REI Men's 650 Down Jacket

It's warm, versatile, and packs small and light.

I bought this about a year and a half ago to replace an old synthetic REI jacket of the same style that was just not cutting it after about 15 years. The 650 down is a great upgrade for me. It's warmer and compresses well. I stuff this into one of the side pockets to pack it. Handy!

It has some great features. The hand warmer pockets really work, and inside are some deep pockets that are big enough to hold a water bottle, map, gloves, etc. I would put a water bottle in for day walks around villages or short acclimatization walks when I trekked in Nepal last spring. It became my go-to jacket for the trip.

I bought a size Long and sized up one since I wanted to be able to wear it as an outer layer over a sweater. It also fits great under a hardshell. I like the long because it gives a bit more coverage when moving. Worn over a sweater with good base layers, it was pretty tough not to stay warm. Only sever wind or very wet weather caused me to use a hard shell.

I've used it as a sleep shirt in very cold teahouses and huts and it will also make a decent pillow if you're backpacking. It's a good jacket to take snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. No, you won't want to wear it while you're moving, but when you stop for a few minutes, it sure comes in handy. And with the weight and packed size, it's easy to carry. 

I've been happy with this jacket and, given my previous version lasted 15 years, I'm confident this one has a lot of life in it. After a year and a half, it's showing no signs of wear. None. I got this for half price at the spring sale but even at $130, I think it's a great buy. 

Background

Got my first down jacket in 1970.