Our Favorite Insulated Jackets for Utah Winters
In the Salt Lake City-area outdoor community, a puffy coat is standard three-season attire. Add on a beanie and your winter wardrobe is dialed. Whether you favor down or synthetic insulation, there’s a host of techy and urban-styled options available this season.
So whether you need a new puffy for yourself, a loved one, or a child, check out our favorites first:
Merrell Silversun Featherless Puffer Review: We love the baffled design that stretches to fit your form while still appearing fitted. The faux fur hood zips off easily if that’s not your style, and while we love the look of it when the hood is down, it’s an overwhelming amount of fur when the hood is on. So consider removing it if you’re planning to wear the hood often. Don’t be dissuaded by the bold look, this coat looks great on! $230 merrell.com
Outdoor Research Women’s Placid Jacket
Synthetic or Down: 700-fill power down
This stylish bomber jacket style is at home in the city, but it’s made of weather-resistant, durable fabrics so don’t be afraid to take it into the great outdoors! The removable hood cinches tight to shield you on gusty days.
Review: Love the urban style! Our only gripe with the design is that it’s a bit shorter and tighter than expected, so consider sizing up if you like a looser fit.$275 outdoorresearch.com
Outdoor Research Men’s Diode Jacket
Synthetic or Down: 70% DWR-treated down 30% PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation
Stuffed with a unique blend of DWR-treated down and synthetic Primaloft so you stay dry in situations where pure down would normally wet out. The water-resistant down makes up the bulk of the body with weatherproof PrimaLoft® Gold insulation in shoulders, hood, and other areas most likely to get wet. Great for belaying or during ice climbing or skiing, but versatile enough for any cold weather pursuit.
Review: This jacket topped our men’s testing because it combines the benefits of down and synthetic insulation into a lightweight yet warm coat that’s super compressible, making it easy to stuff in a pack. Guys loved the ability to have one winter coat that’s usable for a range of hobbies and activities. $325 outdoorresearch.com
Cotopaxi Unisex Tianjin Jacket
Synthetic or Down: 600-fill waterproof down
Newcomer to the apparel scene and local Utah brand, Cotopaxi, has upped their game this year with eye-catching, functional products made high-quality fabrics.
The unisex design means guys and girls can wear the same style, but note that men’s and women’s specific modern cuts are offered so it will have a tailored fit for your body type.
Review: The polyurethane-backed canvas fabric provides excellent water resistance for Utah’s snowy winters, and we love that it’s stuffed with waterproof 600-fill down so it’s not a one-trick pony just for sunny days. Also works great as a jacket to wear for a night out as it doesn’t appear as technical as it actually is. $250 cotopaxi.com
Patagonia Baby Puffy
Synthetic or Down: 100% Traceable Down
Made for infants up to toddlers, this reversible, lightweight jacket is insulated with 100% Traceable Down, meaning Patagonia assures it was never force-fed or live-plucked. The lining fabric is also Bluesign® approved.
Review: We get it, $120 is a lot to spend on a rapidly growing baby, but if you’re planning on adding more than one tiny tot to your family, this warm coat is a great investment. It’s built to be handed down and will last and last. Plus, if your baby spends as much time outside as you do, he/she is going to need a high-quality winter coat. When your baby spills or spits up, we love that the reversible design allows you to hide it until you can wash it or switch jackets. $120 patagonia.com
Patagonia Nano Puff- Special Edition
Synthetic or Down: synthetic, 60g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation
