Lightweight, packable, and hyper-warm, the down pant is a gear essential few have adopted, but a game-changer for those willing to
A handful of years back, while browsing the impossibly huge (and since shuttered, RIP) flagship shop of Japanese outdoor brand Montbell in downtown Portland, Oregon, I came across a rack of down pants. I’d never seen such a thing before. I mean, a down jacket, sure. But a puffy jacket for your legs? On a whim I purchased a pair, and in the years since they’ve become an essential part of my packlist for backpacking, bikepacking, ski touring, backcountry hiking, car camping, hiking, and other types of trips around the world. I even wear them around the house with such frequency I’ve begun to wear through the seat insulation from too much desk chair time. womens insulated jacket
In recent years many North American and European brands have caught on, offering more diversity in the field of down pants—and even shorts and skirts—than ever before. From American-made and PFC-free to partial length variations, the following 13 pairs are our top picks for the best down pants and insulated pants for keeping cozy this winter, both at home and in the elements.
[Down not your thing? Browse the best fleece pants here]
Originally introduced to Japan in 2004, then discontinued, and now back again with lighter, more compressible shell fabric, the Montbell Light Down Pants are the most packable on this list and feature an elastic waist and that’s about it, not to mention 85 grams of water-resistant, 800-fill weight down. They're barebones and better for it.
Women’s: Yes Down Fill: 800 Price: $229 SHOP NOW
Japan’s premier outdoor lifestyle brand first brought fireproof protection to their apparel in 2020 with their Takibi line. These pants protect wearers from fire, water, and even cold. An outer layer of flame-retardant ripstop saves you from getting a little too friendly with the campfire and water-repellent treatment to protect against weather. Full-length side zips reveal baffles of insulation down, hiding underneath while in turn aids in sliding the protective pants over another pair of bottoms a much easier process.
Women’s: Unisex sizing Down Fill: NA Price: $420 SHOP NOW
Mountain Hardwear worked with a serious roster of professional athletes to develop a down pant capable of moving with dynamic, unrestricted motion. The nylon fabric is woven with 18% elastane to provide serious amounts of stretch (for comparison’s sake, your average pair of stretch denim might only use 1-5%). The stylishly slim cut pants use bluesign-approved 700-fill down for warmth that’s contained by a unique zigzag baffling that's the result of welds that are more durable than the typical stitched option.
Women’s: YES Down Fill: 700 Price: $260 $195 SHOP NOW
Alpinists and eager cold weather climbers should look to this ultralight synthetic fill pant made specifically for challenging belay station and overnight bivy conditions. Full-length side zips ease the chore of pulling them over stout mountain boots and base layers while the weatherproof and windproof PU coating shields wearers during high-altitude adventures.
Women’s: Unisex sizing Down Fill: 65g PlumaFill 100% recycled polyester Price: $299 SHOP NOW
If a sleeping bag wished it were pants, it would be reborn as this handmade-in-Seattle by legendary down outfitter Feathered Friends pants. The adventure-ready puffy pants feature full-length side zippers and 900+ fill power goose down, making them ideal for quick layering—you could put them on and take them off without unlacing your boots if you wanted to, which adds a small but important convenience factor that's crucial during cold weather activities. Complete the ensemble with a pair of their down booties.
Women’s: Unisex Down Fill: 900+ Price: $279 SHOP NOW
Outdoor apparel brand Ostrya produces its line of high-end goods in its hometown of Montreal, Canada; the price tag of these down pants certainly reflects that manufacturing origin and the high quality that comes with it. Aptly named, the Bivouac Down Pants combine a lightweight-but-sturdy 40-denier ripstop with DWR finish for weatherproof protection and 850 fill-power Canadian Goose Down. Other notable specs include an elastic waistband with drawstring, elastic boot-friendly cuffs, and an integrated stuff sack. Expedition bound? Might as well snag the matching orange Henderson Down Jacket ($1,133).
Women’s: Unisex sizing Down Fill: 850 Price: $445 SHOP NOW
If you’re snowboarding or skiing this winter season, then Eddie Bauer’s insulated jogger will keep you plenty warm on the slopes by fitting the 800-fill premium down layer under your favorite Gore-Tex snow bibs or pants. During travel, the rear pocket serves double duty as an integrated stuff sack to save space in your travel bag or gear tote. While there may not be a women’s-specific model, consult the brand’s size chart for waist and inseam measurements to find a possible unisex match.
Women’s: No Down Fill: 800 Price: $199 $149.25 SHOP NOW
Outdoor gear retailer Backcountry introduces a fun alternative to standard horizontal baffles with a more angular, jagged quilting pattern on their down pants. A water-repellent finished Pertex face fabric locks in an 800-fill of feather and down, with zippered pockets and adjustable jogger style hems adding convenience to a warm foundation. This one’s bound to serve looks on slopes or cold streets.
Women’s: No Down Fill: 800 Price: $219 $109 SHOP NOW
Stuffed with 160 grams of the highest quality 800-fill, ethically sourced, fluorocarbon-free, hydrophobic European Goose Down, these down pants from UK-based Rab are designed to be worn over a baselayer around base camp. A durable Pertex outer material and two-way zipper make these dependable in a range of conditions. Women’s: No Down Fill: 800 RDS Price: $210 SHOP NOW
Hailing from Iceland, 66North knows a thing or two about keeping warm. The insulation found in the Laki pants is Polartec Alpha instead of traditional down, which is designed to provide warmth but breath, so you can wear them during high-energy activities like hiking or ski touring. Polartec Power Shield Pro panels on the knees, back, and inside leg compliment that trait by provideing stretch for mobility. Finally, a set of standard belt loops is a nice inclusion for those who don't like integrated belts or the drawcords found on other down pants. Women’s: Yes Down Fill: Polartec Alpha Price: $225 SHOP NOW
Beyond the world of outdoor apparel comes this diamond quilted down pant from Japanese militaria replica brand The Real McCoys. By studying photographs and collecting reference pieces, they’ve recreated a 1960’s era expedition pant with faithful details; French duck down insulation, large patch pockets, wool ribbing, a Talon zipper, and a garment tag with retro-inspired artwork. The price tag may be exceedingly high, but take some comfort in the quality the brand is well reputed for and its precise Japanese manufacturing.
Women’s: No Down Fill: NA Price: $628 SHOP NOW
We get that a pair of quilted, insulated shorts may seem paradoxical at first glance, but seeing as these two brands came together for a collection of bikepacking gear and apparel gives it a bit more context for their use case. The ultralight shorts benefit two-wheel adventurers by taking up less space when packed away in stuff sacks or bike bags then providing just enough extra warmth when temps begin to drop at camp. Traveling by foot? They’ll definitely do the trick layered over hiking pants, too.
Women’s: Unisex sizing Down Fill: Recycled Polyester Price: $180 SHOP NOW
The concept of a down-filled skirt may sound nonsensical at first, but they’re a smart way to add a touch more warmth over any pair of pants or winter-weight leggings. A helping of 650-fill down insulates the polyester skirt, which is cut longer in the back and features zippers at each side to allow for unrestricted motion. (If you’re looking for a super lightweight option, check out this 119-gram option from Montbell) Men’s: Unisex Down Fill: 650 Price: $159 SHOP NOW
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