Best Puffer Jackets (2025): Patagonia, Arc’teryx, REI Leave a comment

The temptation with down jackets is to get the warmest one you’ll be able to. In the event you’re spending the winter in northern Wisconsin, as I did whereas testing these, that is not a foul thought. However if you happen to’re simply in search of a bit of further heat throughout shoulder season journeys, and even high-altitude summer time backpacking, you do not want an 800-fill-power, massively overstuffed winter parka.

We do counsel sticking with jackets which have a down fill energy score of no less than 500 for mild use, however there is no purpose to spend on a jacket with 900 fill-power down except you are going to be out in below-freezing temps (otherwise you’re a perpetually chilly individual). In the event you primarily spend your time in much less excessive climates, get a lighter jacket.

Additionally do not forget that within the case of backpacking, you’ll need to remember how packable a jacket is and the way a lot weight it provides to your pack. Sadly, the lightest jackets do are usually larger fill energy, since you’ll be able to entice extra heat with much less down, however once more, be sensible in regards to the temperatures you are going to be in and you may get away with a less expensive jacket.