Ladies’s REI Campwell Down Parka Evaluation

Backside Line

REI strikes once more with the Campwell Down Parka, previously referred to as the Norseland. We had some minor “huhs” concerning the Norseland coat, and it looks like REI learn our evaluate! The hood cinches are extra accessible, the buttons are stitched to last more, we just like the wrist gasket materials higher than Norseland’s chunky ones, and the pocket zippers are greater high quality. The outside materials is ever so barely extra buttery and fewer crinkly. 

When it comes to climate safety, the waterproof, PFC-free end helps bead and shed gentle snow and drizzle, however this isn’t your coat for wet situations aside from working from the automobile to the shop. It wetted by way of throughout our soak check in simply 7 minutes. Nevertheless, the down maintains some loft, which we didn’t count on.

We solely have a couple of disappointments with this model. They didn’t line each panels of the pockets with the comfortable brushed tricot just like the Norseland had. The neck remains to be not lined with brushed tricot (dearest REI, if you happen to’re studying this, give our chins a gentle place to tuck away from the chilly). Lastly, if you happen to put on make-up, or are a greaseball, or simply put on sunscreen on daily basis (you need to), the lighter colours will discolor, however the jacket is machine cleanable. 

With these updates, the Campwell nonetheless stands on the prime of our record of greatest winter jackets due to its affordability, heat, and practical fashion. The insulation energy of this coat just isn’t messing round. The mix of 650-fill down and artificial insulation excels in offering heat and not using a hefty price ticket.

How We Examined

We lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency of the Campwell, and it carried out higher than we anticipated for such an inexpensive winter jacket. We wore it on winter scooter rides by way of downtown Denver. We stood in 40 MPH winds in NW Montana, ran errands, went to the films and out to dinner, and walked our canine in sub-zero temps on this down parka to see the way it fared in variable situations, from chilly and dry to moist and snowy.

Heat

The REI Campwell Down Parka was unexpectedly one in every of our greatest performers in heat. That is due to the mix of 650-fill down insulation and 120g of recycled artificial insulation within the decrease physique and hood opening. This design helps retain warmth and retains you comfy in chilly climate.

Our heat check confirmed how we felt within the discipline. The Campwell lasted 145 minutes earlier than the temperature dropped 30 levels to ambient situations. The fleece-lined hood and knit cuffs additional improve the jacket’s means to lock in warmth, making it a stable alternative for winter temperatures as little as the low teenagers. It’s an amazing stability of heat and weight, particularly for many who wish to keep cozy with out feeling weighed down.

Climate Resistance

The Campwell Down Parka performs greatest in brief stints of rain, gentle snow, and low temperatures. Its DWR-treated recycled polyester shell will bead moisture, however extended publicity to precipitation will finally penetrate the shell, dampen the down, and zap your heat.

In our soak check, it took 7 minutes for water emigrate to the within of the jacket. This was typical amongst different DWR recycled polyesters. We did discover that the down did an amazing job of sustaining loft, and we couldn’t squeeze moisture out of the coat, not like another fashions we examined. It additionally dried out shortly.

Consolation & Performance

Consolation is a serious plus with the REI Campwell Down Parka. It has a roomy, comfy match, excellent for layering over sweaters or base layers. We carried it on the airplane and used it like a blanket. The fleece-lined hood appears to be like cool and feels good, however it doesn’t slide simply over a beanie. If left down, it accumulates snow in a not-so-pleasant method. 

Because of this, we favor this coat for shorter bouts of snowy situations, like going from the automobile to the shop. In any other case, it was excellent within the chilly and dry situations of Colorado this December. Whereas we by no means attempt to break a sweat whereas sporting down jackets, we did recognize its breathability as an alternative of trapping our sweat after we acquired huffing and puffing. 

The facet zips are practical for air flow and mobility. Plus, it stops the parka from doing that huge stomach bubble when sitting. Nevertheless, whereas standing, it can provide the jacket a barely boxy look and trigger the again panel to flare out. The jacket’s total match is extra relaxed than slim-cut parkas, so if you happen to favor a extra fitted look, this will not be the only option. 

The hood cinch acquired a redesign, and it’s cuter and extra practical. The collar is tall and retains the wind out, however the material isn’t the softest, so we did get just a little redness/chafing, however that was after a protracted day of sporting it and continuously tucking my chin out and in.

Options

The REI Campwell Down Parka boasts a number of options that intention to enchantment to many forms of wearers for each consolation and performance. The entrance zipper is protected by an internal and outer storm flap, and the 2 hand pockets are brushed tricot-lined to assist maintain your fingers heat. The facet zips are a novel function, permitting for further consolation for sitting or venting. 

The boxy match from the facet zips isn’t as glossy as another parkas in the marketplace. Nonetheless, for the value, the Campwell consists of spectacular particulars like a comfy fleece-lined hood and sensible storm flaps for added heat and climate resistance.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Campwell Down Parka?

An inexpensive parka that truly retains you heat is difficult to seek out. Excessive-quality down is normally very spendy, however this jacket is each heat and affordably priced. It’s acquired a hardy shell, lofty down, and has a roomy match that works for all physique varieties. The comfortable fleece-lined hood is a pleasant contact, however not essentially the most sensible for anybody who has hair that has an affinity for rat nests. General, it is a nice coat for informal outings in bitter climate.

What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Take into account?

The REI Campwell isn’t the one winter parka on our information to the greatest winter jackets for ladies. Listed below are another winners that you simply may like:

The North Face Hydrenalite Evaluation: A bit of extra fashionable, much less cumbersome, and a much less abrasive material, this hip minimize puffer permits you to stand in chilly climate and really feel fairly dang comfy, however it isn’t meant for severe winter publicity. 

Outside Analysis Coze Down Evaluation: For final protection and long-lasting heat for standing or strolling round in excessive winter winds and snow, take a look at the Coze Down from Outside Analysis.

Rab Deep Cowl Parka Evaluation: In case you’re after a quick-drying down puffy parka that balances technical efficiency with on a regular basis fashion, the Rab Deep Cowl delivers.