They’re lightweight. They’re weatherproof. They’re warm. These are the obvious laurels of puffer jackets for less-than-summery weather. But making an investment in one of these down-filled wonders (because they’re not cheap) will prove worthwhile as the weather turns. Any of our ten picks will be your packable, insulated, technical go-to from October to March — whether you’re out on mountaintop ski runs or chilly city streets.
Canada Goose Hybridge Lite Jacket
The Hybridge Lite Jacket is award winning, and comes with the price tag. But if you can swing $500 and some change on insurance for your comfort in any type of terrain or condition, this is where you should put your money. Tested to perform optimally at any temperature between 40 and 25 degrees, the Hybridge lite blends breathable hardface fleece with multi-way stretch fabric and a fully abrasion- and water-resistant shell so you’ll never wet out. And with a lifetime guarantee of repair of replacement of any Canada Goose apparel, you’ll get your money’s worth. [$525; canadagoose.com]
The North Face L4 Thermoball
With a hexagonal quilted pattern, the L4 Thermoball sticks out from the rest of the geometric-quilted crowd in more ways than one. The warmest piece of the Thermoball collection, the L4 is 500 grams of synthetic-down blend to increase compressibility, warmth, and durability. Added stretch panels, cinch-cord hem, and a mini-ripstop places the L4 at the top of the list for anyone who regularly gets out into alpine elements. [$300; thenorthface.com]
Asics Down Jacket
The best bang for your buck, the Asics down jacket has all the features you never knew you needed. Aside from 600 grams of goose down and elastic lining to keep the wind out, it has a hidden zippered chest pocket with a media port, and inside the hood is a media loop so you can use and keep your phone and headphones safe and dry during any type of storm. [$165; asics.com]
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
If you want to steer clear of the quilted patterns and neutral color pallet, the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody has a more traditional jacket profile and color ways ranging from fire engine red to verbena green. But the Nano-Air Hoody’s crowning glory is the FullRange insulation. The fabric and the insulation work together to create a breathable, stretchy hybrid — mixing the warmth of a traditional fleece and the durable resistance and light weight of a technical puffy. [$299; patagonia.com]
Vatnajokull Men’s PrimaLoft Jacket
In a land where weather is temperamental and the elements are dramatic, 66 North reigns supreme. Everyone from Reykjavík city slickers to wilderness rescue teams in the highlands of Iceland sport 66 North to keep themselves protected and warm. And it’s obvious why: The brand’s attention to detail and expertise in technical apparel is evident in the Vatnajokull PrimaLoft jacket. The PrimaLoft insulation absorbs three times less water and is 24 percent warmer than the leading competitor’s insulation. The soft microfiber blend, high collar, fitted hood, and compressible abilities make it an ideal jacket for the land of fire and ice or anywhere else. [$335; 66north.com]
Nau Off The Grid Jacket
For those who think there is no completely green option for insulated puffy jackets, we found your unicorn. The Off the Grid Jacket from Portland, Oregon-based designer Nau is constructed with weather-resistant recycled polyester and wool, and stays true to the brand’s initiative to provide luxurious performance pieces that minimize environmental impact. With the military flight jacket silhouette, tech-compatible interior pocket to keep your phone dry, and geometric quilt pattern, Nau got it right with this jacket. [$215; nau.com]
Columbia Outdry Ex Gold Down Hooded Jacket
Columbia Sportswear forwent its signature heat-reflecting OmniHeat technology for this insulated waterproof shell — and the result is a subtler everyday middleweight jacket. The soft, breathable liner on the inside of the jacket wicks away sweat, while the OutDry membrane, complete with baffled stitches and external seam tape to completely waterproof the piece, keeps everything out there that’s wet, out. During a 72-hour test run in Patagonia, this jacket saw brutal winds, rain, sleet, snow, and mud and held up to every condition without needing any backup. [$250; columbia.com]
Eddie Bauer x Pendleton Reversable 1936 Skyliner Model Jacket
In September Eddie Bauer announced the reintroduction of its “retro-technical” originals line, which dates back to 1936, when the outdoor brand created and then later patented the country’s first quilted down jacket. With warmth-to-weight ratio that impresses just as much as the original, this 2016 upgrade adds a little extra Americana with its reverse Pendleton wool pattern. The Pendleton Reversible collab features a rugged nylon-blend shell in the classic diamond quilt pattern. The body of the reverse side Pendleton wool in one of the classic National Park stripes — black for Yosemite, hunter green for Badlands, cadet blue for Grand Canyon, and flax for Smoky Mountains national parks. Additionally, 5 percent of the sale of each jacket goes to the National Park Foundation. [$400; eddiebauer.com]
Superdry Triple Zip Through Jacket
Smart enough to look clean while still having the tech to stand up to any sort of shit Mother Nature blows your way, the Fuji Triple Zip Through is ideal for the urban outdoorsman. The wide horizontal quilting keeps it from looking too tech-y, while still holding the insulation snug enough for it to get the job done with no cold spots. The triple-zip double collar nixes any need for a scarf, too. [$100; superdry.com]
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket
At 7.7 ounces, the Ghost Whisperer is the lightest full-featured hooded down jacket on the market — and it doesn’t skimp on any accouterments. There’s only one mill in the world that can spin the fabric used for the Ghost Whisperer. It comes complete with 79 grams of 800-fill down, an elastic-lined helmet-compatible hood, carabiner loop, and toggle hem. Plus, this jacket can zip into its own pocket for stuff sack storage. [$350; mountainhardwear.com]