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Want to stay toasty in the winter for all your activities? Down fill is long touted as the warmest and is surprisingly lightweight, so if you’re seeking a cozy jacket see which down parka women rate as the best with these popular picks! 

 

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Best Down Parkas for Women

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Table Of Contents

 

 

A lot of TFG readers ask, what is the warmest down parka? With so many choices out there it can be difficult to decide and since a winter jacket is a fairly large investment, nobody wants to make the wrong choice! 

 

 

What Should I Look for in a Womens Down Parka?

 

First and foremost, down is one of the warmest materials so it can handle more drastic temperatures. Choosing a jacket depends on the winter climate you plan to travel to, whether it’s a harsher climate like Alaska or one that’s milder such as Washington state. The last factor is how much you will be outdoors. Here are some tips for choosing the right down parka jacket:

 

• Fill-power rating – When searching for a jacket, you’ll probably see the term “fill-power,” which determines the quality of the down or the amount of loft. A coat that has 600-fill power vs. one that’s 550-fill power may be slighter warmer but both would still keep you warm. If you planned on more extreme temperatures like Iceland, it’s best to aim for a high fill power. Essentially, the greater the fill-power number, the warmer it will be.
• Fill-weight quantity – One term that’s confusing is ‘fill weight,” which is the amount of parka down material that’s actually stuffed into a jacket. Most brands will focus on fill-power vs. fill weight. But to clear this up, if an 800-fill jacket had 100 grams of down, while a 650-fill jacket also had 100 grams of down, the 800-fill jacket would be warmer. However, if an 800-fill jacket only had 90 grams of down, and the 650-fill jacket now has150 grams of down, the 650-fill would in fact be warmer. Basically, more down means more warmth.
• Lightweight and packable – While winter coat parkas made of down sound heavy, it’s actually one of the more lightweight and packable types of jackets. The airspaces retain body heat without the extra bulk that other materials like wool can produce.   
• Water-repellent – Most quality parkas nowadays should have DWR (durable water repellent treatment) applied to the shell to prevent water from soaking in, so just check that the one you’re interested in has that! 
• Responsibly sourced – You can also look for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), to ensure that down and feathers were responsibly sourced. 

 

While this type of jacket can be higher in price than others, a good winter coat is an investment that’s wearable for many scenarios: traveling, commuting, hiking, city exploring, or hanging around your local neighborhood. Most brands will have a women’s down parka sale at least once a year so look out for those! 

 

Now, take a look at these top down parka womens picks that’ll keep you warm this winter and are worth the investment!

 

 

Best Down Parka Women’s Short and Medium Styles

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon

 

Columbia Lay D Down II Women’s Down Parka With Hood

 

Need a decent amount of warmth but not hiking in the harsh Montana winter? This Columbia down parka will be perfect for shorter outdoor stints or city touring as it’s 550-fill power but don’t be fooled—it still has plenty of insulation with Omni-Heat Reflective tech that retains heat yet draws away moisture, along with waterproof capabilities!

Lightweight and packable, it’s also stylish with removable faux fur lining in the hood and a drawcord to adjust as needed, but still very practical, with adjustable cuffs and thumbholes to keep arms entirely warm, as well as, a zippered pocket inside and two outside to keep small items secure.

This Coloradian attests to how brilliantly the coat performs. “I live in Colorado and have always struggled with warmth in the winter. With last year’s snowmageddon storm, I decided that this year I would splurge a little to find the best and warmest jacket that’s waterproof. I spent hours researching and this jacket came up on my list so I bought it. This lighter jacket keeps me warm. The longer I wore the jacket, the warmer it became. The pockets are warm enough and keep my hands warm without gloves. The hood keeps in heat to make the jacket comprehensive in its warming effects and is ADORABLE! It was money well spent! I now hold Columbia in the highest regard!”

Comes in tons of shades and is available in sizes XS-3X.

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Eddie Bauer 

 

Eddie Bauer Superior Down Parka

 

A highly popular brand for all things weather, this Eddie Bauer down parka is no exception. It’s waterproofed with seam-sealing technology and superior DWR to keep water out and warmth in. At 650-fill power, you’ll be super cozy with the microfleece lining, ribbed cuffs, and the adjustable hood with the removable faux fur trim. And it’s also an RDS (Responsible Down Standard) coat as well.

Described as “not too bulky,” it’s perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle with the multiple zippered and flap pockets to hold essentials and the adjustable waist drawcord. But it’s also cute, with several available colors and the ruched waistband is quite flattering!

This Eddie Bauer Superior down parka reviews says it all. “I bought this and a similar parka from another brand and the other brand had so many problems. The Eddie Bauer parka has all of the solutions: easy to zip, easy to snap, easy to adjust hood, collar, waist, plenty of warm pockets, nice range of sizes. With a fleece or sweater on it’s the perfect cold-weather combo.”

As noted in the above review, the jacket comes in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes—right here!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Eddie Bauer 

 

Eddie Bauer Womens Sun Valley Down Parka

 

The Eddie Bauer women’s Sun Valley down parka is another popular choice equipped with a DWR finish, 650-fill power, and a Sherpa fleece-lining (including the zippered pockets!), as well as meeting the RDS ((Responsible Down Standard) requirements.

Style-wise, the fit is not too slim, nor relaxed so quite flattering and the faux fur lined hood is chic! One reviewer says this coat is excellent for both home or travel, “I live in Wisconsin. I bought the coat prior to a trip that included Chicago, Minneapolis, and Amsterdam. One coat had to handle all three places. This one was absolutely perfect! Chicago was cold, Amsterdam was cool and overcast, with rain thrown into the mix on our last day, and Minneapolis was downright frigid—meaning never above zero and as low as 19 below. I was comfortable in all three places, as well as at home since I returned.”

The same user discusses more of the amazing features. “Another advantage is that the coat is stuffed easily into the overhead compartment on an airplane without taking up much space. A nice feature is that it has a zipper pocket on the left chest that fits my iPhone. I’m particularly pleased because I returned two or three disappointing coats before I finally got this one. It was definitely worth waiting for.”

You can get this down parka with fur hood in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes on Amazon or at Eddie Bauer!

 

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | North Face (XS-XXL) | North Face (1X-3X) | Nordstrom

 

The North Face Metropolis Down Parka Women – III

 

Remember the North Face women’s Metropolis II down parka? Well, this year they’ve put out the number III version and it’s just as fab! Rated at 550-fill, it will keep you toasty with a hood that you can snap off, velcro cuffs, and a taller collar that offers extra protection.  

Fully waterproof, lightweight, and cozy, many wearers swear by this down parka coat. One says, “I purchased this about a month ago and have used it as my everyday coat ever since. I’m a very cold-blooded person, and I live in Idaho where winter is cold and very windy, and usually, at this time of year I pull out my most ‘hardcore’ winter gear just to drive to survive. For winter hiking, I wear such a comical amount of layers it’s hard to move. Here’s the deal with this coat though, it’s so much warmer than anything I’ve ever owned. I went from a Patagonia puffy coat to this and I feel like I’m wearing a sleeping bag around (in the best way possible). I can’t believe how warm it is. Today is 20℉ and snowing and I left my house in this coat, winter boots, and a light hat and it was honestly too warm. This purchase was absolutely worth it.”

Comes in a range of fun colors and is available in regular sizes (XS-XXL) and plus sizes (1X-3X).

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos 

 

The North Face Women’s Arctic Down Parka 

 

The North Face women’s Arctic down parka is fully waterproof and breathable and you get a little more coverage with its thigh-length. 

With the ribbed knit cuffs, and a storm flap that covers the center zip, along with an adjustable hood and faux fur trim you’ll be set with this 550-fill coat. Basically, it’s completely designed to keep warmth in!

Just how good is it? This user says, “I live in Massachusetts where the winters are unpredictable, and sometimes unbearable. This jacket is perfect for those nasty snowstorms and raw New England climates. At first, I was skeptical because I’m not a fan of oversized coats, but this one is not bulky at all, and even comfortable to drive in. Highly recommend this jacket!”

The women’s Arctic down parka North Face sells comes in nine different colors and in sizes XS-XXXL.

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: LL Bean

 

LL Bean Baxter Down Parka – Women’s

 

This stylishly looking LL Bean women’s down parka with fur hood is not flimsy at all, having an 650-fill DownTek™ down in hood, collar, body and sleeves, and a two-layer TEK waterproof-breathable shell that repels snow and wetness. 

Chic yet practical to the last, the insulated hood with zip-off faux fur trim, six exterior and four interior pocket, two-way zipper, with snap-closure stormflap and a quilted nylon taffeta lining on body and sleeves will keep a lady uber warm and still take you on a magical wintry night-on-the-town with flair.

This LL Bean down parka review conveys just how cute this piece is! “I bought this coat several years ago in red, for our cold New England winters. I wear it on a regular basis when it’s cold; I also wear it skiing. The red is an “orange red”, which I love! It’s smart looking, and not too bulky- lots of pockets in and out. I never feel cold in this coat. This coat is perfect!”

 

Take a look at these stylish and Insta-friendly water-resistant jackets!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | Zappos | Backcountry 

 

Marmot Down Parka – Ithaca

 

If you need something more heavy-duty in terms of warmth but is shorter, this Marmot down parka women’s style is 700-fill power and is water-resistant. And bonus: the hood is also filled with down and has a faux fur ruff for extra warmth.

The best features have to be the microfleece wrist cuffs and handwarmer pockets, not to mention the many interior pockets that can stash your essentials when on-the-go. This is a terrific, packable coat for travel.

Learn more from this review, “The Ithaca jacket is amazing. The fit is flattering, it’s lightweight and warm. The arm length is perfect and the width is great, not too tight.”

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Backcountry | REI

 

Patagonia Tres Down 3 In 1 Parka Women’s

 

A true all-season champion, this Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 down parka – women’s pick can handle cold and wet weather. The main outer shell is sealed with DWR and the 700-fill down will retain warmth when you need it to perform. 

After the cold season is over, you can then turn this jacket into a spring raincoat! Just zip off the shell from the down liner and voila! The shell also has a detachable hood to keep your head warm for those really windy days. 

And talk about cute! The slimmer fit makes winter look less bulky and a bit more fashionable while staying toasty. A return customer explains, “I purchased this jacket two years ago and gave it to my sister—I just repurchased it again and am pleased to say that this is still a great product. The main benefit of this is the slim fit profile compared to other winter coats. The hood is also deep enough that it doesn’t fall off when your hair is pulled up. I’ve worn the coat through a New York winter, which kept me warm most of the time. Of all winter coats I’ve tried, this one is the most stylish and has a slimmer fit for the warmth it provides.”

While the price tag is fairly high, wearers say the versatility and multi-use purpose of this jacket is worth the investment and will last multiple seasons. However, you could look for a Patagonia Tres down parka sale which does happen once in a while!

 

Read this post on the best down jacket!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XL: Nordstrom

 

Sam Edelman Faux-Fur-Trim Hooded Down Parka

 

Stay dry, cozy, and warm in this Sam Edelman down & feather fill parka with faux fur trim. The trim is removable and the stand up neck with  snap back vents that’ll keep out the cold, and lots of pockets to stash your essentials. 

And we can’t forget it’s darn cute looking too and comes in a ton of colors including a striking yellow! You’ll be stylish wherever you go without sacrificing warmth.

 

 

Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Backcountry

 

Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Parka

 

Described by wearers as “warm, comfortable, and lightweight,” the Fitz Roy goose down parka is a sturdy 800-fill power with a DWR treated shell to repel water and a storm flap over the zipper.  

Along with the hood that has a draft collar to keep out elements, you can also warm hands in the two outside zippered pockets, and stash important items you want to hide in an inside catch-all pocket.

See what this Patagonia Fitz Roy down parka review has to say, “SO comfortable!! Well-designed and well-tailored. It’s like living inside a flattering cloud. Warm hood. My first piece of winter outerwear that doesn’t poke/prod/scratch/tug or otherwise disturb me in some way when I’m in motion. This is my new go-to jacket for hikes and walks.”

 

Include one of the best thermal underwear on your list for your next trip!

 

 

Best Womens Long Down Parkas 3/4 to 7/8 Styles

 

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Backcountry

 

Patagonia Down With It Parka  

 

Wearers call the knee-length Patagonia women’s Down With It parka “super warm and cozy,” and hands-down the important features are the two-way zipper, detachable hood, inside pocket, adjustable side vents, and soft lining around the neck. It also has handwarmer pockets that zip up so great to store things discreetly.

Not only that, the shell is recycled material as well as the 600-fill power down, so you can wear it with confidence. This is a popular jacket for all these reasons and it also helps it have a flattering shape too!

This user is happy with her choice after hesitating too long! “I’ve had my eye on this parka for a while and couldn’t decide between it and another brand. Dealing with 20-degree temperatures finally made me pull the trigger. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. It’s so warm and comfortable! This parka has also kept me warm, and the wind out, on our first few winter hikes.”

 

Learn how to pack bulky jackets in a single suitcase!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Eddie Bauer

 

Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Parka

 

Be totally insulated without that heavy feeling with the lightweight Eddie Bauer women’s Lodge down parka. It’s got a water-repellent finish (DWR), a 650-fill rating, and a cozy fleece lining at the collar and torso area, along with protective storm cuffs.

The faux fur on the hood is adorable (and detachable) and will amply protect your head against gusty weather. The below-knee style will ensure your entire body is encased in warmth! Also comes in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes (1X-3X), right here.

One wearer is glad she spent the money to get a quality coat. “I wanted a LONG winter coat that would keep me warm. I get colder each year and struggle with buying coats that are warm enough without being too heavy that you can’t even move, so delicate that you can’t get them wet (I live where we have lots of snow), poor proportions so one part of the coat is too tight and the other too loose. This coat is toasty, easy to move around it, stylish, and I can remove the hood if I want to.”

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | Columbia

 

Columbia Ember Lightweight Down Parka Women’s 

 

You’ll withstand the elements in this Columbia down parka women’s long style because it’s water-resistant, windproof, and has RDS 550 fill, so you’ll never be caught shivering! 

The sherpa lined hood is reported as fitting well, while the cuffs fit snugly so cold or wet never get in, not to mention plenty of interior and exterior pockets to store gloves and other items.

One review has the cutest way to describe this jacket, “ love this coat. I’m 5’5” and the hem hits me mid-shin. It feels like a giant hug and keeps me super warm in the winters!” Comes in sizes XS-XXL. 

 

Our readers recommend the best cold weather pants!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon 

 

Marmot Montreal Down Filled Parka Womens

 

The Marmot womens long down parka will shield you with it’s quilted design and 700 fill lining. It also has a hood with synthetic fur to protect your head and high collar to keep your neck warm (don’t forget a scar though!). 

It’s also water-resistant and has a fleece hand warmer pocket, along with tons of pockets, with a larger interior one to store more such as a phone or cash. A happy user says, “Toasty warm, lightweight, and good quality. Particularly like the inside pockets for a mobile purse. No need for a handbag. Very pleased with my purchase!”

 

Read more cold weather travel packing articles!

 

 

Best Women Down Parka Comparison Chart

 

 

 

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

 

How to Pack Your Down Filled Parka

 

When it comes to packing a long winter coat, most often it’s best to wear it on the plane and either use it for warmth, roll it for an extra pillow, or store it in the overhead bin. 

But if you want to pack a shorter lightweight down parka, start with packing cubes; they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.

 

 

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!

 

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!

If you need extra help with packing for winter, watch the video and read my tips on how I fit a down jacket into a packing cube! It’s all in my 5 Days, 5 Ways series on packing for cold and hot weather destinations in the same trip.