5 Best Down Jackets for Winter Sports
By Ted Rollins
, last updated December 22, 2011
If you're planning on spending a good part of the winter outdoors, you'd be smart to pick up a super warm down jacket. These puffy coats will keep you toasty in even the coldest conditions, and many of the better down jackets aren't as bulky as you may think. Read on to learn about some of the best down jackets for both men and for women.
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Adidas Outdoor W Super Trekking Light Down Jacket
Zappos currently stocks this jacket from Adidas, which comes in purple or blue and goes for just $200. The jacket is great for spring skiing and uses a 700 fill power down for a perfect combination of warmth and weight. The jacket has a standing collar with a rear draw cord, a two way zip that lets you ventilate as much as you like, and a cool zipper garage that lets you pull the jacket way up high to keep your neck warm. You'll also find hand warmer pockets and a drawstring at the hem to keep the cold out with a snug fit.
Nike Athletic Department Down Bomber Jacket
This feminine down sports jacket now sells for only $120 at Nordstrom, a big discount from its original $120 price. The jacket comes in cream or black and has faux fur trimming on its hood and is in the modern bomber style. You'll find structured square quilted panels, an offset front zipper with snaps at the collar and long vertical front zip pockets, as well as an inside zip pocket for your valuables. This one uses 550 weight power down and has a full soft lining.
Eddie Bauer Microtherm Down Hooded Jacket
This bold down jacket sells for $189 directly through Eddie Bauer. The jacket is the lightest down garment they've ever made, and it uses 800 fill power European goose down as its fill. The jacket comes in grey or blue and has a rip stop shell that uses a StormRepel DWR finish to keep nature off your body. The jacket lacks bulk and will also work as a layering piece. You'll also find elasticized cuffs, a close fitting hood and low profile hand pockets.
The North Face Transit Jacket
This women's jacket comes in five dark tones and sells for $229 through Zappos. This one is designed for extremely exacting conditions, and uses a heavy 600 fill down insulation. The hem of the jacket comes down to the mid thigh and it also features a snap off adjustable hood. You'll find a brushed chin guard lining, a two way center zip and an inside pocket for your iPhone or Android. The coat measures 30 inches long and will look great both on and off the slopes.
Marmot Zeus Jacket
This puffy down jacket for men comes in three colors and goes for just $175. The Marmot jacket uses premium 800 fill power goose down and has a high neck collar and a wind flap behind the zipper to keep strong gusts out. This one uses the Angel Wing Movement system so that you can have a full range of motion in the jacket, and also features two zipper hand warmer pockets. What's more, it can be packed into its own pocket for easy transportation.
