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What is the best down jacket for climbing?

If you're a fan of heights, choosing the best down jacket for climbing is essential before you hit the mountain trails. Outdoor adventures and unpredictable weather go hand in hand. A high-quality down jacket provides the crucial insulation needed to confidently face freezing conditions. At Columbia Sportswear®, we prefer to keep our feet on the ground. However, we do have an excellent range of down jackets that are ideal for adventuring in the cold outdoors.

Our jackets balance superb warmth with the right weight, packability, fit, and durability, covering all the essential factors you need from an outdoor jacket. They also feature innovative designs, high-quality fabrics, materials, and a durable outer shell layer for optimal performance. So, while our outdoor clothing may not be specifically designed for climbing, it will certainly elevate your outdoor experience.

What should you look for in a climbing jacket?

When comparing climbing jackets, there are several important things you should look for, many of which you'll find in most high-quality down jackets. For example:

  • Warmth-to-weight ratio: A high-quality down jacket should offer maximal warmth with minimal weight. Down is highly regarded for generating exceptional warmth without adding weight, especially down with a high fill power of over 800. A good warmth-to-weight ratio will ensure your jacket is exceptionally warm but without weighing you down. If you're considering a synthetic option, some offer similar warmth to down without compromising weight.
  • Packability: Down jackets are lightweight and compressible, making them easy to pack and store in their own pockets or straight into backpacks.
  • Fabric and durability: Climbing can be rough on clothing, so you need a down jacket that can withstand sharp rocks or ice. Look for jackets with durable fabrics and reinforced baffles for better resistance to wear and tear.
  • Water resistance: For outdoor activities in cold and wet weather, you need a jacket with water-resistant or waterproof qualities. While down itself isn't waterproof, synthetic down jackets can continue to insulate even when wet. Many jackets feature Omni-Tech™ to seal out moisture while allowing sweat to escape or OutDry™ for 100% waterproofing.
  • Baffle design: A down jacket's baffles hold the insulation in place. Bigger baffles offer more warmth, while smaller ones reduce cold spots. A balance between these provides great insulation without unnecessary weight or bulk.
  • Hoods: Hooded down jackets protect you from wind, cold, and rain. The best jackets have hoods that fit over helmets for extra protection.
  • Fit: A good down jacket should fit well and allow full mobility and flexibility. Ensure it fits properly around the arms and shoulders for unrestricted movement.

Get ready for an adventure

A great-quality down jacket is a must-have for any hiker or climber. If you're looking to update your outdoor gear, check out our range of jackets and coats. We have an extensive outdoor clothing collection, including base layers, gloves, and footwear, to ensure you’re covered from head to toe.