10-02-2025
The Best Puffer Jackets to Survive the Cold
Klattermusen Lopt Hooded Down Jacket Yet more insulated brilliance from Sweden, where northerly winter temperatures drop to −22 to −40 Fahrenheit. Klättermusen, which translates to 'Climbing Mouse', manufactures some of the highest-performing and stylish outdoor gear available. Yes, they've been co-opted by the fashion-oriented Gorpcore Gang, but don't let the hipsters put you off. The Lopt, which is also available as a vest and without a hood in both men's and women's sizes, weighs just 15 ounces (435-grams) and boasts a generous 800 fill power of sustainably sourced white goose down. It's water-repellent, temperature rated between +10 to -10-degrees Centigrade, and the PFC-free bio-based outer fabric is impressively wind-resistant. I've been using this jacket daily in London and also as a midlayer while skiing, and I've been impressed by the lofty warmth from the down and the comfort of the fit. It can also pack down into a pocket, which is always a bonus. The asymmetrical opening—something you
find on a lot of their gear—does take a bit of getting used to, but once fully zipped up there's absolutely zero chin chafing or annoyance from the zipper. You might not think you've ever been irritated by a zip, but trust me, you notice when it has been eliminated. It is hard to look past the high price of Klättermusen gear, and you do not need to spend $400 to find a jacket to keep you warm, but if you do have deep pockets, I think the brand offers a significant upgrade on athletic and aesthetic performance compared to fashion-focused brands such as Moncler and Canada Goose. — Chris Haslam Specs Down fill power 800 Fill weight unlisted Weight 15.3 oz $459 at Klattermusen (Men's) $459 at Klattermusen (Women's)
Unlike everything else on this page, Ororo's insulated jacket isn't just insulated. In addition to the synthetic Thermolite insulation, the Ororo heated jacket generates heat through a series of carbon fiber heating elements, which plug into a rechargeable battery. There are heating pads on the left and right chest, mid-back, and collar. You can't control heat to individual pads, but there are three heat settings to let you dial in a comfortable temperature to match your exertion level. The outer shell is a DWR-treated nylon that does a good job of shedding light rain and snow, though as with most of these puffer coats, you'll want a rain jacket if it really starts to rain.
Ororo claims up to 10 hours of battery life. That's on low. Running at high in some very cold conditions, I found that 5-7 hours was more realistic, but plenty of time for most things you'd want this jacket for (my daughter declared it the perfect ice skating jacket). Due to the limitations of batteries, I would not take this jacket into the backcountry, but for around town, running errands, walking the dog, this is a great jacket for those coldest of days.
