The perfect puffer jackets characteristic light-weight insulation and sturdy shell materials to maximise warmth-to-weight ratios. With so many types, colours and suits to select from, there’s by no means been a greater time so as to add one to your jacket quiver. Whether or not you’re bagging backcountry peaks or strolling by city on a cold morning, we’ve examined puffers in nearly each atmosphere, from the Cascades out west to the Whites out east. Primarily based on our testing, the Rab Electron Professional is the most effective puffer in 2024, adopted by the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody. We additionally just like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer /2 as a consequence of its ultralight design and the Cotopaxi Fuego that appears pretty much as good because it feels. Our checklist features a whole of six puffers that we extremely advocate, and a few different types we like as effectively.
We examined puffer jackets from Arc’teryx, Rab Patagonia and plenty of others to seek out the most effective ones … [+] accessible at this time.
Illustration: Forbes / Photograph: Cam Vigliotta
We evaluated puffer jackets by taking a look at key components that basically make a distinction whenever you’re out within the chilly: weight, insulation sort, fill energy, sturdiness and match. These gave us a stable solution to evaluate all the pieces from light-weight packable choices to heavy-duty winter staples. To achieve some knowledgeable perception, we chatted with Chris Gallo, senior vp of technique at PrimaLoft, who shared his information about insulation and what makes a jacket carry out effectively in several situations.
Finest Puffer Jacket Total: Rab Electron Professional
Finest For Colour Choices: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down
A Sustainable Puffer Jacket: Finisterre Nimbus
Shell materials: Pertex Quantum Professional | Insulation: 800-fill-power down | Weight: 18.6 ounces | Colours: 6
What’s notable: The jacket’s deep hand pockets maintain digits heat, they usually’re sufficiently big to retailer small gadgets like a headlamp or gloves.
What may very well be higher: The type isn’t very packable despite its down insulation and skinny shell materials.
Puffer jackets are available a spread of types for various environments, however no jacket balances heat, weight and sturdiness fairly just like the Rab Electron Professional. Filled with 5 ounces of baffled 800-fill-power down insulation, it provides greater than sufficient heat for below-freezing situations, and the sturdy artificial shell takes the tooth out of chilly wind gusts. Take a better take a look at the jacket and also you’ll discover fairly just a few intelligent options, just like the hood that’s stiffened across the brim to take care of its form and the deep hand pockets which can be sufficiently big to retailer necessities. We additionally recognize the stretchy material across the sleeve cuffs, and the again of the hem that drops beneath the waist for added safety.
Despite the jacket’s ultralight building and the truth that it weighs only a shade over a pound, we had been shocked to seek out that it’s not very straightforward to pack. If saving area is a key consideration, the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is a significantly better choice that’s simply as heat, although not fairly as sturdy. Nonetheless, the Electron Professional is a well-rounded jacket, and if packability isn’t necessary, it makes for a heat, versatile addition to your winter wardrobe.
What’s notable: The jacket weighs lower than a pound and packs into an included stuff sack, so it’s extremely straightforward to journey with.
What may very well be higher: The sticker worth makes this one of many costlier puffer jackets in its class.
Again and again, the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody finds its manner into puffer roundups like this one as a result of it’s well-made, light-weight and heat. Weighing a mere 11.9 ounces, the Cerium Hoody (previously often called the Cerium LT) includes a mix of 850-fill-power down and polyester insulation that holds in warmth, and the jacket we examined has saved us heat for seasons on finish. Conserving all that insulation in place is a nylon shell material that’s delicate to the contact, and it’s fitted in simply the correct manner in order to cut back undesirable bulk. As a result of it’s so mild, the jacket stuffs into an included sack that’s no greater than a Nalgene bottle, so you’ll be able to toss it in a backpack or duffel with out fear.
The most important situation we’ve got with the Cerium Hoody isn’t a particular characteristic, however a sticker worth of $400. That makes it $65 costlier than our prime choose, the Rab Electron Professional, and over $100 greater than different puffers in its class, just like the Cotopaxi Fuego. Nonetheless, Arc’teryx up to date the Cerium Hoody with a thicker shell material and extra eco-friendly supplies, so it’s a well-rounded choice. If the stability between weight and heat is your greatest concern, and also you don’t thoughts paying only a bit extra, it is a nice selection.
What’s notable: It is a nice worth for a down jacket, and it comes with the Co-op’s one-year member guarantee.
What may very well be higher: The design lacks a hood, it’s boxy and it’s not the warmest.
As soon as once more, the Co-op makes the reduce by catering to budget-minded patrons with the up to date 650 Down, a jacket that’s moderately mild, heat and weather-proof. At $129, this puffer is lower than a 3rd the worth of the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody, but it’s nonetheless heat sufficient for many environments, particularly in case you pair it with a hardshell jacket. REI up to date the design by reinforcing the shell with extra sturdy ripstop nylon, including an adjustable hem and changing the field baffles with horizontal ones.
As you would possibly anticipate, budget-oriented jackets include drawbacks, and the 650 Down is not any exception. For instance, it’s not as heat or compressible because the Patagonia Nano Puff, and it doesn’t stuff into its personal pocket (or an included stuff sack) to avoid wasting area. We additionally discovered the match a tad bit boxy, so it really works by itself however you might need troubling layering it. And but, we will look previous these minor flaws as a result of its a flexible, size-inclusive choice that retains you heat in most situations, and you may’t beat what it affords for the worth.
What’s notable: Recycled materials and RDS-certified down make the Ghost Whisperer extra planet-friendly than ever earlier than.
What may very well be higher: The match continues to be boxy by the torso, and the shiny material colours are slightly exhausting on the eyes.
Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer has saved us heat for years, and that’s despite the truth that it retains getting lighter. The most recent model of this down jacket weighs a mere 8.8 ounces, however Mountain Hardwear took the redesign a step additional by making it extra planet-friendly. Now, the shell material makes use of 100% recycled nylon, and the insulation comes licensed to the Accountable Down Normal. As Mountain Hardwear places it, the Ghost Whisperer /2 retains you heat with out warming the planet, which is a message we will get behind. Given its lack of weight, the puffer packs down into one in every of its personal pockets, making it nice for journey or backpacking. And whereas it isn’t outfitted with any particular options, it does have zippered hand pockets, a drawcord hem adjustment and a DWR end.
We love how planet-friendly the Ghost Whisperer /2 has change into, but it surely’s nonetheless slightly boxy by the torso, that means it received’t be the best jacket to put on beneath a shell. It’s additionally not the one ultralight jacket nowadays, neither is it the most cost effective—Rab’s Mythic Alpine Mild Down Jacket weighs the identical, prices $30 much less and makes use of its personal mix of recycled materials. Nonetheless, the Ghost Whisperer /2 is reliably heat, and the sustainability upgrades make it all of the extra spectacular. When you’re in search of another choice with extra colours and don’t thoughts a few extra ounces, the unique Ghost Whisperer is available in on the similar worth and weighs 10.7 ounces.
What’s notable: Fashionable and cute colours come backed by heat and sustainable manufacturing processes.
What may very well be higher: The 20D ripstop nylon shell isn’t as sturdy as we hoped it could be.
Positive, puffer jackets ought to maintain you heat and defend you from the weather above all else, however you’re not going to spend a whole lot on one in case you don’t like the way it seems. Whereas puffers seem like cookie-cutter variations of one another, Cotopaxi’s instantly-recognizable patterns and coloration combos clarify why so many individuals love the Fuego. With over 10 colours to select from, nearly each on-line evaluation cites its retro striping and flexibility that permits you to put on it on the path or to dinner with mates. And better of all, it delivers type and heat in equal measure: Insulated with responsibly-sourced 800-fill down and full with a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell, it retains the worst of winter at bay. To our shock, it additionally packs down fairly effectively, squeezing into an inner pocket.
Whereas we got here away from our testing with only a few style-related complaints, we did come to the conclusion that the Fuego simply doesn’t excel in anybody efficiency class. It’s heavier than ultralight puffers just like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, it’s not as heat because the Arc’teryx Cerium and the shell material doesn’t really feel very sturdy. Actually, it’s a puffer we advocate for informal outings, and in case you choose it up for that purpose, you’ll attain for it each day.
What’s notable: From the development to the packaging it ships in, each component of this puffer is less complicated on the planet.
What may very well be higher: Artificial insulation isn’t as heat as down, and the jacket’s a bit heavy for actual adventures.
At first, we weren’t certain the Finisterre Nimbus Hoody’s recycled artificial insulation and shell comprised of fishing nets might deal with really chilly climate. The eco-friendly story was nice, however wouldn’t it maintain us heat? Seems, it might. This puffer shocked us with how heat, sturdy and handsome it’s—plus, it’s straightforward on the planet. From the recycled shell material and insulation to the Depart No Hint packaging it ships in, the UK model makes each effort to reduce its influence. They even ship merchandise to their warehouse by land or sea, avoiding air transport at any time when doable. And sustainability apart, the Nimbus is thoughtfully designed—we recognize the microfiber-lined pockets and collar, the adjustable hood drawcord and the truth that it packs into its personal chest pocket.
However whereas it’s marketed as a do-it-all jacket for adventures, the Nimbus is fairly heavy and hulking at 16.8 ounces, so it might’t compete with true ultralight jackets. And as well as, its recycled nylon insulation, whereas heat, doesn’t evaluate to down—ounce for ounce, down is hotter than almost all artificial insulations. These quibbles apart, we had been actually impressed with its efficiency, and it serves as a reminder that you would be able to make nice merchandise with out contributing to the demise of the planet.
Different Puffer Jackets We Like
Patagonia
Patagonia Nano Puff
The Nano Puff is a real traditional within the out of doors attire world, and as a very packable puffer, we’ve stuffed it into entrance pockets and tiny packs simply to show how small it will get. Sadly, it’s not the warmest puffer in its class, and it prices a fairly penny despite its artificial insulation, so we see it as a superlative layering piece.
Out of doors Analysis up to date the Transcendent Down Hoodie for the 2024-25 season by growing its heat and lessening its influence. Now full of 800-fill-power down and full with a totally recycled shell, this puffer is as prepared for winter because it’s ever been. However very like the Cotopaxi Fuego, this puffer is slightly too heavy to be thought of ultralight (13.3 ounces), and the shell material feels prefer it might tear (the truth is, it seems to be the identical shell material Cotopaxi makes use of). Actually it’s a flexible puffer we will see carrying out and about, but it surely wouldn’t be our first selection for superior heat or packability.
Why Belief Forbes Vetted
Selecting the best out of doors attire could make all of the distinction whenever you’re climbing, operating or just navigating chilly climate. With years of expertise testing out of doors gear, we’ve developed a pointy eye for high quality, consolation and performance. Right here’s why you’ll be able to belief these puffer jacket suggestions:
As Forbes Vetted’s gear editor, Cam Vigliotta has spent years evaluating a whole lot of outside attire gadgets, together with puffer jackets, to separate flashy advertising from real efficiency. When he recommends a jacket, it’s as a result of it’s been examined in real-world situations for heat, sturdiness and flexibility—and it’s backed by opinions from others who’ve relied on it for their very own wants.
With a background in sports activities drugs, Vigliotta pays shut consideration to how out of doors gear helps motion and minimizes discomfort within the components. It isn’t nearly trying good—it’s about discovering jackets that maintain you heat, dry and comfy, whether or not you’re hitting the paths or operating errands on a frosty day.
Equally, Forbes Vetted contributor and the co-author of this information, Steven John, owns 10 or 12 puffers—he has misplaced observe—and recurrently wears them climbing, tenting, climbing, biking and round city. He has been testing and reviewing gear, together with jackets, for greater than 13 years, and operates his personal out of doors way of life web site, Dad Gear Overview.
We spend numerous time outside, usually counting on puffer jackets that stand as much as unpredictable climate, maintain us heat with out overheating and really feel nice to put on for prolonged intervals. We’ve personally examined all the puffer jackets on this information, and others to make sure they ship on their guarantees, regardless of the exercise.
We additionally spoke with mates, colleagues and specialists to study extra about their favourite puffer jackets and why they like them—their insights helped us determine if a puffer earned a spot on this information. And since jacket types are all the time altering, we evaluation these choices recurrently and make changes as wanted. This information was first printed in November 2024.
A handful of the numerous puffer jackets we examined for heat, packability, sturdiness and luxury.
Cam Vigliotta For Forbes
How We Selected The Finest Puffer Jackets
we started by exploring manufacturers identified for his or her out of doors attire, resembling Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Rab and Out of doors Analysis. These manufacturers have a powerful popularity for creating puffers that mix heat, consolation and technical efficiency options like superior insulation and weather-resistant supplies.
After figuring out manufacturers that excel in out of doors gear, we targeted on in style puffer jacket fashions that obtain excessive reward for his or her match, high quality, insulation effectivity and sturdiness. These embrace Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket, Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody and Rab’s Electron Professional, to call just a few.
As soon as we recognized jackets that met these excessive requirements, we spoke with out of doors fanatics, hikers and cold-weather commuters to raised perceive what they search for in a high quality puffer. Their insights highlighted key options like environment friendly down or artificial insulation, light-weight packability, sturdy water-repellent (DWR) coatings and adjustable designs that maximize consolation.
Lastly, we evaluated every jacket’s worth in opposition to its efficiency and flexibility to advocate choices that ship the most effective long-term worth. Investing in a high-quality puffer comprised of sturdy, weather-ready supplies doesn’t simply maintain you heat—it ensures you keep comfy and guarded within the components season after season.
The Finisterre Nimbus options an adjustable hood to seal out the weather.
Cam Vigliotta For Forbes
What To Look For In The Finest Puffer Jackets
The little particulars (and the worth factors) could also be what make it easier to differentiate which puffer coat is best for you. With that mentioned, all puffers share just a few issues in frequent that you would be able to look to when evaluating one to the subsequent. These embrace:
Insulation
Puffer jackets are insulated with both down feathers or artificial fill, and every type of insulation has its personal benefits. Ounce-for-ounce, down is hotter than nearly any artificial materials, but when it will get moist, you’ll have a tough time drying it out. Artificial, alternatively, “can retain its insulating properties when moist,” explains Chris Gallo, however you want extra of it to attain the identical heat as down.
When selecting between the 2, it comes down worth and supposed use. “For inclement climate situations or throughout actions the place you’re breaking a sweat, artificial insulation is rather more efficient at protecting you heat,” says Gallo. It’s additionally inexpensive in case you’re trying to save cash. Down, alternatively, “has historically been extra packable than synthetics, that means it may be carried as a smaller bundle when not in use. For actions the place you would possibly incessantly have an insulating layer packed away, down might need the slight edge.”
Packability
Among the best issues a couple of puffer is that it might pack down small. Some puffers pack down so effectively you’ll be able to actually stuff them in a pocket, whereas others get sufficiently small to be tucked away right into a pack. Simply remember the fact that down is usually lighter and simpler to compress than artificial, which makes it simpler to pack.
Sturdiness
As a result of puffer jackets are continually uncovered to the weather, you wish to put money into one which’s sturdy. Search for types with ripstop nylon shells and don’t be afraid of recycled materials—these are simply as sturdy as their non-recycled counterparts. On the finish of the day, “The lifespan of a particular garment is dependent upon how the person takes care of the product,” says Gallo. “We encourage out of doors fanatics to put on their clothes for so long as doable, and to go for repairing regular put on and tear, quite than changing.”
Adjustment
Most puffers can help you customise the match through drawcords on the hem and hood, which makes it simpler to seal out the weather. Whereas it’s not all the time essential to put money into a puffer that’s straightforward to regulate, it’s good to have that flexibility do you have to encounter excessive winds, heavy snowfall or different poor situations that necessitate bundling up.
The Rab Electron Professional options stretchy material on the sleeve cuffs to enhance mobility.
Cam Vigliotta For Forbes
Regularly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Fill energy is a measurement of the standard and fluffiness of down, and it’s expressed because the variety of cubic inches of loft per ounce of down. The next fill energy quantity signifies higher high quality down that may lure extra air and insulate higher, successfully protecting you hotter.
Which Model Is Finest For Puffer Jackets?
The entire manufacturers featured on this information make glorious puffer jackets, so don’t fear a lot about model; as an alternative deal with the extent of insulation you want, water resistance, means, type, particular options and naturally, worth.
Are Puffer Jackets Nonetheless Fashionable?
Sure, puffer jackets are nonetheless a classy type of cold-weather clothes, and whereas the fundamental form of the puffer hasn’t modified in years, the colours, materials and building strategies have. Many best-selling puffer jackets from manufacturers like Patagonia and Cotopaxi might be discovered not solely in mountain cities, the place you anticipate to see them, however additionally on the streets of main cities like New York, Boston and Chicago.
