Women's Down Jackets

What should you consider when choosing a down jacket?

Down insulation is one of nature's best insulating materials, providing lightweight, high-quality performance. When choosing a down jacket for women, it is worth looking at the following factors:

Loft Rating - This numerical measurement, also known as 'fill power', refers to the amount that down expands and traps air within its clusters, for example '600 Loft'. It is an indicator of the jacket's thermal efficiency. Generally, the higher the value the less amount of down required to achieve specific temperature ratings, therefore giving a better warmth-to-weight ratio.

Type of Down - There are basically two types, duck down and goose down. Both varieties are available in grey and white, however colour does not affect performance and is simply an aesthetic choice in the design process. The main difference between duck down and goose down is that goose down generally has higher loft values and larger down clusters, meaning you require less of it to achieve the same insulation level.

Down Ratio - This is the mix of down clusters to other fill components, such as feathers. Cheap down-filled products will use low down-to-feather ratios, for example 70:30, while high-performance down will have a ratio of at least 80:20. The better the ratio, the better the loft value, and the greater the down will perform.

Other Materials, Technologies & Design Features - look for ripstop outer fabrics for durability, a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to combat wet weather, and functional design elements such as baffle construction, hoods, and adjustable hems or wrist cuffs.

What outdoor activities are down jackets best for?

The best down jacket for women will provide insulation from cold weather but without the bulk and weight, thanks to the naturally thermal-regulating down fill that is highly compressible. This type of jacket keeps you warm and comfortable when the air is chilly or windy, but easily packs away in your bag or pack when you warm up. So if you're looking for a women's winter jacket that is versatile enough for hiking, camping, travelling or just getting about town, you should get your hands on a high quality down jacket from Mountain Designs.

What materials are down jackets made of?

Most people have heard of down insulation but don't really understand it fully. So what exactly is down? Simply put, it is the undercoat found beneath feathers - predominantly around the chest area - on fowl such as ducks and geese. A down cluster traps air within its barbs, providing thermally-efficient performance. This makes it an excellent fill for jackets, sleeping bags, and blankets or quilts designed for use in cold climates. The best down jacket for women adopts a combination of this down insulation with durable ripstop fabric for its outer shell, and a soft-to-touch inner lining. Together, these materials work perfectly to deliver a high-performance insulation jacket that is comfortable, protective and above all else, warm.

Are women's down jackets good for cold weather?

A down jacket for women is designed to provide warmth without weight through its highly compressible down insulation. This makes it the ideal solution for outdoor activities in cold weather, as it provides wind resistance and protection from chilly air. If you're hitting the hiking trails, travelling through a foreign city or just getting around town in cooler climates, or you simply need a women's winter jacket, a classic down jacket is a versatile must-have for reliable warmth and comfort.

What lengths of women's down jackets are available?

The majority of styles in the Mountain Designs range of down jackets for women are cut to a standard length at the waist. This is the traditional construction that allows an excellent range of movement while providing warmth and wind resistance. We do also have some popular women’s long down jackets that are longline and designed for travel, exploring the city on a chilly day or Après ski.

Are down jackets good for travelling?

A down jacket for women is the ultimate travel companion when it comes to outerwear. It provides exceptional warmth through the down fill insulation, but without the bulk. This makes it great to wear in cool climates, and easy to compress and pack away when conditions get warmer. The women's long down jacket with longline length is another stylish option for travel or getting around town, with the extra length protecting your lower half.

How many colours of women's down jackets are available?

Mountain Designs has a reputation for designing and manufacturing high quality, functional down jackets built on more than 40 years of outfitting mountaineers and explorers alike. We offer a wide range of styles, with sizes ranging from 8 to 18, in a variety of colours to suit your personal taste. There are neutrals like black, grey and white, or for a brighter option, go for denim, purple, blue or green. But whatever outdoor look you're going for, and wherever your cold weather adventure heads, Mountain Designs has a high-performance down jacket to take you there in comfort.