Affordable Top Choice for Cold Weather Garments: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket
The latest iteration of the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket boasts several improvements in materials, design, and functionality compared to previous versions, making it a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly lightweight down option.
Key features and improvements include:
- Responsible materials: The jacket uses 650 fill power, Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified goose down, and 100% recycled, bluesign-approved polyester fabric treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to shed light precipitation.
- Weight and warmth balance: Although it is slightly heavier than some ultralight down jackets on the market, it offers a good balance of weight and warmth, providing adequate warmth for its class.
- Construction: The jacket features an insulated zipper guard, draft collar, and a hooded option for an additional cost, enhancing weather protection.
- Design updates: The jacket sports a simple, functional design without extra pockets or fancy features, emphasizing practicality and value.
- Environmental commitment: The use of recycled fabrics and certified down highlights an ecological improvement, aligning with REI’s sustainability goals.
- User feedback improvements: Incremental design tweaks each year aim to improve fit and functionality based on user reviews.
The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket is available in various versions, including a women's version, kid's version, hooded variation, and vest style. The jacket is not packable, but it is feathery light, weighing just 10.9 ounces, making it only a couple of ounces off some high-end performance pieces.
The jacket has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating for added protection from light precipitation. It features two hand pockets, a full-length center zip, and two interior drop-in pockets. However, it does not pack into its hand pocket, and there is no chest pocket.
In summary, the latest REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket offers a responsibly sourced, affordable, and practical lightweight down jacket with modest warmth suitable for backpacking and casual use. Its main improvements center on sustainability, material quality, and the availability of a hood option, while maintaining budget-friendly pricing.
