8 Puffies That Will Keep You Warm All Winter
Challenge winter's chill with these insulated jackets
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Expedition Ace
Rab The Infinity Light ($450)
Rab isn’t taking any chances with the Infinity Light. To fortify the excellent warmth-to-weight ratio of 800-fill down, it’s treated with hydrophobic Nikwax, swaddled in water-resistant Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper, and made with minimal seams. Articulated arms, a cavernous hood, and a hip-length hemline safeguard you in the most adverse winter conditions. 1.2 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 1.1 lbs (women’s)
Ski-Touring Standout
Norrøna Lyngen Gore-tex Infinium Down 850 ($599)
Waterproofing a puffy usually means using heavy and stiff fabrics. For its 850-fill Lyngen parka, Norrøna used Gore-Tex’s Infinium, a supple, breathable fabric that stands up to everything short of falling into a creek. The jacket weighs just over a pound, making it perfect for ski tours. Our only gripe: no women’s version. 1.1 lbs
Resort Ripper
Stio Colter Down ($399)
On frigid powder days, the Colter keeps you on the slopes: two-layer waterproof polyester stands up to heavy snow and shouldered skis, while moisture-resistant 650-fill down provides warmth during lift rides. The cuffs Velcro over mittens, a zippered interior chest pocket preserves your phone’s battery life, and hip-to-pit side zips drop warmth. 1.9 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 1.6 lbs (women’s)
Midweight Climber
Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody ($399)
Goose down is the perfect lightweight insulator—until it’s wet. Then it’s useless. Patagonia stuffed this jacket with a synthetic insulation that mimics down’s shape and function but stays lofty and dries quickly. The plumped-up fill gives the Macro Puff a warmth-to-weight ratio on par with the downiest midweight puffies. 15.3 oz (men’s, pictured) / 12.6 oz (women’s)
Cold Soldier
Black Diamond Vision Down ($399)
The nuclear option for frigid conditions, this expedition jacket features a clever solution to the fragile-fabric problem. The Vision’s ultralight nylon permits maximum loft for its responsibly sourced 800-fill, moisture-resistant down, while liquid-crystal polymers woven into the fabric make it tough enough to spar with tools and rocks. 1.3 lbs (men’s) / 1.1 lbs (women’s, pictured)
Uphill Wizard
Outdoor Research Vigor Hybrid Hooded ($179)
Fleece-puffy hybrids aren’t new, but OR’s VerticalX Air synthetic insulation pushes the Vigor to the head of the pack. The low-loft fill (across the chest, upper back, and hips) provides just-right warmth during sustained climbs. The thing is also impressively breathable, thanks to the fleece across the back and arms. 12 oz (men’s) / 10.7 oz (women’s, pictured)
Multisport Maven
Orvis PRO Insulated Hoody ($229)
Water-shedding DWR on the cuffs’ exterior and interior keep them dry when dunked in wet snow or streams. Smart distribution of two different types of synthetic insulation helps dump heat and sweat while still keeping you cozy on snowy summits. And the stretchy ripstop nylon shell defies snags. 15.7 oz (men’s) / 13.4 oz (women’s, pictured)
Ultralight Eco-Warrior
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody ($325)
Since its debut in 2012, the Ghost Whisperer has been the gold standard in ultralight down, with gossamer fabric, 800-fill insulation, and the ability to pack into its own pocket. This year’s updates—100 percent recycled exterior fabrics and certified-responsible down fill—make it the green standard, too. 8.8 oz (men’s, pictured) / 7.8 oz (women’s)