The North Face’s flagship puffer is also rooted in performance and is made from a 40 denier recycled nylon ripstop shell that’s wind and water-resistant and durable as hell. It’s filled with 700-fill power goose down and stuffed to the brim for superior heat retention. There are warmer puffers out there, but very few places require such heavy duty options. Unless you plan on hiking up K2 or Everest, a trusty Nuptse should do the job.
Best Hard-Wearing Puffer Jacket: Filson Waxed Down Jacket
If there’s a brand that knows winter, it’s Filson. The Pacific Northwest outfitter has built its brand on tough, weatherproofed goods for well over a century, and its waxed down jacket is proof of its rugged DNA. Built from a sturdy waxed canvas shell that can withstand rain, wind, and rough terrain, it’s stuffed with 650-fill power duck down—enough to keep the average Seattleite toasty through February. Wool-blend ribbing at the cuffs, hems, collar, and gusset provides warmth while keeping the frigid gusts of wind out. A two-way front zipper makes it convenient for accessing underlayers and for styling, while microsuede lined pockets keep your hands warm and frostbite at bay.
It’s reminiscent of classic workwear jackets with its boxy cropped design and hood, which makes it perfect for pairing with double-knee pants or cargos. You don’t need to be a lumberjack to rock it, but don’t be surprised if it volunteers you to start the fire when you’re out camping with the homies.
Best Puffer Jacket for Vintage Fiends: Crescent Down Works Classico Down Parka
Crescent Down Works makes puffers that look as good as vintage Eddie Bauer jackets, but perform as well as any puffer in production today. In fact, founder Anne Michelson started her career at Eddie Bauer in 1969, setting up their first-ever down-testing laboratory. Then, in 1974, she launched Crescent Down Works in Seattle, Washington.
Since then, they’ve been designing made-in-the-USA, inclement-weather-tested outerwear that’s tougher than your uncle’s fishing stories. Take their classic down parka, for instance: it’s packed with a solid 14 ounces of 700+ fill power down and wrapped in a cotton-nylon blend outer shell to keep you dry. And forget the zippers—this baby opts for button snaps, a detachable hood, handwarmer pockets, and a vintage-style tag that’s destined to have eBay buyers frothing at the mouth in 20-30 years. Think of it as wearable nostalgia with a side of future investment potential.
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