Here at GearLab, we take our testing seriously. While we may start by trying on all these down jackets in the comfort of our own homes, we spend months testing every single contender in the outdoors. We have taken down jackets to Russia and Japan, to Antarctica and Iceland, up frigid mountain peaks, and through gusty town squares. Over the past decade, we have put jackets through their paces–sometimes to their breaking points. We test and evaluate every model's performance in four different metrics. We want to ensure that these jackets not only have your back on every adventure but also withstand everyday wear without issue.
Warmth
We exposed these jackets to frigid belays on ice climbs in Montana and Colorado, as well as to inclement weather in the Pacific Northwest (think wet, heavy snow). We toted way (way) too many down jackets on every adventure so we could compare them in similar field conditions. Considering the temperatures and conditions, we evaluated each jacket's warmth relative to the others and ranked them on a scale. Then we compiled the information from each jacket's technical specifications, notably the quality of the down and the thickness and protection of the external material, to complete the picture of how warm each jacket feels. We noted points of heat loss and features that make us feel warmer. We tested hood adjustability, cuff security, and layering ability, both over and under other clothing.
Comfort
Testing comfort involved asking as many friends and family members as possible to try on each jacket and share their feedback. Over a decade-plus of testing down jackets, we have ensured we test a range of sizes to ascertain how each design suits different body shapes and sizes. We considered the interior fabric's feel on bare arms, how well it moves over the top of a thick fleece, and how it fits under a shell. We evaluated each jacket's touch-point features, such as soft cuff elastic, fleece-lined pockets, or felt chin guards. We moved in them, looking for features that can keep our wrists and torsos covered as we push kids on the swing set or reach up for the next hold on our route.
Portability
To gauge portability, we first weighed each jacket and considered its weight relative to its warmth. We then packed them in as many ways as we could. We timed and tested packing pockets, stuff sacks, and roll-top bags, cramming them in backpacks, suitcases, and day bags. We also considered the effects of those actions on each jacket's materials and how that may affect their longevity. And we asked that crucial question of every model: in what situation would I actually bring this with me?
Weather Resistance
To test weather resistance, we focused on wind and water repellency. We took jackets out to windy mountaintops and compared them in side-by-side lab testing with a high-powered fan. We considered features that help you batten down the hatches, like cinch points and adjustability. We wore them out in the rain and wet snow whenever possible, and then compared those observations with our laboratory water-testing results. We considered the fabric properties and treatments of their products and evaluated the effectiveness of these treatments. From the dry, cold of the Rockies to the bone-chilling humidity of New England, we want to ensure these jackets keep you warm and dry.