Mastering a layering system takes work. But once you've done it, we think you'll never go back. Layering systems are typically made up of a base layer, a mid layer and an outer layer. An insulated jacket, typically worn as a standalone outer layer or a mid layer, is a key element in this equation because it keeps your core warm by trapping precious body heat without adding bulk or weight.
So, how do you choose the best insulated jacket for you among the myriad options? Don’t worry: We have you covered with our guide on "How to Choose Insulated Jackets." Your choices for insulation material are primarily down or synthetic insulation, and in this guide we'll walk you through some options for the best down jackets and the best synthetic insulation jackets. We drew on the expertise of REI employees, who spend a lot of time outdoors testing their jackets, and reviewed feedback from users like you to determine the top crowdsourced options for a range of specific needs. Read on for favorite puffy jackets available at REI.
For more outerwear recommendations, visit our Best Winter Jackets, Best Rain Jackets and Best Fleece Jackets gear guides.
Staff Picks
For quick recommendations, check out our favorites here. Or scroll down for more in-depth reviews.
Best Down Jackets
Best Synthetic Insulation Jackets
Editor's note: We updated this guide on Nov. 18, 2025, with fresh feedback from REI employees and after affirming the choices in our lineup. All of these jackets continue to be crowd favorites.
Best Down Jackets
Patagonia Down Sweater
Insulation 800-fill-power down certified to the Global Traceable Down Standard
Weight 10.3 oz. (women's size M); 13 oz. (men's size M)
Best for Everyday wear, multisport
There may be no better choice for cold-weather active pursuits or 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-round 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. And the fit is tailored without being too narrow and 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 warmth. 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 to prevent chafing. There's also an interior chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. 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.) Shop all versions of the Patagonia Down Sweater.
REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie
Insulation 850-fill-power goose down (bluesign approved)
Weight 10.5 ounces (women's), 12.5 ounces (men's)
Best for Backpacking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, around-town
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 recent 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: Our staff found the Magma 850 adaptable enough to handle variable weather conditions, from light rain to snow flurries, and suitable for a lot of 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. Buy all versions here.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Insulation 800-fill-power goose down
Weight 11 oz.
Best for Casual wear, shoulder-season adventures
The colorful and cozy Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a co-op staff and member favorite, earning rave reviews for style and year-round versatily. "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." In fact, the entire Fuego line—including a vest, parka and the ridiculously awesome down overalls—is top-rated at the co-op.
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 wished 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 coat 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 and the jacket is crafted without PFAS chemicals. One final note: The jacket isn't waterproof or windproof. If there's rain or snow in the forecast, bring a hard shell to wear over this puffy. Buy here.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
Insulation 650-fill-power down certified to the Responsible Down Standard
Weight 10.2 oz. (women's size M); 10.9 oz. (men's size M)
Best for:: Our value pick; ideal for hiking, multiport
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 extreme 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 infant/toddlers' version).
One of our REI Co-op retail specialist says she reaches for the 650 Down Jacket when she has room to only bring one coat. "The key question for picking a jacket is, how often are you going to use it?" she says. This one handles decently on 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.
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 certified to bluesign criteria. Buy here.
Best Synthetic Insulation Jackets
Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody
Insulation 60g Coreloft Compact synthetic fibers
Weight 11.3 oz. (women's size M); 12.5 oz. (men's size M)
Best for Hiking, multisport
If you're looking for a high-performance puffy jacket that will move with you, reach for the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody. It's loaded with 60 grams of synthetic insulation, but stretchy side paneling and articulated arms help you feel nimble, whether on the slopes or other snowy adventures.
When worn beneath a shell like a mid layer, that same stretch paneling also allows for venting so you can dump heat if you're working hard. Designers at Arc'teryx placed the insulation of the Atom on the front and back of the torso to retain warmth. The insulation itself is synthetic (called Coreloft Compact), making it more breathable and quicker-drying than down jackets but not as warm as the Patagonia Down Sweater. If a particularly gruesome yard sale ends with snow down your shell, the Atom will still insulate when wet too.
"Arc'teryx is a design company and they take every detail into account," says Fahlstrom, our retail sales specialist in Dallas. The Atom has a low-profile hood that fits under a helmet. The cuffs are buttery-soft, making for easy removal and layering, and the Atom durable face fabric is tough enough to handle being worn as an outer layer. Plus, it provides light rain protection, thanks to a durable water repellent coating.
"This jacket is a reliable, versatile workhorse," says one of our REI Expert Advice editors who has used hers as a mid layer while downhill skiing, on rainy mountain bike rides and as a go-to piece for international travel. "I've stuffed this into backpacks and crammed it into my travel carry-on, and still it remains as durable and as sleek as ever." Note: The Arc'teryx Atom is also available in hoodless options (women's and men's). Prefer a down option? Consider the Arc'teryx Cerium Insulated Hoody. Buy the Atom Insulated Hoody here.
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket
Fabric Recycled polyester
Insulation 60 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco postconsumer recycled polyester
Warmth Level Warm
Weight 10 oz. (women's), 11.9 oz. (men's)
Best for Multisport
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 abilities when damp and a brick-quilting pattern ensures the insulation stays put, making it a perfect winter hiking 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 (though they don't wear matching colors). "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: In line with the brand's commitment to sustainability, 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’. Shop Nano Puff Jackets.
Shop All Down Jackets Shop Synthetic Insulation Jackets
Buying Advice
Consider these factors when buying an insulated jacket to get you through winter adventures. Read our Buying Guide to Insulated Jackets for more in-depth information.
What makes for a good down jacket?
A good down jacket should contain lightweight, compressible insulation. In most cases, a down jacket will have the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any product you own (except for maybe your sleeping bag). It should fit close to your body, but it shouldn't be so form-fitting that you can't comfortably wear one or two layers underneath.
What is down fill power?
Fill power is the number that indicates the relative quality of down, ranging from about 450 to 900. A higher fill count means more loft (or fluff). The REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie has the highest fill count—with 850-fill-power goose down—among down jackets in this guide, with the Patagonia Down Sweater and Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket not far behind at 800 fill power. Down fill power matters because loft is an important indicator of a jacket's insulation. Down insulates you well because of the formation of small air spaces within the down's plumules (superfine featherlike plumage). The more loft you have, the more heat-trapping air space there will be in the jacket. (For more information, check out our guide to down fill count.) While a jacket like the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket has a lower count, it costs about half as much as its loftier counterparts.
What is the Responsible Down Standard?
Some jackets like the Patagonia Down Sweater are certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). To get an RDS label, a brand must prove that their down feathers came from animals that were treated well. An RDS certification requires that the ducks and geese in question were free of hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear and distress. (For more details, visit Responsible Down Standard.)
When should I buy a synthetic jacket instead of a down jacket?
A synthetic jacket like the Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody or Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket might be right for you if you plan to be outdoors in a wet place or if you're undertaking a sweaty activity (like running). Synthetic materials are also generally less expensive than down. Down, however, is usually warmer, more compressible and a bit lighter. But down loses its insulating power when it gets wet, and it takes a long time to dry compared to jackets with synthetic insulation. The decision between the two is yours and will entirely depend on what kinds of adventures you're planning to take. (For more on this decision, visit our down vs. synthetics insulation guide.)
How should I care for and maintain my down jacket?
Down jackets can lose their insulating properties when they get wet or dirty, so you'll want to clean your jacket every so often to keep it at its best. Most down jackets can be washed in a front-loading home washing machine. But make sure to read your jacket's instruction label before tossing it in. If you do wash your jacket at home, use a gentle, detergent-free cleaner (Nikwax's Down Wash is made just for this situation). Then, dry your jacket on low heat with a few clean tennis balls in the mix to break up clumps. (Down tends to clump when wet, and it can take a while to dry, so be patient.) You should also store your down products on hangers rather than compressing them. (For more cleaning tips, visit our down jacket cleaning guide.) If your jacket rips or tears, you can patch it with gear repair tape. Check out our guide on how to repair a down jacket at REI.
Our Process
To pick the best insulated jackets, whether down or synthetic, we asked our REI retail staff and other employees for their favorite puffer jackets sold at the co-op. We read through dozens of customer reviews on REI.com and spoke with several outdoor experts to get a sense for what matters most in a good insulated jacket. Then, we narrowed our list down to the ones that performed best for a variety of activities, whether camping in the cold or running errands around town.
