Cold temps are no match for the REI Campwell. Photo: Heather Hendricks//The Inertia
When you need a dependable winter jacket that will keep you warm, protected, and looking sharp all season, set your sights on the REI Co-Op Campwell Down Parka ($229). A new addition to REI’s Campwell Collection (and an updated version of the now-discontinued Norseland Down Parka), the Campwell Down Parka is a functional, fashion-forward hybrid down jacket that provides incredible bang-for-buck warmth.
This budget parka peaked for me when traveling from California to Colorado, where it went effortlessly from the brisk, sunny cold of Mt. High near Wrightwood, CA, to the unseasonably warm days but cold nights in Denver, to an impromptu overnight in a truck in the Colorado High Country, proving its worth in a variety of environments. It is now my go-to for dog duties and most everything winter throws my way.
The REI Co-op Campwell Down Parka looks and feels pricier than it retails. It packs 650-fill-power down in stylish thigh-length coverage, with a fit that looks good whether you’re chancing it on the outdoor ice rink or just taking out the trash. But looks aren’t everything, so we got to testing, to see how this highly affordable puffy parka survives sustained and repeated wear from elements as vast as the Pacific in December to the woodlands deep in Colorado’s high country, to a cramped flight or two, just for good measure.
Bottom Line: The Campwell Down Parka is a great choice for women who prioritize performance and price. It delivers the premium features of a luxury puffer: 650-fill down, a plush sherpa-lined hood, and side-zips for both style and mobility, at a price that is well worth it. By blending a rugged build with a timeless silhouette, REI has created a dependable staple designed to keep you warm this season and many to come.
Check Price on REIRelated: Best Women’s Winter Jackets | Best Women’s Winter Boots | More Winter Gear Reviews
A fleece-lined hood helps keep winter chills at bay. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
Testing the Campwell Down Parka
At first look, the Campwell Down Parka appeared much fuller than you’d expect from jackets of a similar price. The supple feel of the fabric and the forest-green, ‘shaded olive’ colorway caught me quickly. Not too slippery or stiff out of the box, one shake of Campwell and its synthetic and down insulation puffed to life. If this thing could be so cozy right out of the box in SoCal, could it handle the next round of extremities—planned, unplanned, and otherwise?
My testing grounds spanned the cold deluge of a super rainy, wet fall in Ojai, to the brisk early season’s last light at Mt. High, to freezing cold in Colorado’s high country, to daily chores around Colorado Springs, culminating with a travel test as my main jacket on a leg from Colorado Springs to Denver and back to Santa Barbara. It might not be the most technical, but it sure is warm, and it’s undeniably worth it for the price.
Notable Features
Campwell Down Parka ($229)
Fill: Hybrid (650-fill Down/Synthetic)
Fit: Relaxed/Roomy
Sustainable Features: RDS Down; Recycled Materials
Length: Thigh-Length
Weight: Approx 1 lb 10oz
Waterproofing: DWR Finish (Water-Resistant)
Pros: Price is right! Top-tier warmth in a classic, thigh-length parka style. Side zips aid in mobility.
Cons: Not waterproof. Super popular, may be sold out in your size. Sleeves may feel short for taller gals.
Fit, Material, and Why The 2026 Model Feels like an Upgrade
I have a bit of history with REI parkas. I’ve previously tested the hyper-technical Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka (a waterproof beast I genuinely liked for its utilitarianism and wet-weather performance), and the predecessor to the Campwell, the REI Norseland Down Parka.
The Stormhenge, which retails for $299, is REI’s technical powerhouse, sporting 850-fill-power down and a fully waterproof, 2-layer HydroWall shell. It is built for the coldest, nastiest days, but I found its boxy, slightly awkward fit wasn’t my first go-to for cold dashes and errands, feeling more like gear than clothing. The Campwell priorities style, comfort, and accessible value. While it “only” offers reliable, deep warmth (650-fill-power down) and water-resistance (not full waterproofing), it does so in a far more flattering, everyday silhouette.
What instantly surprised me upon receiving the Campwell was just how much better it feels compared to the Norseland. This is not the same jacket as in prior years. The shell and lining are noticeably softer and more premium than the previous year’s scratchier shell. The commitment to the environment is also evident as the jacket now uses a PFC-free DWR coating.
The fit is spot-on, and with REI’s inclusive sizing, there’s an option for everyone. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
Sizing and Fit: Spot On for Every Body
For reference, I am 38, about 5’6″, and 141 pounds. I typically wear a size Medium or Large in Jackets. For this new Campwell, I ordered the women’s Medium. I was stoked the Medium was a perfect fit, proving the Campwell runs true to size with a generous layering cut. The fit was roomy enough to easily accommodate a light fleece and puffy vest underneath, without looking sloppy.
Performance: Testing the Campwell’s Essential Utility
The Campwell excels as a solid go-to for warmth and comfort, with just enough weatherproofing to survive a brief downpour, but it’s not intended for sustained wetness.
I first noticed its ability to withstand cold as we left the wet of SoCal and drove into the San Gabriel Mountains outside LA. Thankfully, the rainy coast meant snow up high, specifically at Mt. High. When we arrived at the base, I eagerly got out of the van, stoked to see snow. It was sunny, but I quickly grabbed the Campwell, threw it over my light long-sleeve shirt, and the down sparked to life. I felt warm, comfortable, and ready for it to get even colder. As the light of day faded toward the dark of night, the temperatures dropped, and the Campwell was the perfect partner for an evening romp in freezing snow in Wrightwood with my dog, Rosie. In the lower teens, the cold was sharp, but it wasn’t able to penetrate the seams or zippers.
I then slid over to the busy brewery for a bite. Outside seating was the only option, so everyone remained in their outerwear and coats for the reverie. Several ladies, two snowboarders, and a skier kindly commented on Campwell. I told them how warm I felt and how eager I was to get into wetter conditions. My friend poured a little of her icy drink on my sleeve, and we all watched as the liquid balled up and rolled off the exterior. Nice beading in real time confirmed the DWR finish’s effectiveness.
The Campwell’s two-way front zipper is essential for mobility in a knee-length parka. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
The Hybrid Advantage: Defying Moisture
The strategic use of synthetic fill in the lower body and hood is this jacket’s secret weapon. Since synthetic handles moisture and compression better than down, they keep thermal protection intact where you need it most, ie, where you sit.
This strategic material mapping was evident when I wore the Campwell to get our Christmas tree outside of Hartsel, Colorado. Despite the biting cold and whipping wind, I sat on the back of the truck in freezing temperatures. I expected my booty to freeze against the cold metal, but no chill snuck in. The synthetic insulation around my rear maintained its loft and warmth.
Pro Tip: Since this is a hybrid, if the down gets a bit clumpy after a deluge, toss it in the dryer on Low Heat with two clean tennis balls for 15 minutes. It “shocks” the down back to life and restores that out-of-the-box plumpness.
On this particularly cold outing, I even had my mom – a spry 73-year-old who chills easily – try it out. She was immediately impressed with the instant warmth, noting how the jacket kept the toastiness in, and the mountain chill out while we were deep in the woods.
Side-zips are extremely helpful for stepping up onto the sideboard of my truck. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
Mobility: Freedom in a Parka
Parkas are notorious for restricting movement. The Campwell solves this with a two-way front zipper and zippered side vents. I found zipping the 6-inch side vents to about 3 inches was the “sweet spot” for me.
Truck-Climb Tip: If you’re climbing into a high truck like my Ford F-250, that 3-inch unzip is essential—it gives the jacket just enough “flare” to step up onto the wheel well without the hem binding against your thighs.
The double front zipper is the real MVP. I could zip both sliders to the top to seal out the cold, then bring the bottom zipper up to about mid-chest. This created a large area for movement in and out of the truck to help secure the Christmas tree.
The inner storm placket helps seal out drafts. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
What The Campwell Exells At
The Campwell is best suited as a daily driver.
For Dog Walking and Chores: an easy and affordable option. The evening romp with Rosie in Wrightwood orher in the Colorado high country was completely manageable; those brushed tricot-lined pockets were an absolute lifesaver for my bare hands. Handwarmer Synergy: Drop a “HotHands” packet in there; the fleece lining holds the heat better than standard nylon.
For Spectating and Tailgating: It offered pure “furnace” warmth. This is the kind of heat you need when you aren’t moving. The Layering Hack: If you’re standing still, tuck your base layer into your pants. It lets the parka’s insulation trap the heat your body is already making.
For Commuting and Errands: It provided a reliable, wind-killing barrier. Most memorably, it was my essential armor while impatiently waiting for the Uber at Denver International Airport (DIA), where the shock of Colorado cold hit me in the face right after landing from California.
In Travel: The best feature is the immediate warmth, but I also love its travel versatility. I love how easily this parka folds into a perfect jacket/pillow combo. It worked remarkably well when my return flight was delayed. I was excessively tired (or, more realistically, not feeling great after my annual friends’ Christmas gathering). I used the Campwell to literally “camp well” on the floor. It didn’t overheat me, but kept me comfortable and cozy in a place where those things are usually nonexistent.
Flight Tip: Zip the jacket up, fold the sleeves in, and roll it from the bottom into the hood. It creates a dense down pillow that is a total lifesaver for cushioning your head against a window or surviving delays at a distant gate.
The Campwell is popular – if you see it in your size, it’s best to jump on it sooner rather than later. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
Drawbacks
Availability
The Campwell just debuted this winter, but it’s already proving to be a winner, especially for those looking to get the best bang for their buck (most of us). Furthermore, it’s been on-sale most of this 2025 holiday season, to the tune of $160, a steep discount off of the original price of $230. All this to say, it may be hard to find it in the size and color you want. Hopefully, the jacket’s popularity this season means that next winter, REI will produce enough of the jacket to meet the intense demand, and there’s still hope for a restock this winter.
If it’s sold out in your size, we suggest:
The Upgrade: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretchdown Parka ($380) for a higher-end experience and superior mobility.
The Super Budget Pick: Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket ($160) for a reliable, stylish synthetic jacket for mild to moderate winter conditions. You can likely find this coat onsale for half the price.
Technicality
The Campwell is not for snowboarding, serious hiking, or sustained high-output activity. It is simply too heavy and bulky for technical pursuits. Don’t bother packing it for a multi-day backcountry trip; it consumes too much crucial space better served by lightweight, compressible down. If you need a jacket for the trails, look at our lightweight pick, the Cotopaxi Fuego Down Parka, instead.
Comfortable, warm, and well-priced, the Campwell is a winner in our books. Photo: Sarah Christine//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The REI Co-op Campwell Down Parka isn’t mountaineering gear, nor is it meant to be. It succeeds by prioritizing reliable static warmth (the instant, dense heat you need when you’re waiting for the bus, managing gear, or watching a winter parade) and core utility over hyper-technicality or packability.
It excels as a daily driver, built for furnace-like warmth on dog walks, errands, and cold commutes. The blend of dependable, deep warmth, practical daily features, and an unbeatable price point makes it one of the best-value winter parkas available. If you need a single, versatile coat to conquer your winter routine without breaking the bank, this is it.
Check Price on REIRelated: Best Women’s Winter Jackets | Best Women’s Winter Boots | More Winter Gear Reviews
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
