm person or you'd rather layer up, this Columbia down jacket skews to the light end of the warmth range with its 550 fill. Columbia's proprietary Omni-Heat technology will help direct your own internal body heat back into itself, helping to keep you warm on top of all the down. As with other options, the shell has been treated to combat rain, so you won't need to fret too much about it all falling apart if you get caught in some rain. It's basically the perfect solution for those who live in areas where there are only a handful of really cold days.
© Provided by SPYColumbia Voodoo Falls 590 Turbo Down Jacket
Buy: Columbia Voodoo Falls 590 Turbo Down Jacket $111.90