Down jackets

The best way to stay warm in winter

Essential for taking on winter in comfort, down and feather jackets rank among the warmest options available. Models with synthetic insulation are no less capable, however, and offer the advantage of remaining effective even when wet. Equally practical for staying warm in the mountains or around town, women's down jackets and men's down jackets have become wardrobe staples. At Glisshop, you will find a wide selection suited to your preferences and outdoor pursuits from brands including Picture, Salomon, Scott, Sun Valley, Superdry, Therm-Ic, Patagonia, Lafuma, Columbia, Helly Hansen, Mammut, Dynafit, Norrona and more. You will also find a selection of ultralight natural down jackets offering outstanding insulation and exceptionally low weight.

How do you choose a good down jacket?

A down jacket is a warm, comfortable garment that is ideal for protection against the cold. Several types are available, each with its own specifications. Choosing the right one is not difficult: simply consider your body shape and how you intend to use it.

A warm down jacket for wearing under a ski jacket

While some ski jackets are generously insulated, many are designed solely to provide waterproof, windproof and breathable protection. They therefore need to be paired with an insulating layer. If, like us, you follow the three-layer clothing system, the down jacket forms the second layer, providing the essential insulation your outfit needs.

When choosing a ski jacket, you therefore need to decide which type of second layer you want. Since insulation is crucial, a down jacket makes an excellent mid-layer. A lightweight design is preferable, as an overly bulky jacket can leave you feeling uncomfortably restricted by clothing that is too thick.

Adding a thin, lightweight down jacket to your ski outfit

To make the most of winter sports and move around the resort more comfortably than you would in an alpine ski jacket, you can opt for a warm insulated jacket. Designs filled with down and feathers are renowned for providing the most effective protection against winter temperatures.

Some of the down jackets selected by Glisshop are suitable for lifestyle use. Others are specifically intended for more demanding pursuits such as mountaineering or ski touring. These models really come into their own on multi-day expeditions when temperatures are particularly severe.

Which down jacket should you use for ski touring?

Ski touring calls for an ultra-packable down jacket that slips easily into your rucksack during the ascent while providing effective thermal insulation during breaks and once you reach the summit.

For ski touring, we recommend choosing a goose-down micro jacket with high fill power, ensuring the best warmth-to-weight ratio. You may also prefer a sleeveless model to help prevent overheating during exertion. Unlike natural down insulation, synthetic insulated jackets retain their thermal performance even when wet, making them a worthwhile alternative in the highly changeable weather often encountered at altitude. In all cases, we recommend looking for the following technical specifications: wind resistance, a durable water-repellent finish and water-resistant zips for optimum protection in the mountains.

A jacket for your shoulder season outdoor activities

Manufacturers show no shortage of creativity when designing technical insulated jackets intended above all to deliver versatility during the transitional autumn and spring seasons. These models are equally suitable for everyday use around town and hiking in the mountains. Above all, they are easy to put on and take off, allowing you to maintain just the right level of warmth whatever your outdoor activity during the shoulder seasons.

Down jacket: with or without sleeves?

A down jacket is a warm garment that provides comfort throughout winter. It can also be worn between seasons when weather conditions require it and only put away once warmer days arrive. Several designs are available, both with and without sleeves.

• A long-sleeved down jacket is warmer because it covers both your torso and arms, delivering complete protection from the cold. Some hooded down jackets resemble outer jackets and can be worn as a third layer.
• A sleeveless down jacket is often lighter and more minimalist. It insulates the chest and back, which are considered the areas most sensitive to cold, while offering maximum range of motion for the arms. A down gilet is generally worn as an additional layer for skiing, hiking, mountaineering and other outdoor pursuits.

Choosing between sleeves and a sleeveless design is also a matter of style. It is up to you to select the model you like most and, above all, the one that suits you best.

What is the difference between down fill and synthetic insulation?

The warmest down jackets are insulated with goose or duck down and/or feathers. These lightweight materials offer remarkable insulation and good breathability. Goose-down jackets are highly packable, making them easy to stow in a backpack and pull out only when needed. They do, however, have one weakness: moisture. Most feature a water-repellent finish, which helps reduce this risk. Nevertheless, when this type of jacket is exposed to snow or rain for an extended period, moisture will eventually penetrate the outer fabric, and wet feathers become less effective at protecting you from the cold.

This is why manufacturers have offered jackets with synthetic insulation for many years, as this material continues to insulate even when wet. These garments are slightly heavier than down and feather jackets but are generally more durable and versatile.

The benefits of a heated down jacket

Heated down jackets are an excellent way to keep warm when temperatures are extremely low or if you are particularly sensitive to the cold. Just as easy to put on as they are to remove, they are every bit as comfortable as other designs and can be worn all day without any difficulty. What sets them apart is a built-in heating system powered by a rechargeable battery. Gloves and socks based on the same principle are also available.

Which fit should men and women choose?

For men, there are three main fits: regular, slim and relaxed.

• The regular fit is the most versatile, offering an excellent balance of comfort and freedom of movement and suiting every build.
• The slim fit follows the body's contours and is better suited to athletic or slender builds without compromising mobility.
• The relaxed fit offers a more casual shape and is popular with taller or broad-shouldered men, as well as those seeking optimum thermal comfort during high-intensity mountain activities.

For women, two fits dominate: slim and relaxed.

• The slim fit follows the figure while maintaining good mobility. It is ideal for athletic women or those with a slender build.
• The relaxed fit suits all body shapes. Its more generous volume allows room for layering and promotes better insulation, which is a benefit for high-altitude outings or use in extreme cold.

Down jacket, parka or coat for everyday wear?

Not sure whether to choose a down jacket, parka or coat for winter? There are significant differences between these three types of garment. Down jackets and parkas are generally lighter than coats but just as easy to wear every day. Parkas and coats often provide more effective wind protection and better defence against harsh weather than down jackets, which, although water-repellent, are rarely fully waterproof and windproof.

Colmar, Columbia, Superdry, Millet and many other brands

Glisshop offers a wide selection of down jacket brands covering every aspect of mountain and outdoor use. Whether you are passionate about skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, mountaineering or hiking, you will find technical designs tailored to each activity and engineered to provide warmth, low weight and freedom of movement. The industry's leading brands are all represented, offering high-performance insulation technologies, ergonomic fits and durable materials. Glisshop also selects down jackets with a more urban or lifestyle-inspired look, ideal for bringing the mountain spirit into everyday life while combining performance with comfort.