REI 650 Down Jacket Reviewed in 2025

The Puffer Jacket Reveal

Right out of the bag, I was impressed with this jacket. It felt sufficiently filled with down which is good as the down is only 650 rated and was surprisingly lightweight. The outer fabric feels durable and capable of repelling light moisture, while the insulation filling provides a noticeable loft without adding excessive bulk.

The jacket’s construction exudes a sense of quality craftsmanship, with neat stitching and well-finished seams, and all the zippers worked without issue.

Putting it on, the jacket didn’t feel restrictive at all, allowing for easy movement. I wouldn’t describe the jacket as boxy, but there was plenty of room to add a sweatshirt.

The high collar and the adjustable cuffs seal in warmth effectively, suggesting that it’s designed to combat cold weather conditions. The lightweight feel, combined with its initial warmth and mobility, makes it appear suitable for layering or as a standalone piece in milder temperatures—a promising start for an outdoor jacket.

Down Jacket No Frills Accessories

After donning the jacket, I immediately stuck my hands in the zippered pockets. I was eager to test them, knowing that the previous version of this jacket had small pockets. These pockets were exceptionally roomy, and I could easily fit my cell phone in either outside side pocket, with room for gloves in there with the phone.

The two inside pockets are large as well and can fit any sized ski buff or a solid snack, which was my main concern. One of these pockets is just large enough to be able to pack the whole jacket up inside of it.

With the jacket only weighing 10 oz, it packed up easier than most down jackets I have tested, making it extremely portable. The only downside to portability is that it lacks a carabiner loop, so you can’t clip it to your backpack.

Initially, I was worried there would be too much airflow since this jacket has a more relaxed fit than many other down jackets on the market. I was pleasantly surprised by the adjustable hem at the bottom of the puffy jacket, as well as the cinched wrists that met my hands at the perfect spot.

The neck of the jacket came up right to my chin and helped protect my face from the cold wind. It wasn’t too overpowering, and at no time did it feel like it was swallowing up my face. If you are someone who is mostly using the jacket for casual use rather than heavy exercise, Columbia’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket is a great pick and has additional features such as a longer back and a warm hood.

Quality and Value for Price

The overall quality of this jacket is initially promising. Nothing speaks low quality at first glance, but after digging a bit deeper and testing a bit longer, it is clear that this isn’t the highest quality down jacket out there.

The 650 down filling isn’t the highest rating, indicating that the down filling will likely wear out and lose its insulating properties faster than one with a higher rating, like the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody. With this being said, the filling certainly doesn’t feel skimpy and proved to feel nice and warm with just a thin layer underneath during 30-degree (F) evenings.

REI chose a nylon coating with a DWR finish for this jacket. After some light rain, it was clear that the jacket did a solid job of repelling moisture, though by no means is the puffer jacket waterproof. The worry with a DWR finish is that it will likely wear out over time and need reapplication.

We’ve noted the flaws of this jacket, but let’s not forget the low price! The quality and features of this jacket make the value-to-price ratio high.

We Recommend It!

For most women, we recommend it! This women’s puffer jacket is a great deal and works well for those who want to use it for outdoor activities, such as a mid-layer when skiing or hiking, or for more casual use around town. It won’t be the most long-lasting or warm enough to tackle the brutal cold by itself, but what you get for the price is hard to beat.