![a woman wearing the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka on a cliff above the beach](https://www.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/or-down-parka-1.jpg?x66241)
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
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Have you ever had one of those winter days where you just can’t seem to get warm? Whether you’ve spent the day on the slopes and are chilled to the bone or temperatures are simply in the sub-zero range, you find yourself shivering and wondering when summer will return. For days when the weather outside is extra frightful, a reliable puffer jacket is essential. The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka ($399) is a knee-length, heavy-duty down jacket best used for warming up after you’ve completed your outdoor adventure.
Within that scope, it’s excellent — doing everything possible to keep you warm except for lighting the fire and pouring the hot chocolate.
Editor’s Note: Check out more great options in our guide to the Best Women’s Puffer Jackets.
Pros | Cons |
Hood wraps around entire head | Not great for athletic adventures |
Internal knit cuff gaiters with thumb loops | Not the most flattering fit |
Strategically placed zippers | |
Really brings the warmth | Not very packable |
First Impressions of the Coze Down Parka
Holy moly, this is a mighty jacket. When I first received the Coze Down Parka in the mail, I couldn’t believe how long and puffy it was. Okay, I know it’s a long puffer jacket, but it’s seriously long and seriously puffy. I was impressed by how much coverage and warmth it promised.
I did an initial try-on in my room, and it felt oh-so warm and cozy. It was definitely big and bulky, so right away, I knew it wouldn’t be my go-to for active endeavors. For that, I’d choose another jacket from our Best Women’s Puffer Jackets story.
But it seemed like the perfect jacket to cozy up in after a chilly surf or ski session. I also had a feeling it was going to quickly become my go-to for winter nights out on the town.
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![a women facing the ocean at the beach while wearing the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka](https://www.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_6493-2-scaled.jpg?x66241)
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is a super cozy, knee-length jacket. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Coze Down Parka: Notable Features
Weight: 2 lbs 3.2 oz
Back Length: 43 inches
Insulation: 700-fill-power-down
Fabric: Nylon plain weave
Lining Fabric: Recycled ripstop polyester
Maximum Warmth
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is designed for maximum warmth. If you’re anything like me, then the first thing to get cold is your ears. So two of my favorite features of the Coze Down Parka are the hood and the high zip. The jacket zips all the way up to your chin, and the hood wraps around your entire head and face to seal in the warmth. Additionally, the hood is extra lofty to ensure it’s extra warm, and it’s adjustable so you can really fit it to your face.
Unlike waist-length puffer jackets designed for packability and athletic endeavors, the Coze Down Parka hits just below the knees. The added length does wonders to increase the toastiness — pair it with some cozy pants and boots, and you’ll be insanely warm. The Coze Down Parka also has a lined draft collar that is nice for windy days. And it boasts tricot-lined hand pockets that I regularly found myself shoving my hands into on chilly nights.
Another feature that I’m a big fan of is the internal knit cuff gaiters with thumb loops. I’ll admit that they’re not the most comfortable to wear for extended periods, but they’re a game-changer when it’s super cold. They also are nice in snowy conditions to help ensure snow doesn’t get in your gloves. If you don’t need them, you can simply slip your thumbs out to be more comfortable.
![Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka](https://www.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_6491.jpg?x66241)
The lined hand pockets on the Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka are extra cozy. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Strategically Placed Zippers
The Coze Down Parka has strategically placed zippers. It has a center front zipper with no-snag webbing that helps prevent the zipper from getting caught. In addition to the center zip, the Coze has side zips at the hem. Because this is such a warm jacket, the side zippers really come in handy when you start getting warm and want some airflow.
Comfort At Its Finest
The Coze Down Parka is insanely comfortable. I find myself longing for colder weather simply so I can cozy up in it. It feels like a wearable sleeping bag and is a great option for those days when you want to bring your covers with you on the go. Unfortunately, it also looks like a wearable sleeping bag.
Drawbacks of the Coze Down Parka
Due to its size, weight, and bulk, the Coze Down Parka isn’t the most packable puffer. You can smush it down some to pack it, but it’s never going to get very small. If you’re on a trip where space is an issue, the Coze won’t be your best bet. And gram weenies will have a heart attack when they peep that +2lb weight.
Another downside of the bulk of the Coze is that it isn’t the best jacket for athletic endeavors. You don’t have a wide range of motion in this jacket, and if you’re getting your heart rate up, you’ll likely get overheated. The knee-length cut also makes it challenging to move around. It is, however, a great option for cozying up after your wintertime activities. Leave it in your car and throw it on after surfing or riding, and you won’t regret it.
And I hate to break it to you, but the fit just isn’t the most flattering. It’s big and bulky and does nothing for your figure. But it’s warm. And my sister and I had some good laughs looking at each other while wearing this jacket.
![happy women on the beach in a puffer jacket](https://www.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_6495-scaled.jpg?x66241)
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is perfect to cozy up in after chilly surf sessions. But it’s not exactly flattering. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Coze Down Parka Final Thoughts
The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka is a knee-length puffer jacket complete with an adjustable, insulated hood, lined hand pockets, a lined draft collar, and internal knit cuff gaiters with thumb loops. It feels like a wearable sleeping bag and has quickly become my go-to for extra chilly days. It’s not going to fit in a pack or move with you while setting up a tent on a frosty evening, so don’t even try to use it for that.
Instead, earmark it as your go-to post-shredding town layer and reap the benefits of all that bulky loft.
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Editor’s Note: The Coze will live in your car for when you need it most, but you’ll still want a jacket you can take on the slopes. Find one in The Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets. And as long as you are at it, scope out The Best Women’s Snowboard Pants. For all-around winter kicks, don’t miss The Best Women’s Winter Boots. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.