Down insulation uses natural goose or duck plumage to trap body heat, giving you the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulation type. A down jacket will keep you just as warm as a much bulkier synthetic one, and it packs down remarkably small—great for touring or travel where space matters.
The catch? Down loses its ability to keep you warm when it gets wet, unless it's been treated with a water-resistant coating. If you ride in wet, coastal climates like the Pacific Northwest, down can be risky. It shines in cold, dry places like Colorado, Utah, or interior British Columbia where storms bring powder, not rain.
Down jackets also come with a premium price tag. But if you ride in cold, dry conditions, want maximum warmth with minimal bulk, or need a jacket that doubles as stylish après-ski wear, down is tough to beat.