On a frosty winter’s morning, nothing quite beats throwing on an insulated jacket.
The trusty puffer is a great all round option. The cosiest and warmest you could grab from your wardrobe, they’re also lightweight, great for action sports and certainly look the part.
What are the main differences between down or synthetic insulation?
Well, gram for gram, down is unquestionably your warmest option - it is the most insulating material available.
An indication as to its quality and warmth is the fill power, whereby the higher the number, the more warmth will be afforded. For example 850 fill power would provide great warmth and that lofty feel, although it will be more expensive. Down is also highly packable and able to regain its shape after compression.
Synthetic down is made from polyester fibers, which are frequently now recycled too - so it’s a good choice for the environmentally conscientious. It also performs better if there’s moisture, sweat or rain in the mix - natural down clumps together, synthetic down does not. Another benefit to consider is that it’ll be cheaper than natural alternatives.
We’ve put together a shortlist and tested a selection of the very best highly insulated jackets to keep you warm this winter.
Each offers something different, from those that are intended more for city use right through to puffers that will keep you warm in sub-zero Arctic conditions.
Filson Featherweight Down Jacket
American outdoors brand Filson produce gear made of the top quality materials and craftsmanship, attested to by their lifetime guarantee.
This jacket is almost bomber in its length - sitting at belt level. This gives great mobility for adventuring and action sports. It is made from a nylon ripstop fabric, and has a nice brushed cotton look and feel to it. The hood, shoulders and pockets all have an extra durable and water repellent layer fabric on them to withstand hard use. This also doubles up as a stylish two-tone look.
Fill is 850 power goose down so it’s very warm too, and your conscience will be pleased to hear Filson only uses goose down supplied by the industry leader in quality, responsibly-sourced down.
This is a fantastic looking jacket with great details, the perfect level of warmth and is available at a not such an eye watering price tag.
Vollebak The indestructible Puffer
Vollebak has built its brand on defying conventions. Their clothing is unlike anything you will have worn before, and that extends to this unique puffer. With an outer material made entirely of Dyneema - a hi-tec fabric said to be 15 times stronger than steel - this puffer is exceptionally durable, withstanding abrasion, rips and even a knife-slash test. It also has a slight metallic sheen.
Its 760g of synthetic insulation is made from recycled PET bottles. There are two zippered chest pockets, and two well-placed, generously-sized and fleece-backed pockets for your hands. The hood and warming collar sit really snugly around your neck and head. This is a considerably sized heavyweight puffer, it’s 2kg and seriously warm, has great attention to detail and, as it name suggests, is truly built to withstand seriously hard wear.
Arc’Teryx Cerium SV Hoody
At just 415g, this jacket is very lightweight yet offers an incredible level of warmth, largely thanks to 162g of high quality 850-fill goose down, so gives it a particularly lofty feel.
Given it’s a technical jacket made to perform in active scenarios, there are strategically placed areas of synthetic insulation where moisture may buildup - combine this with its breathability and athletic cut and you’ve got the ultimate adventure-ready cold weather jacket.
The collar and hood provide a nice level of protection and warmth. There are two zippered hand pockets, and it compresses well making it easy to pack whilst travelling. It also doubles up well for urban adventures as its warm, light and stylish.
More colours available at Arc’Teryx
Shackleton Endurance Down Parka
Sir Ernest Shackleton is quite probably the most known of all polar explorers - so for a clothing brand to name itself after such an icon, it’s an unambiguous statement of intent.
Handmade in Manchester, this serious expedition-grade parka, now in its fourth generation, is stuffed with responsibly sourced 800 fill-power goose down making it exceptionally warm - down to a claimed minus 30 degrees celsius.
Couple this with a cosy collar, hood with detachable synthetic fur rim, the choice of two sets of fleece-lined pockets to nestle your hands in and there’ll be no chance of getting cold. A concern for many down jackets is rain, however the outer shell offers a good level of water resistance (20,000mm) so no problem if you get caught in a shower. With all of the above, it is surprisingly lightweight too at 1.2kgs, plus it packs down very well making it practical for everyday and travelling life.
Also available at Bombinate
Finisterre Nebulas Insulated Jacket
Cornwall’s answer to Patagonia, Finisterre’s surfing roots continue to underpin their gear in both style and function.
The Nebulas is a really nicely weighted waterproof, windproof and breathable puffer that - true to their B Corp certification - is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester exterior fabric and lining, as well as 100 per cent recycled polyester insulation. So it doesn’t get much better than this for an environmentally aware purchase.
It’s a simple construction with one internal zippered pocket, two hand pockets, elasticated cuffs and a matte finish that round off a really well executed and stylish active lifestyle jacket for a very fair price.
Canada Goose Armstrong Parka
Many Canada Goose parkas you see are made from a heavyweight canvas-like material, whereas this is crafted from a much more lightweight ripstop nylon fabric so you won’t feel weighed down by it.
However, there’s no need to be precious with it as there are reinforcements of Cordura, a fabric reputed for its hardwearing properties in high abrasion areas like the elbow, shoulder and chest as well as waterproofness.
Warmth is offered via 750 fill-power white duck down which is certainly ample enough to keep you toasty well into the double digit minus figures should you need. It has two sets of fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, a cosy (fur free) hood and long stretchy cuffs with a thumbhole for added warmth.
Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket
Swedish brand Fjällräven are reputed for their outdoor equipment, from bushcraft to expeditions, and this jacket is made from a hard wearing outer fabric which will stand up to vigorous outdoors use.
It’s a great looking jacket with neat design features; yellow adjustment cords, hood and collar come nicely (but not too much) around your neck, and the open side hand pockets and button pocket options on the outside are really practical.
It’s filled with 700 fill-power goose down that’s totally traceable and ethically sourced, and the shoulders have synthetic fill reinforcements to withstand getting wet should you get caught in the rain.
An extremely capable jacket offering the performance of some of those at twice the price.
Paul & Shark Typhoon 20000 Stand Collar Jacket
A discreet and classically styled jacket that’s perfect for everyday use. Its exterior has a nice matte finish to it, combined with a more relaxed fitting hood and collar with popper buttons in the same colour as the fabric.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking this is a fashion first jacket, as it is actually crafted from a highly innovative fabric that’s very waterproof and windproof. It is made using recycled polyester filaments derived from post-consumer plastics recovered from the ocean, so a top choice for the more eco-conscious too. It is filled with ethically and sustainably-sourced goose down which brings with it a perfect level of warmth.
The North Face Retro Himalayan Jacket
Unquestionably the thickest and cosiest of all jackets in this lineup, it’s stuffed with bundles of responsibly sourced 700 fill-power down.
The hood and collar, fastened together at the front via velcro tabs, wrap right around your neck and chin exceptionally snugly to offer great warmth. With durable and water-repellent fabric on the arms, chest and shoulders, it’s up to hard-wearing use too. Two large zippered hand pockets on the outside, and four internal pockets make for great practical storage options.
If you like to be kept snug, you’ll love this classic puffer design.
Superdry Everest Parka Coat
If you're on more of a budget and, in all reality, not heading to Antarctica anytime soon, Superdry's parka style coat is a fantastic option. It's great looking, stylish and loaded with a generous amount of synthetic insulation. It is made from recycled plastic bottles and has a removable faux fur trim that will keep you really warm. The jacket features two generous sets of external pockets, two internal, and elasticated cuffs help keep cold drafts out. For the price, you can't go too far wrong with this.
Verdict:
If you want a puffer that you don’t need to care a jot about, Vollebak’s Indestructible Puffer is a phenomenal all-rounder that will give years of loyal service. If you’re planning on hiking, skiing or being active in colder climes, with your puffer as the outer or mid-layer, the Arc’Teryx is a phenomenal technical offering that’s built to perform.
Should you like a really lightweight, stylish offering that packs down yet will keep you warm in even Arctic conditions, the Shackleton covers all the bases.
However, for what most people will need from their puffer - everyday wear around town, walks in the country, the occasional trip to some snowy mountains, the Filson is a brilliantly executed puffer with warmth, comfort, build quality and great style all for a fairly reasonable price.
