When it’s sub-zero outside – on those cold winter days that make you feel like you’re limbs are literally going to freeze solid and snap off – it’s at this very moment that we say – thank you, Mr Eddie Bauer, for creating the puffer! You’re a bloody legend.
There have obviously been a few modern variations over the years but the concept pretty much remains the same. The key is understanding where you want to wear it, and what for.
First, there are a few things you’ll want to consider, such as how your puffer’s insulation performs in the conditions you’re going to use it in. If you’re buying goose or duck down, then be aware that moisture such as rain and snow can quickly turn you into a shivering wreck without the right exterior shell – so water resistance is really important.
If you’re using your jacket to explore the great outdoors, synthetic insulation offers great movement, warmth and breathability on climbs, slopes or altitude treks. They’re also great for transitions in varying conditions and generally easier to store. Synthetic is less green in an ever more eco-conscious world, however, strides have been made to change this recently, and you can even buy synthetic-down hybrids.
There are also other things to think of, such as do you need a hood to protect yourself from winds? Do you need a hip cut to free up leg movement or something longer if you plan to be less mobile?
Whether you’re out for a statement winter piece or something for your next mountain adventure – here we’ll help you find the perfect puffer to keep you snug and stylish throughout the cold season.
Outerknown
Kelly Slater’s Outerknown label may have only been around a couple of years but they’re making big strides with sustainable clothing. This fall (US) they’ve come up with a light and stylish puffer for those who are neither rich nor cheapskates, sitting somewhere comfortably in the middle. This mid-layer jacket is ideal to use outdoors and as a fashion piece thanks to its small baffles and military green hue. As you would expect, its insulation is made up of recycled polyester with a natural DWR coating. It’s also super compact and easy to throw in a backpack or carry-on for a weekend away.
RAINS
Danish outerwear and rainwear specialist RAINS is an example of what can be achieved when you want to combine slick, minimalist style with high-performance clothing. Stocking true to its Scandinavian roots, RAINS jackets offer clean lines, neutral colours and substance in spades.
Their Trekker jacket performs best during transitional periods between Autumn and Winter (unfortunately it might not hold up against sub-zero temperatures) but as a breathable, waterproof layer that benefits from synthetic insulation that will indeed stand up against inclement weather, it’s one of the best currently available.
Rhone
American activewear brand Rhone can always be relied upon for great-looking, great-fitting clothing for the gym or office, but did you know the company also has an accomplished range of outerwear too? Benefiting from the same dedication and technical prowess that Rhone puts into its other collections, the outerwear range could be your new favourite.
The Tundra Quilted Jacket, for example, makes use of a recycled polyester ripstop for the shell, which is also given the DWR treatment. Insulation comes from Primaloft, so you can be sure you’ll be left toasty warm and with an attached hood and form-fitting cut, you’ll be kept protected while you look your best.
Arc'Teryx
Arc’teryx has been at the forefront of Canadian technical outdoor apparel since 1989 from their native North Vancouver home. They’re closely associated with climbing, snowboarding and hiking related activities so they definitely know a thing or two about the cold.
Their Cerium LT Jacket is a versatile, lightweight puffer with exceptional warmth. It can be worn as a mid-layer or on its own whether you’re trekking cross-country or popping into town for a spot of shopping. Arcteryx has used down composite mapping to give a trimmer, insulated fit without losing out on warmth - all protected by The Arato 10 shell.
Belstaff
Belstaff is a British brand with a real heritage going back to 1924 that has recently become popular with hip motorcyclists.
Classic biker style and field jackets can be seen as the inspiration for the Moutain 2.0 Puffer too, with a below the waist fit and four pockets adorning the front. The poly-cotton fabric used for this jacket is water-repellent and down-filling is used for insulation. Designed to hold its own whether you’re commuting to work or hiking in the great outdoors, Belstaff’s puffer exudes style and substance.
Fjallraven
If you want to brave the winter in Sweden you’ve got to have a jacket that’s up to the task. Stockholm brand Fjallraven has been on the go since 1960, producing expedition level outerwear made to withstand those cutting Scandinavian chills.
This Expedition Down Lite jacket is a modern take on their classic Expedition puffer from 1974. It’s made for milder climates than the North Pole but should do enough to keep you feeling super warm thanks to a duck down and feather fill, a nylon DWR shell (free from PFC), and a zip closure with storm flap for those cutting winds.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is by far the oldest brand on the list, and definitely one of the best for sports jackets. The company was set up in Norway all the way back in 1877 - earning the Paris Expo Excellence diploma just one year later - and the brand has stayed at the top since.
Their Verglas Down Insulator is one of those pieces that can be worn by anyone, anywhere, whether you’re an 18-year-old cross country skier or an 80-year-old cross country walker. It’s extremely soft, warm and snug thanks to 20D Nano ripstop down fabric, and can easily be used for layering.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose has been at the top of its game in the outerwear industry since 1957. The Ontario-based company creates jackets that literally feel like you’re wearing a duvet, such are their softness, warmth and right amount of weight.
Their Down HyBridge Base Jacket is more in line with the urban winter, something sleek and sharp looking, away from the big bulky creations we so often associate them with. Insulation is predominantly of the duck down variety, although Canada Goose has used more breathable fabrics in some areas to keep you warmest where you need it, without overheating. Water-resistant and highly durable Cordura fabric is used for the exterior, and Dynamic Knit allows for greater range of motion.
Moncler
Founded in 1952 by René Ramillion and André Vincent, Moncler is an abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, the town in which they came from near Grenoble in the French Alps. They initially started making jackets to protect walkers from the cold and have pretty much stayed at the top since.
Moncler’s jacket range is nothing short of extensive, and all are just as capable as the next, but the Taillefer jacket is a particular highlight. Exuding Moncler style in spades (just take the red white and blue accents for example) this jacket is filled with down insulation, comes complete with a hood (non-removable) and numerous pockets to keep your essentials close by.
Mountain Hardware
Californian brand Mountain Hardwear has been inspiring outdoor enthusiasts with their clothing solution since 1993. They’re not super expensive and produce some real quality garments, such as this StretchDown jacket, a perfect stand-alone piece or mid-layer.
It’s incredibly stretchy making it perfect for treks and climbs, as well as being light and easy to pack. It’s made with a knit fabric that offers more comfort than standard down alternatives and retains maximum loft even when wet. This puffer is a great allrounder for those who love to be outside all winter long.
The North Face
US outerwear giant, The North Face, has been specialising in climbing outerwear since 1966 when Douglas and Susie Tomkins opened their first retail store in San Francisco. They’ve put their years of experience in some of the world’s most inhospitable climates to great use, and now create pieces for that can be used by mountaineers and city slickers alike, such as this 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket.
Although it uses 100% duck down it has a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) shell that offers great protection from the wind and rain. It also features a stowable hood and high loft baffles that create a boxy silhouette.
Orlebar Brown
London brand Olebar Brown has come a long way since exploding onto the scene in 2007 with their stylish shorts. Their collections now cover all types of men’s clothing, including killer winter jackets.
This Ritter Jacket has a shell weaved from Korean fabrics that are both water-resistant and highly durable for warmth and peace of mind. 650-fill power down insulation means you won’t lose heat when the temperature plummets - whilst a chin guard and hood protect your face and head from sideways rain and snow.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a standard-bearer in the world of winter outerwear. For nearly 50 years they have been producing innovative layers for some of the planet’s most testing conditions. Their Nano Puff jacket is all the best things the brand offer rolled into one nice, compact package.
The ripstop shell is made from 100% recycled polyester with DWR properties and a brick quilted pattern. Excellent warmth is assured thanks to 60g Prima-Loft Gold Insulation, which is a blend of highly compressible, recycled fabrics that also offer water resistance. It’s also bluesign and fairtrade certified, meaning it’s not only made from sustainable fabrics but it’s also ethically produced.
Ralph Lauren Polo
Ralph Lauren has entered the puffer market with a very reasonably priced jacket for such a major fashion house - and it looks great.
Yes, we associate Lauren with jumpers, polos and suits, but this El Cap Down Filled puffer is perfect for winter protection. It’s nicely coloured for a start, bright without being flashy, with a synthetic water-repellent shell. It’s filled with down feathers to keep you snug and features a detachable hood and two side pockets. There’s also a drawstring hem to keep blustery winds out whilst holding heat in.
Shakelton
Inspired by the Great British explorer of the same name, Shackleton was set up in 2016 to produce high-performance winterwear for expedition type extremes.
They use materials that have been tried and tested in both Arctic and Antarctica conditions. Their Black Wild Down Jacket weighs on 700g and is packable to an impressive 1.5 cubic litres. Shackleton has used power goose down sourced in Europe for insulation, with a fantastic windproof and water-resistant shell. There’s also a removable hood, with drawcord for further protection. This bad boy will keep you cosy in anything up to -20°C and is the ideal winter travel accessory.
Stone Island
Stone Island was founded in Italy by Massimo Osti in 1982 and has become a leader in high-quality sports casual wear - made for dapper chaps in jeans and sneakers.
Their Crinkle Reps Down Jacket slightly reinvents the classic puffer style and is somewhere between a bomber and a ski jacket. Either way it looks great, and a full down fill with nylon shell will keep you warm and cosy. It also features a packable hood, three front pockets and ribbed cuffs and hem.
Uniqlo
Japnese high-street giants Uniqlo have made their name from simplicity, getting the basics right and creating well-made clothing for those with a tighter budget.
Their Ultra Light Down Puffer Jacket is a great way to stay warm when you’re on the go, whether you’re on your way to meet mates or a chilly morning commute. It’s insulated by 90% down and 10% feathers and comes with a water-repellent (for light rain) nylon shell available in six snazzy colours. It has elastical cuffs for added comfort and is light and easy to store once you’re back in the warm.
