Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Bottom Line

Ever find yourself wearing 3+ hoods in your layering system? It’s too much. That’s why we think everyone needs a simple puffy without a hood like the REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) for layering. This option offers exceptional value for anyone looking for a lightweight, versatile layer, ideal for everyday wear or light outdoor adventures. 

Its responsibly sourced 650-fill down insulation provides excellent warmth for mild to moderately cold conditions, while the ripstop nylon shell adds a level of durability that is rarely found at this price point. 

Weighing just over 10 ounces, it’s both lightweight and packable, making it a practical choice for travel, day hikes, or layering under a shell for added warmth. With a streamlined design, adjustable hem, and roomy interior drop pockets, the jacket combines practical features with decent warmth.

However, because it is best paired with a hardshell or rain jacket, it lacks outer layer features like a hood, chest pocket, or advanced weather resistance. Still, these trade-offs are minor. Overall it is perfect for casual users, those focused on affordability, and anyone using it as part of a layering system. Check out our guide on the best down jackets for more high-performing options.

How We Tested

We tested the REI 650 Down Jacket over several months across Colorado, taking it on dawn patrol ski tours near Loveland Pass, crisp day hikes in Boulder’s Flatirons, and frosty urban errands in Golden. From layering it under a shell for resort skiing to relying on it as a standalone layer on chilly shoulder-season hikes, we assessed its warmth, comfort, packability, and performance in unpredictable mountain weather.

Comfort

The REI 650 Down Jacket is surprisingly comfortable for its price. Its plush feel and well-rounded design make it a great everyday jacket or chilly hike outer layer. Its 20D ripstop nylon shell and lining are soft to the touch, making it comfortable to wear over a T-shirt or with other lightweight layers . 

During testing, we appreciated how easily the relaxed fit and smooth fabric slid over baselayers without catching or bunching. It’s warm enough to stand alone in cool weather (~40 degrees) but slim enough to fit under a shell when needed.

The elastic cuffs and adjustable hem keep the drafts out without feeling too tight, making the jacket super comfy. Its lightweight design means you can throw it on for a hike or a casual outing and barely notice it’s there. Plus, the collar zips up snugly to keep your neck warm and cozy on chilly days.

That said, the jacket’s lack of a hood slightly limits its coziness in cold, windy conditions compared to hooded alternatives. Additionally, while the fit is versatile, it may feel boxy for those preferring a more athletic cut. Still, the REI 650’s combination of soft materials, thoughtful features, and a lightweight design makes it a standout in the budget down jacket category for comfort.

Warmth

This jacket delivers solid warmth for everyday wear and light outdoor use, but it’s not built for frigid conditions. 

With 3.5 ounces of 650-fill down, it balances insulation and affordability well. It’s not as toasty as higher-fill-power options on our guide to the best down jackets , but it’s warm enough for shoulder-season adventures and mild winter days. 

We wore it on chilly morning hikes in Colorado’s foothills, ski tours, and even around town, and it held up well in temps down to the low 40s with just a base layer. Adding a mid-layer made it comfortable for resort skiing on colder days.

The thick baffles and adjustable hem help trap heat, but without a hood and with lower-quality down, it doesn’t perform as well in freezing temps. The 650-fill down also lacks the loft and heat retention of premium alternatives, making it less efficient when compressed.

That said, for a budget-friendly jacket, it does the job. It’s a solid pick for casual wear and mild outdoor adventures, offering decent warmth without the high price tag of premium options.

Weight & Packability

The REI 650 Down Jacket is a lightweight, packable layer that’s great for casual adventures and everyday wear. At 10.9 ounces for the men’s version (our size large weighed 11.9 ounces), it’s one of the lighter jackets in its price range. 

It’s not as airy as ultralight options like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2, but it finds a nice middle ground between weight and durability, making it a solid all-around choice.

One of its best features is how easily it packs down into its own pocket, creating a compact little bundle that fits neatly in a backpack. We found it super convenient for tossing in a daypack on hikes or stuffing into a carry-on for trips. It doesn’t compress as much as high-end technical jackets, but it’s plenty portable for most people.

That said, if you’re a minimalist backpacker looking for the absolute smallest packed size, this shouldn’t be your top pick. But if you want a reliable, lightweight jacket that’s easy to bring along and won’t break the bank, the REI 650 Down is a great value..

Weather Resistance

The REI 650 Down Jacket holds up fine against light wind and drizzle, but like most down-filled jackets, it’s not built for rough weather. The 20D ripstop nylon shell has a DWR coating that does a decent job of shedding light rain and snow, keeping moisture from soaking in—at least for a while.

During testing, we noticed water beaded up and rolled off in mild drizzle and dry snow, which helped the jacket maintain its warmth for twenty to thirty minutes. 

This isn’t the kind of jacket you want to rely on in steady rain or wet conditions. Unlike some pricier down jackets, it doesn’t have hydrophobic down or synthetic insulation in key spots, so once it gets wet, it loses warmth fast. If there’s a chance of heavier rain or snow, you’ll want to throw on a shell for extra protection.

We found the wind resistance to be decent. The adjustable hem effectively blocks drafts, but the absence of a hood and wrist adjustments allows cold air to sneak in. It’s not a technical outer layer by any means, but for everyday wear and casual outdoor use in mild conditions, the 650 Down Jacket gets the job done.

Breathability

The REI 650 Down Jacket breathes well enough for everyday wear and light activity, but it’s not the best choice for high-exertion adventures. The 20D ripstop nylon shell prioritizes warmth and durability over airflow, so it doesn’t ventilate as well as more technical fabrics. 

We stayed comfortable without overheating on casual walks and easy hikes in cool weather. But, higher exertion tests on hill-climbs and brisk walks in mild temps led to noticeable heat buildup.

The jacket’s relaxed fit allows for some natural airflow, which helps during moderate activity. But like most down jackets, it lacks ventilation features like pit zips or mesh panels, making it less ideal for anything too strenuous. 

Unzipping the front can help you dump some heat, but overall, this jacket is better suited for cooler temperatures and lower-intensity outings. 

If breathability is a top priority, a synthetic or hybrid option might be a better bet. Still, the 650 Down is a solid, budget-friendly pick for layering in shoulder seasons and everyday use.

Should You Buy the REI 650 Down Jacket?

The REI 650 Down Jacket is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, lightweight, and versatile down layer for everyday wear and casual outdoor adventures. 

Its soft materials, reliable warmth, and thoughtful design features, like a cinchable hem and elastic cuffs, make it a strong contender for shoulder-season hikes, urban commutes, and travel. The jacket’s compact packability further enhances its practicality, ensuring it’s easy to stow in a bag or suitcase.

However, this jacket is not intended for technical or extreme conditions. It lacks a hood, uses mid-range quality down, and doesn’t offer the level of protection needed for harsh weather or prolonged exposure to the elements.

For those prioritizing affordability and functionality, the REI 650 delivers outstanding value. It excels as a simple, dependable layering piece for moderate climates and everyday use. For more options, see our guide to the best down jackets.

What Other Down Jackets Should You Consider?

If you’re exploring the best down jackets, there are several alternatives to the REI 650 Down Jacket that cater to varying priorities. For more options, check out our guide to the best down jackets.

Patagonia Down Sweater Review: This iconic jacket delivers superior warmth with its 800-fill down and premium materials. While it comes at a higher price point, its thoughtful design and exceptional insulation make it an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their cold-weather gear.

REI 650 Down Hooded Jacket Review: For those who love the affordability and simplicity of the REI 650 but want more coverage, the hooded version provides additional warmth and versatility. It’s a great option for cooler climates and light winter use.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Review: A top pick for ultralight enthusiasts, this jacket is lighter and more technical, with 800-fill down and a packable design. It’s ideal for backpacking and fast-and-light adventures.