Hooded down jacket
If you want to stay dry, warm and comfortable while spending time outdoors, you need a hooded down jacket. Whether running errands, camping in the winter or hiking on snow-covered trails, these jackets provide a light layer of insulation to keep you cosy. Columbia Sportswear® offers a great range of men's and women's down jackets that come with a variety of clever features and cutting-edge technologies. They are an essential piece of gear for anyone who loves being outdoors, especially in alpine conditions. So many options are available, from hooded to non-hooded to varying lengths, colours and styles, from packable down jackets to a puffy hoody sleeveless down jacket for the city.
Why choose a hooded down jacket?
Wherever your adventures take you, you need a warm jacket if you are outside in cool or winter weather. Like a warm parka, this technical jacket provides a superb layer of insulation, making them an excellent coat for when you face the cold. A down jacket uses the soft, lightweight under feathers of geese or ducks to provide maximum insulation in cold weather. The feathers are compressed into small pockets, called 'baffles,' that trap and retain warm air. This helps to keep you cosy and warm even in colder weather and gives the jacket its puffy style. Alternatively, a synthetic down jacket uses engineered insulation that mimics natural down rather than using real feathers. However, nothing can beat the warmth of a natural down jacket in cold weather, especially on a chilly night.
Warm and insulating
Most standard coats can’t compete with a down jacket's warmth and insulating properties. While a feather down jacket is exceptionally warm, thanks to its filling power, a hooded down jacket takes this warmth one step further. Covering your head and neck, the hood of a down jacket doesn't leave many places where the cold weather can sneak in. Many women’s and men’s jackets from Columbia Sportswear® also feature insulating technologies like Omni-Heat™, Omni-Tech™ and TurboDown™ to reflect and trap body heat. Use our online filters to choose between three insulation levels, including synthetic insulation, to find the best option.
Lightweight and versatile
A well-insulated down jacket doesn't mean you're left with a huge bulkier coat to contend with. Many are lightweight and packable, making it easy to stuff in your bag when you don't need it. And, thanks to their lightweight design, they can also be worn as a comfortable and insulating mid-layer underneath a waterproof jacket with Omni-Tech™ technology in heavy rain or under an extreme cold jacket if the weather starts to bite. This means that you don’t have to skip out on an adventure due to the weather.
You also won't be disappointed with the great features that come with many of our hooded down jackets. For example:
- Chin guard
- Elastic cuffs
- Zippered hand pockets
- Interior security pocket
- Adjustable sleeves
- Adjustable hems
- Water repellent
Choosing the right hooded down jacket
While you may have decided to opt for a hooded jacket, which one will best suit your needs? That all comes down to the type of activities you'll be doing. If you are looking for a more casual jacket, perhaps for your commute to work or running errands, lighter-weight, low fill power down jackets may be a good fit. If you are winter camping or trekking near the mountains, you may need something more technical with a higher fill power. Alternatively, you can use a light down jacket as a mid-layer under your favourite winter jacket. Here are some key features to look out for when choosing the right hooded jacket:
- Adjustable hood: our drawcord adjustable hoods can be tightened around your face to block the wind. Some jackets also have insulated hoods for additional warmth.
- Outer shell: water-resistant materials will help keep the down dry and ensure they can work effectively to keep you warm. A hardy outer fabric will also help to protect your jacket from potential tears and scuffs while you scramble over trails.
- Length and fit: consider where and when you'll be wearing your men’s coat. While an oversized jacket with a looser fit will allow you to comfortably layer up underneath, a more snug fit will help to keep in the heat. You also have a choice of lengths. A shorter, cropped jacket will give you more flexibility and freedom of movement, while a longer jacket provides more coverage and warmth.
- Pockets: while we think all clothing should come with pockets, they are even more important in outdoorwear. Pockets are so handy for storing items when you're on the move and insulated, accessible pockets are essential for keeping your hands warm. Meanwhile, internal pockets are great for safely stashing away maps and phones.