Patagonia Down With It Parka Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Down With It Parka has excellent attention to detail from materials to stitching patterns. It’s made from recycled down and PFC-free chemicals for the DWR finish. The princess cut and chevron baffles are a nice touch, and the shell has a great texture. 

This knee-length jacket performs well in cold and dry conditions, taking 108 minutes in our warmth test before reaching ambient temperatures. However, it’s not the best for wet, prolonged exposure, as the down isn’t hydrophobic. The wrists don’t have gasket cuffs, so it isn’t great for romping in the snow. 

It’s an excellent option on our list of the best winter jackets for those who prioritize warmth, comfort, and eco-conscious design. The cut is fitted, so consider sizing up for thicker layers. 

Overall, this well-made jacket is perfect for low-output winter activities like wintery walks or everyday wear.

How We Tested

We tested this winter jacket in variable weather in NW Montana on snowy trails and forest roads to bopping around town. We also tested its insulation capabilities by measuring how long it took the Down With It to drop 30 degrees internally and reach ambient temperature. We also did a soak test to see how long the coat takes for moisture to reach the inner lining.

Warmth

The Patagonia Down With It Parka delivers impressive warmth thanks to its 600-fill down insulation, which is well-distributed throughout the jacket. During our warmth assessment, the parka lasted 108 minutes before the internal temperature dropped by 30°F. This is impressive, especially considering its moderate baffle size compared to other jackets. The down provides cozy warmth without feeling overly bulky, and the knee-length design adds extra coverage for cold weather. 

While it holds up well in the low teens and twenties, it may not be warm enough for extreme cold without high-performance base layers and a little bit of body heat from movement. The jacket’s insulation works best for winter walks or activities with minimal exertion. If you run cold, this parka will keep you toasty, though it can get too warm if you’re on the move for long stretches.

Weather Resistance

This coat has no trouble resisting cold wind, and dry snow. It is not ideal for wet conditions. The durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on the shell beads off light snow and short bouts of rain but quickly revealed its weaknesses in our soak test. In only 8 minutes, the coat was completely soaked through, and the feathers had lost their loft. This coat performs well so long as you aren’t in wet conditions for long periods. If the jacket gets wet, it will need some time to dry before its insulating properties are restored.

Comfort & Functionality

We often forgot we were testing the coat because it was so comfortable and functional. It just didn’t get in the way and we loved the little touches that made this coat so lovely to wear.

 The knee-length design offers excellent coverage without restricting movement. The princess and chevron baffle stitching provides a flattering, feminine fit that doesn’t feel bulky. 

The removable hood is a nice feature, offering extra protection from the elements when needed; it may leave a small gap in strong winds, though we didn’t notice this.

The fleece-lined neck adds a luxurious touch that makes this jacket especially cozy. However, the fit runs small, so you may need to size up for thicker sweaters or if you’re curvy. Despite this, the jacket remains flexible and mobile, ideal for low-output winter activities.

Features

What’s interesting is we’ve mentioned all the features in the previous metrics because they have a purpose and enhance the function, warmth, and comfort of the coat.

To review, the knee-length cut offers excellent coverage, and the tailored baffle design ensures that you don’t sacrifice style for warmth. The jacket’s DWR finish helps repel light moisture, and its inner fleece-lined pockets and collar are ultra-soft, keeping your hands and chin/neck warm in cold weather. The removable hood adds versatility.  The parka includes an internal chest pocket for added storage.

One of its standout features is its eco-conscious construction: the down is sourced from reclaimed materials, and the shell is made from 100% recycled polyester. This makes the jacket a great option for those looking for a sustainable winter coat.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Down With It Parka?

The Down With It parka is a great option for a warm, stylish, and sustainable winter jacket. If you’re using it for low-output activities in cold weather, like winter walks or city outings, it’s a no-brainer. We also appreciated that for being a longer coat, it still felt flattering and not bulky. 

The Down With It has no cuff gaskets, an ineffective DWR finish, and the down isn’t hydrophobic. So long as the snow is dry and it isn’t raining, this jacket will keep you warm. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty winter jacket – you may want to look at others on our list. Finally, opt for a dark color because the color we tested started staining easily from touching our face.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

Read more about some similar jackets or see our other top-ranked winter jackets for women.

REI Norseland Parka Review: A great alternative if you want a shorter, more weather resistance and warmth. It’s perfect for colder temperatures and outdoor activities but has a more retro/casual style than the Down With It Parka.

Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka Review: Offers exceptional warmth with 650-fill-power down and is ideal for staying cozy during low-output activities in cold weather. Its relaxed fit and weather-resistant features make it another great option for casual winter wear.

LL Bean Ultrawarm 3/4 Length Parka Review: A warm, insulated option for those looking for full coverage and a slightly more relaxed fit. This jacket is perfect for braving wintery mixes with excellent hydrophobic insulation and better weather resistance.