The 8 Best Down Jackets for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Thanks to an ideal blend of warmth, quality, and versatility, the Stio Hometown Down Hooded Jacket is our top pick. We tested the jacket on brisk days at the lake, putting it up against cold temperatures and some fierce wind chill. Each wear proved better than the last. The jacket is very lightweight thanks to 800-fill, RDS-certified down insulation that we found to be comfortable across varying temperatures and activities, whether that meant running errands, going to work, or heading out on a leisurely bike ride. The down kept its shape well and rebounded quickly, even after being packed away for long periods. 

We found the jacket to be very comfortable. Its slim fit is still roomy enough for layering but won’t give Michelin Man vibes, and the length — which goes down just past the hips — is ideal for keeping the entire torso warm. The zippered pockets are nice for keeping little bits of gear close by, but we found them to be smaller than we’d prefer. Little details like easy-pull bungy cords around the waist and hood are icing on the cake. Overall, we think the jacket is a fair value for the price and will be one that you reach for every day all winter long, no matter where life takes you. 

The Details: XS-3XL | Shell: Recycled HTD, 20 denier ripstop, 100 percent recycled nylon | Fill: Allied feather and down HyperDry, 90/10 goose down | 800-fill power | Regular fit | Water-resistant

One thing about down jackets that makes them great is that they’re so packable. Our favorite for packing down small is the L.L.Bean Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket. It uses lightweight, high-loft, 850-fill down that is easy to compress when you don’t need it and springs right back into place when you do. In spite of its light weight, it holds its own in the warmth department, though after testing we don’t think it’d be good for a super cold climate. We do, however, think it’s great for everyday wear, owing to its soft outer material and lightweight down that doesn’t feel confining. It also makes a great option for a day of hiking or sightseeing, when you may want to stash it in a backpack for later use.

The Details: S-3XL (regular); M-3XL (tall) | Shell: 100 percent recycled ripstop nylon | Fill: DownTek down | 850-fill power | 0.98 lbs | Slightly fitted | Water-repellent

Down jackets are not often waterproof because the down filling can create mold if it gets wet and clumpy and does not dry properly. However, this Cotopaxi Calidez Down Parka has a windproof and waterproof shell and is fully seam-sealed to protect against the elements. We thought the jacket was very warm and surprisingly lightweight, given its ability to insulate heat even in very cold temperatures. It has a lot of features that can’t be overlooked, like great pockets and fleece lining around the neck and chin to prevent discomfort. The materials feel high-end and luxe — we noted that it was possible to tell the jacket was waterproof but without the scratchiness usually associated with a waterproof finish. The fit was generous, but this makes sense given that you’ll probably always be doing some layering if you’re wearing a parka. The only thing to keep in mind when choosing the right size is that the sleeves are a bit long. 

The Details: S-XXL | Shell: 100 percent recycled polyester | 650-fill power | Regular fit | Waterproof

Ideal for alpine adventures, this jacket was made for movement and all-day wear. Its roomy fit and breathability allows for easy layering, meaning you can head out in the morning knowing you’ll always be comfortable, no matter how the weather changes. If you don’t want to layer up or have already removed your midlayers, the Fitz Roy has bungee cinch cords that we found to be helpful when wearing just a T-shirt. The outer layer is lightweight yet warm — ideal for layering — and the soft material is comfortable to wear. We have some concerns about whether the soft material will stand up to sharp objects and abrasive surfaces; however, using a more durable fabric would also make it heavier and possibly less soft, and we loved the lightweight feel.

The Details: XS-3XL | Shell: 20-denier Pertex Quantum 100 percent recycled nylon | 800-fill power | 1.1 pounds | Regular fit | Water-repellent

Right out of the gate, we admired the Spyfire for its versatility, with a nice balance of warmth and weight that makes it a great pick for light exercise, touring a new city, or running errands. We even rode a motorcycle in it and didn’t have any issues with warmth. It regulates heat well, though almost too well in some cases — we noted that something more breathable was necessary if really trying to exert oneself. We found that it runs slightly small and fitted, so it is possible to layer underneath, but anything more than a sweatshirt underneath might be a bit of a tight squeeze. However, that’s probably why it helps keep warmth in so well. Another win in the versatility column: if you don’t like having a hood, it also comes in a jacket, a shirt-jac, and a vest version, so you can pick whichever silhouette best suits your adventures. . 

The Details: S-XXL | Shell: MikrotexI 20-denier nylon | Fill: RDC-certified goose down | 800-fill power | Slim fit | Water-resistant

If you need a jacket you can wear daily with many different layering combinations, the Marmot Hype is the one you want. We found the fit pretty standard, with enough room for a layer or two and light enough to wear under a heavier parka if needed. After testing, we love this pick for daily wear because, even after a brisk walk, when we entered a building, we didn’t feel the need to peel the jacket off immediately — it was light enough to exhaust the warm air inside and keep us comfortable across varying temperatures. The down is hydrophobic, meaning that it will resist water and keep its loft even when precipitation starts to threaten your outdoor adventures (though it’s not waterproof, so don’t wear it in a downpour and expect to stay warm or dry). We don’t think it’s warm enough to wear on its own in deep winter, and it’s not windproof — it’s much better used as a layering piece. 

The Details: S-XXL | Shell: Pertex Quantum, 100 percent presconsumer recycled nylon, ripstop | 800-fill power | 10 ounces | Regular fit

The North Face is probably most well-known for its ‘90s-inspired down jackets, but it’s also a performance brand that makes high-quality gear made to handle the harshest elements. The Breithorn is the latter. It is incredibly warm — too warm at times — making it a great jacket for wearing as a single outer layer or on cold days when freezing cold temperatures are expected. We think the fit is great, albeit slimmer than initially expected. But since it’s so warm, we don’t think it needs to have a ton of room for layers. It’s not very breathable, so we wouldn’t wear it for mild weather or winter sports. The jacket also packs down quite small, making it ideal for travel or commuting. It’s so tiny and light that we thought the package was empty when it arrived for testing. 

The Details:  S-XXL | Shell: 15 denier Pertex Y Fuse 100 percent recycled ripstop nylon | 800-fill power | 12.45 ounces | Slim fit | Water-repellent

If you need something more affordable, packable, and layerable, the Decathlon Forclaz ticks all the boxes. While not as durable or technical as other jackets on the list, it utilizes a substantial 800-fill power down and feather combination to keep you warm while still being super lightweight. It packs into its own pocket for quick stowage, whether that’s into your carry-on for winter travel or you want to turn it into a pillow for cold-weather camping trips. Elastic cuffs provide a tight, comfortable fit around the wrists, two big hand pockets are big enough to warm your fingers while also storing some EDC, and the straightforward sizing makes it great for layering. While this jacket may not excel on Everest, its price point and lightweight warmth make it great for someone who needs to pick up a jacket for a quick trip to a cold climate or who doesn’t want to break the bank on something too technical. 

The Details: S-3XL | Shell: 100 percent polyamide with polyester padding inside | Fill: 90 percent duck down, 10 percent duck feathers | 800-fill power | 10.5 ounces | Water-repellant