We tested 26 puffer jackets from popular brands like Alo and The North Face.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. bubble jacket with hood
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A puffer jacket is one of the best pieces of outerwear to have in your wardrobe, especially when it comes to traveling. The style of coat is typically lightweight and easy to pack without compromising warmth and comfort.
Since puffer jackets can range in price, style, and materials, we hand-picked and tested 26 coats from trusted brands like Alo, Canada Goose, Ugg, The North Face, and more to find the perfect puffer for every intended use. From performance jackets for outdoor adventures to stylish and splurge-worthy picks, we rated each jacket on fit, design, quality, and warmth to recommend the top 10 puffer jackets that impressed us most during testing.
The synthetic fill is lightweight and warm, and the hood is removable for less bulkiness.
It has a slightly oversized design and more limited sizing than other brands on this list.
Alo’s cropped puffer jacket offers the perfect balance of sporty and stylish, making it one of the most versatile coats we tested. While the jacket has a shorter cropped design, the synthetic down fill and ripstop fabric exterior provides the upper body with plenty of warmth. On extra chilly testing days, we were grateful for the removable hood and cinched hem that prevents wind from seeping in. Plus, the synthetic down fill kept us perfectly warm without overheating on less cold days, too. One of the warmest jackets Alo offers, this puffer is perfect for running errands or going out to dinner in the winter months. We found that the jacket runs true to size, but if you want a tighter fit, consider sizing down if you’re not into the oversized look.
The Details: XS to L | Ripstop fabric, down alternative fill | Water-resistant
The jacket looks nice enough to wear from day to night.
Some feathers leaked out of the jacket during testing.
This Uniqlo jacket costs a fraction of the price compared to other jackets we tested, and it performed just as well. Made with real down fill, this mid-length puffer is warm and cozy without feeling too warm and restrictive for various activities like commuting, hiking, or walking outside. It runs true to size, but we found that the material has a bit of stretch so it can accommodate layers underneath on extra chilly days. While some of the feathers poked out of the jacket during testing, the materials feel high-quality and made to last.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, polyester, down fill | Water-resistant
The jacket has a cozy, marshmallow-like feel when wearing it.
The cream color could get dirty easily.
Designed to be worn in below-freezing temperatures, this Halfdays parka is a seriously warm jacket. It’s filled with PrimaLoft synthetic down fill with a DWR water-repellent finish so you can wear this cozy jacket in all types of weather conditions. We love how the jacket is extra warm in the cold, but we didn’t easily overheat it when wandering between being indoors and outdoors, and the jacket is slightly oversized so we could comfortably wear a thick sweater underneath. One of our favorite features of the jacket is the unique hood and collar that boast built-in neck gaiter flaps that wrap around the neck for even more warmth. The jacket comes in an orange spritz, lilac, and oat milk colors, but just remember that white can get dirty easier.
The Details: XS to XXL | Recycled nylon, polyester, synthetic down fill | Water-resistant
You can wear this jacket in several different ways and in all types of weather.
It might be too warm for transitional seasons.
One of the many jacket styles included in Aritzia’s Super Puff collection, this stylish belted puffer is the perfect jacket to put on when the weather takes a serious turn. Waterproof, windproof, and made for -22-degree conditions, this piece of outerwear will keep you warm and dry. The jacket runs true to size, and it comes with a removable belt to cinch a jacket at the waist for the desired fit and style. This coat is made with some seriously hardy materials, but we were shocked at how lightweight the jacket is, which makes it easy to pack and wear for long periods of time. The 750 goose down fill means the jacket might be too warm for transitional seasons (we first tested the jacket in the fall), so you may overheat if the temps aren’t low.
The Details: 3XS to XL | Nylon, down fill | Waterproof
The minimalist design makes it perfect for a variety of activities.
It’s not the warmest jacket we tried.
Whether walking the dog, running errands, or traveling in the winter, this lightweight puffer from lululemon is the ideal jacket for versatility. The Wunder Puff jacket has a relaxed fit and is made with a durable nylon fabric with a down fill interior that feels super lightweight. We found that the jacket runs true to size with some extra space to layer underneath for added warmth, which you will likely need on cooler days since the jacket might not be warm enough for extra cold weather. Hands down, our favorite feature of this jacket is the detachable hood, which is easy to add and remove, and we’re also big fans of the zippered pockets, cinchable hem, and wrist gaiters.
The Details: 0 to 14 | Nylon, polyester, Lycra, down fill | Water-resistant
The materials are shockingly lightweight.
It has a sportier look.
On Cloud is known for making impressively lightweight running shoes, and its puffer jacket is just as light. We were blown away by the featherlight feel of the fabric exterior and synthetic fill while wearing the jacket for various outdoor activities. It has an athletic design with a hip-length hem, so the jacket isn’t the most versatile for wearing on a fancier occasion. However, those partaking in hiking, biking, or walking outdoors will appreciate the special features like the adjustable hood and hem, two-way zipper, and back ventilation for superb breathability on warmer occasions. All of the materials feel extremely high quality, comfortable, and made to last, so we’re confident in the durability of this jacket.
The Details: XS to XXL | Polyamide, elastane, synthetic fill
It’s easier to pack than expected and is made with materials to last a lifetime.
The high price point could be inaccessible.
Canada Goose makes all kinds of parkas and puffers, and we deemed this cropped version as splurge-worthy. Although this jacket costs a pretty penny, it’s made in Canada with premium Pima cotton and goose down fill, so we’re confident that it’s made to last pretty much an entire lifetime. It’s both water- and wind-resistant, and extremely warm in cold weather so it’s ideal for winter adventures to cities since it’s also undeniably stylish and trendy. Boasting unique features like backpack straps for carrying the jacket hands-free and a thick puffer collar to keep your neck warm, this jacket has a high value for anyone looking to invest in a once-in-a-lifetime puffer purchase.
The Details: XXS to XL | Pima cotton, down fill | Water-resistant
The jacket is super plush and comfortable, and it packs down into a carrying case.
The puffer material looks a bit bulky on.
The North Face’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket certainly delivers in the puffiness factor, so it scored highly for comfort and warmth during testing. Made with 700 down fill insulation, this hip-length puffer kept us perfectly warm without overheating in the fall when temperatures weren’t quite freezing. The jacket runs true to size with some room to add a layer or two for chillier weather conditions. We love that the puffer has various zippered pockets, an adjustable hem, and a hidden hood that folds into the collar. Although this jacket is on the bulkier side, it folds up to fit in a stuff sack for better packability if you don’t want to wear it on an airplane or in the car.
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Ripstop nylon, down fill | Water-resistant
The plush jacket has fleece-lined pockets, wrist gaiters, and hood for extra coziness.
Plush, cozy, and soft, you’ll never want to take off this cropped puffer jacket from Ugg. We wore it in freezing temperatures and it was impressively warm despite the short length of the hem. Some of our favorite features include the fleece wrist gaiters to prevent wind from creeping up the arms and the faux-shearling-lined hood that keeps the head just as warm as the rest of the body. This is a seriously fluffy puffer jacket, but the materials are still very lightweight, and the jacket doesn’t feel bulky when it’s on. One thing to note is that it runs slightly big, so consider sizing down for a more fitted style.
The Details: XXS to XL | Nylon, polyester, synthetic fill | Water-resistant
This jacket offers both warmth and breathability for rigorous activities.
It runs a bit small.
This performance puffer jacket from Jack Wolfskin is the best coat we tried for those who like to take part in more vigorous outdoor activities in the wintertime. Fit for runners, hikers, bikers, and other active people, the synthetic fill is warm, water-resistant, and wind-resistant, but the jacket also boasts fabric side panels for filtering air through to prevent overheating. We found the jacket has the perfect balance of warmth and breathability for hiking in cold weather conditions, and the materials feel very durable and well-made for high-intensity excursions. The jacket has a slim fit and runs slightly small, so if you want a bit more room to layer, consider sizing up.
The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, elastane, synthetic fill | Water-resistant
We tried various puffer jackets that came close to making our list of winners, but fell slightly short in testing.
L.L.Bean Women's Mountain Classic Puffer Hooded Jacket: This jacket is on the bulkier side, which makes it extremely warm. However, it’s easy to overheat it, so it’s best for those who live in or are traveling to very cold climates.
Everlane The ReNew Long Puffer: This parka will keep you nice and toasty in cold weather, but the jacket feels heavy on and off the hanger, so it might not be the easiest jacket to travel with.
Girlfriend Collective Ballerina Cropped Puffer: It’s warm and lightweight, so we never felt like we were overheating while wearing this jacket, but it often fluctuates in and out of stock — so if you see it in your size, buy it before it runs out again.
Our Travel + Leisure editors have tested hundreds of pieces of outerwear, and for this test, we researched and selected 26 puffer jackets from trusted brands like Lululemon, The North Face, Everlane, and more. After testing the jackets for several weeks in temperatures ranging from below-freezing to mid-50s, we rated each coat based on traits such as fit, design, quality, and warmth. We took notes on the fit of the jackets, special features, range of motion, and wear-and-tear. We tried a variety of jacket styles like cropped puffers, parkas, and performance jackets to find a warm, comfortable, and durable jacket for every intended use. We will continue testing the jackets for six more months to make sure they stay warm and durable throughout the winter and will update our findings if anything should change.
Puffer jackets can be made with either feather down fill or with a synthetic fill, so it’s important to check the materials if you have a strong preference. Synthetic fill is usually quick-drying and offers plenty of warmth, but in general, down fill is superior in the warmth department (that means it usually costs more). Synthetic fill can keep you warm even when it gets damp and it’ll cost less.
Intended use is one of the most important things to factor in when choosing a puffer jacket to purchase. Puffers can cost anywhere from under $100 to well over $1,000, so before you add one to your cart, think about the warmth level, weather resistance, style, and breathability before making the investment. If you plan on being active in your jacket, you’re going to want something that’s breathable and has a good range of motion. If you plan on traveling with your jacket, make sure it’s not too heavy or cumbersome. You should also check the temperature at your destination to see how warm you need the coat to be.
Most of the time, puffer jackets will have temperature ratings and other important details highlighted in the product description, which can help you determine which puffer jacket is best for you. Another important thing to keep an eye out for is water-resistant versus waterproof. Not all puffer jackets are waterproof; in fact, most are just water- and wind-resistant, so if you’re heading to a wet environment, be sure to look out for waterproof abilities.
Down jackets feature down fiber from geese or ducks, while puffer jackets can use either down or a synthetic material. That means puffer jackets can also be down jackets unless they are made with polyester insulation or another synthetic material.
It ultimately depends on the materials used to make the jacket, so it’s crucial to read the cleaning instructions for each individual jacket. More often than not, a puffer jacket must be air-dried or even dry-cleaned professionally so you don’t ruin the synthetic fill. However, you should not let a down coat air-dry because the feathers could potentially mold if they do not dry properly.
It’s fairly common for a puffer jacket to only boast water-resistant and not fully waterproof materials. If a jacket is water-resistant, it can keep you dry up to a certain point, but then you’ll likely feel dampness after the wetness threshold has been reached.
T+L Commerce Writer Anna Popp writes nearly all of the Travel + Leisure Trusted articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna sifted through thorough testing notes and used her own outerwear knowledge from growing up in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains to recommend the best puffer jackets for every occasion.
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