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Our T+L team tested the best synthetic and natural options across a range of styles.
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Factors to consider when shopping for a puffer jacket range from length to insulation jot down.
Testing is ongoing and category winners will be updated accordingly after six months.
The hood, though removable, is quite bulky.
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Adjectives wed use to describe this coat?
Soft, plush, lightweight, warm, and breathable.
It offers a relaxed, true-to-size fit for full mobility and sufficient layering space.
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Features include an adjustable drawcord hem, fleece-lined hand pockets with snap closures, and an interior zippered pocket.
We love that the adjustable hood can be removed and replaced in less than 10 seconds.
Sizing is limited, and the webbed detailing may not be to everyones taste.
The jacket is made from high-tech, ripstop fabric with a water-repellent coating and a down alternative fill.
We found the coat breathable for brisker outdoor activities like hiking and running errands.
We love everything about this jacket but recognize that its not a budget buy.
For ultimate warmth, look to the L.L.Bean Womens Ultrawarm Coat.
Its also warm yet breathable enough to be comfortable when walking briskly.
We love that the two-way zipper only reaches to the thigh, affording complete freedom of movement.
The coat features a water-resistant polyester shell and water-repellent, 650-fill down insulation.
We also love that it comes in a wide range of sizes.
Its spot clean only, which can be problematic if you choose a lighter color.
The jacket is built for ultimate weather protection from water-repellent recycled nylon with PrimaLoft Thermoplume insulation.
The latter guarantees warmth in temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other features include a cold-excluding drawstring hem and extra-large utility pockets for storing your essentials.
Wed like to see more color choices and perhaps a version without a hood.
The shell features a water-resistant coating for protection from unexpected rain and snow.
The puffer comes in black or ivory gold, and wed love to see more colors in the future.
If youre looking for lightweight packability, the On Challenger Jacket offers a cloudlike warmth-to-weight ratio.
It fits as expected with a slight, hip-height crop for unhindered freedom of movement.
Need somewhere to stash your essentials?
The jacket has two zippered exterior pockets and a zippered interior chest pocket.
Plus sizes are only available in a limited choice of colors.
In addition to the warmth provided by the goose down, the jacket is both water-repellent and fully windproof.
We found it plush to the touch and incredibly comfortable.
In particular, we appreciated how well the puffer regulated temperature when walking briskly on a cold day.
Its not particularly easy to fold or compress if you have limited packing space.
We found that it fit as expected, with plenty of room for layering.
However, we had to choose clothes carefully to prevent them showing below the cropped hem.
In fact, its so effective that we found ourselves overheating on a few occasions.
We felt the zipper could be smoother.
The zipper is unusual in that it can be opened from the top or bottom.
This placement feels unnatural at first but does help to preserve the coats silhouette.
Colors range from taupe gray to dark green.
For this reason, its best for everyday use rather than for travel oractive winter sports.
Other notable features include a two-way zipper, a drawcord-adjustable hem, and jersey-lined sleeve cuffs.
Colors range from solid black or plum to tonal camel/cream or plum/pink.
If youre between sizes, go for the smaller one.
Its water resistant and uses Bluesign-approved Ecoplume insulation made from post-consumer plastic bottles to deliver sustainable warmth.
The fit runs a little large, and wed recommend sizing down if youre in between sizes.
On warmer days, use the zippered hem vents to release excess body heat.
These zips can also be used to increase freedom of movement for more active pursuits.
This versatility is mirrored by the puffers hood, which was a highlight for us.
And you could also detach it on dry days or whenever you prefer a sleeker look.
Snap closure hand pockets complete the list of features.
It only comes in two color choices: white or olive.
Its also best for static activities since its relatively heavy with limited freedom of movement.
Its a budget pick, with slightly cheap-feeling, synthetic materials to match.
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This requires the use of insulation (the fill in between the shell and liner).
However, its more difficult to care for and isnt waterproof.
If you get caught out in the rain, the down will clump and lose much of its insulation.
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But, they retain warmth better when wet, dont clump, and are therefore easier to clean.
Longer jackets provide more coverage and, therefore, more warmth.
They can also impact freedom of movement not ideal for hiking, scrambling, or any other energetic pursuit.
They can also be a more fashionable, flattering pick for urban wear in milder climates.
I bought the first for an expedition to Arctic Norway and love it for its exceptional warmth.
I also love how itpacks easily into a backpack, leaving plenty of room for other equipment.
However, not all puffer jackets use down to provide warmth.
Washing instructions differ depending on the brand, materials, and especially the key in of insulation.
You should always check the manufacturers label carefully before attempting to wash your puffer jacket.
Generally speaking, many puffer jackets can be machine washed on a delicate, cold setting.
Products on this list were chosen according to the results of tests carried out by the T+L team.
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