Four jackets we tested couldn't find a place on our list, but we still think they're worth mentioning.
Lolë Odin Down Jacket: An integrated powder skirt and wrist gaiters make this a great choice for snowboarding or skiing. However, the stated temperature range seemed a bit too good to be true, and after testing, we think it's not as warm as the product description claims.
Rab Neutrino Pro: This simple, high-quality jacket is recommendable on its own merits, including a solid fit and all-winter versatility, but the high price tag made it hard to compare with some of the other jackets we tested.
Marmot Men's WarmCube Active Alt HB Jacket: We liked this jacket for its fit, comfort, and warmth, but ultimately it wasn't as good as the similar Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoodie that it was competing against. We also preferred the Marmot option on our main list.
Orolay Men's Thickened Down Jacket: An affordable parka that will keep casual winter-goers from freezing, this jacket performed well for its price but didn't stand out among the rest.
Our T+L team has tested 29 down jackets in cold weather, judging them for warmth, comfort, durability, and value. First, we evaluated any design features, such as zippers, pockets, a removable hood, and any other adjustable components. We wore the jackets in different temperatures and for different activities ranging from low- to high-intensity to get a feel for each jacket's level of insulation, heat retention, and breathability. We noted whether the condition of the jackets changed at all over the course of two weeks and six months to see if there were any durability issues, if any feathers escaped, and if the down maintained its volume or flattened over time.
With design, fit, price, and weight in mind, the down jacket options with the best feedback were selected for this roundup, and we will continue to update this article as we test new jackets in our travels.
A down jacket should be a bit more on the snug side because if it's too big, it leaves room for cold air and wind to get in. The more body heat your down jacket can use, the warmer you'll be. However, if you plan to layer, you won't want it to be too tight, because it will prevent you from comfortably adding more layers for warmth. Most of the jackets on our list have a similar fit that allows for layering, but some are roomier or more slim than others -- we've noted that wherever possible.
If you plan on using your down jacket for outdoor adventures in which you'll be very active, be sure to consider lighter jackets with higher-loft down, which will allow your body to breathe and exhaust heat while still trapping enough warmth to keep you comfortable. If you just want to wear it on a trip to the city or around town, a bulkier jacket will suit your needs just fine. If you want to pack your jacket, either in a suitcase or a backpack, be sure to check out the weight and compressibility -- some jackets even come with a storage pouch or the ability to fold into their own pockets.
While many of the jackets we tested have similar technical specifications and additional features, it's important to make sure you know what you're looking for in a down jacket. If you need to keep your keys, wallet, and other everyday carry items close by, make sure you pick a jacket with easily accessible pockets. If you like to zip it to the top 24/7, think about finding a jacket with fleece at the chin to keep you comfortable. You may prefer a jacket with an adjustable hood or even a removable hood to make it more versatile. Other features are important to consider, like hand-warming pockets and multidirectional zippers.
Writer Will Porter has extensive experience writing about outdoor gear, fitness gear, and style, and has tried a handful of the above brands himself, including The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and Stio. For this article, he combed through T+L's in-house testing insights, then referenced product descriptions and reviews to create a comprehensive roundup of the best down jackets available today. T+L editors will continue to update this article as we test more jackets.