This year’s jackets are predominantly down-filled. This insulation is light, compressible and with the right hydrophobic treatments can perform as well as synthetic fills in damp and wet conditions.

Insulation

Synthetic insulation is durable and retains warmth even when wet. It is generally cheaper, bulkier and heavier than down, although modern synthetic fills are closing the gap in weight and compressibility.

Down offers exceptional warmth-to-weight and compressibility. Most modern down is treated with a hydrophobic coating to help resist moisture and dry more quickly. However, in sustained wet conditions, down can still lose loft if it becomes saturated.

It’s common for jackets to combine both fill types, using synthetic insulation in high-wear or moisture-prone areas like the shoulders, arms and hood, and down in the core where maximum warmth is needed.

Baffles

Down jackets use baffles to keep the fill from moving around. Some synthetic garments also use baffles, among other techniques. Seamless (welded or seam-sealed) construction reduces heat loss through the stitching.

Articulation

Jackets are cut to ensure warm air remains close to the body. It means fabrics will offer some stretch to ensure hems and cuffs don’t rise when arms are outstretched. Articulated shoulders and underarm gussets provide freedom of movement.

Hoods

Hoods improve warmth considerably by trapping warm air around your head without blocking visibility. Hoods on alpine or climbing jackets will fit over or under the helmet. Drawcords are often used to tighten the hood but, as with cuffs, elastic hood hems ensure a more snug and warmth-trapping fit.

Pockets

Two handwarmer pockets are the norm. Large ‘drop-in’ internal pockets can be used to store items close to your body. Lighter and more compressible jackets will stuff into one of the pockets or a separate stuff sack for transport.

Fabrics

Recycled fabrics are now common. The shell should have a PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to increase water resistance. Some hard-wearing jackets use a waterproof fabric to protect the insulation. Breathable, high thread-count fabrics prevent down from poking through the garment..

Collars and cuffs

Cuffs keep out wind and prevent trapped warmth from escaping. They can be self-closed or elastic, with the latter being most effective at trapping warmth. Insulated collars should have a soft ‘comfort’ lining and zip up under or just over the chin.

Fill power

When choosing a down jacket, note the fill power (FP). This is the volume that one ounce of down occupies when full of air, and is usually measured between 500 and 900. The higher the number, the greater the warmth and less fill required to achieve it.

Responsible down standard

Most manufacturers using down insulation adhere to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which prohibits the removal of down and feathers from live birds and force-feeding.

Earth Sea Sky Nano Primaloft $899

\A fully seam-sealed waterproof jacket for demanding conditions. It uses Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation and has articulated elbows and gusseted underarms for freedom of movement. It has a full front zip with storm flap, an adjustable hem drawcord, an internal chest pocket and two handwarmer pockets. Made in New Zealand. 694g (m/w). www.earthseasky.co.nz

Patagonia Durable Down Parker $749.99

\This climbing jacket uses 800FP down and has a two-way zipper with two snap-together internal storm flaps to make it belay device-compatible. It has abrasion-resistant fabric, a helmet-compatible hood, broad shoulders and discontinuous quilting for mobility and loft, zippered hand-warmer pockets (it stuffs into one) and interior drop-in pockets. Made in a Fair Trade-certified factory. 595g (m), 507g (w). www.patagonia.co.nz

Inselberg Centile Hoody $640

This jacket has been developed in collaboration with Everest guides to address the challenges of high-altitude climbing. It has synthetic insulation in areas prone to moisture buildup and 140g of 850FP gold-infused ExpeDRY down at the core and less-exposed areas. It has 15D outer fabric, articulated sleeves, a helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets, an internal security pocket and elasticated cuffs. 390g. www.Inselberg.com

Marmot Guides Down Hoody $599

A classic winter puffer with a recycled polyester ripstop shell, 700FP recycled down and Kapok Flower down insulation with Down Defender hydrophobic treatment. It has zippered chest and hand pockets, side-entry handwarmer pockets, an adjustable drawcord hood and hem and Velcro cuffs. 685g (m), 625g (w). www.marmot.co.nz

Rab Mythic Alpine Light $549.95

A light and breathable jacket designed to keep you warm during stop-and-start activities. It has 900FP hydrophobic down paired with PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation. It uses Pertex Quantum fabric, YKK zips, and a lightweight single-sided rear hem adjustment with anti-snag tether. 252g (m), 227g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz 

Black Diamond First Light 2.0 Stretch Hoody $549.99

An active insulation layer for backcountry rock walls, big alpine faces and ski touring. It uses body-mapped and migration-resistant Primaloft Gold Active insulation for breathability during activity. It has an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, concealed-zip hand-warmer pockets, an internal chest pocket that it stows into, underarm gussets, and 20D nylon face fabric with a stretch liner for freedom of movement. 405g (m), 326g (w). www.bivouac.co.nz

The North Face Bettaforca Lightweight Down Hoodie $550

This jacket uses breathable WindWall fabric to reduce the effects of chilling winds in alpine environments. It has 800FP down, recycled materials, a pre-elasticated hood, zippered hand pockets and an internal chest pocket. 410g (m), 340g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Rab Xenair Alpine Light $399.95

A versatile synthetic jacket using weather-resistant Pertex Quantum Air fabric and recycled Primaloft Gold Active+ insulation that allows airflow when active and traps warmth when at a standstill. It has articulated sleeves, a front zip chin guard, elasticated cuffs, YKK zips and a helmet-compatible hood. 310g (m), 270g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz 

Montane Sirocco Hoodie $399.99

This jacket is for fast-moving activities and offers high wind resistance and breathability. It uses Primaloft Gold Active Vent insulation paired with Montane’s Featherlite Air fabric to trap warmth and resist wind while allowing moisture to move freely away from the body. It has four-way stretch, zoned insulation, fleece side and under-arm panels and lightweight no. 3 YKK zips. 350g (m), 320g (w). www.futherfaster.co.nz

Rab Microlight Alpine $399.95

Rab’s classic insulated jacket has been updated to feature zoned micro- and nano-baffles that increase core warmth. It uses recycled 30D Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon and 700FP recycled Nikwax hydrophobic down, and has three pockets, a down-filled hood with stiffened peak, elastic cuffs, a drawcord hem and a stuff sack. 466.5g (m), 413.5g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz 

Patagonia Nano Puff $399.99

This jacket is a ‘green’ option for those requiring a weather-resistant insulation layer. It uses 60g of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco made from post-consumer recycled polyester and recycled polyester ripstop fabric with PFAS-free DWR. It has two zippered hand-warmer pockets, an internal zippered chest pocket (which it stuffs into), low-profile brick quilting for reduced bulk, and a drawcord drop-tail hem. 369g (m), 309g (w). www.patagonia.co.nz