The 10 Best Insulated Jackets of 2026: Staff Picks

Winter carnivals, outdoor markets, Main Street ice sculpture exhibitions: There are plenty of reasons to paint the town red when the snow flies. And the Amaze Puff Down Hooded Jacket from Columbia is the perfect layer to wear. “The Amaze Puff has become my go-to jacket for around-town errands and events because it checks all the boxes,” says Expert Advice Editor Heather Rochfort. “It's cute, super warm, and absurdly cozy. … I wore it to our town's Christmas tree lighting last year when it was nuking snow and temps hovered in the single digits—and I barely felt a thing.”

Comfort: The jacket’s warmth comes courtesy of its 650-fill-power Responsible Down Standard-certified insulation. Thumbholes in the cuffs pair with fleece-lined front pockets (with zippers for added security) to offer a snuggly home for hands, and a drawcord-adjustable hem at the waist seals out drafts.

The Amaze Puff uses Omni-Shield, a water-repellent technology that prevents precip from absorbing into the fabric and help keeps the jacket water-resistant in light rain (though we wouldn’t reach for it in a downpour).

"As someone who hates carrying a large jacket, I’m obsessed with the interior straps because I can wear the jacket as a backpack," says REI employee Julie M. "It’s super warm, but also so lightweight, fluffy, and stylish."

Additional features: Internal backpack straps allow for hands-free carrying, a feature Rochfort also says comes in handy when she doesn't "want to fully take off the jacket and carry it.” Similarly, if you’re wearing a hat (or hiding a bad hair day beneath), you can unbutton the removable hood to reduce bulk.

Most insulated jackets force you to choose between down and synthetic. This layer from the brand's first true outerwear line adds recycled wool to the mix.

New take on insulation: With its innovative mix of 80% recycled down and 20% reclaimed merino wool, the Winterloft Hooded Down Jacket pairs the warmth of 700-fill-power down with the moisture-managing benefits of wool, which naturally absorbs moisture.

I appreciated that added weather protection on a couple of rainy fall outings around Boulder, Colorado. Between the hybrid wool-down insulation and the Winterloft’s non-PFC durable water-repellent finish, I stayed warm and dry through light rain. Would I have needed a rain shell had it poured? Absolutely. Still, when you’re only packing one outer layer, it’s nice to know your insulator can stand up to a bit of moisture.

Soft merino touches and more: Merino wool panels appear along the interior collar and draft flap (the section that protects your cheeks and mouth) as well as inside the hood next to the ears. There are also merino-lined front pockets, elastic cuffs and a cinch around the waist for extra warmth, plus a two-way zipper that lets you release heat when you need to.

Weight that’s worthwhile: At just over a pound for a women’s medium, the Winterloft is far from the lightest insulated jacket. Still, I welcome its heft and warmth when I shrug it on to watch an evening soccer match or take a casual morning hike.

The ’90s are back, and with it one of the most recognizable down jackets of that generation. Thirty years later, The North Face Nuptse remains a staff favorite thanks to its blend of warmth and retro style.

Modern updates: The iconic jacket retains the original logo and shiny ripstop fabric but adds modern updates like recycled materials and durable water repellent without PFCs. Oversize baffles and 700-fill-power goose down keeps you warm whether you’re on at camp or around town—and the boxy, relaxed silhouette easily accommodates additional layers. The hood, which is not insulated, can be stowed but not detached.

REI video producer Anne Cleary originally got her Nuptse to wear to a screening of a film she produced. “It ended up being my warmest puffy, so I wore it while filming in Alaska later that winter,” she says.

“Filming skiing and snowboarding can be super cold because you're often sitting with your camera, waiting for athletes to get into position," says Cleary. "I couldn't believe this streetwear-inspired puffy was keeping me warm in the backcountry.”

The jacket stands the test of time: Cassie da Costa, Run editor for Expert Advice, owns an original Nuptse and still loves it. "It's cozy, stylish and works well both sitting by the campfire and when walking around in below-freezing temps," she says. "You'll find many a New Yorker in this puffy—of course, in black."

If you're looking for an even warmer version, consider the Summit Nuptse Jacket, which ski mountaineers have taken up Everest.

There may be no better choice for cold-weather active pursuits and around-town jaunts than the Patagonia Down Sweater. It's a perennial favorite among REI staff for good reason. It's well under 1 pound, packs down small and has a middle-of-the-road fit that accommodates most. (The Down Sweater also comes in extended sizes—up to XXL in women's sizes and XXXL in men's sizes.)

It's an all-around generalist. With loads of well-thought-out extra features, it's a go-to windproof jacket for everyday wear. Phuong Le, Expert Advice managing editor, wears hers on chilly hikes, shoulder-season camping trips and après-ski tailgating. The jacket's versatility comes from its lightweight, 800-fill-power goose down and a horizontal baffling pattern that eliminates cold spots. The fit is tailored without being too narrow. This latest version has a longer hem and added internal pockets to stash larger items like gloves.

"I always find room for it on cold-weather backpacking trips because I know it'll keep me warm without adding weight," says Le, pictured below sledding with her kid in the Down Sweater. "The jacket is also my go-to mid layer on cold ski days."

Features that help keep you warm. You'll find hem drawcords inside the Down Sweater's pockets so you can easily cinch the hem without exposing your hands to the cold. The front zipper tucks into a zipper garage at the chin, which helps prevent chafing. And because this version of the Down Sweater lacks a hood, it nestles neatly under a rain or ski jacket if you're looking for furnace-like warmth on the move. (It's also available in a hooded version for $50 more.)

Leading groups of visitors in Yosemite National Park has its ups (hiking to the 8,844-foot apex of Half Dome, for example) and its downs (say, exploring Yosemite Valley). The REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie is ready for it all, confirms one backpacking guide. “I can attest to the [jacket’s] performance in the unpredictable mountain weather,” says Sarah Dolan, who previously guided with REI.

Warm and packable: The jacket’s 850-fill-power goose down (the highest among the down jackets on our list) provides warmth without the weight. The heat-sealing internal draft tube in the neck and the nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) treatment boost protection against cold and precipitation. We easily stuffed it into the crannies of our packs or suitcases. (Watch this video to see how quickly REI employees can stuff the hoodie into its own pocket).

Durability: We found that the jacket’s fully recycled ripstop nylon shell stands up to the rubbing of backpack straps, while its raglan sleeves, articulated elbows and body-mapped insulation enhance ease of movement. Melissa Chieffe, an REI senior marketing strategist, put it to the test on a rock-climbing trip to Golden Cliffs in Colorado when temps dipped and she needed an extra layer.

"Happy to report that it didn't rip, even though I was sliding all over rock," says Chieffe, pictured climbing at Golden Cliffs in Colorado.

Versatility: We found the Magma 850 adaptable enough to handle variable weather conditions, from light rain to snow flurries, and suitable for different activities. "Likely to be my go-to everyday down jacket for both active pursuits and trips to the grocery store," says Joe Crosby, REI director of brand and content marketing.

A few things could be improved: Some, like Crosby, found the hood too square. Other reviewers complained about the boxy fit. And, as one reviewer noted, we didn't like the location of the hood adjustment on the back of the head, which makes it uncomfortable to sleep with the hood up for extra warmth.

Still, one of our Pennsylvania-based gear testers instantly loved the Magma 850 and uses it on hikes, rounds of golf and dog walks. "It is super light, incredibly warm, packs well, and looks amazing," he adds. The jacket comes with a hoodie or without.

The colorful and cozy Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a co-op staff and member favorite, earning rave reviews for its style and year-round versatility. "Great minimal jacket for an alpine or backpacking layer system," says a reviewer from Ohio. Another adds: "I wanted a nice warm jacket so I didn't have to layer all the time. This jacket is great for the fall in Utah. It keeps you warm at 40°F. It's super lightweight and comfy [so] you'll forget you're even wearing it."

Lightweight and packable: Kristina Vateva, an REI marketing campaign specialist, says she owns jackets that are warmer but finds herself reaching for this 800-fill-power down jacket more often.

"What I love most is how lightweight and packable it is,” says Vateva, pictured below wearing her jacket in Alaska. “To me these are the two most key features for a jacket you actually want to bring with you on a backpacking trip or up a climbing wall."

Features: The scuba hood protects your neck from the chill, though we wish it could be adjusted like the REI Co-op Magma 850 or the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody. We liked the generous zippered inner pocket and the fact that the whole jacket stuffs into an interior pocket for easy packing. This iteration is not as slim-fit as earlier versions, which lets you easily layer underneath it though some reviewers did find the fit a bit roomy.

Sustainability: Of course, the Fuego is eye-catching—as are most other products from this certified B Corporation dedicated to "gear for good." But the Fuego is much more than a pretty face: The shell is 100% recycled nylon. One final note: The jacket isn't waterproof or windproof. If there's rain or snow in the forecast, bring a shell to wear over this puffy.

Puffies aren't cheap, but you can still grab this one from REI Co-op for about half the cost of others in our lineup. And you won't be making any major sacrifices for the price either. The 650 Down Jacket is stuffed with 650-fill-power down, packs down small and comes in loads of sizes (including a kids' version and a infants'/toddlers' version).

One of our REI Co-op retail specialists, Maddie S., says she reaches for the 650 Down Jacket when she has room to only bring one coat. This one performs decently during active pursuits as an outer layer (the shell blocks wind and is treated with a durable water repellent coating) or mid layer (the insulation fluffs up well, even after being compressed into its own pocket). The jacket's fit is relaxed, not technical, but it still layers well.

"This is my go-to jacket for winter! Its great for everything from running errands to a weekend hike," says Maddie S. "The fact that it packs down into it's pocket makes it especially great for travelling.

Some reviewers noticed frayed seams over a year's time, and a few feathers popped out. Still, the 650 Down Jacket is a bargain for the price, and it's made with materials bluepass certified.

If you're looking for a puffier, warmer option that's still a good value, consider the REI Co-op 650 Down Full-Loft Jacket (women's and men's); it has a hood, more loft and a longer length.

If you're looking for a high-performance puffy jacket that will move with you, consider the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody. It packs 60 grams of synthetic insulation, while stretchy side panels add mobility for hiking, camping or skiing.

"Great at keeping me warm at camp, on the slopes, or just on a walk around my neighborhood," says REI staff member Maddy G. "Definitely worth the investment!"

When worn under a shell, the Atom's stretch paneling also allows for venting so you can dump heat if you're sweating hard. The synthetic insulation makes it more breathable and quicker drying than down jackets, though not as warm as the insulation used in the Patagonia Down Sweater, REI Magma 850 or the North Face Nuptse. If a particularly gruesome yard sale ends with snow down your shell, the Atom will still insulate when wet.

"This jacket is a reliable, versatile workhorse," says Phuong Le, managing editor of REI Expert Advice, who uses hers as a mid layer while downhill skiing and rainy mountain bike rides and packs it as a go-to piece for international travel. "I've stuffed this into backpacks and crammed it into my travel carry-on, and it remains as durable and as sleek as ever."

The Arc'teryx Atom is also available in hoodless versions for women and men. Prefer a down-insulated option? Consider the Arc'teryx Cerium Insulated Hoody.

The REI staff just can't get enough of the Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia, which is warm and windproof thanks to 60 grams of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco.

Warm even when damp: While it's not as warm as the down options in our list, the synthetic insulation retains its warming ability when damp, and a brick-quilting pattern ensures the insulation stays put, making it a perfect winter hiking or skiing layer. "Everyone in our family owns Nano Puff jackets that have lasted us for years," says Le, Expert Advice managing editor who's based in wet and chilly Seattle. She adds that she and her family use the jacket for all seasons and multiple activities. "It's our mid layer of choice when we don't want the thickness of fleece, and though it's not waterproof, it has surprisingly kept us all warm through some unexpected rainy hiking adventures." It dries quickly too, making it a must-have for PNW adventures, she says.

Lightweight and versatile: Emma Cullen, who works on the REI brand advertising team and lives in snowy Idaho, adds that the Nano Puff lives up to its name. "I barely remember that I’m wearing a jacket when in the Nano Puff," she says. "It's so lightweight and moves with me whether I'm ripping skins, using hiking poles or just out for a dog walk."

"This is the perfect jacket to keep as a 'just in case' layer in a bag since it is so small but can be so warm," says Cullen.

Sustainability features: The jacket's recycled insulation comprises 100% post-consumer material, and its fully recycled polyester ripstop shell features a moisture-shedding durable water repellent finish that's free from perfluorinated chemicals. (Other Nano Puff products include a parka, hoodie and mittens.) Also available in kids’ and infants'/toddlers’. 

Vuori has taken a fashion-forward approach to loungewear since it launched over a decade ago. With the Canyon Insulated Sporty Jacket, the California-based brand brings a stylish edge to outerwear.

Stepped-up style: The original Canyon was one of our favorite fall jackets for walks, errands and travel thanks to its lightweight warmth, easy layering and polished look. The updated Canyon Sporty builds on that with a bubbled silhouette: slightly puffy body with a straight hem and extra-wide sleeves that end in roomy cuffs. Relaxed shoulders and a stand collar (no hood) up the urban aesthetic. Its matte exterior is ready to take you from the office to the barre studio or from the climbing gym to celebratory drinks.

Technical features: While the look has changed, the Canyon Sporty retains some of the features we loved in the original: a durable water-repellent finish for light water resistance and just enough PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to take the chill off without adding bulk. The Canyon has two zippered hand pockets, an interior zippered pocket, and light elastic around the cuffs and waist that adds comfort and deters drafts. The exterior is now made of 100% recycled polyester, though it no longer has stretch from spandex.