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    • Best Micro Down Jackets

    Best Micro Down Jackets of 2020

    Down jackets come in several varieties but you can generally sort them into two categories, regular down jackets and Micro Down Jackets. The first being worn solely as an outer layer when the weather is bitterly cold and sometimes even over a shell. The second—Micro Down Jackets don’t contain as much down and are therefore not as warm. They are designed to be worn as a mid-layer under a shell or also as a stand-alone jacket. They are less bulky and therefore easier to compress into a pack so their use as an emergency layer and to stay warm while ski touring is very common. 600 to 800 fill power goose down is most typical for a Micro Down Jacket as is the use of a water-resistant coating so that the down becomes hydrophobic and resists absorbing moisture from light rain or excessive water vapour due to physical exertion of the user.

    For this comparison review, we put several Micro Down Jackets through their paces and rated them on fit/mobility, weight to warmth ratio, packability, features and overall value. We've highlighted the best of what we tested below so that you get a concise overview of only the best Micro Down Jackets out there. Several factors were considered when rating each jacket, namely the jacket's price, the fabric and insulation used, weight and warmth along with features such as the number and variety of pockets, hood adjustability, included stuff sack and more. Read on to discover what we consider the best Micro Down Jackets on the market to be. 

    Best Micro Down Jackets
    BEST
    MICRO
    DOWN JACKETS

    OUTDOOR
    RESEARCH
    ILLUMINATE
    DOWN
    HOODY

    SIERRA
    DESIGNS
    WHITNEY
    HOODIE
    MONT
    BELL
    IGNIS
    DOWN PARKS 
    BLACK
    DIAMOND
    APPROACH
    DOWN
    HOODY
    RAB MICROLITE
    ALPINE 
    PATAGONIA
    DOWN
    SWEATER
    HOODY
    COTOPAXI
    FUEGO
    DOWN JACKET
    ARC'TERYX
    CERIUM SL
    HOODY
    MARMOT
    HIGHLANDER
    DOWN
    HOODY
    MAMMUT
    BROAD
    PEAK
    LIGHT
    PRICE $325 $189 $399 $360 $350 $349 $300 $400 $275 $365
    INSULATION

    800 Fill Responsibly Sourced  Down

    800 Fill DriDown

    1000 Fill EX
    Down

    800 Fill
    RDS
    Certified
    Allied HyperDRY  Down

    750 Fill RDS Certified European  Down

    800 Fill
    Advanced Global Traceable Down

    800 Fill RDS
    Certified Water-Resistant Down 

    850 Fill European  Down

    700 Fill Down
    Water-Resistant Down Defender

    850 Fill Down

    WEIGHT 353g 397g 286g 275g 470g 428g 397g 215g 501g 245g
    POCKETS 5 5 5 3 3 3 5 2 3 2
    ADJUSTABILE
    HOOD
     
    YES NO YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO
    HOOD

    In this 'Best Of' comparison review, we'll be looking closely at several Micro Down Jackets from a handful of brands including Arc'teryx, Cotopaxi, Mont Bell, Mammut, Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, Rab, Sierra Designs, Patagonia and Marmot.

    Best Micro Down Jackets
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Mammut Broad Peak Light

    Mammut’s Broad Peak Light Down Jacket uses a soft, lightweight, wind and water-repellent Pertex Quantum shell material, which is wrapped around an 850 Fill Power down and feather filling. This makes the Broad Peak not only resistant to inclement weather but also super warm and compact. Without a hood, it can be easily worn under other layers without bulking up around your neck and back, but it also works as a solo layer. Backpack and climbing harness-compatible zippered pockets and elastic cuffs and hem round out the features along with the ability to store the jacket in the side pocket if needed.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Mammut Broad Peak Light
    Mammut Broad Peak Light

    Features:

    • Ultra-soft, lightweight, wind- and water-repellent Pertex Quantum material
    • Filled with 70 g 90/10 goose down (850 cuin fill power)
    • Smooth-running YKK VISLON fly
    • 2 backpack and climbing-harness-compatible zipper pockets
    • The jacket can be stowed in the side pocket
    • Elastic cuffs
    • Elastic hem
    • Low packing volume
    • Contains non-textile parts of animal origin (down or leather)

    Fabrics:

    Main material: 100% Polyamide
    Lining: 100% Polyamide
    Insulation: 850 Fill Power, 90% Down|10% Feather

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    PROS:

    • Easy to wear under a shell without a hood.
    • Super light and packable.
    • Super light and compact.
    • Meant to be light and compact and therefore not full featured or to be worn over a sell.

    CONS:

    • No hood.
    • No internal stuff pockets.
    • No hem adjustments.
    • Limited features.
    • Not waterproof down.

    SPECS:

    Price: $365CAN / $279US
    Weight: Men’s - 245g/2.5oz;
    Women’s - 190g/6.7oz
    Fill weight: Men’s - 70g/oz;
    Women’s - 60g/2.1oz
    Insulation: 850 Fill Power, 90% Down,10% Feather
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s -  XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black Goden, Black-Phantom, Highway-Sapphire, Poseidone-Olive; Women’s - Black-Phantom, Highway-Sapphire, Pink-Olive, Sapphire-Dragon Fruit
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 7.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 1.5/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1/2 
    Value                    1/2


    Marmot Highlander Down Hoody

    Whether chilly, damp weather hits on or off mountain, the Men's Highlander Down Hoody will keep you warm and dry. Windproof Pertex Quantum fabric helps improve the warmth and efficiency of the lightweight 700-fill-power down. Elastic binding at the hood and cuffs add extra weather protection while zippered hand pockets provide a place to stash small gear. The Highlander's clean design and extra warm construction make it a hit for urban or backcountry use.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Marmot Highlander Down Hoody
    Marmot Highlander Down Hoody

    Features:

    • Water-resistant Down Defender provides lightweight warmth, an extra level of moisture protection and retains critical loft of the 700 fill-power-down insulation
    • Pertex Quantum® fabric is designed to protect from wind and improve the efficiency of insulation
    • Zippered hand pockets
    • Elastic-bound cuffs for close fit and added protection against the elements
    • Attached hood with elastic binding for close fit and added protection against the elements

    Fabrics:

    Shell: Pertex Quantum 100% Recycled Polyester Mini Ripstop 1.3 oz/ yd
    Insulation: 700 fill-power-down water-resistant Down Defender

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    PROS:

    • Internal zippered chest pocket.
    • Reasonably priced.

    CONS:

    • No internal stash pockets.
    • No hood adjustment.
    • Heavy and bulky.
    • No external Napoleon pocket.
    • Not a warm as others tested.

    SPECS:

    Price: $275CAN / $225US
    Weight: Men’s - 501g/17.7oz;
    Women’s - 414g/14.6oz
    Fill weight: 148g/5.2oz
    Insulation: 700 fill-power-down water-resistant Down Defender
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Steel Onyx, Surf, Crocodile, Hawaiian Sunset; Women’s - Black, Arctic Navy, Acai, Dry Rose, Lavender Aura
    Warranty: Marmot warrants every product they make to be free of manufacturer defects.
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8/10

    Fit/Mobility          1.5/2   
    Weight to Warmth 1.5/2 
    Packability            1.5/2
    Features               1.5/2 
    Value                    2/2


    Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody

    Arc'teryx perfected their minimalist design philosophy with the Cerium SL Hoody—the 'SL' standing for ‘Superlight’. This highly packable down hoody performs super-well as a mid-layer but is also just warm enough to be a standalone insulation layer in the backcountry or around town. The 850 fill power goose down has a high warmth to weight ratio and the wind-resistant Arato 7 nylon shell adds to the Cerium SL Hoody’s ultra-lightweight while still being tough and able to resist abrasions. The Cerium SL Hoody is topped off with an insulated StormHood for extra warmth on those windy summit bids but forgoes any other features which are not essential in order to keep weight and packability to a minimum.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Arcteryx Cerium SL Hoody
    Arcteryx Cerium SL Hoody

    Features:

    • Moisture-resistant outer face fabric
    • Breathable
    • Insulated
    • Great warmth-to-weight ratio
    • Compressible and packable
    • Wind resistant
    • Ultralight

    Fabrics:

    Shell: Super lightweight Arato 7 face fabric with DWR finish repels moisture
    Insulation: 850 fill European grey goose down

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    PROS:

    • Stylish clean design.
    • Adjustable hem.
    • Packs down super small.
    • Light.

    CONS:

    • Expensive.
    • Not waterproof down.
    • No Napoleon pocket.
    • No internal stuff pockets.

    SPECS:

    Price: $400CAN/$349US
    Weight: Men’s - 215g/7.6oz;
    Women’s - 205g/7.2oz
    Fill weight: Men’s - 58g/2oz;
    Women’s - 53g/1.8oz
    Insulation: 850 fill European grey goose down
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Robotica, Redox; Women’s - Black, Lolite, Utopia 
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 1.5/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

    Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Jacket uses responsibly sourced, water-resistant 800-fill down to keep you warm if things get wet. The DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell repels moisture and is as tough as it is lightweight. The Fuego’s streamlined, athletic fit is ideal for any activity which demands mobility. Its built-in scuba hood and elastic binding throughout help seal out the cold while an assortment of stash pockets provide space for any necessities you need to carry along. You just can’t go wrong with this toasty down insulation layer especially if you are a fan of Cotopaxi’s retro-inspired colours options.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket
    Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

    Features:

    • Full-length front zipper
    • Streamlined, athletic fit
    • Scuba-style hood
    • Elastic binding at hood and cuffs
    • Adjustable drawcord at hem
    • Two interior stash pockets
    • Zippered hand pockets
    • Included stuff sack

    Fabrics:

    Shell: 20D giant-ripstop nylon with DWR finish
    Lining: 20D mini-ripstop nylon lining
    Insulation: 800-fill RDS-certified, water-resistant down

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    PROS:

    • Inexpensive.
    • Included stuff sack.
    • Internal stuff pockets and a zippered pocket.
    • Water-resistant down.
    • Fleece-lined pockets.

    CONS:

    • No hood adjustability.
    • No down insulation on the sides.
    • No external Napoleon pocket.

    SPECS:

    Price: $300CAN / $$250US
    Weight: Men’s - 397g/14oz;
    Women’s - 340g/12oz
    Fill weight: TBD
    Insulation: 800-fill RDS-certified,
    water-resistant down
    Sizes: Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Admiral, Sahara, Pine, Graphite;  Women’s - Evergreen, Port, Admiral, Black
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 1.5/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1.5/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody 

    Patagonia's classic Down Sweater is the most environmentally conscience micro down jacket we tested. It uses a 100% recycled polyester shell and liner material along with the use of Advanced Global Traceable Down which means the goose down is certified to ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked. Top this off with the fact that the fabric is certified as Bluesign approved and you've got yourself one ethical down jacket. With plenty of other features and a soft warm feel, the Down Sweater from Patagonia is a tree huggers dream—even for those of you still yet to discover that side of yourself.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
    Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody

    Features:

    • Single-pull adjustable hood; center-front Vislon zipper has wicking interior storm flap and zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort
    • Two secure hand warmer pockets have Vislon zippers and garages; internal zippered chest pocket converts to stuff sack with a carabiner clip-in loop
    • Comfortable nylon-bound elastic cuffs seal in warmth
    • Hem adjusts by pulling cord in hand warmer pockets and releases with cord locks at front hem

    Fabrics:

    Shell: 1.4-oz 20x30-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
    Lining: 1.4-oz 20-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR finish.
    Insulation: 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked).
    Fabric is certified as Bluesign approved

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    PROS:

    • 100% recycled polyester shell material.
    • 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down.
    • Internal zippered chest pocket.
    • Stuffs into internal chest pocket.
    • Fabric is certified as bluesign approved.
    • Member of 1% for the Planet.

    CONS:

    • Hem adjustments located in the hand warmer pockets.
    • No internal stash pockets.
    • No external Napoleon pocket.

    SPECS:

    Price: $349CAN / $279US
    Weight: Men’s - 428g/15.1oz; 
    Women’s - 371g/13.1oz
    Fill weight: TBD
    Insulation: 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down 
    Sizes: Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; 
    Women’s - XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Forge Grey, Balkan Blue, Fire, Carbon, Classic Navy; Women’s - Black, Birch White, Classic Navy, Cobalt Blue, Craft Pink/Classic Navy, Sunset Orange
    Warranty: Ironclad Guarantee, everything they make is guaranteed.
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 1.5/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1.5/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Rab Microlight Alpine

    Rab’s Microlight Alpine Jacket uses a Pertex Quantum outer fabric to keep things light, windproof and breathable. On the inside you’ll find 750 fill power ethically-sourced hydrophobic down which provides considerable warmth without compromising weight. Its many features include two harness-compatible hand pockets along with a chest pocket, adjustable hood with laminated brim, elasticated cuffs and an included stuff sack for storage. If warmth, weight and packability are your main concerns then the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket is one to consider.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Rab Microlight Alpine
    Rab Microlight Alpine

    Features:

    • Rab Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax
    • Micro stitch-through baffle construction
    • Adjustable hood with laminated brim and flexible polymer peak
    • Diverted hood baffle lines for an anatomical fit
    • YKK reverse coil front zip with insulated zip baffle and chin guard
    • 2 YKK reverse coil harness compatible hand pockets
    • YKK reverse coil chest pocket
    • Clean finish elasticated cuff construction
    • Hem construction with dual draw cord adjustment
    • Stuff sack included

    Fabrics:

    Shell: Pertex Quantum outer fabric
    Lining: Pertex Quantum inner
    Insulation: 750FP R.D.S Certified European Goose Down

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    PROS:

    R.D.S Certified European Goose Down. 
    Huge Napoleon pocket.
    2-way adjustable hood.
    Included stuff sac.
    Side gusset construction.
    Flexible brim on hood.

    CONS:

    • Slim fitting and tight under the arms.
    • No internal stash pockets.

    SPECS:

    Price: $350CAN / $280US
    Weight: Men’s - 470g/17oz;
    Women’s - 430g/15oz
    Fill weight: Men’s - 143g/5oz;
    Women’s - 135g/5oz
    Insulation: 750FP R.D.S Certified European Goose Down 
    Sizes: Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Army/Cactus, Beluga/Dijon, Black/Shark, Celestial/Deep Ink, Dark Sulphur, Deep Ink/Footprint, Firecracker, Gargoyle/Sulphur; Women’s -  Atlantis, Blueprint/Celestial, Eggplant/Roccco, Ruby, Steel Passata, Violet/Dark Violet, Black/Seaglass
    Warranty: Usable lifetime of the product for the original owner.
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9/10

    Fit/Mobility          1.5/2   
    Weight to Warmth 2/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               2/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody 

    800-fill RDS-certified HyperDRY goose down insulation is what makes the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody so damn warm. Its RDS certification means you can rest easy knowing it's ethically sourced and the HyperDRY treatment means it will keep you warm even when it gets wet. Pair this with an ultralight nylon ripstop shell that's coated with an environmentally friendly, breathable and PFC-free DWR and you have a down jacket that’s more durable and water-resistant than most others. The Approach Down Hoody is as warm as it is compact and when you no longer need it, it conveniently stuffs into its hand pocket and secures to your harness with a built-in carabiner clip loop.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
    Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody

    Features:

    • Ultralight nylon ripstop shell fabric with revolutionary GTT PFC-free DWR finish
    • 800-fill, RDS-certified Allied HyperDRY goose down insulation
    • Insulated hood with single-pull drawcord adjust
    • YKK Vislon Slim center front zipper for ultimate packability
    • Two YKK zippered hand pockets and zippered chest pocket
    • Jacket packs into hand pocket with a carabiner clip loop
    • Elastic hood opening and cuffs

    Fabrics:

    Shell: 10Dx7D Lightweight nylon woven with GTT Breathable water protection (26gsm, 100% nylon)
    Lining: 10D lightweight nylon woven with DWR (29gsm, 100% nylon)
    Insulation: 800 Fill Power Goose Down (90% Down, 10% Feather, White Goose Down)

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    PROS:

    • Unique baffle design.
    • Napoleon pocket.
    • RDS-certified Allied HyperDRY goose down.
    • Lots of features.

    CONS:

    • No internal stash pockets.
    • Expensive.

    SPECS:

    Price: $359.99CAN / $299US
    Weight: Men’s - 275g/9.7oz; 
    Women’s - 249g/8.7oz
    Fill weight: TBD
    Insulation: 800-fill, RDS-certified Allied HyperDRY goose down insulation
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XL; 
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Astral Blue, Hyper Red; Women’s -  Purple Haze, Black, Wild Rose
    Warranty: 100% satisfaction, they’ll repair, replace or refund it. No charge. No fine print. No debate. Guaranteed.
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 2/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1.5/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Mont Bell Ignis Down Parka

    Mont Bell has always been known for their superior down sleeping bags and jackets and their Ignis Down Parka is no exception. Using 1000 Fill Power EX Down Mont Bell maximizes warmth and packability while minimizing weight. The outer shell is made from Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper 13-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon so it will cut the wind, shed water and resist abrasions. The Ignis Down Parka is designed from the ground up to take on cold conditions when moisture could potentially cause havoc with your adventures. The 2-way adjustable hood, a plethora of pockets and included stuff sack all add up to one impressive cold weather down jacket.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Mont Bell Ignis Down Parka
    Mont Bell Ignis Down Parka

    Features:

    • Sewn thru construction
    • 2-way adjustable hood
    • Adjustable alpine cuff
    • Drawcords for hem adjustment hidden in pockets
    • Weather-resistant Aqua-Tect main zip
    • 1 zippered chest pocket
    • 2 zippered hand pockets
    • 2 interior drop-in pockets
    • Stuff sack included

    Fabrics:

    Shell: Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper 13-denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon with DWR treatment
    Lining: 7-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon taffeta
    Insulation: 1000 Fill Power EX Down

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    PROS:

    • Unique quilting pattern.
    • Micro-adjustable cuffs.
    • Napoleon pocket.
    • Stuff Sac included.
    • Hidden handwarmer pockets.
    • 1000 Fill Power Insulation.
    • Internal stash pockets.
    • Three-point adjustable hood.

    CONS:

    • Hem adjustments are located in the handwarmer pockets.
    • Expensive.

    SPECS:

    Price: $399CAN / $399US 
    Weight: Men’s - 286g/10.1oz; 
    Women’s - 242g/8.5oz
    Fill weight: Men’s - 60g/2.1oz; 
    Women’s - 52g/1.8oz
    Insulation: 1000 Fill Power EX Down
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL; 
    Women’s -  S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Mallard, Black; Women’s - Topaz, Black
    Compressed size: Men’s - 13 x 21cm / 4.9 x 8.2in; Women’s - 12 x 21cm / 4.5 x 8.4in
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 2/2
    Packability            2/2
    Features               2/2 
    Value                    1.5/2


    Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie

    Sierra Design’s Whitney Hoodie offers up impressive features and all at the lowest price of any down jacket in this review. At just $189 Canadian or US, the Whitney Hoodie is 1/2 the price of most other down jackets out there. Don’t let this diminutive price tag fool you, the Whitney Hoodie uses 800 Fill DriDown which will keep you warm even when it gets wet. With five pockets in total, there is also plenty of space to store things. The two hand warmer pockets are ideal for just that and any small items you want to keep warm will fit nicely into the two internal stash pockets—say climbing skins or spare gloves. There is also an external Napoleon pocket, which is ideal for smaller items like cell phones and cameras.

    One of my favourite features of Sierra Design’s Whitney Hoodie is the use of cuff gaskets which do an amazing job of keeping the cold out. Once you experience them you’ll see what I mean. Fully featured and at an amazing price—how did Sierra Designs do it? I don’t know and don’t care, all I know is that is one great Micro Down Jacket.  

    Best Micro Down Jackets Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie
    Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie

    Features:

    • 800 Fill DriDown
    • Two Zippered Hand Pockets
    • Inside Kangaroo Pockets
    • Insulated Yoke with Zippered Chest Pocket
    • Stows into zippered pocket
    • Overstuffed hood and high collar increases comfort
    • Bungee drawstring adjustable cinch with cord lock
    • Elastic Cuffs

    Fabrics:

    Shell: 30D Shadow Rip Polyester
    Lining: Nylon
    Insulation: 800 Fill DriDown

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    PROS:

    • Cuff gaskets keep out the cold.
    • Hidden napoleon pocket.
    • Huge internal stash pockets.
    • Inexpensive.

    CONS:

    • No hood adjustment.

    SPECS:

    Price: $189CAN / $189US
    Weight: Men’s - 397g/14oz; 
    Women’s - 354g/12.16oz
    Fill weight: Men’s - 160g/5.6oz; 
    Women’s - 160g/5.6oz
    Insulation: 800 Fill DriDown
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Olive, Bering Blue; Women’s -  Majorca Blue, Olive Green, Sunflower, Black
    Warranty: Warranted to the original owner against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 2/2 
    Packability            2/2
    Features               1.5/2 
    Value                    2/2


    Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody

    Backcountry Skiing Canada Gear of the Year

    The Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody not only landed in the top place out of all the Mirco Down Jackets we reviewed but it has also been awarded our prestigious Gear of the Year Award as well. Because it has all the features one could ever want with outstanding quality and a totally fair price the Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody was a natural choice for this award.

    The Backcountry Skiing Canada Team.

    Outdoor Research nailed it with their Illuminate Down Hoody. It combines 800-fill responsibly sourced down insulation with a sturdy yet light 10D shell which provides light weather resistance. On the inside, a 20D lining provides next-to-skin ultra-soft comfort with a brushed tricot fabric. The feature set is too long to list here but see below for everything that the Illuminate Down Hoody provides. This is an ideal mid-layer to use under a shell or worn on its own as an insulation layer while taking a break or eating lunch on a backcountry ski tour. It also conveniently packs down into its left pocket for easy storage.

    The horizontally oriented baffle construction is visually appealing and unique to the Illuminate Down Hoody and is conveniently available for both men and women in both a hoody and jacket version.

    Best Micro Down Jackets Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody
    Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody

    Features:

    • Water-Resistant
    • Wind-Resistant
    • Lightweight
    • Adjustable Hood
    • Zip Hand Pockets
    • Two Internal Shove-It Pockets
    • Zip Chest Pocket with internal Media Pocket
    • Left-Hand Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack
    • Carabiner Loop
    • Brushed Tricot Back of Hand Inside Pockets
    • Key Clip
    • Single-Separating Front Zipper
    • Low-Pro Binding Elastic Cuffs
    • Elastic Drawcord Hem
    • Single-Separating Front Zipper
    • Low-Pro Binding Elastic Cuffs
    • Elastic Drawcord Hem

    Fabrics:

    Shell:100% nylon 10D 
    Lining: 100% Nylon 20D
    Insulation: 800 fill power, responsibly sourced goose down 

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    PROS:

    • Water-resistant shell material.
    • Three-point adjustable hood.
    • Fleece-lined pockets.
    • Napoleon Pocket.
    • Internal stuff pockets.
    • Fully featured.

    CONS:

    • Full-featured means it’s not as packable.

    SPECS:

    Price: $325CAN / $269US
    Weight: Men’s - 353g/12.5oz;
    Women’s - 321g/11.3oz 
    Fill weight: TBD
    Insulation: 800 fill power, responsibly sourced goose down
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Naval Blue/Cobalt, Sapphire, Storm/LightPewter, Turmeric, Dark Roast/Saddle, Forest Green/Seaweed;
    Women’s -  Black, Forest, Celestial Blue/Waterfall, Cobalt, Sand/Slate, Teaberry, Light Pewter/Smoke, Washed Peacock, Pacific Plum/Amethyst, Cocao/Beet
    Warranty: Infinite Guarantee throughout the lifetime of the product
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9.5/10

    Fit/Mobility          2/2   
    Weight to Warmth 2/2 
    Packability           1.5/2
    Features               2/2 
    Value                    2/2


    Best Micro Down Jackets

    Verdict:

    Best Fit / Mobility
    Good fit is essential for any jacket, however, this is subjective to each individual and their particular body size. Each of the down jackets tested was a size medium and I weigh 180lbs and am 6'1" tall to give you a frame of reference. Choosing the correct size of a Micro Down Jacket can be particularly challenging given that it may be worn as a mid-layer and also an outer layer. It needs to be snug enough to fit under a shell but also roomy enough to fit over. There is also the question of mobility or the fabrics ability to stretch a little and not restrict the user’s range of motion. Most if not all down jackets don’t really make mobility a priority except for Mountain Hardwear’s StretchDown jacket which was not reviewed here. Having said that the outer fabrics of all the down jackets tested did provide some stretch, albeit minimal.

    Overall the Mammut Broad Peak Light fit the most snug and would not be that versatile but it was designed with that intention. The Rab Microlight Alpine fit well except for how tight it was under the arms which limited overall mobility. The jackets which were most versatile and fit best under and over a shell were Black Diamond’s Approach Down Hoody and Mont Bell’s Ignis Down Parka. 

    Best Warmth to Weight
    While Micro Down Jackets are not as warm as their full-fledged counterparts they are warm enough when you consider their minimal weight, which is why they are ideal for backcountry skiing and other mountain pursuits. The ratio of warmth to weight is an important one where you want to maximize warmth while minimizing weight. This also means that overall volume is minimal when compressed down and stored in your pack which is where most Micro Down Jackets spend most of their time while ski touring.

    The Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody and Mammut Broad Peak Light jackets were by far the lightest tested with Black Diamond’s Approach Down Hoody also weighing in at under 300g. The heaviest jacket tested was the Marmot Highlander Down Hoody which consequentially also made it one of the warmest. The jackets with the best warmth to weight ratio, however, had to be Mont Bell’s Ignis Down Parka (given its 1000 fill down) with the runner’s up being the Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie, Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody and Black Diamond’s Approach Down Hoody. 

    Best Packability
    Lets face it, a down jacket spends much of its time stuffed in your pack and only comes out for windy ridges, extremely cold valley bottoms and lunch stops. This is why a highly packable Micro Down Jacket is preferred. Of all the jackets tested, the most compact and packable were the Mammut Broad Peak Light, Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody, and  Black Diamond’s Approach Down Hoody. While some of the jackets tested came with an included stuff sac others packed down into an internal or external pocket making the job of storing the jacket in your pack much easier. 

    Most Features
    Two of the three highest-rated Micro Down Jackets also had the most features, these being the Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody and Mont Bell’s Ignis Down Parka. They possessed all the features one could ever want which included: a total of five pockets including two hand warmer pockets, one Napoleon pocket and two internal stash pockets, an adjustable hood, hem and sometimes cuffs and more. Keep in mind, however, that more features also means a less packable and heavier jacket.

    Best Value
    Value is defined as the benefit something provides relative to its price. With a high benefit and a low price being the ideal and the lowest price not always meaning it's the best product. Given these parameters, the Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie ranked the best value with its $189 price tag and endless features. A close second and third were the Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody and the Marmot Highlander Down Hoody. While we did test higher-end jackets, their price was high so the quality and features didn’t keep pace and therefore their overall value was lower.
    BEST
    MICRO DOWN JACKETS
    OUTDOOR RESEARCH ILLUMINATE DOWN HOODY SIERRA DESIGNS WHITNEY HOODIE MONT BELL IGNIS DOWN PARKA BLACK DIAMOND APPROACH DOWN HOODY RAB MICROLIGHT ALPINE PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER HOODY COTOPAXI FUEGO DOWN JACKET ARC'TERYX CERIUM SL HOODY MARMOT HIGHLANDER DOWN HOODY MAMMUT BROAD PEAK LIGHT
    BEST FIT/MOBILITY 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2
    BEST WEIGHT TO WARMTH 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2
    BEST PACKABILITY 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2
    MOST FEATURES 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1/2 1.5/2 1/2
    BEST VALUE 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 2/2 1/2
    RATING 9.5/10 9.5/10 9.5/10 9/10 9/10 8.5/10 8.5/10 8/10 8/10 7.5/10

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