Down Versus Soft Shells

If part of the trip is spent in winter and/or high altitude, one good warm jacket to deal with extreme cold is essential. The biggest debate seems to be between down jackets and soft shells.

Down Jackets

Down jackets vary in quality and warmness. There is no standard in "warmness" since individual fitness levels, health, wind-chill factor, and activity affect how you will feel the cold. Like down sleeping bags, down jackets will have a "fill" rating and percentage of down vs feather. The higher, the warmer, generally speaking. They are usually quilted so that the down is more evenly distributed.

Advantages: 

• The warmest material compared to wool and synthetics
• The lightest fill material available
• Packs down into a very compact package. 

Disadvantages:

• If it gets wet by rain, snow, or sweat, it becomes useless for warmth, becomes very heavy and takes ages to dry
• Is suitable only for the very cold, so it has a limited range of use.

Soft Shell Jackets

These are high tech waterproof breathable jackets made of engineered fabrics like Gore-Tex. Most aren't warm enough in extreme temperatures to be worn by themselves, but are designed instead to be the outermost layer with your mid-weight polar fleece, acting as a windproof and waterproof barrier.

Advantages:

• Highly waterproof
• Breathable
• Very versatile if used cleverly with layers

Disadvantages:

• Relatively heavy
• Bulky to pack

So, What to Choose?

Well, it all depends on a few things:

• How cold will it be?
• How active are you going to be?

If your trip is going to be fairly active with hiking, trekking and the like, layering with a soft shell is the best option, allowing you to strip off layers as you heat up while the breathable fabric allows your sweat to evaporate. If you plan to walk around town or visit extremely cold places, then down will be the better option.