Best Packable Down Jacket: Top 5 in 2022

By Alice Ross | CLOTHING

Feb 02
best-packable-down-jacket-2022

Down jackets are one of the most reliable types of upper layers to use in cold or rainy weather. By wearing the best packable down jacket, you will benefit from a combination of warmth, style, and comfort that you would not get from standard fleece sweaters or thick pullovers made of wool. The handiest types of down jackets come in a packable format, which makes them a perfect companion for travel and a must-take on your outdoor adventures.

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However, just like when you are shopping for just about any article of clothing, there are some important things to consider before spending your money on a good down jacket. They come in different styles and with a range of different features, so you should definitely do your research and find the right one for your needs and preferences.

Ultimately, your search should always revolve around the key general features that define quality down jackets. In this article, we will highlight what to pay attention to in order to find the best packable down jacket for you. Read our tips carefully, and you will find that picking the right down jacket for your travels is not as complicated as it seems.

How to Choose the Right Packable Down Jacket for You

No matter what your gender is, it is always a good idea to have a packable down jacket with you when you go travelling. It is especially recommended if you plan to spend significant time outdoors and to have some adventures. But after deciding that you’re going to buy a down jacket, you first need to understand what criteria you should consider to pick a good model. Here are some of the important things you must look at in order to find the right one for you:

It Should Have Several Pockets

It may seem like a no-brainer, but many people still overlook this. If you are going on a trip, especially if it is outside the country, you are going to want to carry specific belongings with you as you explore.

Make sure that the down jacket you buy has several spacious, deep, and convenient pockets in which you can store your money, phone, and other essential items.

best packable down jacket

It Should Be Lightweight

When travelling, packing light and saving up on space in your luggage is always a great idea. This is why it's important to choose a down jacket that is made of light material. It helps you to pack smaller and doesn’t weigh you down. A down jacket with a 500 fill power needs to be heavier and bulkier than a down jacket with a 800 fill power to dispense the same type of warmth.

Reversible Jackets Are better

Although this is not strictly necessary, how much better would it be to have a jacket that you can wear in two different ways?! Not only can your reversible jacket keep you warm on your trip, but it can also keep you stylish.

You might recoil at the somewhat bargain-basement idea, but if you are able to get a versatile jacket that does two jobs in one and can be worn in two different ways, chances are you're going to like it twice as much.

It Should Be Affordable

Of course, you have to factor cost into your choice. But then again, it's also important to balance it with the quality of the product in which you are investing your money in order to seek out the best value deal.

An expensive price doesn't always mean higher quality. Many down jackets (or any clothes, for that matter) are priced much higher simply because the name of the manufacturer is known. This means that you are basically paying more for the brand name. Similarly, just because something is cheaper doesn't always mean that the quality of the materials used is lower. There are many down jacket brands selling high-quality products that will not break the bank.

black jacket

It Should Suit You Perfectly

Of course, when it comes to clothing, you're not buying an item solely for its functional aspects. As much as possible, you want it to also look good and stylish. So, make sure to choose a down jacket that suits your tastes. Anyway, this should not be a problem considering there are many options available on the market. Packable down jackets are available in different style, colors, and sizes, so there's no reason not to find the right fit for you.

Our Top Picks For the Best Packable Down Jacket

As you can probably tell, finding the best packable down jacket can be tricky. So in order to help you, here is a list of our top choices. Hopefully, these will give you an idea of some of the very best models available on the market in 2022. Below, we list our top 5 choices, with brief descriptions highlighting standout features. Read on for a review of each product as well as its pros and cons.

The Sierra Designs Elite DriDown Hoody is a well-made down jacket that offers different unique features, including a convertible hood and convertible pillow feature. The insulation of the jacket has a 850-fill power down that has been treated with a polymer on the molecular level to generate a hydrophobic gloss. This stops the down moisture absorption and makes it fast to dry. It also has a 20-denier nylon rip stop external layer that protects the insulation layer against scrape, making it resistant and durable.
On top of this, it’s also water-repellent and windproof. It has an adjustable hood with a zipper in front that folds into an ultra-protective collar. It’s definitely very convenient, as it allows you to easily control the temperature around your head and neck. You can pack the jacket into its inner pocket and use it as a pillow, which makes it a great space-saver when camping. Since it is made of a fleece layer on the inside, you can be sure that it is very comfortable. 

98
/100

Editor's Rating: 98/100

Price On Amazon: from $308.99


Pros

  • It is packable into a pillow
  • It is windproof
  • It absorbs body moisture
  • It is hydrophobic
  • It is very comfortable, not only to wear but also to use as a pillow
  • It is very durable

Cons

  • Some may find it quite hefty

An affordable down jacket that you can surely rely on in cold weather is the XPOSURZONE Women Packable Down Quilted Jacket Lightweight Puffer Coat. Weighing only under a pound, this down jacket has dual outer zip pockets and big inner glove pockets. It is made to protect you from the cold at any time, and is perfect to wear in the cool to cold seasons.
Coming with a small pouch, It has two wide interior pockets that don’t have a zipper, which can be handy as it allows the wearer to reach for their belongings more easily. Wearing this down jacket is also super comfortable.

97
/100

Editor's Rating: 97/100

Price On Amazon: from $27.99


Pros

  • It comes with a small carrying bag
  • It can be machine washed
  • It is made of durable, yet soft and comfortable fabric
  • It is double layered
  • It is very affordable

Cons

  • It runs small for some users
  • The zipper is made of plastic
  • It doesn’t have liners
  • It is not waterproof

Another impressive entry on our list of the best packable down jacket models is Tommy Hilfiger Men's Packable Down Jacket. Coming from one of the most popular clothing brands in the world, this down jacket is perfect for those who love pockets.
It is a very beautiful looking down jacket that is at once lightweight, easily packable, and fits particularly pleasingly on the body. You will also love the fact that it comes in about 15 different colors and in matte design - a great option for those who like sober, classy clothing. Some of the colors available include black, red, gold, port, gray, and many others, so there's bound to be one to your taste. 

95
/100

Editor's Rating: 95/100

Price On Amazon: from $52.98


Pros

  • It is very good value considering the brand and quality
  • It is made of a high-quality material
  • It is easily packable
  • It is available in many different colors
  • It is lightweight and comfortable to wear

Cons

  • There is a gap in the bottom-most pocket that doesn’t serve any purpose, as stuff is likely to fall out when you put something in it

Puffy does not always mean bulky, and that’s what Hawke & Co Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket II is going to prove! This puffer jacket weighs only a pound. Moreover, you can easily tuck it within its own inside pocket and carry it anywhere.
Made from nylon, this down jacket has a zip front as well as a standup collar. You will also love the fact that it is machine washable! You can choose what color fits your personality best. Moreover, this machine-washable jacket is pleasantly quilted and has zippered side entry pockets. It is very comfortable, lightweight, and surprisingly affordable. These features make it one of the best packable down jacket models on the market today.

93
/100

Editor's Rating: 93/100

Price On Amazon: from $39.95


Pros

  • It is lightweight but doesn’t compromise on warmth
  • It doesn’t have a visible logo
  • It has good wind protection properties
  • It is perfect for layering
  • It has a waterproof shell

Cons

  • Its fabric is thin and prone to slashes
  • It is not very breathable 
  • The pockets don’t have load bearing or weight distribution properties
  • It is not flame-resistant

Coming in many different colors to choose from, the Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoody is another down jacket worth checking out. It is made of materials that work pretty well in both dry and cold conditions. The tactical placement of the synthetic and down insulation is the secret to its ability to protect you from the cold, which is also why this is one of the best packable down jackets available in 2022.
The Coreloft synthetic insulation is inserted along the collar, shoulder, sleeves, as well as underarms. These are the parts that are normally prone to interaction moisture and that become cooler. This piece of clothing has a modifiable hem drawcord and a low-profile down protected StormHood that mostly ensures that drafts stay outside. It is very light and easily packable.
This down jacket is also extremely warm. The best aspect of the model is that the high-moisture parts are full of synthetic material. Regardless of the far-reaching sleeves, the supple cuffs offer an extra seal against the cold.

91
/100

Editor's Rating: 91/100

Price On Amazon: from $264.57


Pros

  • It has exceptional craftsmanship
  • The fabric used is high-quality
  • It is ideal for both dry and cold conditions
  • It has really comfortable collar, shoulder, sleeve, and underarm areas

Cons

  • Some people find it quite tight in the belly area

Summary

Travelling can be a tiring and nerve-wracking experience, so it's important to dress well for it to take at least some of that edge off. You should purchase a down jacket that suits you comfortably. Otherwise, you will be just wasting your hard-earned money. By following this simple guide and considering the products suggested above, your trip to a cold destination will surely be a lot more enjoyable.

Remember that equipping yourself with the right travel gear, accessories, and clothing is a key factor in ensuring that you're going to have a successful trip. Again, consider the comfort, the quality, the price, the pockets, and the fit of the down jacket on you before buying it.

Read more articles to help you prepare for your trip:

Best Camera for Wildlife Photography: Top 5 in 2022
Top 5 Best Travel Pillows for Airplanes
Top 5 Best Backpacks for Travel

Hopefully, this article has been useful in helping you find the best packable down jacket to take with you on your upcoming trip! If you have any suggestions that will help others make their search easier, lets us know in a comment below! Make sure to also share this article with your friends and family in order to help them with their own down jacket hunt.

Rating: 4.67 (3 votes)

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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