FALSE DESCRIPTION. This is NOT down. This is "down ALTERNATIVE" jacket.
The info on the product page suggests it's real down. I see no mention of "alternative."
expired
Eddie Bauer Men's 550-Fill Down Puffer Hooded Jacket (Gray or Black)
$25
$50
50% off
+ Free Store Pickupat Eddie Bauer
Top Comments
The issue is usually that people have no idea what Fill Power actually means. Fill Power is a measure of the quality of the down insulation. It's literally just the number of a cubic inches that one ounce of down takes up... it's a measure of 'fluffiness'... which translates into insulating power... which translates into quality.
However, it's not a measure of how warm a jacket is. To know that (in addition to how it's distributed, etc), you need to know both the quality (Fill Power) and the quantity (Fill Weight) of the garment.
So... an 850 Fill Power jacket can have less down in it than a 550 Fill Power jacket and still provide the same warmth... will less bulk.
In addition, jackets like this are made to be mid-layers and not outer layers. The thin nylon fabric is designed to reduce bulk when worn under a shell layer. They're not terribly rip or abrasion resistant... and aren't designed to be. This would be a nice mid-layer... or an 'around town' mid-weight jacket, but it's not the right call for a wet day in the woods or tramping thru brush.
LLBean Ultrilight 850 [llbean.com] - If you can find this one on sale (I got it for under $60 before CB), it's great value for the money. 850FP and good fill weight (probably twice the fill weight of the Eddie Bauer). Very warm (and might be too warm, in certain circumstances).
Other solid options out there for more technical gear (I own Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia down as well)... can be a bargain if you find them on-sale. Particularly like MH StretchDown.
---------------
Submitted 1 month agoBy RobFrom NE, PennsylvaniaTerrible jacket. Terrible fit. Terrible quality. The sides are spandex so there's zero insulation there. And there's No way this jacket is a 550 down fill. Whoever designed this jacket should be fired.
Community Reviews
This Eddie Bauer puffer is best understood as a lightweight, layerable jacket for cool to mildly cold weather, especially around town, in the car, or under a shell. The stretch side panels vent heat well and make it comfortable for active use, and the low price makes it feel like a solid value for short outings or 45 to 55 degree days. The main caveat is that the sides are not insulated, so warmth drops off in real cold, and several comments question the fill, fit, and overall build quality. It works best as a thin midlayer rather than a primary winter coat.
Common Questions (5)
No. The sides are stretch/spandex panels with little or no insulation, which improves mobility and reduces sweating but also lets in cold and lowers warmth compared with a fully insulated puffer.
It is described as a light, layerable jacket best for cool to mildly cold weather, roughly 45-55°F, and for short trips like house-to-car or errands. The non-insulated stretch sides make it less suitable for long outdoor exposure or very cold conditions.
Yes. It is described as a mid-layer with thin nylon meant to reduce bulk, and several comments recommend wearing it under a shell or work coat rather than as a primary winter jacket.
At $25, it is repeatedly described as a good buy for a lightweight layer, especially for errands, mild winter, or under a shell. It is not positioned as a premium warmth piece, but several comments say the price matches the build and use case.
The thread contains conflicting claims: some say the product page implies real down, while others say it is down alternative polyester fill. A separate comment says it is probably not the best-quality down but is not synthetic according to the product page, so the safest takeaway is to verify the exact fill before buying.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!
63 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
And … A jacket with 550 fill is huge / overly puffy and doesn't squish down in a backpack like an 850. My 850 looks very thin but is amazingly warm for being so thin!
It's weird to me seeing people walk around in high loft backpacking jackets around town. Mine have patches of tape all over the place because they have been on some adventures. If you're not worried about weight then buy the cheaper 650 fill or less stuff at the puffiness you need. The weight difference is negligible when you are wearing it, but 6-12 ounces extra weight in your backpack on a long trek is weight you don't need.
The only exception I would put out there is if you live in a super could place where your winter jacket is an investment you'll wear daily for months. Then buying a high fill count big ass winter coat with a waterproof/windproof breathable shell makes sense. Because you'll be lugging that thing around for an entire season.
I haven't bought this particular jacket, but I do have similar Eddie Bower stuff. If you want something as a layer or for when it's a little chilly. This will do the job.
It's weird to me seeing people walk around in high loft backpacking jackets around town. Mine have patches of tape all over the place because they have been on some adventures. If you're not worried about weight then buy the cheaper 650 fill or less stuff at the puffiness you need. The weight difference is negligible when you are wearing it, but 6-12 ounces extra weight in your backpack on a long trek is weight you don't need.
The only exception I would put out there is if you live in a super could place where your winter jacket is an investment you'll wear daily for months. Then buying a high fill count big ass winter coat with a waterproof/windproof breathable shell makes sense. Because you'll be lugging that thing around for an entire season.
I haven't bought this particular jacket, but I do have similar Eddie Bower stuff. If you want something as a layer or for when it's a little chilly. This will do the job.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
and yes the "stretchy mid panels" which I had overlooked wouldnt cut it for me, either.
I think it's worth noting that the down does not go the entire way around the jacket. The sides of the jacket have no down and they're basically a hoodie. You can see in the third pic
Lately, prices have climbed dramatically and the jackets are thin and fit poorly. Their claimed prices before "sale" are insanely high for what you get and even at 50% off, it doesn't line up with low end fabrics and build quality they now have across the line.
This jacket is worth $25.
Please provide a list of the Eddie Bauer products you've actually purchased and worn... and why you didn't like them. Just so we know what to avoid.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
The issue is usually that people have no idea what Fill Power actually means. Fill Power is a measure of the quality of the down insulation. It's literally just the number of a cubic inches that one ounce of down takes up... it's a measure of 'fluffiness'... which translates into insulating power... which translates into quality.
However, it's not a measure of how warm a jacket is. To know that (in addition to how it's distributed, etc), you need to know both the quality (Fill Power) and the quantity (Fill Weight) of the garment.
So... an 850 Fill Power jacket can have less down in it than a 550 Fill Power jacket and still provide the same warmth... will less bulk.
In addition, jackets like this are made to be mid-layers and not outer layers. The thin nylon fabric is designed to reduce bulk when worn under a shell layer. They're not terribly rip or abrasion resistant... and aren't designed to be. This would be a nice mid-layer... or an 'around town' mid-weight jacket, but it's not the right call for a wet day in the woods or tramping thru brush.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!