REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket Review

REI Co-op continues to impress us with their in-house line of products, and the Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket is one of their best. Updated last winter, the latest model features a combination of premium goose down and synthetic insulation (the past version only used down), a 2-layer waterproof shell with full seam sealing, and a clean design that wears well both outdoors and in the city. Aggressively priced at just $259, it’s a hard-to-beat value and one of the more versatile winter jackets on the market. Below we break down our experiences with the Stormhenge. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our articles on the best winter jackets and best down jackets.
 

Table of Contents

• Warmth
• Water and Wind Protection
• Comfort
• Features
• Construction and Durability
• Weight and Packability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Warmth

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid is a serious winter jacket built to handle cold conditions. In terms of insulation, the Stormhenge is packed with a combination of premium 850-fill-power goose down and recycled polyester insulation (180g & 80g). The goal of this “mapped” insulation concept is to maximize warmth with the lofty down in areas like the torso, while the polyester insulation is used in places that are vulnerable to moisture (like the cuffs and hood) or that might be exposed to sweat (like the underarms). We’ve seen this layout from brands like Arc’teryx in high-end models like their Cerium collection, so it’s particularly impressive that REI has incorporated it into their budget-friendly Stormhenge Hybrid.

Aside from the Stormhenge’s premium down fill, a few other features contribute to its warmth. One key factor is its fully waterproof shell, which keeps the cold at bay by providing excellent protection in strong winds. And they’ve done a nice job helping seal in warmth with cinches at each side of the waist, adjustable cuffs, an insulated hood, and a unique tube of insulation that covers the back and sides of your neck (similar to what you’d find on a sleeping bag). In practice, we’ve found the Stormhenge to be quite cozy and fully capable for winter use, even in frigid conditions. Paired with only a light baselayer, it was comfortable for light activity well below freezing and into the 20s Fahrenheit, and it can go much lower than that with heavier layers underneath. For its $259 price tag, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a warmer and more versatile piece—there’s a reason it’s currently ranked as our favorite value pick in our winter jacket round-up.

Water and Wind Protection

We don’t often praise down jackets for their weather-worthiness (down loses its ability to insulate when wet and most have thin nylon shells), but the REI Stormhenge deserves a major shout-out here. With a 2-layer waterproof shell, sealed seams, and strategically placed synthetic insulation, it can be worn as an outer layer in a variety of conditions without having to worry about the down plumage growing soaked. This makes the jacket incredibly versatile and a true standout in the down category. Many competitors have water-resistant shells and durable water repellent (DWR) coatings, but the lack of full waterproofing means you’ll have to pair them with a hardshell during rain or extended exposure to heavy snow. Like those jackets, the Stormhenge has a DWR treatment that helps water bead off the surface, but this isn’t hugely important given the other waterproofing measures.

Comfort

On the comfort scale, the REI Stormhenge scores fairly high. It feels light and unobtrusive in use, unlike thicker and burlier winter jackets like The North Face McMurdo Parka. In addition, the interior liner is cozy against the skin, and the jacket feels soft and supple even when paired with just a t-shirt underneath. Finally, the draft tube around the neck mentioned above also comes into play here, boosting its sleeping bag-like feel. Our only comfort-related complaint is the boxy fit, which we found ran baggy and large (more on this below). Otherwise, the Stormhenge is a standout in this category.

Features

Hood

The Stormhenge’s hood isn’t listed as being helmet-compatible, but we’ve found that it accommodates a snow or climbing helmet underneath (of note, both were size medium helmets). This means that the Stormhenge can pull double duty as a backup ski jacket, and it even could be used as a summer mountaineering piece for a climb like Mt. Rainer. This is a major upside of the jacket: It quietly pieces together helpful features you may need for the backcountry but has significant everyday appeal as well. And when you’re not wearing a helmet, drawcords at the rear and sides allow you to dial in fit, and a rigid brim at the front helps direct moisture away from your face.

Cuffs

The Stormhenge Down Hybrid’s cuffs do a great job of sealing out weather. The Velcro at the wrists is easily adjustable and can be tightened down over gloved or non-gloved hands (we haven’t had issues with it coming undone on either the current Stormhenge Hybrid or prior-generation Stormhenge 850). We prefer the added versatility and protection of adjustable cuffs like these over simple elastic ones—particularly for winter sports—but they do add a tiny bit of weight. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference, but we like the Stormhenge’s functional design.

Pockets

The latest REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid got a serious boost in storage. You now get two zippered hand pockets that have a soft fleece-like lining inside, an exterior zippered chest pocket for small items, an interior zippered chest pocket for valuables, and two drop-in style pockets for stashing things like winter gloves. Of note, both chest pockets are large enough to fit my phone (an iPhone 11), but the interior chest pocket is a bit larger and more protective, so I typically store it there. 

Length

Jacket length is measured down the center back panel from neck to hem, and the Stormhenge falls at 31.5 inches, which lands in between a standard winter jacket and longer parka style. For comparison, Outdoor Research’s Coldfront Down Hoodie is 29 inches, and the Marmot Fordham measures 27.25 inches. Of course, winter parkas have longer lengths (including The North Face’s 31.75-in. McMurdo Parka and KUHL's 32-in. Arktik Down Parka) that often reach well below the waist and down to the thighs, but we have no complaints about the Stormhenge’s length. Overall, it was long enough to wear casually and came down well past the hip but never got in the way. If you anticipate needing added coverage, REI does make the Stormhenge in a parka-length variation with a 5-inch-longer cut for an additional $40.

Pit Zips

Along with its helmet-compatible hood, the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid includes pit zips, which generally only are found on performance-oriented jackets. To be clear, we like the addition: Pit zips allow you to dump heat quickly and easily, which is especially nice given the overall warmth and waterproofing of the jacket. This adds versatility for wearing the Stormhenge in the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) when it isn’t as cold outside. In the end, the jacket offers a nice mix of technical and casual features, making it a viable option for both backcountry and daily use.

Construction and Durability

REI noticeably has improved the build quality of its in-house products in recent years, and the latest Stormhenge is another well-made piece. A denier rating (a measure of the shell thickness) is not provided, but we’ve used both the latest Stormhenge Hybrid and its very similar predecessor for a number of outdoor activities and have virtually no wear to show for it. It’s true that ultra-burly casual jackets like KUHL Arktik Down Parka and Marmot Fordham are tougher with an almost canvas-like feel, but the nylon shell on the Stormhenge has confidently withstood everything we’ve thrown at it. And we’ve also found REI has addressed one of our main complaints about the old Stormhenge 850: its finicky and hard-to-move main zipper. The current model’s operates extremely smoothly and has been worry-free thus far.

Weight and Packability

At 1 pound 11.9 ounces for a men’s medium (well under its listed weight of 1 lb. 15.8 oz.), the Stormhenge is reasonably lightweight. As a general rule, performance-oriented winter jackets tend to run lighter (most are under 2 lbs.) by using premium down and thin shell materials. Casual jackets, on the other hand, use lower-quality down and thicker shells, often clocking in at 3 pounds or more. For example, the Rab Neutrino Pro (performance) weighs 1 pound 4.6 ounces, while KUHL's Arktik Down Parka (casual) comes in much heavier at 3 pounds 6 ounces. The REI hits a nice middle ground here: It’s decently light yet still fully waterproof and sufficiently tough. Finally, the Stormhenge doesn’t come with a stuff sack, but rolled into its hood, it’s about the size of a basketball. This makes it far from the most packable option on the market, but for more casual endeavors or travel, it’s still reasonably compact.

Fit and Sizing

REI jackets often run a little big for me, and this is certainly the case with the Stormhenge Down Hybrid. At 5’9” and 155 pounds, I prefer a smaller-fitting medium, and the Stormhenge is definitely not that. Not only was it a bit big in the chest and shoulders, but the boxy shape means the waist had a lot of excess space. The upside is there’s ample room for layering underneath, but as you can see from certain photos (like the one shown below), the jacket looked a bit awkwardly baggy and big on me. On the bright side, I did appreciate the longer length for extra coverage and warmth, and the arms worked well for me, even when not wearing gloves.

Sustainability

Like a growing number of down jackets on the market, the Stormhenge includes sustainability measures that boost its all-around appeal. For starters, the insulation is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which means that the geese were not force-fed or live-plucked. In addition, the jacket is Fair Trade Certified, indicating that REI put extra money into production to ensure workers are compensated fairly and have safe working conditions. Finally, the outer nylon fabric and synthetic insulation are recycled, and all materials are bluesign-approved, meaning that they have been deemed safe for consumers, workers, and the environment. Taken together, the Stormhenge is an impressively well-rounded and thoughtfully made piece.

Other Versions of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid

We tested the men’s Stormhenge here, and REI makes the same jacket in a women’s version. The two share an identical build including the use of 850-fill-power down and synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, a 2-layer waterproof shell, body-mapped insulation, and bonded baffles. The women’s jacket is lighter at 1 pound 10 ounces (around 6 oz. less than the men’s listed weight) and is sold in different colorways, but the rest of the design remains the same (REI also sells it in dedicated plus sizes). Importantly, both jackets retail for $259, which is a steal compared to the competition. Rounding out the collection, REI also sells a parka-length variation of the Stormhenge for men and women, which retails for $299 and has a longer cut for added coverage and protection (35.5 in. for the men's model and 36 in. for the women's). 

What We Like

• Premium 850-fill-power down, waterproof construction, and clean looks make the Stormhenge incredibly versatile. The jacket easily transitions from the outdoors to around-town use.
• Impressive warmth and build quality overall, including a cozy lining, hardwearing shell, and clear focus on sustainability.
• At $259, the Stormhenge is a great value.
• Synthetic insulation, pit zips, and large, helmet-friendly hood add a nice performance slant.
• REI boosted storage considerably with the latest model, including three exterior and three interior pockets.

What We Don’t

• Unlike some true performance pieces, the Stormhenge doesn’t come with a stuff sack or pack down into a pocket, and it’s fairly big and bulky when rolled into its hood. 
• Fit is decidedly on the larger and baggier side with noticeable roominess at the chest, shoulders, and waist/hips.
• We love the fill power, but some performance-oriented down jackets almost certainly use more down and have a higher fill weight.
• Not everyone will like the mix of technical and casual features.

Comparison Table

The Competition

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid is one of our favorite winter jackets due to its impressive warmth, weatherproofing, and competitive price, but there’s no shortage of options. To start, The North Face McMurdo Parka is our top-rated design this year and more casual than the REI with a thick, canvas-like outer shell with no visible baffling. It’s also not nearly as performance-focused with a fairly hefty 3-pound-4.6-ounce build and lack of technical features like pit zips. However, The North Face has a longer cut (31.75 in. down the back) for added coverage and warmth and is similarly waterproof with a 2-layer DryVent shell (although you don't get the same level of seam sealing). In terms of down quality, the REI wins out with premium 850-fill versus The North Face’s 600, but that is not surprising given the McMurdo’s casual nature. In the end, we like the Stormhenge for its $141-lower price tag and performance tilt, but The North Face is a popular alternative that wins out in everyday appeal. 

If you're looking for more of a true performance piece, the Rab Neutrino Pro is a powerhouse. At 1 pound 4.6 ounces, it undercuts the Stormhenge by around 11 ounces and includes a generous 7.5 ounces of 800-fill down (REI doesn’t list the fill weight, but we’ve worn both and found the Rab to be considerably warmer). Where the Stormhenge wins out is weather protection: The Neutrino Pro boasts hydrophobic down, a water-resistant shell and lining, and a DWR coating, but those are no match for the REI’s fully waterproof shell in inclement weather. For serious backcountry use, the Neutrino Pro is super warm and one of the best winter jackets on the market (we also prefer its less boxy fit). But for those who are more concerned with crossover appeal and price, the $259 Stormhenge is a great option for a considerable $126 less.

Another option to consider is Patagonia’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka. As the name suggests, the Tres actually is three jackets in one: You get a removable inner down jacket, plus a waterproof outer shell (it features Patagonia’s H2No waterproofing) that can be worn separately or paired together. Compared to the Stormhenge, the Tres is much more casual with no visible down baffling. The shell has a nice, clean design and a longer thigh-length cut for added warmth and around-town appeal. However, at 2 pounds 14.1 ounces and a whopping $649, the Patagonia is much heavier and over double the price of the REI jacket. We appreciate the versatility, but the Stormhenge is easily the better value.

Another Patagonia product to consider is their winter-ready Fitz Roy Down Hoody. Unlike the Stormhenge and aforementioned Tres 3-in-1, the Fitz Roy lacks a waterproof shell and instead uses a Pertex Quantum outer fabric with a DWR coating that can repel light rain and snow but will eventually soak through in sustained moisture. That said, the Patagonia does get the slight edge in comfort with a plush lining, less boxy fit, and cozy-all-around feel, plus its thinner (20D) face fabric and lighter-weight build (1 lb. 1.1 oz.) make it easier to stuff down into a pack. The $399 price tag may be a deterrent for some, but it’s hard to knock the top-notch fit and finish.

Last but not least, the Marmot Fordham is another relatively affordable winter jacket in the same casual category as The North Face McMurdo Parka above. The Fordham uses a healthy amount of 700-fill down, has a 2-layer waterproof shell, durable fabrics, and plenty of storage (five total pockets compared to the REI’s six). In practice, we found it to be a very warm jacket, plus it has a nice design that wears well around the city and a moderately trim fit that feels great. It’s true that you don’t get the lightness or performance chops of the Stormhenge (the Fordham checks in at a fairly hefty 2 lbs. 12 oz.), but the Marmot is another quality piece and a good value at $325.

Editor’s note: We usually provide a live price comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, but the Stormhenge is sold exclusively by REI Co-op. You can see the Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket page here and support us in the process. Thanks!