In this article, I will be talking about my 12 most favorite ultralight down jackets. For a quick run-through, just read the table below:
Ultralight down jackets are a favorite among backpackers, climbers, and backcountry skiers who are counting every ounce. But if you’re not so extreme, these jackets are still great for boosting sleep systems and they fit really well in your pack.
Keep in mind, that these down jackets are often minimal and come with thinner fabric to save the most weight. While these jackets can be really warm, they often require more care, so don’t expect to go bushwacking in these. Let’s check out some of the best ultralight-down jackets.
In this review, you will find,
- The best ultralight down jacket in the market.
- A helpful buyer’s guide.
- Answers to some FAQs
What To Look For In An Ultralight Down Jacket
Fill Power
The fill power measures the overall quality of them down. The fill power is the amount of loftiness a down can occupy. The fill power usually ranges from 300 to 900. The higher the fill, the better is the quality and its insulation.
Mainly jackets that have high fill power have less down and keep you warm. So most of the jackets that are lightweight use at least 600 down, and the heavier ones may have a little less down.
Fill Weight
It is essential to look at the fill weight when you look for an ultralight down jacket. The fill weight is the amount of down used in the coat. Usually, it occupies almost 30% of the jacket’s weight. The fill power and fill weight provide great overall warmth.
Types of Down
There are two types of down goose and duck down. Both provide great warmth, compressibility and are durable. But still, there is a difference you need to look at.
The goose down has a higher value and is much warmer and lighter than the duck down because of its higher fill power. It may be more expensive than the duck down.
Duck downs are also popular nowadays and are affordable. So it is always better to look at the type of down before making a purchase.
Material
It is essential to look at the outer material of the down jacket. The thickness of the material is usually measured in denier. The denier is the total weight of the thread. The lower the weight of the denier, the lighter the fabric will be. Most of the down jackets are made with high-quality ripstop nylon and can resist tears and scrapes. Most of the jackets also have a durable water repellent treatment done that resists moisture.
Pockets
Looking for pockets in down jackets is your preference. Having pockets is an optional feature to have. You can store your smartphones or other things conveniently.
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Best Ultralight Down Jackets
#1 Wantdo Ultralight Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 9.5/10
- Material: 9.5/10
- Pockets: 9.5/10
- Overall Score: 9.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 90% down filling
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 20D*400T Nylon
Bottom Line
If you want to buy an ultralight down jacket that provides excellent comfort and warmth and has excellent breathability, then the one by wantdo is the best option to go for.
Pros
- It keeps you warm.
- Lightweight
- Durable water repellent finish
- Excellent Breathability
Cons
- Some users find it a bit thin.
Fill Power. The fill power of this jacket is 550 FP, and it provides excellent warmth and has excellent breathability. It comes in different sizes and has a filling between 72g to 111g. It is extremely lightweight and comfortable. I used this while walking in 40F weather, and it was pretty warm to wear just this jacket.
Material. The outer fabric of this down jacket is made of 20D*400T nylon. It has a durable water-resistant (DWR) finish with 90% insulation. The DWR protects from light moisture. The material is extremely lightweight and can be packed easily. It is quite durable and provides fluffiness and warmth for a pretty long time. The material is sustainable and lasts for a long time.
Weight. This jacket is extremely lightweight with 90% down filling. It weighs just 220g and can be packed in a small bag, or you can tie it in your waist.
Pockets. This jacket comes with multiple pockets. It has two zip pockets and two pockets inside it to keep your things. This makes it very convenient to keep your essentials safe with you.
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#2 ZSHOW Packable Down jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 9.5/10
- Material: 9/10
- Pockets: 9.2/10
- Overall Score: 9.2/10
Technical Specifications
- Fill Power: 80% Down filling and 20% feather
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 20D*400T Nylon
Bottom Line
If you are searching for an ultralight down jacket with beautiful texture and are affordable, then the ZSHOW packable down jacket is a great choice to go for. This jacket is great to use for camping, outdoor activities, climbing, or riding.
Pros
- Has beautiful texture
- Packable
- Windproof
- It keeps you extremely warm.
Cons
- Some users find the zippers are not of good quality.
Fill Power. This jacket is filled with 80% duck down and 20% feather. It provides great heat insulation. This increases the compressibility and softness and keeps you super warm.
Material. It is made from a nylon taffeta 20D shell with 400TC. It comes with a PA coating that is high-density and durable. The PA coating helps block cold air coming inside. It is windproof and wear-resistant. The material is extremely light and provides excellent comfort. Further, the elasticized cuffs seal the cold air out and keep you warm.
Pockets. It has many pockets to keep your accessories conveniently. It has two pockets on the outside that help keep your hands warm and securely keep your things. It has two big pockets on the inside. You can safely store your keys and phones.
#3 CHERRY CHICK Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 9.2/10
- Material: 9.5/10
- Pockets: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9.2/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 90% white duck Down and 10% feather
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 100% Nylon
Bottom Line
The cherry chick down jackets offers different kinds of ultralight jackets for men, women, and even kids. It is perfect to wear in very low temperatures.
Pros
- Windproof
- Great for freezing weather.
- Versatile
- Perfect for hiking, walking, or traveling in hilly areas.
Cons
- Some users find the jacket very thin and shiny.
Fill Power. This jacket has a 90% white duck down filling and 10% feather. This down jacket is ultra-light and can be stored easily. I simply loved wearing this jacket. It is very, very light and folds down to a compact size. The jacket is designed to be light and thin and still keeps you warm. It is just perfect to wear for hiking, walking, or traveling in any cold place.
Material. If you wear a layer under this jacket, you will be more comfortable. The fabric is made from 100% nylon and is windproof and water-resistant. It has a sturdy zipper and is water-resistant.
Pockets. It has two external pockets on its sides and two large internal pockets. You can keep your phone and other accessories securely.
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#4 Lanmay Men’s Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8.5/10
- Material: 9/10
- Pockets: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.8/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 90% white duck Down filling
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 100% Nylon
Bottom Line
If you are searching for a lightweight down jacket that keeps you warm and is windproof and is perfect to use outdoors, then this Lanmay men’s down jacket is a great option to go for.
Pros
- Wind-Resistant
- It comes with multiple pockets
- Great to use in any weather conditions.
- Material is super sturdy.
Cons
- Some users find the jacket very thin.
Fill Power. This jacket has a 90% white duck-down filling which helps keep you super warm. This down jacket is extremely lightweight and can be stored easily. The first time I wore this jacket, I felt extremely warm and comfortable.
Material. The outer shell of this down jacket is made from 100% nylon and is highly durable. It helps keep the wind out and keeps you warm. It is good to use in any weather condition. You can wear it even when the weather outside is bad.
Pockets. This hooded jacket comes with several pockets. It has two deep pockets on the inside. It is just perfect for keeping your wallet and smartphone securely. It has two pockets on the outside with zips. As the jacket is hooded, it provides excellent protection from cold and wind.
#5 Marmot Men’s Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8.5/10
- Material: 8.5/10
- Pockets: 8.8/10
- Overall Score: 8.6/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 700 fill power down
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: No
- Shell: Ripstop Fabric
Bottom Line
If you search for a fine quality goose-down insulated jacket with high filling power that keeps you warm while hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities, then the Marmot’s down jacket is a good option.
Pros
- Great to use in extremely cold weather
- Provides excellent mobility with its built-in angel-wing movement.
- Packable.
- The fabric is lightweight and keeps you dry.
Cons
- Some users find the zips get stuck in between.
Fill Power. The jacket has a 700-fill power goose down. The overall quality and softness of the down are excellent with minimal weight. It helps keep the air out and provides much better insulation. The down defender is moisture resistant. This protects the jacket from clumping and provides great comfort.
Material. The outer material of this down jacket is made of ultra-lightweight ripstop water-resistant fabric. It keeps you warm and dry even in wet weather. It also features a wind flap attached behind the front zip, which helps seal the air outside.
Pockets. It has zippered hand pockets that provide some additional warmth. You can store small things conveniently. The jacket can be packed easily and stuffs into its own pocket. It thus reduces a lot of packing space.
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#6 CAMEL CROWN Hooded Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8/10
- Material: 8.5/10
- Pockets: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 80% Duck Down Filling
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: Nylon
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a lightweight down jacket that can be folded and packed easily in a small bag, then the camel crown hood down jacket is a great option. It is perfect to use for outdoor activities.
Pros
- Water-resistant and windproof
- Comfortable
- Easy to pack
- You can adjust the hood
Cons
- Some users don’t find it great to use in extremely cold weather.
Fill Power. The inner part of the jacket is filled with 80% duck down and 20% feather. However, it is not suitable for extremely cold weather. But it is perfect to use for outdoor trips and mild winters.
Material. The outer shell of this hooded-down jacket is made from 100% nylon fabric. It is highly durable, water-resistant, and comfortable. The fabric has quilted stitches that help keep you dry in wet weather. The jacket is windproof and has an adjustable hood with front zips. Further, the cuffs of the elastic sleeves prevent the air from coming inside and helps keep you warm.
Pockets. The jacket has two hand pockets, one chest pocket, and two pockets on the inside. It provides excellent storage space to keep all your essential items during your outdoor activities.
#7 LAPASA Packable Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8/10
- Material: 8.5/10
- Pockets: 8/10
- Overall Score: 8.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 600+ with 90% white duck down
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: No
- Shell: Nylon
Bottom Line
The lapasa down jacket is a lightweight jacket with a high fill power that provides strong heat insulation. It has an air-valve fabric that keeps moisture out and retains heat. You can easily pack this jacket in a small bag and carry it easily.
Pros
- Windproof and water-resistant
- It comes with a storage bag
- Lightweight
- Have multiple pockets.
Cons
- Some users find the zips get loose after using it.
Fill Power. This lightweight down jacket has over 600-fill power. The higher fill power provides great heat insulation. It is filled with 90% duck down and 10% waterfowl feather. It is light and keeps you warm and comfortable. The color, elastic hems on the handcuffs and around the base helps keep the cold air out.
Material. The jacket’s outer shell is made of nylon and has a durable water repellent finish on both sides. This air-valve fabric is down proof, windproof and water-resistant. It is great to wear in wet weather as well as it prevents water from entering the jacket. The jacket has solid and durable YKK zippers along with a chin guard on the top. It thus prevents you from getting scratches on the neck and prevents snagging of your beards.
Pockets. This jacket has two pockets on the outside to keep your hands. It also has two large pockets inside to keep your keys, wallet, or any personal thing safe.
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#8 Arc’teryx Cerium Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8.5/10
- Material: 8/10
- Pockets: 8/10
- Overall Score: 8.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Filling: 850 fill power goose down
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 100% Nylon
Bottom Line
The Arc’teryx down jacket is lightweight and versatile. It provides great warmth and is quite durable looking at its weight. It is great to use for outdoor activities.
Pros
- Moisture-resistant fabric
- Breathable
- Great insulation
- Great versatile jacket
Cons
- Some users find the pockets small and positioned quite high.
Fill Power. The arc’teryx down jacket has an 850+ fill power with goose down. It has a superlight loft and retains heat. It does not just keep you warm but is also the lightest if you compare it with other brands. You can easily store it in a small pouch and carry it along. It provides an excellent fit and is loose and mobile.
Material. It is made with 10-denier light nylon material. It is one of the most lightweight materials and offers excellent performance. It has a coreloft of high-quality synthetic insulation around the sleeves and under the arms and shoulders prone to getting wet. It also has a DWR treatment done that helps keep the water out. Overall the jacket’s material, fit and finish are excellent.
Pockets. In terms of storage, this jacket has two hand pockets and two large pockets on the inside. The internal pockets are large enough to keep your wallet and smartphone securely.
#9 Mountain Hardwear Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8.5/10
- Material: 7.5/10
- Pockets: 7.5/10
- Overall Score: 7.8/10
Technical Specifications
- Fill Power: 800 fill power
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: ripstop shell fabric
Bottom Line
The mountain Hardwear down jacket keeps you extremely warm, ultra-light, thin, and perfect to wear outdoors or on backcountry adventures.
Pros
- Made from sustainable material
- Great fit
- Breathable
- Packs into self
Cons
- Some users find the sleeve length too long.
Fill Power. It is one of the warmest ultralight down jackets that have an 800-fill power goose down. It is certified to be a responsible down standard (RDS). This means the down does not come from animals that are subject to unnecessary harm. It thus keeps you dry for a long time as compared to the untreated down.
It is one of the warmest jackets I have worn. I wore this jacket with a light base layer, and the hardshell provided great warmth even in cold weather. It offers excellent heat insulation and keeps you comfortable even at -1°C.
Material. It is made from 100% recycled ripstop shell fabric. It has a DWR finish that helps keep the moisture out and protects from light rain.
Pockets. They have a good size two hand warmer pockets. It is designed in such a way that you can pack the jacket in its pocket easily. When you stuff it, you can use the loop to sling the jacket and attach it to a hook.
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#10 Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8/10
- Material: 7/10
- Pockets: 7.5/10
- Overall Score: 7.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Fill Power: 800-fill down insulation
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: Yes
- Shell: 100% Nylon
Bottom Line
This illuminate down jacket is the warmest and easy to wear, a mid-layer jacket, and can be stuffed easily in its pocket. It is excellent to use on adventure trips.
Pros
- Fabric is sturdy and durable.
- Provides ultra-soft comfort
- Water-resistant
- Athletic fit
Cons
- Some users find it a bit more expensive than other brands.
Fill Power. It has around 800-fill power down. It provides great loftiness and compressibility and keeps you warm. The 800 fill down provides great insulation as per its weight. The airy down ensures to retain heat and keep moisture out.
Material. This sturdy nylon sell provides little weather resistance and gives great comfort. The outer shell is made from 100% nylon fabric. It is water-resistant, wind-resistant, and lightweight. The elastic cuffs and drawcord hem trap help keep you warm and prevent cold air from getting inside.
Pockets. This jacket has zip hand pockets and two internal pockets. One great thing about it is the left-hand pocket doubles, and you can stuff your jacket in its pockets, and it comes with a clip-in loop.
#11 Mammut Light Insulated Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 8/10
- Material: 7/10
- Pockets: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.3/10
Technical Specifications
- Fill Power: 850 fill power goose down
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: NA
- Hood: No
- Shell: polyester
Bottom Line
If you are searching for a lightweight down jacket that provides great comfort and warmth and has excellent breathability, then the one by wantdo is the best option to go for.
Pros
- Ultra-soft
- Provides good warmth.
- Athletic fit
- Water-repellent material
Cons
- A bit expensive
Fill Power. With an 850-fill power and 90/10 gooses down, this jacket is RDS certified. It means it does not come from animals that are subject to any harm, such as force-feeding. It has a lightweight insulating layer and is perfect to wear on hiking trips. It weighs just 245g. This means you can pack it easily in your bag. It may not be as warm as the other bulkier down jackets. But it is great to wear on outdoor trips.
Material. The outer fabric of the jacket is made of Pertex quantum materials. It has elastic cuffs and a hem that helps keep the moisture out. It is wind resistant and water repellant. It is thus great to wear in any weather conditions like during rains or high winds as well. So when you are uncertain about the weather outside, this is a perfect jacket to wear.
Pockets. It comes with two zipped hand pockets. You can easily squeeze the jacket into its side pocket.
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#12 Banded Men’s Ultra-light Down Jacket
Features
- Fill Power: 7.5/10
- Material: 7/10
- Pockets: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.1/10
Technical Specifications
- Fill Power: 800 fill power synthetic down
- Packable: Yes
- Windproof: Yes
- Hood: No
- Shell: Polyester
Bottom Line
This ultralight down jacket is warm, light, and easily packable. It keeps you warm even when wet and has a DWR finish.
Pros
- Packable
- Water-resistant and lightweight outer shell
- Durable YKK zippers
- Stylish down design
Cons
- Some users find it overpriced.
Fill Power. It has an 800-fill power synthetic down. It is incredibly light, warm, and you can pack it easily. It is covered, durable, water-resistant, and keeps you warm even when you get wet. It provides excellent loftiness and compressibility and retains heat.
Material. The jacket’s outer shell is made of polyester, which is 100% waterproof and is breathable. It has YKK weather-resistant zippers. It fits perfectly as per your size. This has a stitch-less design that uses arc-welded technology and helps eliminate escape holes.
Pockets. It has just one zippered chest pocket that you can use to store small items securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the ultra-lightweight down jacket?
One of the best ultralight down jackets that I liked is the one by wantdo. The nylon fabric is extremely lightweight and warm. It fits perfectly and can be easily packed in a small pouch.
I have used this down jacket in very cold weather and just wore a t-shirt inside. It felt extremely warm and comfortable.
Another best ultralight jacket that I liked is the one by camel crown. It is a very well-made jacket with extra pockets. It comes with a hood and provides excellent comfort and fit. However, it is thin but offers excellent warmth and keeps you cozy.
Which is the best water-resistant lightweight down jacket?
One of the best water-resistant lightweights down jackets that I liked is the one by LAPASA. It has a DWR finish and a dense nylon shell. It has water-resistant and wind-resistant features. It is thus great to wear during uncertain weather conditions. This lightweight jacket has a 600-fill power that provides excellent heat insulation and keeps you warm. Also, the stand collar and elastic hem on the handcuffs help keep the cold air outside. Its air-valve fabric keeps the moisture out and retains heat.
How to know if the down jacket is warm enough?
One way to know if the down jacket is warm enough is knowing its fill power and weight. The fill power is usually the total weight of the down jacket. The fill power of the down jacket ranges from 450 to 900. The higher the fill power, the more warm the down jacket is.
It is also important to know how much insulation the down jacket has. There are different types of insulation having different weights and warmth. Make sure the down jacket has excellent loft and compressibility.
How can you maintain the loft and insulation of down jackets?
Here are a few tips for maintaining the loft and insulation of ultralight down jackets:
- Make sure to wash the down jackets frequently.
- Before washing, make sure to zip the jacket fully or fasten its buttons, if any. Make sure to look at the manufacturer’s instructions about wash and care. As different types of jackets have certain cleaning precautions to take care of.
- It is always great to use some suitable detergents specially made for cleaning down jackets. A granger downwash is mainly designed for a down jacket that revitalizes the jacket’s water resistance.
- If you get any stain in the jacket, you can use mild soap and water and dab the area carefully with a cloth. If you want to clean the whole jacket, you can simply hand wash it.
- You can wear the down jackets in wet weather if they are water-resistant. But you need to make sure not to expose them directly to moisture as they will lose their warmth and loftiness.
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Conclusion
In this article, I have listed the best ultralight down jackets. I have chosen the best down jackets based on their fill power, sustainability, and material. These down jackets provide great comfort and warmth and help retain heat.
We have marked the best three ultralights down jackets in the article, but just to reiterate:
The Wantdo Ultralight Down Jacket is the best ultralight down jacket that you can buy. It is extremely warm and lightweight. The DWR finish helps keep the moisture out and has excellent breathability. The zips are of good quality that are easy to open and close.
The ZSHOW Packable Down jacket is another excellent choice. It has excellent heat retention and insulation. It is very soft and provides excellent comfort. This jacket with a hood and front zips prevent cold air from getting inside. It is perfect for daily wear and for outdoor activities like ice skating, camping, or running.
Suppose you are looking for a value-for money-option. In that case, you can also consider the Lanmay Men’s Down Jacket, which offers excellent value and features at a very reasonable price point.
