Waterproof Down Jackets

Whether you’re going on a summer backpacking trip or a winter climb, a waterproof down jacket is a staple piece of gear for chilly conditions.waterproof down jackets A waterproof shell keeps the feathers inside your jacket dry even when you sweat and you’re soaking wet from rain or snow. Waterproof down jackets usually include a waterproof membrane and often also a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment.

Waterproof down isn’t as warm as non-waterproof down, but it does a great job of keeping you warm and dry in cold weather.waterproof down jackets You can find waterproof down jackets from several brands, in a variety of styles and designs. They’re usually made from either a synthetic fabric or goose down, although some are also insulated with a mix of both.

Down is a popular insulation material for its warmth, light weight and packability.waterproof down jackets It’s a good option for backpacking and climbing because it packs down small and doesn’t weigh too much for the amount of warmth it provides. It’s also a good choice for alpine climbing or other cold-weather activities because it can be layered easily with other jackets and clothing.

GearLab tests all kinds of gear, but the waterproof down jacket is one of our favorite categories to test because it’s such an important piece of equipment for cold-weather backpacking and mountaineering. We have many experienced outdoor adventurers on our testing team who regularly use down jackets to keep them cozy while they’re backpacking, climbing and skiing.

The most common kind of waterproof down jacket is a lightweight or ultralight design. These are usually made from a synthetic fabric, and they can be very warm for their light weight. We look at the ratio of fill weight to total jacket weight when evaluating these models, and we pay attention to how far manufacturers go to trim the weight of their down-insulated garments. This is when you’ll see things like a super thin shell denier or limited pockets. The most impressively lightweight model we’ve tested is the Montbell Plasma 1000, which uses ultra-premium 1,000-fill-power down in a paper-thin 7-denier shell to make for an incredibly light 4.9-ounce jacket all-in.

Another way gear companies trim the weight of their down-insulated products is by using a fabric that’s less polluting to the environment than other options. For example, some models use a Pertex Quantum Eco shell that’s made from recycled materials and is free from PFCs. Others are made from ethically sourced and traceable goose down that’s certified by Responsible Down Standard and Track my Down.

Because down loses its insulating properties when wet, it’s essential that any waterproof down jacket you own is properly cared for. This means washing it only when necessary, rinsing and spinning it well to ensure all the water is out before you let it air dry. It’s also a good idea to periodically apply a waterproof treatment such as Granger’s Xtreme Repel or Nikwax Down Proof, which revives the DWR on your jacket without harming the down.