Puffer jackets are great for wearing after a surf session or when heading to the mountains. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

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There’s nothing better on a cold day than wrapping yourself in a puffer jacket. They’re warm, cozy, comfortable, and functional. They typically pack down small, with an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, making them perfect for adventures in the mountains. Whether you’re setting off for a trip to the backcountry or heading to your local brewery, a women’s puffer jacket will get the job done.

We got our hands on a well-rounded cross-section to give you honest and in-depth reviews of some of the best women’s puffer jackets on the market. Check out our favorites below!

Navigate To: Comparison Table | Buyer’s Guide | Best Men’s Puffer Jackets | Best Winter Jackets for Women

Editor’s Note: Some of the products in this guide are available at deep discounts during the REI and Backcountry holiday sales.

We updated this guide in November 2024 with many new picks, including a new best overall. We also updated links and improved navigation.

Best Women’s Puffer Jackets of 2024/2025

Best Overall Women’s Puffer Jacket: Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01
Best Budget Women’s Puffer Jacket: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
Runner-Up Best Women’s Puffer Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater
Best Heavyweight Women’s Puffer Jacket: Rab Neutrino Pro
Best Technical Women’s Puffer Jacket: Arc’Teryx Cerium Down Hoody
Best Wool Insulation Women’s Puffer: Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
Best Synthetic Women’s Puffer: Mountain Hardwear Ventano Hoodie

Jump To Best of the Rest

Best Overall Women’s Puffer Jacket

Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01 ($348)

Weight: 16.5 oz
Fill: 600/800 Down

Pros: Most stylish and versatile jacket we tested, tons of sizes
Cons: Skews lifestyle, a tad heavy

Based in New York City and founded by two fashion creatives, Hikerkind makes women’s hiking apparel that performs and looks good on the trail as well as in urban environments. A pinnacle piece of their first winter collection is the Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01. Not only is it the most thoughtfully designed puffer jacket we’ve ever tested, it holds up to the outdoor elements, from an unexpected downpour in Portland, Oregon to below-freezing mornings in Missoula, Montana.

Protected by a water-resistant nylon shell, the 600/800 Responsible Down Standard certified goose fill is baffled in attractive diamond shapes—rather than the familiar horizontal Michelin Man rolls. The down stays lofty even after stuffing it into the back pocket to make a travel pillow. And when we got soaked in the rain, it dried completely during a 20-minute drive.

Two huge front drop pockets create visual interest, and two more zippered pockets stow valuables. We often left a bag behind on short hikes and walks around town because the four front pockets can adequately store your keys, phone, wallet, and more without weighing down the front. Our favorite feature though is the stowable insulated hood hidden beneath a structured collar you’re more likely to find on a leather jacket or chore coat than on a puffer jacket. Weighing 16.5 oz, it’s heavier than some, but it isn’t a real drawback unless you’re going for a completely ultralight kit. 

Best Budget Women’s Puffer Jacket

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($129)

Weight: 10.2 oz
Fill: 650 Down

Pros: Really affordable and lightweight, wide sizing range
Cons: Less fill-power than competitors

Need a warm winter layer that doesn’t completely wreck your savings? The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket is the best deal out there when it comes to puffers that excel in nearly every scenario. Less lofty than others on this list at 650-fill, it’s more of a midlayer than an outer layer even though it’s still water-resistant and windproof. But that just means it will easily integrate with the rest of your winter kit. The standard fit allows you to wear a shell over the top and an additional midlayer underneath. 

Two zippered hand pockets and two interior drop pockets can fit the biggest iPhone model, and a hem drawcord and soft cuff bindings lock in warmth. The recycled ripstop nylon is bluesign-approved, and the durable water-repellent is nonfluorinated. For around 10 ounces and less than $150, this puffer is a killer deal. Such a good deal that one of our testers has even gifted it to a few friends. “To me, it’s comparable to a lot of the more expensive and similarly built down jackets,” she said. It comes in a wide range of colors, and the sizing goes up to 3XL.

Runner-Up Best Women’s Puffer Jacket

Patagonia Down Sweater ($279)

Weight: 10.3 oz
Fill: 800 Down

Pros: Hooded and non-hooded option
Cons: Not as warm as other 800-fill options

Patagonia is a reliable source for outdoor apparel, whether you’re scaling big walls or shopping as an eco-conscious consumer. The Patagonia Down Sweater is a classic example that’s been updated over the years to include sustainable materials—like the shell fabric’s NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from fishing nets removed from the ocean. Because it’s a thinner puffy layer than some of the other options, we liked it best for hiking and casual wear. 

But it’ll still keep you warm and dry in inclement weather. The shell fabric is coated with a durable water-repellant finish that’s made without icky PFAS, and it’s stuffed with 800-fill power 100% Responsible Down Standard certified down. Don’t throw away the tag without snagging the included repair patch kit you can use for quick fixes on the go, such as a snag on a branch. 

We reached for this 10.3 oz puffer jacket while hiking in Central Oregon in October. When we needed to shed a layer, the Down Sweater compressed into the size of a cantaloupe to easily fit in our pack. (It can even be stuffed down into the internal pocket that serves as a stuff sack.) Two hand warmer pockets simultaneously held our keys and kept our ungloved hands warm.

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Best Heavyweight Women’s Puffer Jacket

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket ($400)

Weight: 18.7 oz
Fill: 800 Down

Pros: Durable and weather-resistant outer, super warm
Cons: Warmth comes with the tradeoff of weight and packability

If you’re heading into the snow-slicked alpine—or just trying to survive Minnesota winters—this is the puffer jacket for you. The Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket has been a top choice among climbers and mountaineers for 20 years, but its practical features, like 800 fill power down, make it a contender for everyday winter wear, especially when the temps drop below freezing. Weighing 18.7 oz, it’s heavier than other puffers on this list, but that’s the tradeoff for warmth.

Unless it’s dumping snow or rain, you can forget a shell if you have this puffy. The Pertex Quantum pro outer with ripstop is both windproof and water-resistant, so windchill won’t cut through and light rain will bead right off. Velcro wrist cuffs allow you to seal in warmth, while a 2-way front zipper with storm flap offers quick ventilation—and an easier entry for putting on a harness without unzipping the whole jacket. We were grateful for the extra warmth afforded by the longer cut on the first truly cold day in the Pacific Northwest. One internal chest pocket and two hand pockets, all zippered, hold everything from gloves to your phone.

Best Technical Women’s Puffer Jacket

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody ($400)

Weight: 10.2 oz
Fill: 850 Down

Pros: Best warmth-to-weight ratio
Cons: Slim fit could be restrictive for some

When we recommend gear with a high price tag, we do it with confidence it’ll last you for many years to come and eventually pay for itself. The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is one of those jackets we can confidently say is worth the price. For how packable and lightweight at 10.2 oz it is, this puffer is shockingly warm. Responsibly sourced 850-fill down is blended with synthetic Coreloft insulation in high-sweat areas to keep you cozy and snug even when the mercury plummets.

While traveling, when space and weight are at a minimum, the Cerium was our first choice. It flattened in our suitcase but provided superior warmth during a camping trip at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest outside Missoula, Montana, keeping us warm when it was 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning. Because it performs but also looks more streamlined than other down jackets, it has become our go-to travel down jacket. The one downside is that the slightly narrower fit limits inner layering possibilities.

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Best Wool Insulation Women’s Puffer Jacket

Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie ($285)

Weight: 9.875 oz
Fill: Wool

Pros: Lightweight, packable, wool insulation
Cons: Runs small, not great for layering

One of the more unique jackets on our list, the Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie is insulated with merino wool. Weighing just 9.8 ounces, the Aire Hoodie is the lightest of all the jackets we tested, making it a great pick for backpacking. It also packs down into its own pocket, taking up barely any weight in your backpack.

The Aire Hoodie features a scuba-style hood, elasticized cuffs, and zippered hand warmer pockets. For a puffer jacket, it isn’t the warmest, but is comfortable and flexible, making it a great option for hiking. The wind and water-resistant fabric also works to keep you warmer when the elements kick in. Wool is also a great option as an insulator as it keeps you warm even when wet. The jacket sports a slim fit and our tester found that it worked well with a t-shirt underneath it but didn’t work well for layering. If you’d prefer a looser fit, we recommend sizing up.

Best Synthetic Puffer Jacket for Women

Mountain Hardwear Ventano Hoodie ($250)

Weight: 11.7 oz
Fill: Recycled Polyester

Pros: Thin yet warm, adjustable hem
Cons: Not many color options

The Mountain Hardwear Ventano Hoodie has everything you could want in a puffer jacket – it’s lightweight, comfortable, and warm. The synthetic polyester-filled jacket is great for backcountry adventures, as it stays warmer than down when wet. It also packs down into its own hand pocket for easy storage and transport.

For how thin and lightweight this jacket is, we were impressed with the warmth it delivered. The jacket also includes zippered pockets for stashing essentials as well as elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem for a customized fit. Our tester is between a size small and medium and opted for the medium for a slightly roomier fit and was glad she did. The Ventano Hoodie is a great jacket for traveling, trekking, and adventures near home. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward design, but sometimes less is more.

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Best of the Rest

Quiet and Casual Down Puffer

Patagonia Silent Down Jacket ($269)

Weight: 20.1 oz
Fill: 700 Down

Pros: Sustainably made, incredibly comfortable 
Cons: Doesn’t pack down super small

When it comes to finding quality outdoor gear, Patagonia is a brand we know we can trust time and time again. Soft, warm, and flexible, the Silent Down Jacket is the case and point.

Available in seven different color options, the Silent Down Jacket offers a boxy yet oversized fit. The jacket is Fair Trade Certified sewn and features a 100% polyester shell (70% recycled) and 100% recycled down insulation.

Other technical features include a stand-up collar to keep your neck warm, lined hand-warmer pockets, a full center-front reverse-coil zipper for easy access, an interior zip pocket to stash valuables, and a drawcord hem to seal in warmth.

Of all the jackets we tested, the Silent Down was the best mix of comfortable fit and functional warmth, which is why it sits at the top of our list. The fabric feels soft against the skin, and the cut racks up some style points. The Silent Down is on the bulky side, meaning that it isn’t as packable as some jackets — the only thing that could make it better is if it is packed down into its pocket or a stuff sack for traveling. We’d also love to see the regular-cut jacket come with a hood (the parka-length Silent Down jacket comes with a hood).

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Affordable Down Parka

Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket ($160)

Weight: 24 oz
Fill: Polyester

Pros: Cuffs with thumb holes, Omni-Heat reflective polyester lining
Cons: Fits a little snug

At Columbia, they know a thing or two about making efficient outer layers, and the Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket is no exception. Available in twelve colors, the jacket features a sleek design that offers function at its finest.

The jacket has a 100% polyester shell and is insulated with 100% polyester synthetic down. An especially unique feature is the Omni-Heat reflective polyester lining that works to reflect and maintain body heat for ultimate warmth. Additionally, the jacket includes zippered hand pockets, a fleece-lined hood and collar, cuffs with thumb holes, a drop tail, and an interior security pocket.

We really appreciated the cuffs with thumb holes for slipping in and out of gloves, and the lining on the hood is a nice touch. The jacket sports an athletic fit, meaning it fits a little on the snug side. So, if you like to wear a lot of base layers, you may consider sizing up.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket ($250)

Weight: 14 oz
Fill: 800 Down

Pros: Jackets stuffs into its pocket, adjustable drawcord waist
Cons: Not as warm as some other options on our list, pricey

The Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Jacket is similar to the Capa but is a little roomier and warmer, likely due to it being an 800 fill-power down jacket instead of synthetic like the Capa. Available in six different color options, it sports the bright, fun colors we know and love from Cotopaxi without skimping on performance.

Weighing in at 14 ounces, the Fuego is a lightweight puffer jacket, making it a great fit for hiking or travel. The jacket is made from durable ripstop nylon treated with a DWR treatment to help you stay cozy and dry on all of your adventures.

The Fuego is thoughtfully designed with lots of zippered pockets. There are two exterior pockets as well as an interior stash pocket. At the end of the day, the jacket packs into the interior pocket, which is great for folks living on the move. For more on this jacket, see our full review.

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Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($109)

Weight: 21.2 oz
Fill: 700 Down

Pros: Cuff gaiters with thumb loops
Cons: Only available in one color

The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie feels almost like a ski shell but in a lighter-weight, puffer jacket design. In terms of warmth, it’s a mid-tier jacket with lots of fun features to help you stay cozy and warm.

Designed for all weather conditions, the 700-fill-power down-insulation works to keep you warm in chilly climates. The jacket also has two zippered hand pockets (one double as a stuff sack), an internal waist cinch to seal out the cold, and an adjustable insulated hood for extra chilly days.

One of our favorite features of the jacket is the internal knit cuff gaiters with thumb loops. If we’re being fully transparent, the thumb loops aren’t the most comfortable thing (but they aren’t in any jacket). However, they are ideal for added warmth and sealing out snow. If you don’t need them, then you can simply slip your thumb out, so it’s a great feature for all conditions.

One of our only complaints about this jacket is that it doesn’t come in more color options. It’s available in a nice blue, but we wish there were more colors as well. We do like that it comes in a hooded and non-hooded version.

Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka ($399)

Weight: 35.5 oz
Fill: 700 Down

Pros: Insanely warm, tricot-lined hand pockets
Cons: A little bulky for active activities

 Holy warm. The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is the ultimate jacket for chilly conditions. Long, puffy, and cozy, it’s one of the warmest jackets on our list.

The Coze Down Parks sports 700-fill-power down and a 100% recycled shell and lining. The jacket has a lined draft collar, which was much appreciated in windy conditions, and an adjustable puffy hood.

The tricot-lined hand pockets are insanely cozy, and the jacket also has a large interior mesh pocket for stashing essentials. In addition to the center zipper, the Coze sports a zipper at the sides for when you want a little extra airflow — it’s a nice thought, but the zippers are at the bottom of the jacket, so we didn’t really find ourselves using them.

Our tester gets cold easily, so she was a big fan of this jacket. It’s long and super puffy — it’s essentially like wearing a portable sleeping bag. Because it’s so oversized, it’s not as ideal for active endeavors but is perfect for a night out in your favorite mountain town.

Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket ($250)

Weight: 24 oz
Fill: PrimaLoft Gold

Pros: Fun colors, backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons: No stuff sack for packing

One of our favorite things about Cotopaxi’s products is how unique and colorful they are. The Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket is no exception.

Made with the environment in mind, the Capa features a 100% recycled nylon shell and is made from Bluesign-approved fabrics. The Capa is lightweight, packable, water-resistant, and has no extra bulk, while still remaining warm, so it’s a great option for hiking and other active activities.

The shell is water resistant, which is nice for light drizzles, and has a scuba hood. There is elastic binding at the cuffs and waist, and there’s an adjustable drawcord waist to seal in warmth. Because this jacket is on the thinner side, it packs down well, but we wish it came with a stuff sack or packed into its own pocket for seamless transport. This jacket has a more fitted cut, so if you’re in between sizes, you may want to order up.

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Lightweight Casual Puffer

Finisterre Firecrest Jacket ($185)

Weight: Not Listed
Fill: Synthetic

Pros: Great for layering, sustainably made
Cons: No stuff sack

Named after the United Kingdom’s lightest bird, the Finisterre Firecrest Jacket delivers lightweight insulation. The Firecrest is made from recycled polyester fabric with REPREVE recycled insulation made from ocean plastics. The jacket is packed in Leave No Trace packaging that is water-soluble and ocean-safe.

The Firecrest offers a loose yet fitted look that allows you to wear the jacket on its own or layer it under another jacket. The Firecrest has bound hems, cuffs, and neck, a front zip design, and internal and external pockets. Our tester loved that this jacket functioned well for hiking and other active endeavors, but also looked cool enough to wear out and about. Because of its sleek design and weight, the Firecrest packs down small, but we wish it came with a stuff sack or packed down into its own pocket.

Women’s Puffer Jackets Comparison Table

The Patagonia Silent Down Jacket is made with, well, down, whereas the Billabong A/DIV is made with synthetic insulation. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

How We Tested Women’s Puffer Jackets

Our testing team was comprised of Rebecca Parsons and Amelia Arvesen, both experienced in the outdoors and huge proponents of versatile women’s puffer jackets. got our hands on the top options and pitted them against each other in chilly weather of all stripes — from brisk dawn patrols to evenings on the town to starry nights spent around the campfire. We wore puffer jackets hiking in the rocky mountains, skiing in the Sierras, and everywhere in between.

We originally ran this review in December of 2022 as ‘The Best Women’s Puffer Jackets for Surfers.” We know our audience is wider than just surfers and that puffer jackets are well-suited for all types of outdoor adventures, from backpacking to snowboarding, so we decided to expand our guide into a more general puffer jacket review. We included updates on a few of the jackets we already had and added in a bunch of new ones from the top outdoor gear brands in the industry. To see more options, check out our guide to the Best Winter Jackets for Women.

The Hikerkind Packable Down Jacket 01 has a stowable hood that doubles as a collar. Photo: Amelia Arvesen//The Inertia

Women’s Puffer Jackets Buyer’s Guide

Not all puffers are created equally. Since the puffer jacket will be your warmest outer layer, you want to ensure you’re purchasing one that will get the job done. When we’re in the market for a new puffer jacket, we consider things like warmth, style, comfort, weight, waterproofing, and more.

Comfort

For us, comfort is paramount. When we’re looking for a good puffer, we want it to be soft and comfy, while retaining warmth and durability. And yes, comfort includes fit and cut as well as hand feel! The Patagonia Silent Down Jacket is a softer-to-the-touch down jacket than more technical offerings.

A warm, spacious hood helps cut out the cold on a puffer jacket. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

Warmth

Puffer jackets come in different weights and fill powers, so consider where and how you’ll be using your jacket. Bulkier jackets tend to be warmer but also less packable, so consider what’s the most important to you. Higher down fill-power ratings can indicate more warmth without adding as much additional weight or bulk. The Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody has excellent 850-fill down.

Well-fitting women’s puffer jackets can both add style points and make them more technically proficient. Photo: Amelia Arvesen//The Inertia

Style

If you’re wearing your puffer as an inner layer, style isn’t so important. But, if you’re wearing your puffer jacket on its own as your outer layer (and you aren’t huddled around a fire trying to stay warm) style is a factor to consider. Some puffers are designed to be more functional and sporty, while others combine style and function — we prefer the latter when possible. We love how versatile and stylish the Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01 is.

Some jackets, like the Patagonia Silent Down, skew more lifestyle or casual. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

Waterproofing

Typically, most puffer jackets aren’t waterproof, so it isn’t something we expect in a puffer jacket. But, many are water resistant and treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish, which is super helpful in sealing out the elements. Bonus points if the jacket is fully waterproof.

Durability

Puffy jackets are expensive. There’s not really any way around it. When we’re shelling out a couple hundred dollars for a jacket, we want something that’s going to last us more than one season. Jackets that rip/tear easily or get damaged when wet aren’t going to be able to keep up with an active lifestyle. We want something that’s thick and well-made while still remaining light and warm.

Women’s puffer jackets are great for surf watch. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

Eco-Friendly

While it’s not necessary to create a good jacket, we appreciate it when brands go the extra mile to make their jackets as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Recycled materials, bio-based dyes, bluesign-approved fabrics, or anything that helps reduce the company’s carbon footprint is much appreciated.

Pockets, Hoods, and Zips

Pretty much every jacket comes with some kind of pocket. It’s nice to have a mix of zippered and non-zippered pockets. The Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01 had one of our favorite combinations of pockets. Plus, it has a hood that stows in the collar. No zippers on the hand pockets are nice, so you can easily slip your hands in and out, but it’s also good to have some zippered pockets for stashing valuables. In addition to pockets, consider if you want a hood or no hood and if the zipper on your jacket is well-made and won’t easily snag.

The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is filled with down and is like a wearable sleeping bag. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Fill

There are two primary types of fill used on puffer jackets: down and synthetic. Each has variations and pros and cons. Read on to learn more about the differences between down and synthetic insulation to decide what is right for you.

The Rab Neutrino Pro features a ton of 800-fill down and is designed for maximum warmth. Photo: Amelia Arvesen//The Inertia

Down vs. Synthetic

Puffer jackets are typically available in one of two options: down or synthetic (though we have a wool option on this list, too). Down simply refers to a special underlayer of goose or duck feathers that provide thermal insulation — down effectively traps heat in the air pockets created by these special feathers. Synthetic insulation is made with polyester fibers that are designed to mimic the qualities of down. Although heavier and not quite as warm as down, synthetic retains a measure of heat even when wet (because those air pockets don’t collapse as easily as the ones created by down) and dries much quicker than down. We found the Mountain Hardwear Ventano Hoodie to be a great lightweight synthetic puffer jacket.

Some brands like Ibex are starting to experiment with other insulative materials in puffy jackets, such as alpaca or Merino wool.

Zippered pockets are a huge plus on puffer jackets. Photo: Jody Marcon//The Inertia

Down to Feather Ratio?

When purchasing a jacket, be sure to check out the down-to-feather ratio. Down jackets are usually available in three variations: 90% down/10% feather, 80% down/20% feather, and 70% down/30% feather. Each variation provides a different level of warmth, with the higher down ratio resulting in warmer insulation.

Every Cotopaxi is unique and colorful like the Cotopaxi Capa Hooded Insulated Jacket. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

When deciding which jacket to purchase, consider all of the above information and check the online description or inside label to learn the specific features of the jacket you’re considering.

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