How to Choose a Down Jacket | Down Buying Guide

Down jacket guide
How to choose a down jacket.

A quality down jacket makes all the difference in cold environments and on windswept summits.Ā 

But with different fill powers, weights, and feature sets to choose from, how do you select the right one?Ā 

Our down jackets are crafted to keep you warm, whatever the elements throw at you. This guide is here to help you choose the best insulation for your adventure.Ā 

What conditions will you be using your down jacket in?

Are you looking for a lightweight, packable down jacket to throw on at the summit, or some serious cold weather protection for icy belays?Ā Our down jacket collection features different weights and baffle sizes to suit a range of conditions.Ā 

Two people walking through a forest wearing lightweight Rab down jackets.
Lightweight down jackets.
Lightweight, packable down jackets are perfect for stop-start days, lower altitudes, or situations where every gram counts. They pack down small and offer rapid, on-demand warmth when the temperature drops.Ā 

Our lightweight down jackets feature:Ā 

  • Lightweight micro baffle construction for a good balance of warmth to weight.Ā 

  • High fill power down to maximise the heat-trapping potential for a lower weight of insulation.Ā 

  • Lightweight features offering the functionality you need without adding unnecessary weight.

A photo of a woman climber wearing a Rab down jacket, helmet, pack and rope.
Midwarmth down jackets.
A midweight down jacket provides a balance of warmth, packability, and easy layering. This makes them perfect for cold conditions and all-mountain pursuits.Ā 

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Our mid-warmth down jackets feature:Ā 

  • Midi or large baffles designed to balance warmth and low weight.Ā 

  • Durable water-repellent and wind-resistant outer fabric with a ā€˜Proā€™ coating to help deflect sleet and snow.Ā 

  • Mountain-ready features such as adjustable cuffs and stiffened hood peaks to maximise warmth and protection.

A person traversing a snow covered mountain in a Rab down jacket.
Ultra-warm down jackets.
Extreme cold demands a different level of down jacket. Jackets heavy with down are perfect for winter belay jackets and embracing icy summit conditions.Ā Ā 

Our ultra-warm down jackets feature:Ā 

  • Protective fabrics such as WINDSTOPPERĀ® products by GORE-TEX LABS are designed to stop the wind in its tracks.Ā 

  • Large baffles filled with high fill power down, giving you confidence in your jacketā€™s warmth.Ā 

  • Advanced stitch-through construction techniques or boxwall baffles are designed to eliminate cold spots.Ā 

Two mountaineers camping on top of a snow topped mountain.
Waterproof down jackets.

We finish all our down (with 900 fill power or below) with a hydrophobic treatment that enables it to retain its loft in damp conditions so that your gear dries fast and stays warm.Ā Ā 

If youā€™ll be venturing out into wet winter conditions, you might want to consider our fully waterproof down jackets.Ā 

Our waterproof down jackets feature:Ā 

  • A fully waterproof outer fabric to provide complete weather protection.Ā 

  • Waterproof YKKĀ® zips to seal out the elements.Ā 

  • Baffle construction with no stitching through the outer, making the product fully waterproof.Ā 

Which activities will you be using your down jacket for?

Our collection covers a variety of styles for different mountain pursuits. Will you be moving fast and working up a sweat? Will you be wearing a helmet or harness? What kind of terrain will you be negotiating?Ā  From ultralight layers with optimised movement for climbing to ultra-warm belay jackets offering incredible insulation when youā€™re static. Creating jackets for the specific needs of mountain sports is what we do best.Ā Ā Ā 

ClimbingĀ 

A climberā€™s down jacket is as essential as their quickdraws. Resting between redpoints or holding ropes for long leads requires a belay jacket that keeps the warmth in. Our ultra-warm down jackets provide excellent protection from the cold to keep you at the crag for longer, while our range of lightweight, packable down jackets are perfect for stashing in your pack on summer alpine or multi-pitch rock routes.Ā Ā Ā 

What makes a great down jacket for climbing?Ā 

  • Helmet-compatible hood.Ā 

  • Two-way zip to give access to your harness when youā€™re belaying.Ā 

  • Pockets that are accessible when youā€™re wearing a harness.Ā 

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SkiingĀ 

Whether youā€™re deep in the backcountry or high on the summit, you need a jacket that protects you from snow and high winds. In minus temperatures you may want to incorporate a lightweight down jacket into your layering system underneath a shell.Ā 

What should I look for in a down jacket for skiing?Ā 

  • Chunky zip pulls that are easy to use when wearing bulky gloves.Ā 

  • Windproof fabrics to protect internal layers on fast descents.Ā 

  • Low-bulk and easy to layer under your ski shell.Ā 

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MountaineeringĀ 

The relentless and changeable nature of mountaineering calls for a down jacket thatā€™s lightweight yet enduringly warm. It must be able to deal with fast-changing terrain and weather, and keep weight to a minimum on self-sufficient ascents. Our mountaineering-specific, packable down jackets provide warmth and stashability you can rely on.Ā Ā Ā 

What features do I need for mountaineering?Ā 

  • Lightweight yet durable fabric designed to keep harsh winds from biting through your layers.Ā 

  • Helmet-compatible hood to offer maximum protection.Ā 

  • Two-way zip that works seamlessly with a harness.Ā 

  • Adjustable cuffs for a close fit to your gloves.Ā 

  • High fill power down, offering some of the best warmth for weight.Ā 

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HikingĀ 

From thru-hiking the PCT to Munro bagging, hikers and trekkers need a versatile down jacket that is packable and warm. A light to medium-weight jacket is great for setting off in the cold and is easy to throw on when you take a break.Ā Ā Ā 

What are the features of a down jacket for hiking?Ā 

  • Adjustable hoods and waist cords to keep the wind out.Ā 

  • A selection of pockets for keeping your hands warm and supplies easily accessible.Ā 

  • Small pack size so you can easily stash it away.Ā 

Some other things to consider.

What fill power of down do I need?
Fill power is a grading system for duck and goose down. Which fill power you need will depend on the balance of warmth to weight required for your activity and the conditions.Ā Ā 
Can I buy a recycled down jacket?

We have a range of down jackets using 100% recycled down and recycled fabrics. Often, the down jacket is not made entirely from recycled materials but features a 100% recycled face fabric, lining or insulation.Ā Ā Ā 

Explore our range of Down Jackets Containing Recycled Materials.