Ladies’s REI Campwell Down Parka Assessment

Backside Line

REI strikes once more with the Campwell Down Parka, previously referred to as the Norseland. We had some minor “huhs” in regards to 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 increased high quality. The outside materials is ever so barely extra buttery and fewer crinkly. 

By way of climate safety, the waterproof, PFC-free end helps bead and shed mild snow and drizzle, however this isn’t your coat for wet situations apart from working from the automotive to the shop. It wetted by throughout our soak check in simply 7 minutes. Nevertheless, the down maintains some loft, which we didn’t anticipate.

We solely have a number of disappointments with this model. They didn’t line each panels of the pockets with the comfy brushed tricot just like the Norseland had. The neck remains to be not lined with brushed tricot (dearest REI, in the event you’re studying this, give our chins a mushy place to tuck away from the chilly). Lastly, in the event you put on make-up, or are a greaseball, or simply put on sunscreen each day (it is best to), the lighter colours will discolor, however the jacket is mechanically cleanable. 

With these updates, the Campwell nonetheless stands on the prime of our record of finest winter jackets due to its affordability, heat, and purposeful type. The insulation energy of this coat just isn’t messing round. The mixture of 650-fill down and artificial insulation excels in offering heat with no 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 downtown Denver. We stood in 40 MPH winds in NW Montana, ran errands, went to the flicks 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 certainly one of our greatest performers in heat. That is because of 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 capacity to lock in warmth, making it a strong alternative for winter temperatures as little as the low teenagers. It’s an amazing stability of heat and weight, particularly for individuals who need to keep cozy with out feeling weighed down.

Climate Resistance

The Campwell Down Parka performs finest briefly stints of rain, mild snow, and low temperatures. Its DWR-treated recycled polyester shell will bead moisture, however extended publicity to precipitation will ultimately 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 rapidly.

Consolation & Performance

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

For that reason, we favor this coat for shorter bouts of snowy situations, like going from the automotive to the shop. In any other case, it was good 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 respect its breathability as an alternative of trapping our sweat after we acquired huffing and puffing. 

The aspect zips are purposeful for air flow and mobility. Plus, it stops the parka from doing that massive stomach bubble when sitting. Nevertheless, whereas standing, it may give the jacket a barely boxy look and trigger the again panel to flare out. The jacket’s general match is extra relaxed than slim-cut parkas, so in the event you favor a extra fitted look, this is probably not your best option. 

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

Options

The REI Campwell Down Parka boasts a number of options that goal to enchantment to many varieties 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 palms heat. The aspect zips are a novel characteristic, permitting for additional consolation for sitting or venting. 

The boxy match from the aspect zips isn’t as glossy as another parkas in the marketplace. Nonetheless, for the worth, the Campwell consists of spectacular particulars like a comfortable 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 tough to search 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 sorts. The comfortable fleece-lined hood is a pleasant contact, however not probably 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 Think about?

The REI Campwell isn’t the one winter parka on our information to the finest winter jackets for girls. Listed here are another winners that you just may like:

The North Face Hydrenalite Assessment: A bit extra stylish, much less cumbersome, and a much less abrasive material, this hip minimize puffer helps you to stand in chilly climate and really feel fairly dang comfy, nevertheless it isn’t meant for critical winter publicity. 

Outside Analysis Coze Down Assessment: For final protection and long-lasting heat for standing or strolling round in excessive winter winds and snow, try the Coze Down from Outside Analysis.

Rab Deep Cowl Parka Assessment: For those who’re after a quick-drying down puffy parka that balances technical efficiency with on a regular basis type, the Rab Deep Cowl delivers.