Best Down Jackets: Arc’teryx takes the upper hand

Last updated: May 14, 2025

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15Trim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50Trim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15Regular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20Trim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30Regular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Regular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 inNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?No
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?No
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 inNo
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 inNo
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 inNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?No
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?No
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 inNo
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?No
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 inNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 inNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 inNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 inNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 inNo

First thing you should know about down jackets is that you should only consider getting one for stationary use, in dry weather

Because, all down jackets offer: 

  • Low breathability, 
  • Poor wet weather performance, 
  • Fragile outer shell.

Always. 

No exceptions. 

If this isn't you, then you should stop reading this post and go check out my Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets article. 

I'd also recommend you to check out my Best Arc'teryx Jackets and Best Patagonia Jackets articles. 

  • Summary & Take-away

Do make sure checking out the given temperature ratings, but still, for most of you... 

My number one recommendations would be from my favorite brand Arc'teryx. Thorium AR (Men's - Women's - read my review) would be my top pick, with the Cerium LT (Men's - Women's - read my reviewbeing the top alternative to it. 

My top non-Arc'teryx pick would be Feathered Friends Eos (Men's - Women's), with Patagonia's Down Sweater (Men's - Women's - read my review) being the top alternative to it.

#Important note: A down jacket will lose its insulating capability under fairly wet conditions. Either from your sweat or wet weather. 

That's why, if you're going to be using them in damp areas, I'd urge you to consider getting a synthetic insulated jacket instead. They're mostly heavier, but perform better in wet conditions. 

Temperature Ratings

The warmth data provided below for each product are obtained either by: 

  • Trying them out, 
  • Analyzing them scientifically,
  • And/or gathering tens of authentic, non-biased offline user experience.
  • Data Set: Temperature Ratings of Down Jackets

Approximate lowest temperatures you can wear each down jacket in the market without feeling uncomfortably cold are... 

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15Trim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50Trim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15Regular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 inNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 inNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20Trim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30Regular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Regular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 inNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?No
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?No
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 inNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 inNo
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 inNo
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 inNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?No
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?No
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?No
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 inNo
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?No
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 inNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 inNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 inNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 inNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 inNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 inNo

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine

These are only approximate values assuming:

  • you only have a shirt under and no shell over,
  • during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities), 
  • with enough wind to cause an umbrella to twist in your hand, 
  • and when it's dry out.

If you think you run warmer or colder than the average person, then shift temperature ranges accordingly.

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%

Let's clarify the reasons behind this. 

Warmth

Warmth is the most important thing you should focus on when getting a down jacket. There are two major factors to it: 

  • Fill power, 
  • Fill weight.

Note that these are major two factors, not only two factors. 

Fill Power

The word "down" is typically mostly referred to as "fill" in down insulated garment language. 

Fill Power refers to the fully expanded end volume of a 1 oz down (goose or duck). It's in cubic inches. 

For example, a 800 FP (fill power) down will end up getting as large as 800 cubic inches when it's fully expanded at rest. 

  • How and why does a higher FP down offers higher warmth?

Because the insulation occurs by trapping air within the vacant spots of down, followed by having that air heated using our body heat. 

So, the higher the volume of trapped air (which is determined by the Fill Power of down), the more air will be heated & work as insulation as a result

In the end, more warmth will be provided. 

By the way... 

Fill power isn't only about warmth level at all. Having said that, all I'm currently trying to accomplish is to decode the nature of warmth in an analytical way. 

Fill Power.

This is why I'm going to skip other roles of fill power and will get back to it later in this post. 

Here's a video that also does a good job explaining fill power: 

Moving on to our other major factor... 

Fill Weight

Fill weight is the amount of down the insulated piece is equipped with. It's just as important as fill power when it comes to warmth.  

Because, just like fill power, also fill weight directly affects the amount of air trapped within the vacant spots of down. 

That said, the role of fill power on other factors (long term warmth, warmth during movement, warmth distribution, compressibility) is significantly greater than fill weight. 

Important: Warmth Calculation

Reminder: Fill power and fill weight are the two most important factors when it comes to warmth. 

On a larger scale, assuming both jackets are equipped with identical synthetic insulation (or none of it), it is possible to make very close estimations by multiplying them when comparing warmth ratings of two different pieces. 

For example...

  • Rab Neutrino Pro offers 227 grams of 800 FP down.
    • 227*800 = 181,600
  • Outdoor Research Alpine Down offers 182 grams of 800 FP down. 
    • 182*800 = 145,600

Since 181,600 is significantly greater than 145,600; it's safe to say that the former will be warmer than the latter. 

Now...

There are reasons why this mostly won't work on a smaller (or sometimes even on a large) scale. 

  • What do you mean by smaller scale?

Comparing two jackets with, say, 125,000 and 120,000 FP * FW values. 

The main reasons include but are not limited to: 

  • Presence of other synthetic insulators,
  • Length,
  • Bagginess,
  • Outer fabric,
  • Fill power (I know this is confusing... ignore it for now).

Let's clarify them briefly. 

Synthetic Reinforcements

This is one of the primary reasons for this. For example, Arc'teryx always uses synthetic insulation strategically in high wear areas for all their down jackets. 

As you can guess, this is part of the reason why they're listed warmer than down jackets with equal FP * FW values. 

Length

In colder weather, it becomes much harder to keep your legs and feet warm than your torso and arms. 

This is why, the longer the hem length, the warmer the jacket will feel. And the difference is pretty noticeable. 

Bagginess

I talked about this more in detail in my Arc'teryx Thorsen vs Therme vs Camosun post

Baggier cut of Cerium SV helps with its incredible warmth. 

Briefly, the amount of trapped air increases as the jacket gets baggier. So more air works as insulation, and ultimately you're kept warmer. 

There certainly is something as "too baggy", though. After some point, more inner volume only holds the warmth back. 

Weather Resistance & Outer Fabric 

Outer fabric is actually much more about weather resistance, but it also affects warmth a little bit. 

As explained earlier, no down jacket is able to offer well weather resistance since they get clumped and loses their loft when they get wet. 

This is the case regardless from getting wet through your sweat or weather conditions. 

That being said, it's still possible to sort them by their strength. But the difference is minimal here - so much that it might not even be noticeable: 

Arato 30 = Perfex Quantum Pro > Perfex Quantum > Arato 10 = Drilite Loft 40D > Arato 7 = Drilite Loft 20D > others. 

Other impacts of Fill Power

Higher FP will retain its loft with minimal loss during movement. Whereas a lower quality (which is a lower FP) down will do a poor job with this. 

For the sake of simplicity and trying not to make this a scientific article, I decided to place equal importance (weight) on fill power and fill weight when calculating FP * FW values. 

But, in reality, I'd actually place more weight on fill power. Maybe squaring the FP and then multiplying it with FW would be a more accurate calculation to yield better results. 


Check out our other content on jackets:

Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets

Start here:

Also see:

About the Author Canberk K.


Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan.