Backside Line
Ever end up sporting 3+ hoods in your layering system? It’s an excessive amount of. That’s why we predict everybody wants a easy puffy with no hood just like the REI 650 Down Jacket (males’s / girls’s) for layering. This feature provides distinctive worth for anybody in search of a light-weight, versatile layer, best for on a regular basis put on or gentle outside adventures.
Its responsibly sourced 650-fill down insulation gives wonderful heat for delicate to reasonably chilly situations, whereas the ripstop nylon shell provides a degree of sturdiness that’s not often discovered at this value level.
Weighing simply over 10 ounces, it’s each light-weight and packable, making it a sensible selection for journey, day hikes, or layering underneath a shell for added heat. With a streamlined design, adjustable hem, and roomy inside drop pockets, the jacket combines sensible options with respectable heat.
Nonetheless, as a result of it’s best paired with a hardshell or rain jacket, it lacks outer layer options like a hood, chest pocket, or superior climate resistance. Nonetheless, these trade-offs are minor. Total it’s excellent for informal customers, these centered on affordability, and anybody utilizing it as a part of a layering system. Take a look at our information on one of the best down jackets for extra high-performing choices.
How We Examined
We examined the REI 650 Down Jacket over a number of months throughout Colorado, taking it on daybreak patrol ski excursions close to Loveland Go, crisp day hikes in Boulder’s Flatirons, and frosty city errands in Golden. From layering it underneath a shell for resort snowboarding to counting on it as a standalone layer on chilly shoulder-season hikes, we assessed its heat, consolation, packability, and efficiency in unpredictable mountain climate.
Fast Specs

REI 650 Down Jacket
Finest Finances Down Jacket
CleverHiker Score:
4.4/5.0
Value:
$129
Weight:
10.9 oz. / 10.2 oz.(males’s / girls’s)
Fill Energy:
650
Fill Weight:
3.5 oz. / –
Execs
- Wonderful worth
- Light-weight
- Extremely compressible
- Packs into it personal pocket
- Layers simply
- inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as heat as some jackets
- Easy
- Much less sturdy than some jackets
- No hood
- No chest pocket

Consolation
The REI 650 Down Jacket is surprisingly comfy for its value. Its plush really feel and well-rounded design make it an ideal on a regular basis jacket or chilly hike outer layer. Its 20D ripstop nylon shell and lining are delicate to the contact, making it comfy to put on over a T-shirt or with different light-weight layers .
Throughout testing, we appreciated how simply the relaxed match and easy material slid over baselayers with out catching or bunching. It’s heat sufficient to face alone in cool climate (~40 levels) however slim sufficient to suit underneath a shell when wanted.
The elastic cuffs and adjustable hem hold the drafts out with out feeling too tight, making the jacket tremendous comfortable. Its light-weight design means you may throw it on for a hike or an off-the-cuff outing and barely discover it’s there. Plus, the collar zips up snugly to maintain your neck heat and comfortable on chilly days.
That stated, the jacket’s lack of a hood barely limits its coziness in chilly, windy situations in comparison with hooded options. Moreover, whereas the match is flexible, it might really feel boxy for these preferring a extra athletic lower. Nonetheless, the REI 650’s mixture of soppy supplies, considerate options, and a light-weight design makes it a standout within the finances down jacket class for consolation.

Heat
This jacket delivers strong heat for on a regular basis put on and light-weight outside use, nevertheless it’s not constructed for frigid situations.
With 3.5 ounces of 650-fill down, it balances insulation and affordability nicely. It’s not as toasty as higher-fill-power choices on our information to one of the best down jackets , nevertheless it’s heat sufficient for shoulder-season adventures and delicate winter days.
We wore it on chilly morning hikes in Colorado’s foothills, ski excursions, and even round city, and it held up nicely in temps all the way down to the low 40s with only a base layer. Including a mid-layer made it comfy for resort snowboarding on colder days.
The thick baffles and adjustable hem assist entice warmth, however with no hood and with lower-quality down, it doesn’t carry out as nicely in freezing temps. The 650-fill down additionally lacks the loft and warmth retention of premium options, making it much less environment friendly when compressed.
That stated, for a budget-friendly jacket, it does the job. It’s a strong decide for informal put on and delicate outside adventures, providing respectable heat with out the excessive price ticket of premium choices.

Weight & Packability
The REI 650 Down Jacket is a light-weight, packable layer that’s nice for informal adventures and on a regular basis put on. At 10.9 ounces for the boys’s model (our measurement giant weighed 11.9 ounces), it’s one of many lighter jackets in its value vary.
It’s not as ethereal as ultralight choices just like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2, nevertheless it finds a pleasant center floor between weight and sturdiness, making it a strong all-around selection.
One in all its finest options is how simply it packs down into its personal pocket, making a compact little bundle that matches neatly in a backpack. We discovered it tremendous handy for tossing in a daypack on hikes or stuffing right into a carry-on for journeys. It doesn’t compress as a lot as high-end technical jackets, nevertheless it’s loads transportable for most individuals.
That stated, when you’re a minimalist backpacker in search of absolutely the smallest packed measurement, this shouldn’t be your prime decide. However in order for you a dependable, light-weight jacket that’s straightforward to convey alongside and received’t break the financial institution, the REI 650 Down is a superb worth..

Climate Resistance
The REI 650 Down Jacket holds up tremendous towards gentle wind and drizzle, however like most down-filled jackets, it’s not constructed for tough climate. The 20D ripstop nylon shell has a DWR coating that does an honest job of shedding gentle rain and snow, retaining moisture from soaking in—at the least for some time.
Throughout testing, we seen water beaded up and rolled off in delicate drizzle and dry snow, which helped the jacket preserve its heat for twenty to thirty minutes.
This isn’t the form of jacket you need to depend on in regular rain or moist situations. Not like some pricier down jackets, it doesn’t have hydrophobic down or artificial insulation in key spots, so as soon as it will get moist, it loses heat quick. If there’s an opportunity of heavier rain or snow, you’ll need to throw on a shell for further safety.
We discovered the wind resistance to be respectable. The adjustable hem successfully blocks drafts, however the absence of a hood and wrist changes permits chilly air to sneak in. It’s not a technical outer layer by any means, however for on a regular basis put on and informal outside use in delicate situations, the 650 Down Jacket will get the job carried out.

Breathability
The REI 650 Down Jacket breathes nicely sufficient for on a regular basis put on and light-weight exercise, nevertheless it’s not the only option for high-exertion adventures. The 20D ripstop nylon shell prioritizes heat and sturdiness over airflow, so it doesn’t ventilate in addition to extra technical materials.
We stayed comfy with out overheating on informal walks and straightforward hikes in cool climate. However, greater exertion assessments on hill-climbs and brisk walks in delicate temps led to noticeable warmth buildup.
The jacket’s relaxed match permits for some pure airflow, which helps throughout average exercise. However like most down jackets, it lacks air flow options like pit zips or mesh panels, making it much less best for something too strenuous.
Unzipping the entrance will help you dump some warmth, however general, this jacket is best suited to cooler temperatures and lower-intensity outings.
If breathability is a prime precedence, an artificial or hybrid choice is perhaps a greater wager. Nonetheless, the 650 Down is a strong, budget-friendly decide for layering in shoulder seasons and on a regular basis use.

Ought to You Purchase the REI 650 Down Jacket?
The REI 650 Down Jacket is a superb selection for anybody searching for a budget-friendly, light-weight, and versatile down layer for on a regular basis put on and informal outside adventures.
Its delicate supplies, dependable heat, and considerate design options, like a cinchable hem and elastic cuffs, make it a powerful contender for shoulder-season hikes, city commutes, and journey. The jacket’s compact packability additional enhances its practicality, guaranteeing it’s straightforward to stow in a bag or suitcase.
Nonetheless, this jacket isn’t supposed for technical or excessive situations. It lacks a hood, makes use of mid-range high quality down, and doesn’t provide the extent of safety wanted for harsh climate or extended publicity to the weather.
For these prioritizing affordability and performance, the REI 650 delivers excellent worth. It excels as a easy, reliable layering piece for average climates and on a regular basis use. For extra choices, see our information to one of the best down jackets.

What Different Down Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?
Should you’re exploring one of the best down jackets, there are a number of options to the REI 650 Down Jacket that cater to various priorities. For extra choices, take a look at our information to one of the best down jackets.
Patagonia Down Sweater Assessment: This iconic jacket delivers superior heat with its 800-fill down and premium supplies. Whereas it comes at the next value level, its considerate design and distinctive insulation make it a wonderful selection for these seeking to elevate their cold-weather gear.
REI 650 Down Hooded Jacket Assessment: For individuals who love the affordability and ease of the REI 650 however need extra protection, the hooded model gives extra heat and flexibility. It’s an ideal choice for cooler climates and light-weight winter use.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Assessment: A prime decide for ultralight fanatics, this jacket is lighter and extra technical, with 800-fill down and a packable design. It’s best for backpacking and fast-and-light adventures.
