Premium Down-Filled Outerwear For Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

When it comes to insulation for cold weather hiking, climbing and mountaineering, premium down-filled outerwear is usually the way to go.premium down-filled outerwear This type of insulated jacket features feathers from geese or ducks that are stuffed between a shell made of tightly woven nylon or polyester. The down feathers act as a natural insulator, trapping air to help keep the wearer warm. The down fill is also incredibly compressible, helping make these jackets easy to pack and carry.

The quality of the down is typically rated by a number, known as fill power.premium down-filled outerwear This number indicates how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill up when tested in a laboratory. Generally speaking, higher fill power ratings indicate better quality down. A 650-fill down jacket will be warmer than a 550-fill jacket, even though both have the same amount of down in them. Premium goose down can reach 900-fill power, which is what outdoor brands like Patagonia and Feathered Friends use in their high-end gear.

Another important feature to look for when buying a down jacket is its water resistance. Many manufacturers treat their down with a polymer to ensure it's resistant to moisture. This is a great way to keep the insulation dry and in good condition for years to come. If a jacket doesn't have this treatment, it's best to wash it by hand and not put it in the dryer.

In addition to water resistance, another thing to consider when shopping for a down jacket is its weight-to-warmth ratio. Some of the lightest options can be worn year-round in mild climates, while others are best saved for ultralight backpacking trips and alpine climbing missions where every ounce counts. In general, the more expensive a down jacket is, the warmer it will be and the more lightweight it will be.

Some of the most lightweight down jackets on the market are actually hybrid models that combine the warmth of down with the weather protection of a hardshell. One such example is Cotopaxi's Fuego jacket, which gets you premium 800-fill down in a versatile 20-denier shell. The Utah-based company also goes the extra mile to source its down responsibly, making this jacket a top pick.

Another of our favorite jackets in this category is the Rab Mythic Alpine Light, which checks in 2 ounces lighter than the Ghost Whisperer above. It also uses a slightly lower-grade 900-fill down and pairs it with weather-ready VerticalX Eco synthetic insulation at the shoulders and cuffs. The result is a very comfortable and packable jacket that we'd love to see take the place of a hardshell in many situations. This is definitely a case where the old saying "you get what you pay for" applies.

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