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The best insulated jackets for men

Finisterre
Finisterre

We’ve reviewed and tested 14 of the best down and synthetic insulated jackets available on the market today. In the mix, we have a full cross section of options; from highly sporty and technical jackets designed for back country skiing and mountaineering, right through to those intended for casual lifestyle use for a walk to your local pub.

Arc Teryx Cerium LT Hoody

This specialist Canadian outdoor clothing brand turns out items with an exceptional quality and attention to detail that’s hard to beat. With its 850 fill-power goose down insulation, the Cerium LT benefits from exceptional warmth-weight ratio, allowing a really nice snug - as well as super packable - and sleek fit whilst still being really warm. Well fitted around the hips, a great fitting design around the neck and elasticated at the wrists, you're totally set for a multitude of high action winter sports or walks in the park. It is more at the top end in terms of price, but this will definitely serve you well.

£300, Arc Teryx, Buy it now

Norrona Tamok Lightweight Down750 Jacket

Build quality from this Norwegian brand is always second to none, and this 750 fill-power down jacket is designed to be both your main insulating skiing layer, as it is for your everyday life and city wear. The Tamok is a highly windproof cosy jacket made from a hard wearing material with a matte finish, which makes a nice change from the trademark shiny effect that most insulated jackets have. Primarily designed as a winter active wear layer, it’s a little longer in the body giving extra warmth and protection. It has a neat top front pocket, although not quite big enough for an iPhone, and has soft fabric placed around the chin which is super comfortable when fully zipped up. A great transitional piece which will serve you well from skislope to city this winter.

£329, Norrona, Buy it now

Finisterre Nebulas

If you’re looking for one of the warmest lifestyle orientated insulated jackets out there, the Cornish brand Finisterre has got your back with the Nebulas. It’s a great looking, really versatile and stylish jacket and once you’ve put your hands into the generously sized luxe fleece-lined pockets, chances are you’ll be sold. It’s windproof, and the insulation is made from totally recycled polyester, as is the ripstop shell, so if you’re looking to avoid natural down and for something that’s more forgiving in the rain - this is a great shout. It’s not a light high action wear jacket, but it’s perfect for a go-to piece to see you warm and stylish through the depths of a cold winter. The fit is generous, so perhaps even consider going a size down.

£225, Finisterre, Buy it now

Dynafit

This German brand is super popular on the continent amongst the active outdoor crowd with an eye for the best. Lightweight and warm - with 800 fill goose down - this is designed for higher level winter activities such as ski touring. It’s really stretchy, flexible and comfortable, and the neck is lined all the way round with a super cosy fleece. It comes in a neat colour scheme too which will have you feel sporty from the moment you put it on, three zip pockets, plus reflective panels on the back - you’ll likely be receiving compliments from your more ‘gear orientated’ friends.

£250, Dynafit, Buy it now

Fjällräven Keb Touring Down Jacket

Designed with winter hikes and ski touring in mind, this is a really warm 800 fill goose down jacket. It benefits from a wind and water resistant fabric outer fabric, as this is double layered on the shoulders, hood, sleeves and back, adding extra durability and ideal if you’ll be wearing a rucksack over it. When fully zipped up, it is really cosy and gives great warmth all the way high up your neck - more so than most other jackets - which is a great feature. Filled with ethically produced down as well as the outer and inner lining from 100 per cent recycled PFC-free materials, it’s also a sustainable choice. It is a more considered purchase being the most expensive in this selection, but rest assured this Swedish brand makes top quality gear to last.

£375, Fjallraven, Buy it now

Montane Icarus

If you’re looking for a jacket that’s affordable yet technically very capable, you probably don’t need to look much further. Montane, an English brand synonymous with the characteristics just mentioned, released its latest jacket just over a month ago. It’s windproof and performs well even in the wet with its premium PrimaLoft synthetic fill and is snug fitting, whilst allowing freedom of movement. It has a handy front chest pocket and is also super packable. This is a great, hard wearing all-rounder well suited to the damper British winter weather.

£140, Montane, Buy it now

Patagonia Nano Air Hoody

The Patagonia is a great looking and really lightweight jacket from the king of all lifestyle and ethical brands. Well insulated and water resistant, it’s made from 100 per cent nylon ripstop shell, it’s really cosy and comfortable directly on the skin. Made from a super stretch fabric and revolutionary insulation, it’s designed to perform in the more strenuous and sweaty of winter sports. It has two hand warmer pockets, two chest pockets, adjustable draw cords on the hem and great features. A jacket this capable at this price, not forgetting the iconic Patagonia badge, is a very safe bet.

£190, Patagonia, Buy it now

Salewa Puez Tirolwool Celliant Half-Zip

Italian super activewear brand Salewa offers up a half-zip jacket, designed for strenuous autumn and winter mountaineering. It is therefore designed with free movement particularly in mind, as well as being highly resilient and abrasion-resistant with a nylon - and environmentally friendly - outer fabric. It uses a technical sheep's’ wool insulation to keep you warm, and is naturally odour repellent, soft and breathable. Less designed as a ‘cross-over’ City piece, this is perfect for your outdoor and mountain life.

£225, Salewa, Buy it now

Columbia Outdry Ex Eco Down Jacket

The words ‘down’ and ‘jacket’ never normally sit alongside ‘waterproof’, but now Columbia has itself a ground-breaking high performance product that does just that. With its 100 per cent recycled super eco environmentally friendly fully waterproof shell, it’s the only jacket of its kind. Coupled with 700 fill goose down insulation and being highly breathable, this makes for probably the most forgiving and versatile insulated jacket on this shortlist and that has ever been on the market. As it is environmentally friendly and undyed, it only comes in a rather loud white colour and its seams are fully sealed, so you’re all set to use for any occasion and winter weather. It’s cut on the large side, so if you’re buying online do consider taking a size smaller.

£260, Columbia, Buy it now

Salomon Drifter Mid Hoodie

True to the French brand’s DNA, this is a great innovative jacket. Double sided, it has extra versatility, is warm, cosy and packable. At only £135, it all comes in at a very affordable price point too. Worn one way you’ll be warmer and more and turned inside out you’ll be set with a more casual look and kept at a cooler temperature. In the wild it’s designed as a hiking jacket, fitted with the technical Primaloft insulation - windproof, breathable and light - and it’d also be well suited for layering under a waterproof shell when skiing.

£135, Salomon, Buy it now

Eider Twinpeaks Jacket

This reversible jacket has two distinct sides - one with a printed funky design and zip pockets, the other a more restrained solid colour and hand warmer pockets. It’s a great bet if you’re looking for something that can flit between athletic performance and city life. The hoodless collar also makes an interesting alternative to the rest. Highly packable and with 700 fill duck down, it’s a great mid-weight bet and neat fitting jacket.

£180, Cotswold Outdoor, Buy it now

Brakeburn Insulated Jacket

A lifestyle focused brand based in Poole, Dorset, the Brakeburn insulated jacket does exactly what is says on the tin, and in a stylish yet very affordable way. Designed to fit in with one’s realistic day-to-day life - as opposed to your Mont Blanc ascending alter ego - this is a great jacket to throw on to head for a chilly walk on the beach or to the local pub. What’s more, you won’t need to worry about an unexpected rain shower on your beloved technical masterpiece, as is the case with some of the others listed. This is a great jacket that you’ll get loads of fun use out of.

£89.99, Brakeburn, Buy it now

OEX Men's Zenon Ultra LT Down Jacket

The lightest down jacket in this list at a featherweight 217g, this 800 fill duck down jacket packs a punch for its price. Windproof and extremely packable too - albeit not the most hardwearing - this is an ideal layer to have tucked in your rucksack should temperatures plunge, and thanks to its light weight and small size, you won’t even know you’re carrying it.

£130, Go Outdoors, Buy it now

Picture Takashima Technical Jacket

The Takashima is a great lightweight layer for when the weather takes a turn for the worse. It uses Polartec’s Powerstretch material on the shoulders and sides so is super comfortable and stretchy - meaning you won’t feel restricted. Those looking for eco –friendly togs will love the 100 per cent recycled polyester and Primaloft insulation. All this comes at a realistic price point, too.

£164.95, Absolute Snow, Buy it now

Verdict

Needless to say, choosing the right insulated jacket very much depends on what you’re intending to use it for. If you’re looking for a jacket to use in more physical scenarios, the Dynafit, Salewa and Montane are a great shout (the later giving the most bang for your buck). If you want active as well as waterproof, the Columbia is the only insulated jacket you’ll find that will do that. If you’re looking for one that’s exceptionally packable and light, the OEX is just the job. For skiing; the Norrona is perfect along with the Patagonia and Fjällräven. For more general lifestyle use, Finisterre is your best option followed by the Salomon, Eider and Brakeburn.

If you’re looking for a really well fitting all-rounder that will have you looking good in the city, yet be very capable in outdoor sporty scenarios, the Arc’Teryx is the perfect option.