Price
Men’s down coats are available in different sizes and designs. They are also studded with various features and the one you choose would largely be dependent on these. Some brands also may have their coats pegged at a higher price than others though their features may be quite similar.
The expected price of a men’s down coat is largely dependent on the type, its versatility, level of warmth it provides and some other features. After our research, the price range of the down coats we chose to feature started at around $200 to $380. In the course of this research, we came upon some cheap men’s down coats which we did not include in our review. These coats do not have the required durability and comfort that the products from our featured brands possess. We assure you that you will have no regrets, because all the men’s down coats we have brought to you are great in their own way, and some are even great for your budget.
Features
Most men’s down coats come in relatively simple designs, but some details have to be well thought out before choosing one. These features are important since they can improve or hamper your outdoor groove, therefore should not be overlooked:
- Material
- Fill power
- Construction
- Coating or treatment
- Traceability of down
- Intended use
- Stuffability
- Presence of hood
- Pockets
- Extras
This list is specifically geared towards helping you remember what to look out for when making a choice of a men’s down coat. Go ahead and you would further understand the impact that each of these factors has on down coats.
Construction and Design
The major materials in your men’s down coat are the outer shell and the lining which impact the coat in terms of its durability, warmth, water-repelling ability and weight. When a coat is termed as lightweight, it means that it doesn’t have a lot of down and most part of the weight is made up of the zippers, the material and its other extra features. The lighter coats are easier to compress and pack up. It is important for you to be sure of the shell fabric material and weight before making a purchase. This determines how well the coat can keep you protected from the elements.
Men’s down coats are fashioned with durability and your comfort in mind. Based on construction design, two types of men’s down coats exist: the sewn through and the box baffle. The sewn through men’s down coats have their external fabric and inner lining fused, so that the down is separated into distinct partitions. Coats made like this are usually lighter, less complicated and more affordable than the other type. On the flip side, they provide less insulation since the stitches form a kind of restriction at the corners, thereby reducing the loft at all such points.
The box baffle type, on the other hand, provides the best means to make the most of loft, increase warmth and maximize fill power. In this type of coat, each baffle is in a different square or partition. There is less restriction and nipping through the length of the baffle which reduces cold areas, thus ensuring a higher level of comfort. Box baffle men’s down coats are often weightier and cost more but they offer maximum warmth.
The ‘fill power’ of a men’s down coat refers to the grade of insulation used in making it. It is a volume in cubic inches that the down will occupy when compressed. The higher the fill power, the less the weight of a coat as compared with another one providing the same level of warmth. It may, however, not always be a final factor when deciding the warmth of a man’s down coat, so careful thought should be given to this in your decision-making time.
We are quite certain you would like to be assured that your down coat is the high-quality outfit that it is claimed to be. To allay any such fears, some manufacturers use downs that can be traced and whose sources are responsible. These downs are referred to as ‘traceable’ or ‘responsibly-sourced’ downs. The companies reveal the sources of down used for their coats and other information like how they are collected from the ducks or geese. If you are particular about how these birds are handled, you are encouraged to get your men’s down coats from such companies. It is worthy to note that one of our reviewed products, the Outdoor Research Men’s Transcendent Down Sweater is infused with goose down from a reliable source.
Performance and Ease of Use
One sure way to choose the best men’s down coat is to first take note of what use you want to put it to. This is even true for any kind of gear you may want to purchase. Are you mountain-climbing, skiing, riding a bike, working or just taking a leisurely tour of the town? Taking stock of these would really help you understand the kind of weather you would be getting into and what kind of protection you would need.
It can often get so windy and bitingly cold, that you feel it on your neck, face and head. This is where a hood comes in handy on a men’s down coat. Hoods keep you warmer and even though they may cost a few extra dollars, they ensure that you are as insulated as possible. Hoods come in different designs; some are large and made to be worn over a helmet while some are made to be fastened to the head, with a helmet worn over them. The latter is made to keep out the chill from your face region and is also great for mountain climbing. They may, however, look rather conspicuous when worn for a regular outing.
Men’s down coats have the striking feature of compressibility. Some varieties include a folding pack, or can be stuffed into the coat’s pocket. When a coat is to be compressed into one of its parts like the pocket, it often comes with loop clip, which makes them easy to link to your climbing gear. For a coat with an external pack, though, care has to be taken not to misplace or lose it outright.
If you are searching for a man’s down coat that is water-resistant, then the hydrophobic men’s down coat type would be a great choice. This type of down coat has downs that have added durable water repellant (DWR) coatings on their exterior. These coats are fashioned to combat one major drawback: the down’s reduced ability to keep loft intact and keep you warm when wet. This water-proof quality is welcome because you can now brace up to the rains without fear of getting drenched or of your coat being damaged. This resistant-coating may wear off after a while, although some manufacturers are working hard to create a state of ‘permanent water resistance’ for their down coats. Many brands have incorporated this hydrophobic technology into some of their coats. Two of our featured products: the Marmot Guide Down Hoody and the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer have this water-resistant feature melded into their design.
Pockets are so cool on most outfits, especially men’s down coats. Besides the fact that they offer additional warmth for the hands and fingers, they are a safe place to put items like your phone, jotter, timer, water bottles and stopwatch. Pockets often give an added taste to your coat while remaining functional. Some extra features like draw strings on the hood and mock zippers make for enhanced performance or just add to the vanity and style of the wearer. Some brands however, go easy on added features as a means of reducing weight.
Are you the adventure-type? For mountain hikes, where you are in touch with high altitudes, you need a thick, warm and heavy coat with lots of features. These coats do not come cheap and you would have to get your wallet ready and your wits about you. If you are a skier, on the other hand, a light down coat with a thin inner layer to keep the sweat at bay is an asset. This can be worn and removed when desired or as you generate body heat from the exercise. In case you are climbing, you would need a coat with specialized features. As a rock climber you need those with internal pockets to hold your flask and stuff.
For ice climbing, the warmest, largest men’s down coat with inside pockets for extra clothing would do you a world of good. When you decide to take to the Alps, do pick a lightweight down coat that is compressible and can be worn as an underlay or outer layer, for easy removal. Are you an outdoor worker that is exposed to the elements as you plod along? Go ahead and get a well-insulated men’s down coat with a restrictive top layer that is tear and rip-resistant. Finally, for your casual day about town and leisurely stroll, a down coat that can be easily worn over your normal clothes is highly recommended.
