Ladies’s REI Norseland Down Parka Assessment

Backside Line

REI strikes once more with the Norseland Down Parka. It’s on the high of our record of greatest winter jackets due to its affordability, heat, and elegance. The insulation energy of this coat doesn’t fiddle. The mix of 650-fill down and artificial insulation excels in offering heat and not using a hefty price ticket. The truth is, our insulation take a look at blew us out of the water; it ranked third out of the ten we examined on our information to the very best girls’s winter jackets. It took a whopping 145 minutes for the within of the coat to drop 30 levels and attain outside ambient temperatures.

The waterproof, PFC-free end helps bead and shed gentle snow and drizzle, however this isn’t your coat for moist circumstances apart from operating from the automotive to the shop. It wetted via throughout our soak take a look at in simply 7 minutes. Nevertheless, the down maintained a few of its loft, which we had not anticipated.

How We Examined

We lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency of the Norseland, and it carried out higher than we anticipated for such an reasonably priced winter jacket. We wore it on winter scooter rides via 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 circumstances, from chilly and dry to moist and snowy.

Heat

The REI Norseland Down Parka was unexpectedly one among our greatest performers in heat. That is because of the mixture 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 snug in chilly climate.

Our heat take a look at confirmed how we felt within the area. The Norseland lasted 145 minutes earlier than the temperature dropped 30 levels to ambient circumstances. 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 awesome steadiness of heat and weight, particularly for individuals who wish to keep cozy with out feeling weighed down.

Climate Resistance

The Norseland performs greatest briefly 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 you of your heat.

In our soak take a look at, 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 awesome 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 Norseland Down Parka. It has a roomy, snug 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 cool and feels good, nevertheless it doesn’t slide simply over a beanie. If left down, it accumulates snow in a not-so-pleasant means. 

For that reason, we like this coat higher in shorter bouts of snowy circumstances, like going from the automotive to the shop. In any other case, it was excellent within the chilly and dry circumstances of Colorado this December. Whereas we by no means attempt to break a sweat whereas sporting down jackets, we did respect its breathability as a substitute of trapping our sweat once we bought huffing and puffing. 

The aspect zips, whereas useful for air flow and mobility, give the jacket a barely boxy really feel and trigger the again panel to flare out awkwardly. The jacket’s total match is extra relaxed than slim-cut parkas, so if you happen to favor a extra fitted look, this might not be the only option. 

The hood cinch is useful, however they positioned it contained in the collar, which isn’t probably the most intuitive or simple to make use of when the jacket is totally zipped. After some time, we bought the hold of it and adjusted the hood cinch earlier than totally zipping. One fear is how lengthy the snaps will final as a result of they’re burly snaps hooked up to the shell, which looks as if over time, with use and UV, the material might tear.

Options

The REI Norseland Down Parka boasts a number of options that intention 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 lined to assist hold your arms heat. The aspect zips are a novel function, permitting for additional motion when sitting or strolling. 

The boxy match from the aspect zips and the interior hood cinch, whereas useful, isn’t as glossy as another parkas available on the market. Nonetheless, for the worth, the Norseland 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 Norseland Down Parka?

An reasonably priced 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 bought a hardy shell, lofty down, and has a roomy match that works for all physique varieties. The comfy fleece-lined hood is a pleasant contact however not probably the most sensible for anybody who has hair that has an affinity for rats nesting. In the event you don’t just like the swishy sound of artificial shells, this jacket additionally isn’t the quietest. Even nonetheless, this can be a nice coat for informal outings in bitter climate.

What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?

The REI Norseland isn’t the one winter parka on our information to the greatest winter jackets for ladies. Listed here are another winners that you just would possibly like:

Patagonia Down With It Assessment: A bit extra female type, elevated protection, and a useful hood delivers a coat you may stand in howling winds and really feel fairly dang snug, even when it has much less insulating energy.

Out of doors 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 Out of doors Analysis.

Rab Deep Cowl Parka Assessment: In the event you’re after a fast drying down puffy parka that balances technical efficiency with on a regular basis type, the Rab Deep Cowl delivers.