Why do I need a puffer jacket?
As the temperatures drop, having the right puffer jacket can make all the difference. Whether you need a cosy layer for your morning commute or a high-performance jacket for winter adventures, understanding insulation is key. There are two main types of insulation: down and synthetic, each with its own advantages.
How to Choose the Right Puffer Jacket
When shopping for a puffer jacket, consider:
- Climate – Down is best for dry cold conditions; synthetic is best for wet conditions.
- Weight & Packability – Down is generally lighter and more compressible.
- Activity Level – If you're active, easy to care synthetic insulation may be a better choice.
Women's Jackets
Phoenix Waterproof Down Jacket
A waterproof down jacket for cold, wet conditions that provides reliable durability and warmth.
- Fill: ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY goose down, PrimaLoft® Gold
- Loft: 700
- Fill Weight: Down: 173g, PrimaLoft® Gold: 80g/m2 (size 10)
- Weight: 730g (size 10)
Designed in a boxy shape for casual wear with a matte finish and a zip-off hood.
- Fill: 80/20 Duck Down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 149g (size 10)
- Weight: 770g (size 10)
Designed to wear as an outer or a mid layer, it provides lightweight warmth in cold, dry conditions.
- Fill: 90/10 Duck Down
- Loft: 650
- Fill Weight: 65g (size 10)
- Weight: 230g (size 10)
Designed for use in cold, damp conditions, this down jacket is filled with water-resistant treated down.
- Fill: 80/20 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Duck Down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 211g (size 10)
- Weight: 580g (size 10)
Designed for use on-trail or for use around town. It also packs into its internal pocket.
- Fill: 80/20 Duck Down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 160g (size 10)
- Weight: 430g (size 10)
A hooded down jacket that provides warmth in cold, damp conditions. Suited for everything from hiking to casual strolls.
- Fill: 90/10 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Duck Down
- Loft: 650
- Fill Weight: 185g (size 10)
- Weight: 390g (size 10)
The Alpine Series Arrowsmith combines ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY goose down with a Pertex® Quantum outer to create the ultimate belay jacket.
- Fill: 90/10 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Goose Down
- Loft: 800
- Fill Weight: 187g (size 10)
- Weight: 450g (size 10)
The Pulsar insulated climbing jacket is engineered for warmth in cold, damp conditions. Made with a Pertex® Quantum NetPlus® outer shell. NetPlus® material is made from post-consumer recycled fishing nets.
- Fill: PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E.™
- Fill Weight Sleeves and Hood: 60g/m² (size 10)
- Fill Weight Body: 100g/m² (size 10)
- Weight: 400g (size 10)
Men's Jackets
Phoenix Waterproof Down Jacket
Designed for use in dry and wet conditions, this jacket combines down and synthetic insulation for optimal warmth.
- Fill: 90/10 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Goose Down, PrimaLoft® Gold Loft: 700
- Fill Weight: Down: 185 (size M), PrimaLoft® Gold: 80g/m2 (size M)
- Weight: 820g (size M)
Designed for casual wear in a bomber style shape with a matte finish.
- Fill: 80/20 Duck down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 223g (size M)
- Weight: 870g (size M)
Designed to wear as an outer or a mid layer, it provides lightweight warmth in cold, dry conditions.
- Fill: 90/10 Duck down
- Loft: 650
- Fill Weight: 73g (size M)
- Weight: 270g (size M)
Designed for use in cold, damp conditions, this down jacket is filled with water-resistant treated down.
- Fill: 80/20 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Duck Down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 263g (size M)
- Weight: 680g (size M)
Designed for use on-trail or for use around town. It also packs into its internal pocket.
- Fill: 80/20 Duck down
- Loft: 600
- Fill Weight: 205g (size M)
- Weight: 530g (size M)
A versatile hooded down jacket providing that provides warmth in cold, damp conditions. Suited for everything from hiking to casual strolls.
- Fill: 90/10 ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Duck Down
- Loft: 650
- Fill Weight: 202g (size M)
- Weight: 440g (size M)
The Alpine Series Arrowsmith combines ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY goose down with a Pertex® Quantum outer to create the ultimate belay jacket
- Fill: ALLIED Feather + Down HyperDRY Goose Down
- Loft: 800
- Fill Weight: 194g (size M)
- Weight: 480g (size M)
The Pulsar insulated climbing jacket is engineered for warmth in cold, damp conditions. Made with a Pertex® Quantum NetPlus® outer shell. NetPlus® material is made from post-consumer recycled fishing nets.
- Fill: PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E.™ (100% Recycled)
- Fill Weight Sleeves and Hood: 60g/m² (size M)
- Fill Weight Body: 100g/m² (size M)
- Weight: 480g (size M)
The Details
What does it all mean?
Down Insulation
Down insulation is made from the soft undercoating of ducks or geese, providing superior warmth-to-weight performance.
Why Choose Down?
- Best for cold and dry conditions.
- Superior warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Highly compressible and lightweight
Synthetic Insulation
Unlike down, synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. PrimaLoft® is one of the leading synthetic insulation technologies, designed to mimic down while offering moisture resistance and breathability.
Why Choose Synthetic?
- Best for damp conditions – retains a high percentage of insulating capability when wet
- Fast-drying and easy-care – Machine washable and quick to dry.
- Breathable and durable – Ideal for high-output activities like hiking or skiing.
Need advice? Visit your local Macpac store or contact our team online—we’re here to help. Colours and styles may not all be available. Check online & in-store.
