Don’t like feeling cold? Whether you’re planning a hike with your friends or simply upgrading your winter wardrobe, searching for the best lightweight down jacket should be on your to-do list.
If you are starting to prepare all of the outfit and gear that you will bring to you trip, a lightweight down jacket should always be a priority, but what is it, anyway? Is it really necessary to own one? If yes, what are the things you need to keep in mind when choosing a down jacket?
In this article, we will give you the basics that you need to know when looking for a down jacket. We’d also give you five awesome options to choose from, which are all from trusted brands.
What Is a Down Jacket?
A down jacket is a type of jacket that was insulated using the down feathers from either ducks or geese, or a combination of both. Basically, the term “down” came from the down feathers that provide warmth to these creatures. These are used to provide the same warmth to the jackets.
If you are going on a trip to a cold mountain or a chilly place, having a lightweight down jacket is definitely a must. These jackets ensure comfort and warmth as well as adds to one’s overall style as well.
However, a quick search online would give you literally hundreds of different styles and brands to choose from. It is hard to find the best lightweight down jacket if you don’t have any idea what to look for. For that, you can rely on us.
Best Lightweight Down Jacket Reviews
There are so many factors to check if you need a jacket that you can use for hiking, backpacking or just for normal wear during the cold winter months. You need to check the insulation, the fit, and of course, you should also consider the look of the jacket.
With all these elements to take into consideration, you need a simple guide to help you find the right down jacket for you. Today, we will help you find the right down jacket by taking a close look at the top five lightweight down jackets on the market right now.
Comparison Chart
TSLA Women’s Lightweight Packable Accent Puffer Jacket, Water-Resistant Winter Coat, Ascent Puff Packable Jacket Ivory, Medium
Camii Mia Women’s Ultra Lightweight Winter Coat Packable Water Resistant Puffer Short Down Jacket (Large, Navy)
1. Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket
The first on our list is from the Amazon brand, so you can expect that the jacket is of high quality and very affordable at the same time. Amazon has always provided great quality items for a price any buyer can afford.
Features
- Perfect Blend of Materials
The shell and the lining of this down jacket is 100% nylon. Basically, nylon is one of the best materials for the outer parts of the jacket, so if you are looking for down jackets, consider a jacket made from nylon.
As for the down fill, this down jacket is packed with 90% duck down and 10% feather, so it is pretty solid if you want great insulation.
- Quilted and Water-resistant
This down jacket is quilted, so you can expect that the down feathers will be held in place. It also adds to the overall stylish look of the jacket. What’s more, it is also water-resistant. This means that the moist won’t enter the jacket, keeping you warm regardless of how cold the weather is.
- Lightweight
The weight is just right, and it won’t hinder your movement at all. The goal of the jacket is to provide better mobility and to reduce the weight that you are carrying.
- Elasticized Hem and Sleeve Cuffs
This jacket provides a better fit, but the main job of this elasticized hem and sleeve cuffs is to provide better insulation for the jacket. It will prevent the heat from going out and stop the cold air from going in.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- High-quality materials
- Provides great insulation
- Lightweight and water-resistant
- Can be packed easily
Con
- Not too “puffy”, so it has less insulation
2. TSLA Women’s Lightweight Packable Accent Puffer Jacket
TSLA is a trusted brand that has always been focused on providing high-quality clothes for women. They are known to create fashionable clothes, and this can be seen on this lightweight down jacket.
If you are planning to hike with your friends or family and still want to keep your fashion sense while wearing a jacket, this is the right choice for you. This jacket is designed to be both functional and fashionable.
Features
- Lightweight and Handy
When you are looking for down jackets, you need to choose something that is very lightweight and one that can be packed up small. A jacket is only one among the many things that you need to pack, so if you can get a lightweight jacket, you won’t add any extra weight to your luggage.
- Perfect for Sports
This jacket is not only meant to be worn in areas with really cold temperatures; you can also use it for sports-related activities. If you are cycling or jogging, it is one of the best jackets to help you sweat a lot.
- Great Insulation
The body stuffing is made up of 90% white duck down, which means that it provides great insulation. It also looks lean, but it has the same insulation properties as a puffer jacket. The goal of this lean jacket is to make jackets more fashionable for women.
Pros
- Chic design
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Great insulation
- Made for sports-related activities
Con
- Not recommended for extremely low temperatures
3. Camii Mia Women’s Ultra Lightweight Winter Coat
If you are looking for something that can provide the best insulation, this lightweight down puffer jacket from Camii Mia will do the trick. It is specifically made for very cold temperatures with a 650 FP. It will keep your body warm wherever you are.
This is not only made for hiking and backpacking because you can always wear it casually during the winter. It may not be as fashionable as the other lightweight down jackets on this list, but it has the functionality and features that many are looking for.
Features
- 650 Down Fill Power (FP)
This is definitely a warm jacket that is perfect for the winter months. As you may already know, down fill power measures the quality of the down. A higher down fill power means better insulation.
Usually, jackets have around 400 to 500 down fill power, which is considered low quality. Getting something that has 550 FP and above already provides the insulation that you need. This jacket offers 650 FP, and it is very affordable at the same time.
- Windbreaker Zip Closure
This is one of the best features of this lightweight down jacket. It has the ability to resist wind chill and light rain. If you are going on a hike or are planning a backpacking activity, this jacket can help protect you from the cold wind and prevent moisture or rains from entering your jacket.
- Water-resistant Material
Again, this is a water-resistant jacket, so you can guarantee that a little moist or rain won’t be able to penetrate the jacket. However, keep in mind that it can’t protect you from heavy rains.
Pros
- Great quality materials
- Comfortable to use
- Water-resistant
- Different sizes available
Cons
- No hood
- Not that fashionable
4. Rokka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Packable Down Puffer Jacket
The Rokka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Packable Down Puffer Jacket Coat is a wonderful piece of outdoor clothing designed for women who crave comfort and warmth in chiller temperatures. It’s highly appealing due to its super-lightweight nature, ensuring convenient spring or fall zest right on you without weighing you down.
The jacket manufacturers exert considerable emphasis on details, presenting a water-resistant shell fabric for dewy weather conditions. Remarkably portable, the coat can be compactly packed – a feature that is highly practical for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The puffer jacket with cozy, top-quality down filling offers essential heat retention, allowing the wearer to remain comfortable even in cooler climates.
Presented in a variety of sizes and colors, this coat provides an inclusive range of options, suiting diverse tastes and preferences. In all, the Rokka&Rolla jacket is designed for durability, comfort, and practicality, making it a strong contender as a must-have part of your outdoor or travel gear.
Features
- Lightweight and Packable
Puffer Jacket is exceptionally lightweight, enabling easy movement and comfortable wear. Additionally, it is packable, meaning it can be compacted down into a small size for easy storage and transportation.
- Warmth and Insulation
This jacket is filled with high-quality down that offers excellent thermal insulation, keeping the wearer warm in cold weather conditions. It is designed to deliver superior heat retention while remaining breathable.
- Durable Material and Construction
The jacket is constructed with durable materials that are designed to withstand wear and tear. The outer shell is typically made from a water-resistant material, which helps keep moisture out and ensures the jacket’s longevity.
- Stylish Design
Comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different tastes and body types. Its design is versatile enough to be paired with any outfit, making it a stylish choice in addition to its practical benefits.
Pros
- Lightweight and warm, perfect for various climates.
- Easily packable, ideal for traveling.
- Good fit, including on plus size women.
- Comes with a well-sized hood.
- Attractive design and bright colors available.
Con
- The zipper quality could be improved for better durability
- It’s a bit short, consider sizing up if you prefer longer
5. Dockers Men’s Lightweight Ultra Loft Quilted Packable Jacket
Dockers is one of the most popular manufacturers of cold weather outerwear, so you can expect that this lightweight down jacket is among the best of the best. This is one of the two men’s down jackets in this list, and it is also one of the top choices on the market right now.
The brand claims that this down jacket provides the ultimate insulation during cold seasons. This makes it the perfect jacket to wear for different activities like sports, hiking, backpacking and more.
Features
- Nylon and Polyester Material
Most down jackets are actually made from 100% nylon, but this jacket boasts a combination of 70% nylon and 30% polyester. What makes this better than the others?
Basically, we don’t need something that can absorb water or moisture like cotton, especially for jackets, so polyester is a better alternative. It has strong fibers that won’t wear down immediately, making it a cheaper alternative.
- Internal Elastic Cuffs
An elastic cuff is added to provide better insulation for your jacket, and it does this by trapping the heat inside. It will also prevent the cold air from entering your jacket. This will help keep you warm if you are doing activities in a cold area.
- Different Colors Available
This down jacket comes in different colors, so you can choose whatever color you want. It comes in blazing orange, mahogany, olive night, midnight navy, ruby wine, wild dove, and more.
Pros
- With zipper closure
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- Internal elastic cuffs
Con
- Not water resistant
Final Verdict
On this list, we took a close look at three lightweight down jackets for women and two for men. For men’s down jackets, our top choice would be the one from Amazon Essentials. Basically, you want a jacket that is water-resistant, especially if you are hiking, backpacking, or simply going out on normal, winter days.
The fact that Dockers Men’s Puffer Coat is not water-resistant makes it the second option. Also, Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Down Jacket is made from 100% nylon. When it comes to durability, it is definitely the best. The only advantage of the Dockers down jacket is its lower price.
As for the women’s lightweight down jacket, we have three products on the list. Our top pick would be TSLA Women’s Down Jacket. Women are very particular when it comes to fashion. This is something that they will always consider over functionality. If the features are not much different from each other, they will always go for the most fashionable choice.
If you ask us, almost all three down jackets fared the same when it comes to functionality, but the TSLA Women’s Down Jacket is clearly the one that can provide both functionality and fashion. It is perfect for sports-related activities, and it provides great insulation at the same time. You can use it for different kinds of activities during the winter season.
When it comes to lightweight down jackets, you should always be very meticulous. There are a lot of features that you would definitely need from a down jacket, so take your time and choose the best one that fits your preferences and needs.