The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie is the perfect packable companion for chilly surf sessions. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
If you’ve never been to the Golden State, you may think it’s sunny and warm 365 days a year, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Even in Southern California, temps drop into the 30s in the winter, meaning a puffer jacket is an essential piece of wintertime clothing for everything from warming up after a winter surf sesh to staying toasty in a Sierra high camp. While testing numerous jackets for our Best Women’s Puffer Jackets of 2024 review, I found the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie ($295) to be one of the standouts for its combination of packability and options for a female-specific-fit.
| Pros | Cons |
| Packs into its own pocket | Not warm enough for below-freezing weather |
| Female-specific fit | There are lighter puffers on the market |
| Comes in bright colors | Some users may want more subdued colors |
| Elastic bindings around cuffs and hood |
First Impressions of the Cotopaxi Fuego
With the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie, it was love at first sight. The colorways on this jacket are so fun that you can’t help but be drawn to it. Bold color schemes are a hallmark of Cotopaxi’s products — the jacket’s big sister, the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Parka, has a similar vibe.
After an initial try-on, it felt lightweight yet warm and had a hood and hand pockets for extra chilly days. I hoped I would like the performance of the jacket as much as I loved the look and feel.
CHECK PRICE ON REI (Women's) CHECK PRICE ON REI (Men's) CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON (Women's) CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON (Men's)Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie Notable Features
Weight: 14 oz
Back Length: 23 inches
Insulation: 800-fill-power goose down
Face Fabric: Ripstop nylon
Lining Fabric: Mini ripstop nylon
Insulation Type: Down
Warmth-to-Weight
Warmth is a very subjective thing. But in general, the Cotopaxi Fugeo Down Hoodie is best suited to moderately cold days. You wouldn’t want to get caught in a snowstorm in this jacket! Weighing just 14 ounces and with 800 fill-power down insulation, the Fuego delivers a solid amount of warmth, but my recommendation would be to upgrade to a thicker jacket if the temperatures drop below freezing.
My sister and I took turns testing this jacket while visiting my parents over the holidays in Orange County, California. It was a great option for snuggling up after a chilly surf or strolling the streets at night to look at the Christmas lights. During the daytime, the temperature was typically in the low 50s, but at night, temps would dip into the high 30s.
The coldest temperatures I wore this jacket in were the high 30s, and I was a little chilly even with a long-sleeve t-shirt on beneath it, but during the daytime, I felt fine. I do run fairly cold, but there’s no doubt this jacket is better suited to a California winter than, say, a Montana winter.
The Fuego is perfect to cozy up in after a chilly surf. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
Packable
Although a lightweight puffer jacket is great for hanging out at the beach or near home, one of the most important aspects is how packable it is. In my book, the whole point of a lightweight puffer is that they pack down small, so you can easily take them traveling or on backpacking trips.
My favorite feature of the Fugeo is that it packs down into its own pocket. And it packs down easily; it’s like packing a sleeping bag into a stuff sack. Simply stuff it in, and you’re good to go. At 14 ounces, you’ll hardly even notice it’s there.
The Fuego packs down perfectly into its own pocket. Photo: Cotopaxi
Fit for Women
Unlike some other puffers we’ve tested, the Fuego comes in both a men’s and women’s-specific fit. The women’s style has extra space around the bust, waist, and hips. Most outdoor gear seems like it’s catered towards men, so it’s refreshing to find a puffer jacket created with the female figure in mind. No more squishing the girls or feeling cut off around the hips!
Another feature I really appreciate in the Cotopaxi Fuego is the elastic binding around the cuffs and the hood. The scuba-style hood really wraps around your face, and the elastic helps it stay in place and seal in the warmth. Same goes for the cuffs. And if you’re in a snowy region, the elastic can help prevent snow from entering as well. The jacket also has an adjustable drawcord waist to seal in the warmth and seal out the elements.
Water-Resistant Fabric
Do not make the mistake of thinking the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie is a rain jacket. It is made from a water-resistant ripstop nylon that’s been treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR). Meaning it will keep you warm and dry in light rains and sprinkles, but if there’s a downpour, water will soak through, and you will get wet. And your down will no longer insulate, so you’ll be cold as well.
The Fuego is available in a female-specific fit, which is always a plus for athletically cut apparel. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Fun Features
In addition to the two exterior zippered pockets, the Fuego also has an interior zippered stash pocket. I found this was a good spot to store my phone, cash, ChapStick, and other essentials — this is the pocket that the jacket packs down into. And the colors are fun!
Drawbacks of the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie
The Fuego’s bright colors may not be for everyone. If you prefer more muted tones or a classic black puffer, you’re out of luck with the Fuego (and, really, all of Cotopaxi’s apparel). The upshot is, the eye-catching color schemes are perfect for transitions from outdoor pursuits to adventures in town.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Fuego is a lightweight jacket. It’s not warm enough for super snowy conditions and cold winters. It is, however, a great option for mild winters, camping/backpacking, and summer evenings when the temperatures drop. It could also serve as a great mid-layer for more active pursuits in cold weather (like skiing or snowboarding).
The Fuego is light and packable enough to toss in your kit for post-surf warmups. Just don’t expect it to keep you warm when the mercury drops below freezing. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Final Thoughts on the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie
The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hoodie is a lightweight puffer whose primary selling point is its fit, mid-level warmth-to-weight ratio, packability, and fun color schemes. Filled with 800-fill-power water-resistant goose down, it helps keep the wearer warm and dry in mild winter weather. It has a hood, zippered hand pockets, and packs down into its own pocket for times when you’re traveling.
Available in fun, popping colors, the Fugeo looks good enough for both the trails and a night on the town.
CHECK PRICE ON REI (Women's) CHECK PRICE ON REI (Men's) CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON (Women's) CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON (Men's)Editor’s Note: Looking for a jacket? You’ve come to the right place. Don’t miss the options in Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets, Best Women’s Winter Jackets, and Best Snowboard Jackets. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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