Beretta just dropped two down jackets for the 2025-2026 season – the Svalbard and the Outback. Both lean into clean design that works whether you’re tracking game or grabbing coffee downtown. No flashy branding, no bright colors.
First Look
Clean lines. Simple design. The aesthetic that combines city-ready looks and field performance in a single garment means you won’t look out of place grabbing coffee downtown or tracking through backcountry snow. This design philosophy reflects what Beretta has been pushing this season – gear that adapts rather than specializes. The new Beretta Suprema waterfowl system is a good example.
Overall construction quality feels solid. Both jackets use SBS zippers throughout. While YKK is often considered the gold standard in the premium gear market, SBS is a well-regarded Chinese alternative.
Down Fill Power & Weather Protection
Both Beretta winter jackets feature 850 fill power grey goose down with a 90/10 down-to-feather ratio. Fill power measures the loft or “fluffiness” of the down. A higher number indicates that the down traps more air per ounce, providing better insulation without adding weight. At 850, you’re getting top-tier warmth in a lightweight package.
However, fill power only tells part of the story. The other crucial factor is fill weight – the total amount of down stuffed into the jacket. A jacket with more down will be warmer, all else being equal. Unfortunately, like most major manufacturers, Beretta doesn’t list the fill weight, which can make direct comparisons between jackets difficult.
When it comes to weather protection, both jackets have a wind-resistant shell treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which helps shed light rain and snow. Keep in mind, though, down loses its insulating ability when it gets soaked. While a DWR finish provides good initial resistance, it won’t hold up in a prolonged downpour. For truly wet conditions, synthetic insulation – which stays warm even when wet – is often a better choice.
Applications
The Svalbard is a technical jacket designed for hunters, mountaineers, and anyone who spends long periods exposed to the elements.
First off, the jacket features wide baffles. Wider baffles means more down and fewer seams through which heat can escape. At the same time, it means the jacket won’t compress easily, but you probably won’t need this functionality in extremely cold and wild environments.
The Svalbard features a pre-formed fixed hood that won’t flap around in wind and doesn’t restrict peripheral vision when you need to scan your surroundings. The jacket also includes an internal zippered pocket to keep valuables secure. The jacket’s cut allows freedom of movement and offers enough room for layering underneath.
If the Svalbard is for serious adventures, the Outback is a multipurpose lightweight puffy jacket. It takes a completely different approach – maximum warmth in minimum space.
Its simpler design – no fixed hood, a more basic pocket arrangement, and snug fit – makes it an ideal mid-layer to wear under a waterproof shell. It’s also perfect to throw in a pack as an emergency insulation piece for everything from backcountry tours to urban commuting in milder winter climates.
Layering Under
Beretta’s Dover Tech sweater deserves mention as a complementary piece. This garment bridges seasons beautifully: in warmer climates, it works as your outer layer during cool mornings, and when winter hits hard, it becomes the ideal mid-layer.
The water-repellent shoulder and elbow patches add practical protection without compromising the classic knit aesthetic. That antibacterial treatment means you can wear it on multiday trips.
BERETTA Men's Dover Tech Half Zip Sweater
$209.00
Price accurate at time of writing
Features:
- Regular fit
- Half zip neckline
- YKK zip
- Warm wool blend
- Nylon shoulder and elbow inserts with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment
- Antibacterial treatment for reduced odour
- 50% wool, 30% polyester, 20% viscose
The Verdict
The Svalbard suits anyone who spends serious time exposed to elements – hunters glassing open country, photographers waiting for golden hour, or mountaineers dealing with alpine weather.
The Outback appeals to travelers, urban commuters, and anyone who needs packable insulation. It layers beautifully, travels light, and handles most winter conditions you’ll encounter around town.
Either way, you’re getting premium down insulation, thoughtful construction, and that Italian design sensibility that makes gear feel special rather than purely functional.
