The Best Down Jackets To Buy Right Now

It’s getting real chilly outside. And when the winds start feeling like a brick hitting your face the second you step out that door, you know you’re gonna need a warm coat. That’s right, you can’t just step out of your apartment when temperatures start to get real frigid with a light fleece jacket. You’re gonna need some solid outerwear with some decent down insulation. 

While that hoodie you copped this fall might have served you well then, it’ll keep you even warmer and look even better with a proper layer. Thankfully, there are so many down jackets on the market today that can fit anyone’s specific style. Whether you’re the type of person who’s looking to wear something flashy or just looking for a decent jacket to keep you warm, you’ll surely find a down jacket here that’s right for you. From brands ranging from Arc’teryx to Moncler, here are some of the best down jackets on the market right now.

A couple of weeks ago, Supreme released a 700-Fill Gore-Tex down jacket made in collaboration with the New York Yankees. The jacket was quickly identified as being inspired by a Marmot Mammoth Parka, which is better known as a “Biggie” coat throughout New York City. The jacket was first popularized by New York City teenagers in the late 2000s and was temporarily taken off store shelves in New York due to how dangerously hyped they were. But ever since Marmot relaunched these jackets in 2019, the brand has continued to drop new colorways and the reviews do not lie. This is definitely one of the toughest down jackets on the market right now. The Marmot Mammoth Parka is a waterproof, 700-Fill down coat that’s covered in a two-layer Gore-Tex shell. The jacket also boasts a down-filled hood to keep you dry and warm during rainy or snowy days. A powder skirt is also perfect for anyone who looks to use this for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. There are handwarmer pockets with flap closures and an interior pocket by the chest for your phone. While the Marmot Mammoth Parka isn’t necessarily the most lightweight or packable down jacket, it’s definitely in a class of its own. 

There are lots of shiny nylon puffers on the market today. But there is only one Moncler. While styles like the Maya are the Monclers that most folks gravitate toward, the luxury Italian ski brand offers a wide array of excellent down jackets that will keep you both warm and stylish. One great example is the Moncler Ecrins Short Down Jacket, which looks very similar to the Maya. The jacket is crafted out of shiny nylon laqué and boasts down-filled, boudin quilting. The jacket also includes adjustable snap cuffs and a drawcord hem to customize the fit. Of course, there’s Moncler’s famous logo patch on the jacket’s pocket sleeve. 

Yes, the best down jacket ever made by The North Face will always be the iconic Nuptse bubble. But what if you’re someone who’s looking for a change? While the Nuptse is a timeless option that really looks good with anything, there are so many other great down jackets by The North Face to consider. And yes, you won’t have to break the bank on those Gucci x The North Face down jackets or ones made in collaboration with Supreme. One of the best options currently being offered by The North Face today is the Hmlyn Down Parka, which is just priced slightly higher than the brand’s Nuptse jacket. The jacket is a lifestyle focused version of The North Face’s iconic Himalayan Parka, which has historically been one of the most popular down jackets to wear on expeditions to Mt. Everest. 

While the Hmyln Down Parka is only 550-Fill, versus the Nuptse’s 700-Fill, the difference in warmth should be negligible in most conditions. The one huge difference between the two jackets is that while the Nuptse has a nylon stowaway hood, which is perfect for light rain or snow, the Hmlyn Down Parka has an insulated hood. Like most down jackets, there’s a DWR finish that will help the jacket bead water for a couple of rain showers. The jacket comes in a relaxed fit, includes an internal chest pocket, drawcords at the waist, two hand pockets, and adjustable cuffs. The jacket is also made out of a 100 percent nylon WindWall shell for wind-resistant protection.

Now there are certainly folks out there who are just looking for a down jacket that doesn’t feel too heavy or look too big. And, if you happen to be someone who’s also looking for a packable down jacket that’s perfect for the backcountry, Arc’teryx has many different options for you. The Cerium LT Hoody is one of the brand’s most popular down jacket models and is very different from others on this list. Just because it’s lightweight and looks slim doesn’t mean it’s not warm. The Cerium LT Hoody boasts 850-Fill goose down and weighs a mere 10.8 ounces. For comparison, the aforementioned Hmylyn Down Parka by The North Face weighs 2 pounds and 9.6 ounces. One big feature of Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody is a packable stuff sack attached to the inner chest pocket. You can literally pull the sack out the chest pocket and stuff the entire jacket into this small nylon bag. While this is perfect for backpackers who like to run lighter, it’s also ideal for folks in the city who feel colder in the morning but warmer in the late afternoon. Instead of running hot in a down jacket, you could just pack the Cerium LT Hoody into the stuff sack and carry it inside a small backpack or even a tote bag. Although this jacket isn’t necessarily the best down coat to be caught wearing in wet weather, it’s great for dry and cold conditions. Additionally, the Cerium LT Hoody boasts “Down Composite Mapping,” which strategically places Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas prone to moisture. So, if you run hot in this jacket the synthetic insulation placed in these areas will likely not get damp like goose down does. The Cerium LT Hoody is also Fair Trade Certified, which means it was produced following certain ethical standards that are outlined here. 

As Prodigy of Mobb Deep said: “It was a cold dark night wicked like a hawk on ice, my heater makes my Avirex lean to the right.” While we certainly hope the only heater you’ve ever carried in your jacket during the winter is a hand warmer, there’s a reason why Mobb Deep loved Avirex jackets so much. There’s nothing quite like those Americana-inspired leathers that pay homage to both vintage military jackets and old high school varsitys. And yes, the classic leather jacket brand popularized by so many New York rappers in the ‘90s actually relaunched this season with a whole new collection that’s filled with reissues of their most iconic leather jackets. But additionally, Avirex has also released jackets that give those classic leathers a modern twist. Take this All Star Hooded Parka for example. It’s a true to size jacket that has a slightly relaxed fit for layering. It’s made out of 100 percent down quilted poly cire, which gives it a luxurious shine similar to a Moncler. The jacket is filled with a 90/10 duck down, includes a detachable hood, and rib knit storm cuffs. Of course, the real draw to this jacket is the classic use of Avirex’s iconic appliques and embroidery, which are pulled from one of the brand’s iconic leather varsity jackets that was popularized by Biggie Smalls.

For those who absolutely refuse to take off their Nike Tech hoodie this winter, maybe it’s time for just a slight upgrade. Thankfully, Telfar has arrived with the perfect solution by dropping this hybrid Puff Hoodie. It’s exactly what it sounds like. A grand fusion of two timeless winter staples: the hooded sweatshirt and a bubble jacket. The Puff Hoodie boasts a cotton hood that extends down to the chest but is then finished off with a nylon puffer jacket body that features a subtle Telfar logo quilted into one of the baffles. The lining of this Puffer Hoodie is synthetic, made with 55 percent polyester and 45 percent nylon. However, the fill is 80 percent duck down and 20 percent duck feathers, which means that it will certainly be warmer than your standard cotton hoodie. This is the perfect piece for anyone who’s constantly told that a hoodie is not a suitable substitute for a jacket. How could the haters possibly respond to this?  

For those looking for a luxurious, high-end down parka, Canada Goose has many great offerings. Last year, Canada Goose announced that starting in 2022 it would go fur free and no longer buy new fur from trappers. This Canada Goose Expedition Parka is a fur free model that’s currently available. The jacket boasts an 80/20 down fill, includes a concealed two-way zip closure, a velcro placket, and flap pockets at the chest, waist and sleeves. The canvas down-filled parka also has two interior pockets, rib knit cuffs, and the brand’s iconic patch on the chest. 

A jacket that was seen on Kanye West nearly everywhere he went last year and aptly promoted throughout the rollout of Donda… Yes, we’re talking about that crazy Yeezy Gap Round Jacket. The very first product to ever come from the Yeezy Gap line is available on resale markets in red, blue, and black colorways. Although the coat originally retailed for $200, the resale markup is thankfully not too crazy and can be purchased for less than $300. The Yeezy Gap Round Jacket is made out of recycled nylon and includes a polyester fill, which means that it isn’t going to be incredibly warm like the other jackets on this list. However, if you’re going for the look, it’s advised you layer up well to make up for the lack of warmth. The puffer coat has no seams, buttons or even zippers, which gives it a very bold and unique shape.

A common misconception is that you need to spend over $100 for a decent down jacket. While many higher-end jackets won’t be available for such cheap prices, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a warm one for under $100. Uniqlo’s popular Ultra Light Down line offers many cozy down jackets that are extremely affordable and even have features that are similar to pricey outdoor brands like Arc’teryx. This Ultra Light Down Parka is a great example. The jacket boasts a water-repellent coating, anti-static and resin-coated lining, and a fill power of 640 or greater. That means this Uniqlo jacket is just as warm as some of the pricier brands seen throughout this list. The best part is that it can be packed into a convenient storage pouch for those looking to pack this on the go. For $79.90, it’s a great deal that can’t be beat. And, it’s perfect for those looking to wear something under fancier pieces that aren’t warm enough alone, such as a nice canvas chore coat.