The 6 best men’s down jackets you need to stay toasty during the colder months

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There are a few cold-weather essentials that every man needs to keep in rotation during the fall and winter months. While boots, robes, hoodies and sweaters cover most bases for some, there’s one that’s a definite must-have for those snow days and brutal winters: a well-insulated down jacket.

Whether you’re looking for a jacket to keep you warm while going on a winter hike or just need something well-insulated and lightweight for everyday use, we’ve broken down the best men’s down jackets you can buy into six different categories:

From the best overall pick from Buck Mason’s newest outerwear collection to this extremely affordable best-selling Eddie Bauer option that’s on sale for just $59.40, choose from six options that best fit your needs and lifestyle below.

Other featured brands include The North Face, Under Armour, Mountain Hardwear and more.

1. Best Overall: Buck Mason Down Expedition Jacket, $495

Credit: Buck Mason

Buck Mason is known for its premium quality knitwear and outerwear, and its newly released Down Expedition Jacket is arguably one of its best releases to date.

Speaking from personal experience, this jacket feels like a warm hug. It covers every exposed area between your chin and waist and features a detachable hood that snaps all the way up to your nose for optimal warmth and protection from the elements.

Cut from a recycled nylon shell with a durable, water-resistant coating, this beautiful jacket is packed with 650 fill-power traceable duck down and boasts a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeves with a slightly slimmer waist. It also features quilted channels, an internal pocket and hand-warmer pockets lined with cozy fleece.

The Buck Mason Down Expedition Jacket comes in two colors (Midnight and Coyote) and ranges from size XS to XXL.

2. Best For Everyday Wear: Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket, $229

Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods

If you’re looking for a jacket that’s not too bulky and is perfect for running errands or commuting to work, the Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket is the perfect option.

This popular jacket is warm, well-rounded, insulated and practical. For added convenience, it packs into its own pocket, features an adjustable hood and hem and is both wind and water-resistant. It’s the perfect jacket for layering, and while it may not be the most technical pick, it’s one of the most durable down jackets you can buy and wear for years to come.

It comes in six colors and patterns and ranges from size small to XXL.

3. Top Lightweight Option: The North Face Men’s Stretch Down Jacket, $250

Credit: The North Face

Gone are the days when you had to settle for bulky, unflattering down jackets that made you look like the Michelin Man. Today, there are tons more lightweight and streamlined options that flatter your silhouette, and shoppers say The North Face’s Men’s Stretch Down Jacket is one of the best you can buy.

With a 91% customer recommendation rate, this slim jacket ranks highest on the warmth and windproof ratings. The secret to its easy wearability is its stretch-woven fabric that allows for unrestricted freedom of movement. It also features 700-fill down for lightweight warmth without the extra bulk.

This jacket comes in four colors (Monterey Blue, New Taupe Green, Black and Storm Blue) and ranges from size XS to XXL.

4. Most Affordable: Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket, $59.40 (Orig. $99)

Credit: Amazon

Eddie Bauer is one of the leading brands in winter fashion, and this best-selling Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket is a favorite among both shoppers and Amazon editors. And, best of all, it’s 40% off, bringing its total down to just $59.40.

With over 4,900 customer ratings and the coveted “Amazon’s Choice” label, this comfortable down jacket is both ultra-lightweight and packable, making it the perfect option for those traveling between climates. It features a durable nylon shell with a water-repellent finish that causes moisture to bead and roll off rather than soaking into the fabric. Also, its premium down insulation provides optimal warmth without the bulk.

This one ranges from a size small to XXL and comes in four colors: Dark Teal, Atlantic, Black and Dark Smoke.

5. Customer Favorite: Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody Jacket, $325

Credit: Mountain Hardwear

If you’ve been on the hunt for a best-selling down jacket with a massive customer approval rating, you’ve likely encountered the Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody Jacket a few times. And, honestly, this is an instance where the term “the customer’s always right” actually applies.

This jacket checks all the boxes for a quality down jacket: it’s lightweight, not bulky, is perfect for layering and fits those with wider shoulders for looser overhead movement. This Mountain Hardwear best seller is tailored enough to give you ease of movement with long-term wear but wide enough to easily layer fleece, cashmere and cotton pieces underneath.

While it’s a bit pricey, the truth of the matter is that most quality down jackets are, as they’re usually one and done. This means that you won’t have to buy another for years on end. The Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody Jacket ranges from size small to XXL and comes in six colors.

6. Best For Active Use: Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infrared Down Jacket, $240

Credit: Under Armour

Lastly, if the cold doesn’t keep you away from your outdoor workouts, you need a well-insulated down jacket that doesn’t hinder fast and wide movements. Active men swear by the Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infrared Down Jacket for this very reason.

This performance-based jacket holds in body heat without adding weight or bulk — a feature that’s a must-have for those who exercise outdoors in the colder months. The special soft print on the inside keeps you warmer for longer, so you can work out in the bitter cold a lot more easily.

It’s also extremely lightweight, breathable and features a bungee adjust hood for a secure fit that won’t go flailing in the wind when you run, jog or jump. The Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infrared Down Jacket comes in four colors and ranges from size small to 3XL.

If you enjoyed this story, check out the six best men’s robes on Amazon you’ll love wearing all day long.

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