One of the things we love best about RVing is the ability to get out into nature and enjoy the great outdoors, no matter the weather. As the saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” And when the temperatures drop, you need a warm coat. Here are some of the top men’s down jackets to include in your must-have cooler-weather gear.
What Is a Down Jacket?
Down jackets are coats that provide warmth using feathers from ducks or geese (i.e., down). The reason down is such a great insulator is because it’s, well, fluffy. That is, it has little air pockets throughout that trap in the warm air, retain heat, and keep the wearer warm as the temperatures drop.
Down jackets tend to be very lightweight, yet they provide plenty of warmth for changing weather or thick insulation for the coldest days. To determine what temperature a down jacket is designed for, look at the down fill power rating, which suggests the insulating properties, typically between 500 and 800. The higher the power fill, the more insulating the jacket will be for its weight.
How Do Down Jackets Differ from Other Winter Coats?
There are a few key ways down jackets differ from other winter coats, especially those made with synthetic insulation. For one, down jackets provide excellent heat retention. They also have a better warmth-to-weight ratio. So, a down jacket won’t weigh down your adventure. Plus, they compress, making them easy to carry in a pack or tuck into your RV closet.
The top men’s down jackets are also comfortable through a wider temperature range. So you’ll remain comfortable even if the temperatures drop (or rise) when you’re out.
There are some drawbacks to down jackets. For instance, they lose their insulating ability if they get wet. So, if you’ll be out in rain, sleet, or snow, you’ll want to choose a down jacket with a waterproof outer fabric or add a waterproof outer layer or shell to your gear.
In addition, if the down gets wet, it can take longer to dry. And you can’t just throw it into the washer and dryer. Down jackets often require special cleaning to ensure they stay warm and comfortable for many years without losing or compacting the down feathers, so they’re less insulating.
Types of Construction for the Top Men’s Down Jackets
There are three main types of construction for men’s down jackets:
- Sewn Through, which is the most common and is known for being lightweight.
- Box Baffle, with individual chambers separated by fabric. These are warmer but also tend to be heavier and less compact.
- Heat-Seamed Baffle bonds the inner fabric to the outer fabric. These jackets often have better wind and water resistance.
When choosing a quality down jacket, some of the top requirements include:
- Higher fill power
- Quality construction (i.e., sewn through or baffle box)
- And durable outer material.
Avoid men’s down jackets made with a low fill power, uneven distribution of the down, poor stitching, or poor-quality outer fabrics, leading to a down jacket that will barely last one winter.
Fortunately, there are many quality down jackets to suit nearly every budget and need. Here are some of the best down jackets for men.
8 Top Men’s Down Jackets
Black Diamond Men’s Vision Down Parka ($465) was built for mountain climbers with expedition-grade warmth suited for the coldest conditions. (Think sleeping-bag-level warmth for seriously cold conditions.) The material is also tear-resistant for a durable layer, and the fit is relaxed for greater comfort.
Men’s Ghost Whisperer™ UL Hoody ($420) is ultra-lightweight yet very warm with 1,000-fill goose down. It’s also easy to pack and is popular with athletes like alpine climbers, rock climbers, and mountain runners, as well as backpackers, hikers, and camping enthusiasts.
Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody ($400) is a top men’s down jacket due to its hybrid insulation with down and Coreloft™ synthetic 850 fill down. This combination provides a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio that can act admirably as an alpine mid-layer for harsh conditions (such as winter mountain climbing) or as a versatile standalone. The style is streamlined and minimalist, and it’s available in several fashionable colors.
Men’s Neutrino Pro Down Jacket ($400) is built for the cold and is water-resistant and weather-protective to help keep you warm during the coldest conditions. With the 800 FP down, it’s lightweight with a full loft, and it’s great for climbing, mountaineering, and hill walking in the winter months through changing conditions.
Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Hoody ($329) is another highly versatile option perfect for almost everything. It’s lightweight, windproof, and warm with 800-fill power. It’s also highly compressible, so it’s easy to take with you for changing weather conditions.
Men’s Helium Down Hoodie ($299) offers a good balance of features for warmth, performance, and durability. It also provides weather resistance with waterproof shoulders. With 800+ fill down, it will keep you cozy when the temperatures drop.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket ($295) is another highly versatile option that will take you through cold summer evenings around camp to long winter hikes. Plus, it’s easy to pack, water resistant, lightweight, and comfortable.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($129) is a more affordable option often praised for its durability. It’s a great everyday coat made with a windproof shell for causal hikes or chilly evenings around the RV with a 650-fill power down.
The top down jackets for men provide warmth and comfort, while being lightweight and easy to pack. The right gear can help you enjoy all nature has to offer while keeping you warm, especially when combined with a good base layer and waterproof shell.
