Review: SALEWA NXT RDS Down Jacket Men – An “all-around” down jacket ?

A down jacket is a piece of apparel that I ALWAYS carry with me on almost all my backpacking or hiking trips, wet environments included.

In 95% of cases I wear it to keep me warm:

– while resting (during breaks and at camp)

– when sleeping in combination with my baselayers and a quilt.

I quite rarely use it during the activity (e.g. during wintertime on Mt Olympus at the start of the day with temps well below freezing after spending the night high up on the Muses plateau).

For 3-season use, 20 years ago, I used to wear a thick 200+ fleece, which was eventually replaced by a synthetic jacket and for the last 12 years I use light down jackets.

But there’s a reason for that transition made by a good part of the outdoor community!

A quality down jacket:

• has by far the best thermal performance for its weight compared to a synthetic jacket, a woolen sweater or a fleece

• is easily compressed and takes up minimal space in the pack

• has a much longer lifespan making it a clearly a better investment compared to a synthetic jacket, which normally lasts for 1-2 seasons of systematic use.

For the last 6 years, I have used the Salewa Ortles Light down jacket (1st version-2017) in a wide range of conditions, from which I was not completely satisfied. It was very light and compact, but it only had 2 relatively small external pockets that were not secured with a zipper and -most importantly- it was not as warm and long as I would have liked.

In 2025 SALEWA sent me the most innovative product of its insulation jackets collection, the NXT RDS Down jacket, which -among other trips- I also tested during the crossing of the French Alps (Grande Traversée des Alpes~600 km) this past September.

Specifications

Recommended price: €380

Weight: 310 gr (Size L)

Gender: Men and women

Fit: Athletic

Back length: 75 cm

Padding : high-quality RDS Downtek™ treated goose down 850 cuin fill power

Padding weight: 100 gr/ m2

Sizes: 44/XSmall – 54/XXLarge

Insulation

It is impressively warm for its weight thanks to the high-quality goose down (850 fill power with a down/feather ratio of 95/5) and the unconventional distribution – separation of its baffles.

The cuffs and the waist finish are elastic and trap the precious body heat, not allowing drafts to “sink in”.

The down is compliant with the “Responsible Down Standard”, which certifies that the geese have not been subjected to live-plucking or force-feeding and guarantees traceability from the farm to the final product.

In addition, it is water resistant and dries faster than traditional down, since it’s treated with Downtek™ without the use of harmful PFAS chemicals. But moisture is one thing and getting wet is another. Personally, I have never let my down jacket get really wet.

Outer fabric

The nylon ripstop outer fabric is pleasantly soft to the touch! It is also weather resistant and recyclable. After about 1 year of use, it didn’t lose any feathers so far.

Fit

It has a more relaxed fit compared to most in the category that are slim. I wear it comfortably as a top jacket in combination with a baselayer and a light 100-fleece or as a midlayer beneath a hardshell .

Its ergonomic design on the shoulders and sleeves ensures complete freedom of movement. It is satisfactorily long, reaching the bottom of the buttocks. It has a two-way zipper for use with a harness.

In addition to its functionality, I also like how stylistically it stands out from the rest and looks great both in the mountains and the city!

Pockets

The 2 external side pockets (with zippers) are very spacious, as well as the 2 huge internal ones for warming our hands and to store items such as gloves, a beanie, a flashlight, a map etc.

Hood

The hood is quite big and adjustable so that it can be worn comfortably over a helmet but can also be tightened so much that -leaving only the eyes uncovered- the rest of the face is protected from the cold.

Volume 

It packs very easily in the left pocket, taking up little space in the backpack and -when uncompressed -it very quickly regains its original volume.

Value for money

It’s suggested price is €380.

Definitely not cheap. But if you want to invest in a light, very warm and innovative down jacket to accompany you for years… then it’s quite worth it!

Epilogue 

Each user might have his/her own needs! Personally speaking, even though I own more than one down jackets, for 3-season use in a wide range of environments and conditions this will be definitely my choice !

Disclaimer :  I was given the SALEWA NXT RDS Down Jacket Men for free by SALEWA due to our collaboration. I’ve never recommended-nor I’ll do in the future- a product that won’t surpass my expectations!