Backside Line
The REI Stormhenge is a type of jackets that makes an attempt to work for each event or situation and enchantment to a big shopper base. We predict they nailed it! For this and plenty of extra causes, it stays on our checklist of the perfect winter jackets for ladies.
It’s light-weight but heat, waterproof, and filled with considerate performance-enhancing options. Whether or not you’re on a winter hike or strolling by means of town, it does the job with out overloading you with bulk. It isn’t overly techy and never overly stylish. For the value, it’s an superior jacket that provides nice worth for anybody searching for one thing versatile and dependable.
How We Examined
We’ve had many CleverHiker gear analysts take a look at variations of the Stormhenge 850, and it retains incomes excessive marks yr after yr. This parka-length model was examined within the foothills of Banff Nationwide Park, Glacier Nationwide Park, and wild ice skating in NW Montana. We additionally wore it throughout recess obligation, whereas working errands, on neighborhood canine walks, and even some chilly xc skis. We additionally lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency, and it carried out simply as REI’s specs claimed it could.
Fast Specs
REI Stormhenge 850 Down Hybrid Parka
Finest Winter Coat Total
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.8/5.0
Worth:
$299
Weight:
1 lb. 10.5 oz.
Insulation:
850-fill-power down / artificial mix
Size:
36.5 in.
Execs
- Snug
- Waterproof
- Versatile
- Light-weight & compressible
- Flattering match
- Physique-mapped insulation
Cons
- Measurement up for broader chest/bigger or lengthy arms
- Wrist gaskets haven’t got thumbholes
- Zipper is a little bit stiff
Heat
The Stormhenge is heat sufficient for many winter actions, particularly if you happen to’re lively. We discovered it carried out greatest once we had been transferring—whether or not strolling or on an off-the-cuff XC ski—because it wants physique warmth for the insulation to lure heat air. We felt its decrease restrict is about 15 levels if you happen to’re stationary.
Our insulation take a look at confirmed that this hybrid down parka is breathable. It took 71 minutes to drop 30 levels which is respectable for a jacket that’s for lively outings. Nonetheless, this was a little bit of a shock as a result of 850-fill was the best fill high quality on our lineup. Once you evaluate it to the opposite 10 we examined, it is without doubt one of the quickest to achieve ambient temperatures (ninth/10). That is why we propose sporting this when you already know you can be transferring and producing some physique warmth.
The down within the physique gives a strong loft to maintain your core heat, whereas artificial insulation within the arms and hood retains you heat in dampness-prone areas.
It’s not a heavy-duty parka, however it’s good for lively days if you need protection, however don’t need to really feel such as you’re sporting a sleeping bag. We’d suggest pairing it with a great mid-layer on frigid days for optimum heat.
Climate Resistance
In contrast to many down jackets, the Stormhenge 850 is designed to maintain you dry and it’s okay to generate a little bit warmth past the informal stroll.
We examined it in some fairly powerful circumstances: snowstorms, windy passes, and bitterly chilly nights in British Columbia. The waterproof shell and DWR-treated down did their job, conserving the jacket dry and insulating even when moist. It handed our soak-through take a look at by surpassing an hour with none moisture making it to the within of the coat. The brimmed hood additionally saved the snow out of our faces, and the shell shed precipitation properly.
Ought to issues get actually soggy, the down insulation is DWR handled and we didn’t see any lowered loft in our soak-through take a look at. REI needs you to get exterior (and keep exterior!) and this jacket is up for the job.
Consolation & Performance
The Stormhenge strikes a pleasant steadiness between an off-the-cuff winter coat and a extra technical jacket. It doesn’t scream, “I do hardcore winter sports activities,” and it doesn’t scream, “I’m at all times chilly, get me inside.” It’s the perfect of each worlds.
It’s not tremendous cumbersome, so it’s cozy for on a regular basis put on, however nonetheless technical sufficient for some leaping into winter actions the place you continue to need one thing that goes to your mid-thigh. The minimize is simply barely angled for a female contact, which we appreciated.
Some would possibly discover the shoulders and arms a little bit tight and brief, particularly with a cumbersome layer beneath. In case you’re long-limbed and have a broader higher physique, sizing up could be the transfer.
Options
The Stormhenge is filled with helpful options. Our favourite? The pockets! This jacket has two drop pockets for hats and gloves on the within if you overheat, a seam-sealed chest pocket, and two seam-sealed fleece-lined hand pockets. We use all of them once we are taking part in within the snow.
The hood is adjustable and has a ski-jacket-style brim to maintain the snow and rain out of your face. Plus, the artificial insulation within the arms and hood saved us heat when issues bought moist.
One characteristic that underwhelmed us was the internal cuffs on the sleeves. They don’t have a thumb loop and are brief in order that they don’t operate optimally to maintain snow out of your wrists if you happen to’re elbow-deep in snow.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Down Winter Jacket?
We’re frequently impressed with the Stormhenge and count on to see different manufacturers making copycat variations of this jacket. In order for you an extended jacket that may hit the hills and carry out whereas working errands, the REI Stormhenge is a house run.
It gives nice heat, climate resistance, and magnificence at a reasonably reasonably priced worth. It’s good for anybody who wants a dependable, versatile jacket for lively winter adventures or informal put on. The one factor this jacket won’t be nice for is if you happen to’re planning on standing nonetheless in excessive chilly. You could be performing some leaping jacks and boot dances.
What Different Winter Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?
Our annual information to the greatest winter jackets for ladies has extra choices which may higher fit your local weather and circumstances. We highlighted choices under which have related options to the Stormhenge.
Fjallraven Nuuk Evaluation: Equally waterproof, the Nuuk is a degree up in options and heat. We’ve worn each on the ski hill and discover ourselves reaching for the Nuuk when it’s actually chilly exterior.
The North Face Arctic Evaluation: A little bit extra trendy however simply as waterproof, with higher insulating energy, longer arms, and higher wrist cuffs.
REI Norseland Evaluation: Heavier, hotter, and fewer techy, the Norseland is a superb different if you happen to aren’t planning on staying out in rain or snow storms.
Columbia Heavenly Evaluation: In case you just like the minimize of the Stormhenge, however its heat and options sound like overkill, the Heavenly is nice for extra lively adventures or milder winters.
