Cozy and warm in the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Have you ever dreamed of an extended, waterproof version of your favorite puffer at a budget-friendly price? The REI Co-op Women’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka ($299) is tooled for you. This classic parka promises comfort and protection, boasting 850-fill down and strategic synthetic insulation, as well as a 2L HydroWall face fabric made to withstand the elements while remaining breathable.
From snowy evening dog walks outside my cabin to a Colorado-to-California road trip that coincided with an atmospheric river deluge, I braved downpours and subzero temperatures in the Stormhenge. I even snuck in several shred laps on the mountain to push the parka’s limits. Wherever I took it, the Stormhenge delivered.
Read on for the in-depth test and more details. And to see how REI’s Stormhenge stacks up to the competition, check out The Best Women’s Winter Jackets of 2024.
| Pros | Cons |
| Mega-warm thanks to the 850-fill-power-down insulation | The boxy design might not be flattering for all body shapes |
| Exceptionally waterproof. HydroWall 2-layer waterproof shell keeps wetness away | Size large fits more like a standard medium size from REI |
| Backed by REI’s very forgiving return policy | Arms are a bit short in length |
| Available in plus sizes |
REI Stormhenge Parka: First Impressions
Ideal For: Budget-conscious gals who seek something for everyday cold weather use and for many seasons to come.
Maybe Not Ideal For: Extreme adventurers who need more technically advanced pieces tooled for multi-sport missions.
As I unpacked this piece from REI, the material stood out. Not too stiff nor soft, the Stormhenge quickly shook out from the packaging without any wrinkles. Its tan colorway looked chic and somewhat technical. Would it hold up to Colorado’s cold winter and wetness?
As snow flurries started to fly outside my cabin, I popped on the Stormhenge and went outside for a hike in the elements. I was surprised by how effortlessly wet snowflakes hit the jacket and rolled away, leaving the coat’s exterior dry. At the same time, the interior insulation sparked to life. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the HydroWall 2-layer waterproof nylon shell and how warm the 850-fill-power goose down performed in the cold. Heavy snowfall and even rain were no match for Stormhenge’s DWR finish and 2L waterproof membrane.
The Stormhenge offers an adjustable hood that’s large enough to fit over a ski helmet. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
After romping around in the coat in sub-zero temperatures for the first few days, I realized this jacket was becoming my go-to for warmth and comfort – especially while on the move. It felt relatively light for being so warm.
The jacket even kept me toasty after visiting natural roadside hot springs. When I needed to get warm fast, I pulled on the Stormhenge over my wet swimsuit and zipped it up. Despite the air temperature being below freezing, I was impressed with how the jacket’s insulation perked to life. It warmed from within, making the hike back up to the car from the river below warm and manageable.
Eager for more environments where the Stormhenge could excel, this parka became my rain jacket during the relentless atmospheric river that saturated LA in early February 2024. Since it was cold, windy, and wet in SoCal, I chose this parka for a rainy walk on the beach. As the rain poured down and waves lapped at my ankles, I stayed dry in the Stormhenge. The outer shell appeared soaked after about forty minutes of exposing this jacket to the wettest weather on offer. However, I was totally dry on the inside — impressive waterproofing for a jacket currently on sale for $195 via REI’s website.
Check Price on REINotable Features
Fill: 850-fill-power down in body/sleeves, 98% recycled polyester in hood, side panels, hem, and cuffs
Fit: Boxy
Sustainable Features: Yes
Length: Thigh
Weight: 870 g
Waterproofing: Stormhenge’s weatherproof arsenal starts with the REI-exclusive HydroWall 2-layer shell, boasting fully sealed seams and DWR coating, which, as mentioned, shrugged off downpours and snowstorms quickly.
Insulation: The luxuriously warm 850-fill down, also treated with DWR for added water resistance, kept me cozy in cold temps. But the Stormhenge doesn’t stop there—strategic synthetic insulation, mapped to high-use areas, including the hood, cuffs, and underarms, ensures warmth and performance even when wet.
Construction: I found the bonded baffles help to eliminate cold spots, and the insulated, adjustable hood was big enough to fit over a helmet. The simple elastic pull tab at the back center of the hood quickly cinched to my desired tightness.
The seam-free shoulders are tooled to prevent chafing under pack straps. However, this is more a style element than a fundamental feature. I did enjoy how the elastic cuffs (without thumbholes) sealed out wind and snow and kept my hands and arms from getting wet.
Pockets: Multiple strategically placed pockets kept my essentials close at hand. I especially liked the low-profile exterior chest pocket on the left-hand side. This was perfect for stashing a small wallet with my ID and cards. It zips easily and securely. The hand pockets also zip and are big enough to store a small pair of gloves. Internally, there’s a sizable drop pocket, which can fit goggles or a decent-sized sandwich. I placed my sunglasses in here while exploring around.
Sustainability: Another feature I found notable is REI’s Fair Trade Certified™ construction. This badge complements REI’s commitment to sustainability. It ensures fair wages and working conditions for the people who made the jacket and its components.
With this impressive array of features, the REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a budget-friendly winter jacket that genuinely excels for its price point.
Drawbacks
The current model we tested from REI seemed like the sizing of the Stormhendge was off. The large felt more like a medium-sized jacket. I realized this, especially with the shortness of the jacket’s arms. Also, REI’s site states that this jacket comes with pit zip ventilation; however, the model I tested didn’t come with zippered vents. So make sure to pay attention to the model of Stormhenge you’re looking into. This jacket is currently on clearance at REI with a new version coming out later this year. I highly recommend snapping it up while it’s still on sale. And if you do, pay attention to the sizing and make sure you’re able to try it on before committing, or return if it doesn’t fit.
A high collar helps seal out drafts. Photo: Sarah Christine/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The practicality of this jacket from REI is undisputed. It’s an intelligent purchase, with its super weatherproof shell and warm recycled down at a reasonable price point (made even better by its current sale price of $200). It shines with its simplicity. I recommend the Stormhenge for women seeking a warm, waterproof jacket that’s dependable and can excel in various winter environments.
The Competition: If you’re looking for a parka similar to the Stormhenge, but with more style and technical components, check out The North Face’s Arctic Parka ($350). It’s a solid choice, and earned the nod as the Best Winter Jacket tested so far in 2024. I also recommend looking into Patagonia Women’s Tres 3-in-1 Parka ($699). This option is ultra versatile and can be worn as a raincoat, puffer or altogether for an impenetrable winter ensemble, justifying the high price point.
Check Price on REIEditor’s Note: To see how this jacket stacks up against the competition, check out our guide to The Best Women’s Winter Jackets. For something more lightweight, here’s our guides to The Best Puffer Jackets for Men and The Best Puffer Jackets for Women. For boots, here’s our guide to The Best Winter Boots. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
