Down jackets are an excellent way to stay warm on cold, frosty mornings. This guide will review the best down-filled, weather-resistant, and lightweight jackets on the market this Winter.
When temperatures start to drop, you’ll want to have the proper apparel ready. Canadian winters can mean sub-zero temperatures, gusts of freezing wind, and deep, cold snow. If you live in a city, you can’t always avoid the elements. Purchasing the best winter jacket will help you prepare for the most frigid weather conditions, but choosing one of the best down jackets offers versatility if you think light and easy mobility.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DOWN JACKET
First, consider how you will use your down jacket. If it’s going to be used as a mid-layer with a hard shell or soft shell on it, it shouldn’t have a hood. Jackets without a hood seal up much better around the neck, so they’re more thermally efficient.
For warmth, a drawcord in the hem is useful so that the heat doesn’t escape. Baffles are the pockets of space between the layers of fabric which stabilize the down insulation. They keep the overall size of the coat down and give them better compressibility. The optimal baffle size for thermal efficiency is around 4 cm.
Weight
The weight to warmth ratio is an essential factor when considering down jackets. Ideally, you want to find a lightweight, packable jacket that also keeps you warm enough.
LIGHTWEIGHT
You can use a very lightweight jacket as an outer shell because of its thin, light material. For people doing a lot of outdoor activity, you’ll want a lightweight jacket that won’t weigh you down.
ULTRALIGHT
An ultra-lightweight down will often have a high fill power of at least 650 to keep you warm. They’re great for compressibility and weight.
MID-WEIGHT
A slightly heavier and thicker jacket will last for many years to come. Heavier jackets can be better for urban wear.
PARKAS
Finding a reliable winter jacket for Canadian winters might involve purchasing a Parka. The difference between parkas and jackets is primarily the length. They’re generally longer fitting and for this reason, are warmer.
Warmth
FILL POWER
Fill power is the measure of loft or fluffiness of the down and how well it insulates. The higher the fill power rating, the more air pockets, so it traps heat and insulates. The quality of the down is also indicated by the fill power, ranging from 400 to 900.
Weather Resistance
Though down is an excellent material for its insulating properties, it loses its effectiveness in wet conditions. That’s why getting a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to make your down hydrophobic is advisable.
Packability
A down jacket should be highly packable to store it with your other gear. That’s why you want to invest in a lightweight, packable down jacket without heavy fabric or thick zippers.
Fit
A down jacket should be loose enough to allow for other layers, but fitted enough to be thermally efficient. A winter coat should not fit too loosely, or cold air could enter through the hem and arms.