Women’s REI Norseland Down Parka Review

Bottom Line

REI strikes again with the Norseland Down Parka. It’s at the top of our list of best winter jackets because of its affordability, warmth, and style. The insulation power of this coat does not mess around. The combination of 650-fill down and synthetic insulation excels in providing warmth without a hefty price tag. In fact, our insulation test blew us out of the water; it ranked 3rd out of the 10 we tested on our guide to the best women’s winter jackets. It took a whopping 145 minutes for the inside of the coat to drop 30 degrees and reach outdoor ambient temperatures.

The water-resistant, PFC-free finish helps bead and shed light snow and drizzle, but this is not your coat for wet conditions other than running from the car to the store. It wetted through during our soak test in just 7 minutes. However, the down maintained some of its loft, which we had not expected.

How We Tested

We lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency of the Norseland, and it performed better than we expected for such an affordable winter jacket. We wore it on winter scooter rides through downtown Denver. We stood in 40 MPH winds in NW Montana, ran errands, went to the movies and out to dinner, and walked our dog in sub-zero temps in this down parka to see how it fared in variable conditions, from cold and dry to wet and snowy.

Warmth

The REI Norseland Down Parka was unexpectedly one of our best performers in warmth. This is thanks to the combination of 650-fill down insulation and 120g of recycled synthetic insulation in the lower body and hood opening. This design helps retain heat and keeps you comfortable in cold weather.

Our warmth test confirmed how we felt in the field. The Norseland lasted 145 minutes before the temperature dropped 30 degrees to ambient conditions. The fleece-lined hood and knit cuffs further enhance the jacket’s ability to lock in heat, making it a solid choice for winter temperatures as low as the low teens. It’s a great balance of warmth and weight, especially for those who want to stay cozy without feeling weighed down.

Weather Resistance

The Norseland performs best in short stints of rain, light snow, and low temperatures. Its DWR-treated recycled polyester shell will bead moisture, but prolonged exposure to precipitation will eventually penetrate the shell, dampen the down, and zap you of your warmth.

In our soak test, it took 7 minutes for water to migrate to the inside of the jacket. This was typical among other DWR recycled polyesters. We did notice that the down did a great job of maintaining loft, and we couldn’t squeeze moisture out of the coat, unlike some other models we tested. It also dried out quickly.

Comfort & Functionality

Comfort is a major plus with the REI Norseland Down Parka. It has a roomy, comfortable fit, perfect for layering over sweaters or base layers. We carried it on the plane and used it like a blanket. The fleece-lined hood looks cool and feels nice, but it doesn’t slide easily over a beanie. If left down, it accumulates snow in a not-so-pleasant way. 

For this reason, we like this coat better in shorter bouts of snowy conditions, like going from the car to the store. Otherwise, it was perfect in the cold and dry conditions of Colorado this December. While we never try to break a sweat while wearing down jackets, we did appreciate its breathability instead of trapping our sweat when we got huffing and puffing. 

The side zips, while functional for ventilation and mobility, give the jacket a slightly boxy feel and cause the back panel to flare out awkwardly. The jacket’s overall fit is more relaxed than slim-cut parkas, so if you prefer a more fitted look, this may not be the best choice. 

The hood cinch is functional, but they placed it inside the collar, which is not the most intuitive or easy to use when the jacket is fully zipped. After a while, we got the hang of it and adjusted the hood cinch before fully zipping. One worry is how long the snaps will last because they are burly snaps attached to the shell, which seems like over time, with use and UV, the fabric could tear.

Features

The REI Norseland Down Parka boasts several features that aim to appeal to many types of wearers for both comfort and function. The front zipper is protected by an inner and outer storm flap, and the two hand pockets are lined to help keep your hands warm. The side zips are a unique feature, allowing for extra movement when sitting or walking. 

The boxy fit from the side zips and the internal hood cinch, while functional, isn’t as sleek as some other parkas on the market. Still, for the price, the Norseland includes impressive details like a cozy fleece-lined hood and practical storm flaps for added warmth and weather resistance.

Should You Buy the REI Norseland Down Parka?

An affordable parka that actually keeps you warm is hard to find. High-quality down is usually very spendy, but this jacket is both warm and affordably priced. It’s got a hardy shell, lofty down, and has a roomy fit that works for all body types. The cozy fleece-lined hood is a nice touch but not the most practical for anyone who has hair that has an affinity for rats nesting. If you don’t like the swishy sound of synthetic shells, this jacket also isn’t the quietest. Even still, this is a great coat for casual outings in bitter weather.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

The REI Norseland isn’t the only winter parka on our guide to the best winter jackets for women. Here are some other winners that you might like:

Patagonia Down With It Review: A little more feminine style, increased coverage, and a functional hood delivers a coat you can stand in howling winds and feel pretty dang comfortable, even if it has less insulating power.

Outdoor Research Coze Down Review: For ultimate coverage and long-lasting warmth for standing or walking around in extreme winter winds and snow, check out the Coze Down from Outdoor Research.

Rab Deep Cover Parka Review: If you’re after a quick drying down puffy parka that balances technical performance with everyday style, the Rab Deep Cover delivers.