Jack Wolfskin Helium High Men Down Jacket

We’ve got a whole lot of time for Jack Wolfskin. They make a lot of reliably warm clothing for outdoor activities, that don’t cost a bazillion dollars. A recipe for success, if ever there was one. Jack Wolfskin’s Helium High Men Down product is a fine example of a jacket that can handle the heat, or lack thereof, and not charge you a small fortune for the pleasure of doing so. Without further ado, let’s talk you through its plus points.

Firstly, it’s only £125 so that’s a big tick on value for money. Secondly, it can be stowed away inside its own pocket; so that’s a big thumbs up in the practicality category. Thirdly, the down used is good quality (700 fill power; RDS certified),meaning optimum comfort and insulation is the order of the day. Last, but by no means least, the windproof outer fabric provides additional protection for the wearer. A great winter jacket, and yours for less than the price of a return train journey to basically anywhere in the UK. Top stuff.

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OEX Men’s Zenon Ultra LT Down Jacket

We actually took this jacket out to the wilderness of Iceland and found it was mightily impressive, mainly due to its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio achieved 800 fill power down and lightweight shell material. What’s more, it will hold up to light rain or quick downpours thanks to its hydrophobic coating.

We actually liked this jacket so much that we included it in our Outdoor 100 product guide in 2017. Here’s a taste of what we said about it: “If you’re looking for a windproof, warm layer that’s going to perform superbly when you need it to, and virtually disappear when you don’t, and all at a price that will leave you with enough money for your train home, the OEX Zenon Ultra LT Down jacket ticks all the boxes.

Check out our full review of the OEZ Zenon Ultra LT

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Best Quality Down Jackets 2017/2018

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Alpkit Filo Mens Insulated Down Jacket

Regular readers of Outdoors Magic will know already how much love we’ve got for Alpkit’s stuff. Alpkit are quickly becoming the masters of providing brilliant outdoor gear, at very affordable prices. Check out our Alpkit Gravitas review, if you don’t believe us. Yes, technically, the Alpkit Gravitas is a waterproof jacket but it’s also an extremely good illustration of what the brand itself is all about. As is the Filo, for that matter.

Alpkit Filoment Vest | First Look

The Filo Mens Insulated Down Jacket has won the ‘Best Value Down Jacket’ accolade in a number of specialist outdoor magazines (which seems fitting when you consider the title of this article). As coats go, it’s also highly versatile, guaranteed to keep you warm, and is constructed from ethically sourced down. The zippered fleece-lined front pockets should ensure your hands are snug on even the frostiest of days, while features like its lightweight design and wire-peaked detachable hood round the package off in the nicest way possible.

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Rab Nimbus Jacket

Not, as far as we know, named after Harry Potter’s Quidditch broomstick; the Rab Nimbus is a first-rate featherless synthetic insulated jacket. It’s designed to be an all-rounder, as effective when climbing as it is when worn for winter walks. Manufacturers Rab have made the bold claim that the Cirrus™ insulation is a breakthrough for this type of gear because it combines the positives of natural down and synthetic fillings, whilst masterfully reducing their unique limitations. With magic like this on show, maybe our Harry Potter reference wasn’t too far wide of the mark after all.

Rab Nebula Jacket | First Look

Rab Flashpoint Jacket | Review

Getting into the nitty gritty details for a moment, the Nimbus offers a fantastically well insulated hood that can be worn either over or under a helmet. Throw two zipped hand-warmer pockets into the mix, with the left side one acting as an integrated stuff sack, as well as elasticated hand cuffs and a variety of other cool features and what you’re left with a superbly versatile insulated jacket. The fact it’s only £140 is the icing on a very delicious coat.

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