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Searching for the best down and puffy jackets?

Columbia Sportswear® has an excellent range of puffy and down jackets. Down jackets are renowned for their superior insulation and are a favourite of many outdoor adventurers, including hikers, skiers and explorers. But you don't have to be on a big outdoor adventure to wear one and enjoy the benefits. These coats are great for everyday wear, too.

Made from high-quality materials, our down and synthetic puffy jackets are both hugely popular and a winter wardrobe staple. But if you've never owned or worn either before, you may not appreciate what all the hype is about. Let's take a peek under the hood at why you might want to choose one of these coats.

Warmth and insulation

The reason that down is valued so highly is because of its remarkable insulating powers. It's made of the fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese and offers unrivalled warmth. Small clusters capture and store warm air and body heat to keep you incredibly warm in the same way it insulates the birds. It has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, which means you get all this fantastic insulation without the burden of a heavy jacket. This makes it a great jacket for a variety of activities in cold weather including skiing, hiking or walking the dog. We only use goose feathers in our down jackets that are certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This prioritises the welfare of the birds, from farm to jacket. RDS rules ensure that down is not removed from live birds and that they are kept in good conditions that promote their well-being.

Many puffy jackets use synthetic insulation rather than real down feathers. While it may not be able to match the optimal warmth of natural down, it will still keep you nice and warm. Unlike natural down, which stops insulating in wet weather, puffy jackets insulated with synthetics will keep on insulating for as long as you need.

Across our range of down jackets, we offer three levels of warmth. Using our online filter, you can narrow your search by selecting which level of insulation you need. For example, if you'll be venturing out in freezing cold conditions, we'd recommend our top tier of warmth.

Compressibility

Thanks to their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, down jackets are highly packable and can be compressed down very small into a stuff sack or bag. This makes it great to take with you while you travel. However, their excellent packability doesn't compromise the loft (fluffiness) of the down, so you can resume wearing them without any problem. Synthetic down jackets are typically bulkier and heavier than those made with natural down and are less compressible.

Style, design and features

Our down jackets are more than just wearable radiators. They combine classic and modern designs to create a stylish and functional coat you're proud to wear. You'll find down and puffy jackets in a wide choice of colours, from bright and bold for those that like to stand out to more muted, neutral shades. They are also available in different lengths and sizes from small to XL. You can also opt for insulated hoods, drawstring hems, zipped and chin guards. They also have internal and external pockets for storing valuables like your keys and other important things. Our online filter will help you narrow down your search so you're sure to find your dream jacket.

What's the best down or puffy jacket for you?

Ultimately, when searching for the best jacket, it comes down to your needs and preferences. If you're planning a winter adventure in freezing temperatures, we'd recommend a down jacket with a high warmth level. If you think you might encounter rain on your expedition, layer your lightweight down coat underneath a waterproof jacket (shell) for protection from the elements can also be a great option. Alternatively, switch to a synthetic puffy jacket that is water-resistant or waterproof. On the other hand, if the weather is mild and you don't want to be weighed down, a light down jacket is a perfect fit.