Quiet. If youre using the layer for climbing and skiing, youll want an athletic or slender design that can be layered below or above a midlayer or shell. But in general, the lower the fill power, the less loft and warmth. Both parkas earned a 10 here because they achieved the function of the shell that we are looking for in this type of parka. The Premium Down insulation is unmatched for its exceptional warmth and lightweight, The superior comfort and sub-zero warmth of Premium Down is now even better. Oh and before I go. One additional thing to say about the mens Vinson shell is that it also contains Cordura nylon in places where it my experience more wear and tear. Otherwise, take a look at all of our recommended buys or jump to the category youre looking for: In researching all the down jackets on the market, we paid particular attention to standouts within a particular category. We also really liked the elastic cuffs on the sleeves, which our hands can easily tuck into. The shape of men makes this a bit less important than with women. On the other hand, if two down jackets weigh the same with different fill power (two 15-ounce jackets with 650 fill and 800 fill), the higher fill jacket is going to be less bulky, lighter, and more compressible. I bought both the superior and Vinson to compare and kept the Vinson. Still, the reviews that are there are generally positive. Each of these down jackets is available now and merits a look for its construction, price, features, and warmth. Two zippered chest pockets add some utility, and while theres no two-way zipper, the hand pockets are nice and high to accommodate a harness. Fully, Waterproof like you've never felt it. Active insulation is best for high-output action. Its on the fore arms because you may lean in stuff. The 700-fill jacket is lightweight and packs down to the size of a small travel pillow. Most women have waists that are smaller than their hips and bust. Lesson learned. He will fill out the coat. These adventure-themed holiday gifts are sure to excite the voyagers, athletes, and adventurers in your life. The Hood / Neck does not have design elements so that they cover as much of the face as possible. Many down jackets include a hood, some of which are helmet-compatible, while others have a tall collar. Ive said this in the companion article and Im going to stress it here. The Super/DS is the first-ever jacket with stitch-free baffle construction and is made from a single fabric, eliminating the need for glue. But for skiing, ski touring, or running in brisk winter, this ones a winner. Most importantly for us, it is wind proof. Overall, in wet or mixed weather and when weight isnt an issue, synthetics can be a better, safer choice. It's also ins, This soft shell trench coat, with its cozy interior and wind-resistant, water-repellent exterior is just the thing for changeable weather.Models shown. It has everything the Esla has and a bit more. This hoodie easily withstood bitter gusts, and the elastic cuffs are comfortable and block wind. We found this jacketran big, so check the sizing if a solar-heated puffy sounds right for you. Aesthetics are the reason I chose the Womens Superior Esla Down Parka over the Womens Superior Down Stadium Parka. The 365 Flash Down Jacket ($249) uses 100% recycled polyester shell and lining, features RDS down plus a recycled synthetic fill, and is completely PFC-free. The Microlight Alpine is plenty warm, cozy, and packable. The things we say below about the Elsa fit for the Nobel as well. They are both similar in function but very different in style. I like to be able to study and analyze the reviews. However, the Vision offers a two-way zipper and water-resistant zippers on the hand pockets nice added touches for those planning to be in the wild on cold days. And it maintains loft and warmth even with snowfall and some moisture. Come back and let us know how you like it. The perfect gift for any outdoor enthusiast. Dark Peak snuck in as a dark horse in our testing, and boy did it impress. All but the most athletic men will most likely be fine here. Thick faux shearling fleece lining at the. It has a lot of what we loved about the Hometown plush and cozy in a uniquely Stio way with an eye toward pow days and nasty weather. When testing a bunch of down jackets, the surest way to know which one is best is to look at which one you find yourself wearing most often. The brand dubs it the most durable, lightweight, and technical down hoodie in its arsenal. Cuffs and sleeves can have a flexible, comfortable elastic closure or a Velcro tab for extra security. As year-round outerwear, this parka not only is waterproof, its extra length offers added shelter. Lightweight down jackets are very compressible and a great choice for cramming into your pack for emergency use. Both coats have cuffs designed to keep wind out of your sleeves. Its possible that as winter draws closer, more colors will become available. of the Vinson parka. For men, there is the MensVinson Down Parka and for Women, see the 2018 update below. The lower body is a wool blend. This insulated parka is fully seam-sealed and waterproof. Outdoor industry brands have made an effort to source down ethically without animal cruelty and create transparency in the global supply chain. Its not the most style-minded coat on this list, but functionally, its a solid bet at a very reasonable price. The womens has an elastic band inside the cuff. Overall, the jacket excels in warmth and comfort so much so, youd be excused for wearing it away from the granite. Both coats would need the wearer to have a pair of gauntlets to protect the wrists from wind and snow contact. The higher the fill quality, the less down is needed to create the same warmth. These layers are made for a variety of conditions and present a range of prices. As you search for a down jacket, pay attention to the fill power, overall fit, and price. To calculate fill, a one-ounce sample of down is compressed in a cylinder. Thoughtful construction makes this jacket suitable for a range of uses pockets situated to be climbing harness-compatible, a wire-brimmed hood, neutral sizing, and a stuff sack. However, when fully zippered, the hoods elastic slightly pulls back the front collar, so the lower face is exposed from time to time. The shell of both parkas are made of of Eddie Bauer proprietary Weatheredge technology. Down is plush, warm, packable, and even something of a fashion staple nowadays. Rational Preparednessis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Why Everyone Needs A Survival Parka and What You Should Look For, See How Eddie Bauer Stacks Up To Other Top Parkas. The insulation goes pretty close to the zipper, not leaving large a gap, uncovered. Its a solid, no-frills coat made by a brand that knows winter. The hood and shoulders use Pertex Quantum Shield 30-denier ripstop that fights abrasion and adds a waterproof barrier where you need it head and shoulders, exactly where rain hits. A product can earn up to 100 points for meeting various sustainable practices from the percentage of recycled material to the clean energy used in production and packaging waste created in the shipping process. Premium Down insulation, faux shearling fleece lining in the hood and collar, and sof, A lightweight belay parka for the most extreme, 8000-meter conditions. The mens appearance is growing on me too. The inner liner is, Lightweight comfort. It also has a curvy waist. Every serious parka cold weather parka worth its salt has this. Great review. Check Mens Price at DecathlonCheck Womens Price at Decathlon. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its only waterproof up to a certain number of unidentified hours in the rain but this coat will not be in the rain for hours, so Im not so concerned about that. Because I made the table below a picture, instead of an editable table, I was not able to update it so easily. All the coats did well. The Vision Down Parka's ultralight shell fabric features a proprietary Japanese fabric made ultra-tear resistant thanks to its liquid crystal polymer ripstop construction proven in Black Diamond's Vision Harness. But still, its nice to know something this warm is out there should you decide to summit a peak that pokes through the clouds. The mens Vinson has one in the hem, at the bottom but it lacks on at the waist. From lightweight liners to extra-warm winter gloves, we tested and found the best gloves to meet every budget, temperature, and winter sport. It wins for durability, using a ripstop reinforced with a Japanese Liquid Crystal Polymer. This makes it tougher, but a little less soft than the Fitz Roy. Both parkas earned an 8 in hood design and neck design. If you think the Esla coat is prettier than the Stadium parka, you should buy the prettier parka. But we gave the nod this year to its rowdier cousin, the Colter. By no means the warmest puffy we tested, this one wound up in the backseat, at the ready for just-in-case adventures. Free economy shipping for orders over $50+ exclusions apply, Backcountry Magazine Gear Guide Selection 2022. Examine the level of weather resistance, like DWR-treated material or down, and if it matches the exposure youll be in. When we lean over the handlebars or shovel snow, theres no seam restriction on the upper back, arms, or shoulders it feels like were not wearing a jacket at all. Its awesome to pull on post cardio activity, like after a winter run. But the hood shape is a little too snug to comfortably wear a helmet. Its the only personal opinion I have in the article though. Ultra durable. That said, Patagonia employs 100% recycled material in that fabric, along with Fair Trade sewing. Its tricky to compare jackets with differing fill power. The Parkas are made kind of straight down the body. Both coats earned 9s because the zippers could be a bit more tough. Who would know how to fend off the cold better than the Swedes? So we leaned on our experience, testing, research, and insight to cull the best of the best. Here is where both Womens Superior Elsa an the mens Vinson fail to meat the standard of the best parka. Each of the parkas has a draw cord in one location. The cut extends on over the top of the hand a bit. Some jackets are created with PFC-free DWR treatments, like the Mammut Flexidown IN, or recycled materials, like the polyester in the Jack Wolfskin 365 Flash Down Jacket. Fully recycled poly construction is a nice touch. At least that color is black, which is probably the best color if you are going to have the color be uniform. This parka's water-repellent nylon shell, Premium Down insulation, and a wraparound hood provides full winter protection in the coldest weather. The site has a color selector box. For that, each parka earned an 8 on cuffs. Pertex Quantum covers the 750-fill RDS down while Pontetorto Tecnostretch lines the underarms and sides. Spyders Impulse ($650) adds some techy extras to the classic down-baffle design. Doing this also gives the coat a feminine hourglass shape that is pleasing to the eye. Unless youre using this jacket as a doormat, its pretty much indestructible and even then it might hold up. The upper body and hood are lined with cozy faux shearling fleece. The Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown Hooded Down Jacket ($275) is among the most flexible down jackets weve ever worn, making it super comfortable for everyday errands and recreation. Learn how your comment data is processed. Im glad I can help. Its 10-denier ripstop shell wont stand up to gnarly snags, but it will repel some light abrasion. Down jackets have a huge variance of warmth. Zipper width, toggle size, and durability can vary. I was a little concerned about its quality compared to the well-reviewed Superior, and at EBs website a few reviews complain about feathers coming out, but your review has helped convince me to get the Vinson. The newest version of our best-selling down parka, now with larger baffles and a matte finish on the water-repellent polyester shell for added style. You're covered. Look how little of my face isnt covered. Until the brand updates the design or construction, this one is a hot buy and it will likely work for years. Check Mens Price at Mountain StealsCheck Womens Price at Amazon. Support us! They both have insulated hoods and necks. This 50-denier fabric also shrugs off errant branches or nasty countertop corners with aplomb. Oversized hand, chest and internal drop pockets store gloves, water bottles and other on-route essentials. If you need one puffy to grab that can handle a range of elements, this one fits the bill. Wear the West Rib Parka ($599) with loads of layers beneath heaven knows theres plenty of room for the harshest cold, or by itself for just really cold. But synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. The only negative ones are with regards to fit. Check Mens Price at BackcountryCheck Womens Price at evo. Three zip pockets, including one interio, Complete waterproof/breathable weather protection, including fully seam-sealed construction, combines with ultralight, ultrawarm Premium Down insulati, Casual style and serious performance are perfectly matched in this windproof, waterproof, and breathable jacket. Though if you take it out enough, youre bound to scuff up those pretty stripes. The extra parka length adds extra warmth in comparison to a jacket. Winter weather is no match for the sub-zero warmth of this parka. The neck zips closed completely blocking any wind from hitting your neck. The fill weight, which is measured in ounces, reflects the density or amount of down stuffed inside the jacket. This is an excellent everyday down jacket with great style and protection for the winter season. I hope it works well for you. Water beads on the nylon/, Function meets fashion in this windproof down parka. No problem. Joe
Like what you are reading? I decided to try out numerical scoring to keep track of which parkas are the best and why. Links All About Floods, Flood Safety, and Cleaning Up. The image to the left is a close up view of this tough fabric. Some of these down jackets can compress to the size of a water bottle, while others are bulkier influenced by the fill, face fabric, and overall design. A handful of designs even have recycled down, including the Rab Microlight Alpine. While Americans enjoy a plethora of bomber outdoor gear, many brands rarely cross the average consumers radar. Did we mention its also crazy warm? There are a limited number of reviews the womens coat, and to a lesser degree the mens. Check Mens Price at MontbellCheck Womens Price at Montbell. For this guide, we considered the most durable, highly acclaimed, well-constructed, and environmentally responsible down jackets. They zip from the top to the bottom and have a wind flap that covers the zipper and is held down by buttons / snaps / Velcro. It is both waterproof and breathable. But with the brands highest ratings for water and wind resistance as well as warmth, who cares? It just looks horrible on her. This 800-fill Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie ($279) withstands wind, resists moisture, and is lightweight for its level of warmth. Unlike the Ghost Whisperer, however, the Superior Down Parka adds a fully adjustable hood and some interior stash pockets. What Are The Top Parkas To Survive a Cold Weather Emergency? Its also hard to know exactly how eco-friendly a design is for humans and the planet. So the more of you it that it covers, the better the results. Check Mens Price at StioCheck Womens Price at Stio. The jacket and hoods insulation kept us warm even with wind, which we couldnt feel through the fabric. Check Mens Price at Dark PeakCheck Womens Price at Dark Peak. But they often cost more. Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, the latest iteration of Rabs Microlight Alpine ($280) does what its predecessor did, only with far more recycled materials. But for daily use, a higher denier is recommended. More on that below. It still doesnt match the water resistance of synthetics, but for light precipitation, hydrophobic down cant be beat. Stio has made the list with the Hometown Down jacket and thats still a solid puffy. Fully seam-sealed, it shelters you fr, Our warmest, waterproof and windproof parka. The fit is a good compromise between athletic and roomy, so its great for layering under a big shell or with a midlayer underneath. Seam taping in critical areas frees you up to get your turns when its especially nasty outside. A man with a fat belly wont have this problem at all. Here are the broad categories of jackets, depending on their fill weight: The combination of the fill weight and fill power, which is the loft and quality of the down, changes how warm a jacket is. In other words, it has a high Marshmallow Man factor. Better fit and insulation for meand pockets in better location. A spectrum of down jackets exists from plush and stylish for everyday use to lighter, packable designs for year-round backcountry adventures. Sign up to receive personalized offers, exclusive access to new arrivals, and more, Ultralight nylon ripstop shell fabric with revolutionary Japanese Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) reinforced durability, 800-fill, RDS-certified Allied HyperDRY&trade goose down insulation, Adjustable climbing helmet-compatible hood, Two-way front YKK zipper with DWR treatment and windflap, Single-pull cord adjust on the hood and hem, Underarm gussets for added range of motion, Two zippered hand pockets, one zippered chest pockets and two internal drop pockets, Left chest pocket has internal stretch mesh pocket, 20D Nylon with Liquid Crystal Polymer rip stop with DWR finish (38gsm, 93% Nylon, 7% Polyester), [Insulation] 800 fill-power RDS certified goose down with DWR treatment (90% Down, 10% Feather, Goose Down), [Lining] 20D nylon plain woven with DWR (37gsm, 100% Nylon). A lower denier rating means the outer fabric is lighter and therefore more prone to tears. You can bring all your stuff! Its down-like Pertex Quantum face fabric isnt the absolute toughest, so expect some tears if youre brushing against rocks. The Hood and neck are insulated too. For high-output activity, down jackets can feature mesh-lined pit zips and a powder skirt, like the Spyder Impulse Down Jacket. Soft, Stretchy. This means they met sufficient specifications to be survival parkas but are missing something. A few companies tackle the stay-warm-but-stay-cool conundrum with some mix of down fill and thin, highly breathable fabrics where its needed. Minimized zippers can reduce weight and bulk. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. This is where a coat pumps cold air in and warm air out as a person moves. The Flexidown IN carries a slim, against-the-body fit, which is great for running but not great for layering under. For women, having one at the waist is important for style and function. Womens shape means they need to draw in on the waist more than men do. Two front hand pockets with zip closures are common, though some pockets are smaller or placed higher than others for harness compatibility. So when two 700-fill jackets have different weights, we know the heavier one is warmer. A solid entry on our list is REIs Stormhenge Down Hybrid ($259). This is a rain parka that provides unrestricted mobility as well as complete weather, The polyester shell fabric of this down parka is windproof and has mechanical stretch for enhanced mobility. Definitely something of a statement piece with its motley coloring and big, oversized pockets, the 365 Down targets those whose urban exploits probably outnumber those in the backcountry. Ultralight jackets tend to be made with a lighter, thinner shell material. The face fabrics of some down jackets are treated with DWR to help block light moisture, too. The testers ranged from AIARE-certified backcountry venturers to lifelong recreationists. Its not an ultralight contender, but its also not a jacket meant to just go to the grocery store and back. Want a puffy you can wear in the lift line? These draw cords can be used to give them an hourglass shape; a female shape. As with all articles in this series, I want to refer you to a companion article calledWhy Everyone Needs A Survival Parka and What You Should Look For. This is exactly what you want in a survival parka. Were all familiar with Omni-Heat, Columbias body heat-reflective lining. The inside of the coat is also black, so if it is not closed, you get to see that. If its cold and dry, down is optimal despite a higher cost. Both are build to last a long time. Generally, the quality increases with the fill number: The other thing to consider is fill weight. Built for cat-skiers and heli-guides, the Mountain Ops down jacket sports a burly ripstop nylon shell with basically bulletproof 500-denier waterproof nylon canvas overlays at the shoulders and sleeves. To learn more about down jackets and how to choose yours, scroll down to the buyers guide, FAQ, and an explanation of the CSS score at the bottom of this article. There are also two hand pockets, two big interior stash pockets, and a zippered chest pocket on the inside. Uber-cozy, felt-lined pockets are perfect for bare hands, even when the temps drop to the coats lower limit rating of -25 degrees. That durability comes from a strategic hybrid construction. The best down jacket for you is based on where and how youll use it. Thats exactly what put Outdoor Researchs Helium Down Hoodie ($279) so high on this list. This is particularly important when evaluating quality. Those weights range from close to 8 to 15 ounces. Down does not perform well when wet. Two internal stash pockets and hand pockets round out the build. Quietly, Jack Wolfskin continues to innovate some of the industrys leading performance and sustainability tech. Some jackets are constructed to withstand freezing or sub-zero temperatures, while others are a match for summer, spring, and fall backpacking trips. The crew has used these jackets for camping and urban commutes, as well as alpine and rock climbing, backcountry skiing and splitboarding, bikepacking, and alpine skiing. The Premium Down insulation provides sub-zero warmth, while the metallic cross-dye of the nylon/p, The best answer to freezing weather is a cozy parka. It would look good in red or bold blue. Gas, Diesel, Propane, What Generator Fuel is Best. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from polyester fibers and designed to imitate down clusters and properties with a few key differences. It's still lightweight, and, The hood, upper body and sleeves are a water-repellent cotton/nylon blend. This article includes the best down jackets for men and women. Eddie Bauer has a different best parka for men and women. The jacket performed well on commuter rides, nippy walks, and snowy hikes in a range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees plus wind chill at 10,000 feet. And the unmatched warmth of Premium Down insulation deliver superior value backed by a century of expertise. Just the thing for winter weather, this water-repellent parka is Insulated with ultralight, super-warm Premium Down and lined with soft microfleece. A great layering piece youll hardly notice behind a wind-blocking shell, the UL sports two zippered hand pockets, one of which it packs into. 50%. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Its on the shoulders so you can carry stuff on your shoulders if working outside, and not damage the material as easily as other materials. For the money, you get a highly packable jacket (stuffs into its own pocket) that meets the Responsible Down Standard. At that loft and price, the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 ($80) even beats out REIs very popular 650 Down Hoodie. It also offers a bigger fit for layering under. Inside, there's enough Premium Down to, This 3-in-1 parka gives you complete flexibility in adapting to any weather conditions you encounter. And surprisingly, you get all that without the sticker shock you might expect from the premium outdoor brand. We stayed dry, thanks to the shells DWR finish, which resists moisture. If you plan on venturing into the backcountry, weight and compressibility make a difference, too. The 800-fill down makes it acceptably lightweight and packable (think crowler). Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops Down Hooded Jacket, Free Gear Fridays: Suit Up in Stios Environ Kit and Skillet Jacket Giveaway, Nontreated down is less ideal for extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and snow, Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down, Five pockets: two external hand pockets, chest pocket, dual internal stash pockets, 15-denier face fabric isnt the strongest among our list (its also not the lowest), Fill is only protective for temps as low as 23 degrees F, No stitches or glue to degrade or restrict movement, Jacket is water-resistant, not waterproof, Material along the sides and underarms dumps heat, Non-bulky insulation layer for beneath a shell jacket, Not a waterproof choice for intense rain or snow, Increased bust circumference on womens jacket for improved fit, Not premium construction for rugged outdoor play, Two external chest pockets and two hand pockets for easy access while on the wall, Take care: Not the most tenacious face fabric, Exterior (10-denier) isnt as durable as other options, Cloud coverage isnt ideal given heat is activated by sun, Fair weight but not ultralight for minimalists. And if you do get a tear, theres always the reliable duct tape or Noso Puffy Patch repair option. But the jackets fit not too trim, not too baggy makes it easy enough to layer for added warmth. Instead of draw cords, the coat has a series of elastic bands to keep it close to your body. We've got you covered with our list of the best goggles. Pit zips and all the ski day goodies make this a solid multi-use option. This is pretty standard in good coats but not every coat has this, so a brief mention is needed. The mens Vinson earned an 8 for having a cord in the bottom hem and the Esla earned a 7 for having them at the waist. If you dont draw it in, you wont have this shape. Your opinion might differ but I thought it was an important thing to consider. Easy packability. Columbia boasts a million patented technologies actually, its more like 200, but the point remains: this brand innovates in-house. Vision Down Parka - Women's Product Details. Its also easier to wash and usually comes at a lower price point. Its longer and the neck looks taller too. If you felt like doing yoga in this thing, youd have no trouble. But beyond its charitable commitment, Dark Peak makes a stunningly capable and good-looking puffy, the NESSH ($200). The NESHH is warmer, but the Superior Down Park is more packable. I like that the parka is not all the same color and it mixes fabric textures. Complete cold-weather protection from heavy snow to the harshest alpine conditions. 50%. This article explains, in detail, what Im looking for in each design element of a survival parka. But right now, you can find this jacket for close to $300! Beyond responsible down, down jackets have an opportunity to include a bunch of eco-friendly design traits. Not having these features would have disqualified the parkas from being considered as survival parkas in the first place. Both coats will save your life, limb, and dignity if worn in cold conditions, with the right gear to go with them. In addition to the waist draw cord, the Esla has some straps with snaps on the back that can help draw it in. The womens Esla has two at the waist but none in the bottom hem. This is our objective grade of the products sustainability based on quantitative metrics compiled by our team. Fill power measures the loft and quality of the down. Super-plush, super-soft, and super-warm, Patagonias Fitz Roy ($399) is a winner for cold days at the crag. I think I like the Esla for women because its a great looking coat. Without meeting such standards, abuse can become part of the supply chain. Also, everything on this coat is the same color. And this is one of the places synthetic jackets tend to win out. October 1, 2017
The curvy waits also helps with style. Covered in a two-layer waterproof/breathable shell with taped seams and DWR-treated down inside, the Stormhenge can take on sleet and a cold November rain.