Rab Deep Cover Down Parka Review

Bottom Line

The Rab Deep Cover Parka combines warmth and style, making it ideal for urban winter settings or casual winter walks. With 700 fill-power hydrophobic goose down treated with Nikwax, the jacket offers excellent insulation and moisture resistance, keeping you warm in cold and wet-snow conditions. It also dried very quickly. We felt like this coat was always just enough without being overkill. 

Its tailored fit provides a sleek, feminine silhouette with understated baffles on the body and smaller baffles on the side panels. It performed well in cold temperatures, lasting 94 minutes in our warmth test before reaching ambient outdoor temperatures.

One issue we found is because the baffle chambers are made by stitching the inner lining and the outer shell, it will allow water and wind to sneak through during really wet or windy scenarios. This design also can let warm air move more quickly out of the coat. This is something we caught in testing but didn’t notice when we wore it. If anything, we appreciated that it breathed because down can be a tortuous oven if you’re doing anything beyond a casual stroll. We ended up wearing this one the most out of all our favorite winter coats because it isn’t too bulky, but we could trust it to keep us warm.

How We Tested

We tested the Rab Deep Cover winter parka in all kinds of winter conditions: windy passes, sub-zero dog strolls, running errands, and strolling downtown. We also put it to the test by sticking a thermometer on the inside of the coat and timing how long it took to drop 30 degrees and reach outdoor ambient temperatures. Finally, we did a soak-through test to see how well the shell and down repels water.

Warmth

The Rab Deep Cover Parka excels in warmth, which was unexpected given its lightweight, tailored design. At 1 lb 13 ounces, 12 ounces of the weight is 700-fill-power goose down that has been treated with Nikwax’s hydrophobic finish. This treatment helps the down stay lofty and, therefore, warm even if exposed to snow or moisture. 

During our warmth test, the jacket lasted a solid 94 minutes before the internal temperature dropped by 30°F, which makes it suitable for temperatures in the single digits or low teens. 

This jacket hits at mid-thigh, which is enough to keep you cozy if you have to sit outside. If you run cold and like the added full seat protection, we think this coat is a home run. While the down performs well in moderately wet conditions, we wouldn’t wear this coat knowing we were going to be out in rain/heavy snow for extended periods.

Weather Resistance

This parka is not intended for heavy precipitation, but it does have a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that protects against light snow and brief rain. In our tests, it performed well in flurries and light rain, drying quickly and retaining warmth. 

The Nikwax hydrophobic down treatment did a great job of maintaining the loft of the feathers. Our soak test showed that after 20 minutes, they weren’t completely globbed up. The Rab Deep Cover did the best out of all the DWR-treated coats, barely soaking through its baffle seams in about 20 minutes. Most weather-resistant DWR-treated coats didn’t make it past 10 minutes before water soaked to the inside. Because of this, we would trust it for warmth in cold and dry conditions and in short bouts of wet snow or heavy rain.

Comfort & Functionality

This is the category where we felt this winter coat struck gold. We could throw this on and wouldn’t worry about how we looked or if we were cold.

Oversized baffles can be a little “extra” for everyday use, and the Rab does a good job of functioning like a big baffle parka without looking like one. The feminine silhouette is fitted, so it might not be for every body type, but we felt no restriction of movement.  

The chevron baffles along the side panels help prevent cold spots and make the jacket feel less bulky under the arms. The long, stretchy cuffs are a nice touch, helping to keep snow and cold air from getting in. The outside panel of the pockets is made from fleece to add extra warmth but the design could be improved by fully lining them.

Due to its slim fit, this jacket doesn’t leave much room for thick layering underneath. If you plan to wear it in very cold conditions, you’ll need to pair it with low-bulk, high-performance mid and base layers. While the jacket may feel a bit tight with layers underneath, its comfort is perfect for daily winter wear in moderate cold.

Features

The Rab Deep Cover Parka offers several well-designed features that enhance its performance. 

One of the most notable features is its sleek, tailored fit. Unlike most bulky winter jackets, this one contours to the body, providing a slim and flattering silhouette. 

The brass-colored zipper is smooth and high-quality, while the fleece-lined pockets offer added warmth and comfort for your hands. 

The jacket also includes long, stretchy cuffs with thumb holes that prevent drafts and snow from entering.

Another standout feature is its packability; it compresses to the size of a basketball (smaller with a compression sack), making it ideal for travelers. 

The removable hood and faux-fur ruff allow you to tailor the look and help extend this coat’s wearability well into shoulder seasons.

Should You Buy the Rab Deep Cover Down Parka?

We think you won’t regret it. It’s not too much or too little for what a down parka is meant to do. The Rab Deep Cover Parka is perfect for anyone looking for the quality of a technical performance Rab puffy with a little more street style.

The 700-fill-power hydrophobic down offers a great warmth-to-weight ratio, making it comfortable for temperatures down to the single digits or low teens. Plus, it is one of the more packable parkas on our list.

The DWR finish ensures it can handle light snow and brief rain, but it’s not suited for heavy or prolonged precipitation. The slim fit means it’s not the best option for layering in extreme cold or for people who prefer bulkier jackets. 

However, if you’re seeking a stylish, functional jacket for most winter conditions, the Deep Cover parka is a great buy.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

Below are some other similar options from our guide to the best winter jackets for women.

Patagonia Down With It Parka Review: The Down with It Parka provides similar DWR weather resilience but is a heavier-duty puffy with a similar feminine cut.

The North Face Arctic Parka Review: If you need a jacket that can handle extreme cold and wet conditions, the Arctic Parka is a better option, with more insulation and full waterproofing.

Columbia Heavenly Jacket Review: If you prefer the tailored fit but don’t need down fill, the Columbia Heavenly provides excellent warmth and comfort in cold weather at a fraction of the price.