Women’s REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Parka Review

Bottom Line

The REI Stormhenge is one of those jackets that attempts to work for every occasion or condition and appeal to a large consumer base. We think they nailed it! For this and many more reasons, it remains on our list of the best winter jackets for women.

It is lightweight yet warm, waterproof, and packed with thoughtful performance-enhancing features. Whether you’re on a winter hike or strolling through the city, it does the job without overloading you with bulk. It isn’t overly techy and not overly trendy. For the price, it’s an awesome jacket that offers great value for anyone looking for something versatile and reliable.

How We Tested

We’ve had many CleverHiker gear analysts test versions of the Stormhenge 850, and it keeps earning high marks year after year. This parka-length version was tested in the foothills of Banff National Park, Glacier National Park, and wild ice skating in NW Montana. We also wore it during recess duty, while running errands, on neighborhood dog walks, and even some chilly xc skis. We also lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency, and it performed just as REI’s specs claimed it would.

Warmth

The Stormhenge is warm enough for most winter activities, especially if you’re active. We found it performed best when we were moving—whether strolling or on a casual XC ski—since it needs body heat for the insulation to trap warm air. We felt its lower limit is about 15 degrees if you’re stationary.

Our insulation test showed that this hybrid down parka is breathable. It took 71 minutes to drop 30 degrees which is respectable for a jacket that is for active outings. However, this was a bit of a surprise because 850-fill was the highest fill quality on our lineup. When you compare it to the other 10 we tested, it is one of the fastest to reach ambient temperatures (9th/10). This is why we suggest wearing this when you know you will be moving and generating some body heat.

The down in the body offers a solid loft to keep your core warm, while synthetic insulation in the arms and hood keeps you warm in dampness-prone areas.

It’s not a heavy-duty parka, but it’s perfect for active days when you want coverage, but don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag. We’d recommend pairing it with a good mid-layer on frigid days for maximum warmth.

Weather Resistance

Unlike many down jackets, the Stormhenge 850 is designed to keep you dry and it’s okay to generate a little heat beyond the casual stroll. 

We tested it in some pretty tough conditions: snowstorms, windy passes, and bitterly cold nights in British Columbia. The waterproof shell and DWR-treated down did their job, keeping the jacket dry and insulating even when wet. It passed our soak-through test by surpassing an hour without any moisture making it to the inside of the coat. The brimmed hood also kept the snow out of our faces, and the shell shed precipitation well. 

Should things get really soggy, the down insulation is DWR treated and we didn’t see any reduced loft in our soak-through test. REI wants you to get outside (and stay outside!) and this jacket is up for the job.

Comfort & Functionality

The Stormhenge strikes a nice balance between a casual winter coat and a more technical jacket. It doesn’t scream, “I do hardcore winter sports,” and it doesn’t scream, “I’m always cold, get me inside.” It’s the best of both worlds.

It’s not super bulky, so it’s comfy for everyday wear, but still technical enough for some jumping into winter activities where you still want something that goes to your mid-thigh. The cut is just barely angled for a feminine touch, which we liked. 

Some might find the shoulders and arms a little tight and short, especially with a bulky layer underneath. If you’re long-limbed and have a broader upper body, sizing up might be the move.

Features

The Stormhenge is packed with useful features. Our favorite? The pockets! This jacket has two drop pockets for hats and gloves on the inside when you overheat, a seam-sealed chest pocket, and two seam-sealed fleece-lined hand pockets. We use them all when we are playing in the snow. 

The hood is adjustable and has a ski-jacket-style brim to keep the snow and rain out of your face. Plus, the synthetic insulation in the arms and hood kept us warm when things got wet.

One feature that underwhelmed us was the inner cuffs on the sleeves. They don’t have a thumb loop and are short so they don’t function optimally to keep snow out of your wrists if you’re elbow-deep in snow.

Should You Buy the REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Down Winter Jacket?

We are continually impressed with the Stormhenge and expect to see other brands making copycat versions of this jacket. If you want a longer jacket that can hit the hills and perform while running errands, the REI Stormhenge is a home run. 

It offers great warmth, weather resistance, and style at a pretty affordable price. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, versatile jacket for active winter adventures or casual wear. The only thing this jacket might not be great for is if you’re planning on standing still in extreme cold. You might be doing some jumping jacks and boot dances.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

Our annual guide to the best winter jackets for women has more options that might better suit your climate and conditions. We highlighted options below that have similar features to the Stormhenge.

Fjallraven Nuuk Review: Similarly waterproof, the Nuuk is a level up in features and warmth. We’ve worn both on the ski hill and find ourselves reaching for the Nuuk when it’s really cold outside. 

The North Face Arctic Review: A little more stylish but just as waterproof, with better insulating power, longer arms, and better wrist cuffs.

REI Norseland Review: Heavier, warmer, and less techy, the Norseland is a great alternative if you aren’t planning on staying out in rain or snow storms. 

Columbia Heavenly Review: If you like the cut of the Stormhenge, but its warmth and features sound like overkill, the Heavenly is great for more active adventures or milder winters.