These days, a puffer jacket is pretty much synonymous with two words: “winter” and “bulk”. That is unless you have a packable down jacket, which is often just as warm against chilly weather, minus any stiff, bulky, uncomfortable sensations.
Whether you’re an avid traveler, a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a space-saving addition to your wardrobe, packable down jackets and puffers deliver on their promise to keep you cozy while ensuring effortless portability. If you’ve long dreamed of having a jacket that packs down so small, it fits into its own pocket, now’s your chance. Read on to find out more about packable down jackets, and get our top 14 picks for the ones to add to this season’s shopping list.
The best packable down jackets, at a glance:
- Best overall: Patagonia, Down Sweater Hoody, $329
- Runner up: Mountain Hardwear, Ghost Whisperer2 Down Hoodie, $350-$360
- Best on Amazon: Eddie Bauer, Microlight Down Jacket, $98
- Runner up: Amazon Essentials, Lightweight Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket, $71
- Best luxury: Arc’Teryx, Cerium Hoody, $400
- Best mid-priced: L.L.Bean, Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket, $199-$269
- Best budget: Uniqlo, Ultra Light Down Jacket, $80
- Best splurge: Crazy, JKT Levity, $650
- Best mid-length: Lands’ End, Ultralight Packable Long Down Jacket, $185
- Best for cold climates: Fjallraven, Expedition Pack Down Hoodie, $275
- Best for layering: Outdoor Research, Helium Down Hoodie, $167-$299
- Best minimalist: Lululemon, Pack It Down Jacket, $198
- Best maximalist: Cotopaxi, Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, $295
- Most durable: Black Diamond, Approach Down Hoody, $380
What to look for in a packable down jacket
Fill power
A packable down jacket is, as the name may suggest, packable. When it comes to down fill—and, more specifically, down fill power—what’s most important to note is, the higher the number, the lighter and more packable the down item is. According to REI, “Down fill-power does not tell you how warm a jacket or sleeping bag will be because too many other factors affect warmth, including how much of that down fill is in the jacket or bag.” So whether you’re headed off for a weekend at a ski resort, bundling up for a hike in the mountains, or just snuggling with friends around a campfire, that packable down jacket can pack quite the punch.
Type of insulation
Duck or goose feathers:
Traditional down offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and excellent compressibility, making it ideal for lightweight, high-performance jackets that don’t add bulk. However, it’s not waterproof, or even water-resistant. (Though they do make hydrophobic down that is treated with a water-repellent coating to retain its insulation when exposed to wet conditions.) Additionally, down is an animal byproduct and is often not cruelty-free. If you want to go the feather route, we recommend looking for products marked with the Responsible Down Standard seal, which ensures the materials are sourced ethically and meet environmentally conscious standards.
Synthetic insulation:
Many manufacturers offer synthetic, cruelty-free alternatives, like PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, that skip feathers altogether. While not as warm as real down, they’re moisture-resistant and dry faster when they get wet. Many of them are just as compressible as the real thing and won’t weigh you down wherever you pack ’em.
How it packs
Finally, consider how the packable down jacket actually packs down. Most either:
- Can be folded into a small square or rolled up into a small, accompanying bag or stuff sack
- Can be stuffed into itself, usually into a pocket
Pretty nifty, we know.
Are packable puffers warm?
Indeed, they typically are. That aforementioned fill power does more than just help make a jacket more packable. A higher fill power offers more insulation, which makes the jacket warmer overall. If staying warm is of the utmost concern to you—and why wouldn’t it be, when it’s freezing outside?—look for a packable jacket with a down fill-power of 800 or more. Additionally, the higher the down quality, the more it fluffs back up after it’s compressed, making the jacket warmer overall.
The 14 best packable down jackets
Best overall:
Patagonia, Down Sweater Hoodie — $328.00
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Patagonia is basically synonymous with outdoor gear that performs to a high standard, so it’s no surprise they have a packable down jacket that makes the grade. While they also have non-hooded and puff packable options, we prefer this one for its multitude of features guaranteed to make every outdoor excursion feel just a little bit better.
Not only is this slim-fitting style crafted from recycled fishing nets reworked into nylon ripstop (to reduce ocean pollution), but its shell has a water-repellent DWR coating and the fill is 100% Responsible Down Standard certified down. Plus, it has two different adjustable drawcords on the hood, zippered handwarmer pockets, and a repair patch for quick fixes on the go. We call all of that a total cold-weather win.
Colors: 7
Material: 100-percent postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop
Fill power: 800
- Made from sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Packs into its own interior pocket
- Versatile
- Adjustable hood
- Pricey
- Runs small—size up
Runner up:
Mountain Hardwear, Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie — $360.00
Available sizes: XS-XL
A slightly boxy silhouette and colorful recycled nylon ripstop lay the foundation for this packable down jacket with 800-fill power down. While earlier iterations of this jacket didn’t have elastic cuffs, this one does—so keeping the cold out and the warmth in just got a whole lot easier. When packing it into its own interior pocket, you’ll find an internal carabiner clip loop for easy storage. We also like the non-obtrusive hood, which does its job staying out of the way when you don’t feel like using it. All in all, this lightweight jacket is a solid option for those who like a bit of colorful drama with their side of icy temps.
Colors: 5
Material: 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop
Fill power: 800
- Made from sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets for storage
- Packs into an internal pocket
- Versatile
- Pricey
- Sizing is limited
- Boxy silhouette, if you prefer a more fitted look
Best on Amazon:
Eddie Bauer, Microlight Down Jacket — $98.00
Available sizes: XS-2X
The original down jacket was created by Eddie Bauer himself, but the OG iteration has come a long way since. The Microlight comes in seven different colors, including bold color-blocked options, and packs effortlessly into its own hand-warmer pocket. It also features a StormRepel® DWR finish, which helps repel moisture—perfect for dewy morning hikes and snow-filled days, especially since it’s good down to -5 degrees. Finally, this jacket has loops that let you snap it into the brand’s WeatherEdge® shells for extra insulation. Game, set, match.
Colors: 7
Material: 100-percent polyester
Fill power: 650
- Versatile
- Moisture-repellant
- Packs into an internal pocket
- Lightweight and layer-friendly
- Affordable
- Not as much fill-power as other jackets
- No hood (although there is a hooded version available)
Runner up:
Amazon Essentials, Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer — $71.00
Available sizes: XS-6X
With 20 different color choices, sizing up to 6X, and a price under $50, this is jacket worth a try. However, while this packable jacket is down-filled, the exact number isn’t referenced, so that is something to note before buying. That said, it is water-resistant and packable, complete with its own stash bag—plus it features a full-zip front, flattering contoured seaming, and zip pockets. It also has over 13,000 5-star reviews, pointing to its packability and comfort, makPros and Consing it a leader of the pack(able jackets).
Colors: 20
Material: 100-percent polyester
Fill power: Not included
- Inclusive size range in 20 different colors
- Versatile
- Packs into its own stash bag
- Water-resistant
- Affordable
Best luxury:
Arc’teryx, Cerium Hoody — $400.00
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
We can’t lie—this Arc’Teryx jacket is pricey. But if you want to drop $400 on a packable down jacket, this is definitely the one to do it on. First of all, it’s obviously packable (it fits into its own chest pocket). Aside from that, it has responsibly sourced 850-fill down to keep you supremely toasty, and the hood is insulated for extra warmth. Even though it’s fitted, the brand actually redesigned it recently to offer a roomier fit throughout the chest. All in all, it’s packed with details that will be much appreciated come winter.
Colors: 5
Material: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill power: 850
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- High fill-power
- Inclusive size range
- Roomy and layer-friendly
- Packs into its own internal pocket
Best mid-priced:
L.L.Bean, Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket — $269.00
Available sizes: XXS-XL
A water-resistant jacket that even features a water-repellent 850 down fill? Now that’s something that checks some much-needed packable down jacket boxes. Luckily, this L.L.Bean jacket does all that and more. The slightly fitted jacket has a full front zip, double adjustable hood drawcords, flattering side panels, and zippered pockets, then packs away into its own pocket when you’re ready to travel. Bring on the cold front.
Colors: 7
Material: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill power: 850
- Water-repellant
- Packs into its own internal pocket
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- More affordable than other luxury options
Best budget:
Uniqlo, Ultra Light Down Jacket — $80.00
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Don’t let the puffiness fool you—this Uniqlo down jacket packs into a small duffel that easily fits into a backpack or small suitcase. It comes in a variety of unique hues, like dove gray and lilac pink. The two-snap collar and concealed zipper front help seal out the cold, in addition to 750-fill down. Oh, and did we mention it clocks in under $100? For a packable jacket without the steep price tag, this Uniqlo style definitely fits the bill.
Colors: 11
Material: 100-percent nylon
Fill power: 750
- Affordable
- Inclusive size range in wide array of colors
- Versatile
- Packs into an accompanying stash duffel
- On the bulkier side
- Lower fill-power
Best mid-length:
Lands’ End, Ultralight Packable Long Down Jacket — $185.00
Available sizes: XS-3X in three lengths
If you’re looking for a slightly longer silhouette that still packs right into its own pocket, this Lands’ End coat is one to watch. It’s packed with must-have features, from a drawcord hood and side zip pockets to the 800 fill power and loft that retains even when wet. Lands’ End recommends it for temps as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll stay warm even when it’s literally freezing. Plus, it’s got almost 800 five-star reviews, many of which point to its extreme packability. Really, what more could you ask for?
Colors: 8
Material: 100-percent nylon
Fill power: 800
- Variety of colors, including neutrals and more fashion-forward tones
- Slim, flattering silhouette
- Available in regular, petite, and tall sizing
- Not all colors available in all sizes
- Longer silhouette may not work for shorter frames
Best splurge:
Crazy, JKT Levity Down Jacket — $650.00
Available sizes: XS-L
Colors: 3
True to the brand’s name, Crazy’s JKT Levity Down Jacket is crazy light and warm. It’s by far snuggliest on this list, insulated with 950 fill-power ethically sourced goose down that’s lofty and virtually weightless. Unlike other jackets on this list, it’s also virtually seamless and features glued cells to keep the feathers inside (so they won’t poke through unexpectedly.) Even more, both the fill and outer are protected in a water-repellent coating to keep you dry in the elements. It’s a must-have for serious skiers, backpackers, and other outdoorsy folks who want to enjoy the cold without feeling weighed down.
Fill power: 950
- Warm and water-repellent
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Extremely lightweight
- Minimal seaming
- Expensive
- Limited sizing
- Doesn’t actually pack into itself, however, can be stuffed very easily into just about anything
Best for cold climates:
Fjallraven, Expedition Pack Down Hoodie — $275.00
Available sizes: XXS-XL
It may be called a hoodie, but don’t be fooled—this is a full-on down jacket. You may be surprised that the loftier silhouette packs into its own pocket, but it most certainly does, so it’s okay to let out an audible sigh of relief. Once that’s over, you’ll love its myriad additional features, like a handful of zippered pockets to stash your essentials and multiple drawcords for a fully adjustable fit.
Colors: 4
Material: 100-percent recycled nylon
Fill power: 700
- Made from sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Warm and durable
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets for storage
- Packs into internal pocket
Best for layering:
Outdoor Research, Helium Down Hoodie — $299.00
Available sizes: XS-3X
In our packable down jacket research, we came across this one from Outdoor Research—and it seemed like a match made in, well, packable-down-jacket heaven, anyway. Colors like cherry red, teal, and royal blue combine with features like wind-and water-resistant nylon ripstop, an adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and 800-fill goose down for a jacket that brings the heat once it’s cold. (This jacket may resist the elements, but we can’t resist the weather puns.)
Colors: 7
Material: 100-percent nylon
Fill power: 800
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Inclusive size range in wide array of colors
- Water- and wind-resistant
- Packs into its own internal pocket
Best minimalist:
Lululemon, Pack It Down Jacket — $198.00
Available sizes: 0-14
Stuff sack. Removable hood. Water resistant and wind-proof fabric. 700-fill power goose down. This Lululemon packable jacket packs quite the winter wallop. The slim fit is subtly elongated, and it even features a hidden phone pocket. Winter won’t know what hit it with this minimalist must-have.
Colors: 3
Material: 85-percent nylon, 15-percent elastane
Fill power: 700
- Packs into its own internal pocket
- Elongated, slim fit for added coverage
- Water-resistant
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Limited sizing
- Limited colors
Best maximalist:
Cotopaxi, Fuego Down Hooded Jacket — $295.00
Available sizes: XXS-3X
There’s bold, and then there’s bold. When it comes to the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket, the emphasis is on BOLD. This packable down jacket features vibrant color-blocking that will actually make you long for the cold. The scuba hood helps further seal out the cold, the adjustable waist drawcord lets you customize the fit, and the 800-fill down keeps you warm and cozy. Taking it along on a camping or backpacking trip? Just zip it into its own interior pocket and head off into the wilderness.
Colors: 9
Material: 100-percent nylon
Fill power: 800
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Packs into its own internal pocket
- Inclusive size range in wide array of colors
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Not windproof or waterproof
- Runs small
Most durable:
Black Diamond, Approach Down Hoody — $380.00
Available sizes: XS-XL
Looking for a layerable down jacket that packs into its own chest pocket and secures to a backpack with a carabiner clip? Found it. This Black Diamond style features an environmentally-friendly, PFC-free, water-repellent DWR coating along with an insulated drawcord hood, multiple zippered pockets, and an easy-to-wear slim fit. It also weighs an almost mind-boggling half a pound, so suffice it to say, you aren’t carting around a lot of extra weight during your next mountain hike.
Colors: 3
Material: 100-percent nylon
Fill power: 800
- Made with sustainable, responsibly sourced materials
- Versatile and layer-friendly
- Water-repellant and durable
- Carabiner clip secures to a backpack
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