Patagonia Down With It Parka Review
What you see is what you get with the Patagonia Down With It Parka ($365): a baffled down parka with curved princess seams, built to merge style with true cold-weather protection. Our tester wore it through 15 days of single-digit temperatures and Anchorage's snowiest January on record—for errands, neighborhood walks, trips to the office, and date nights—and came to love its comfort and confidence-inspiring warmth. It's not waterproof, the contoured fit limits layering, and, quite honestly, we think the style is a bit outdated. But if the aesthetic works for you, it's a reliable and comfortable down parka for dry, bitter cold in the teens and 20s.
Warmth
Comfort
Weather Protection
Features
Durability
Sustainability
Weight
2 lb. 5 oz.
Insulation
8.5 oz. of 600-fill down
Waterproofing
None
Fabric
Polyester
Back Length
38 in.
Pros
Cons
Patagonia Down With It Parka
For this season's top models, see our guides to the Best Women's Winter Jackets.
The Patagonia Down With It Parka is a serious cold-weather jacket, but I gave it a run for its money during 15 days of single-digit temperatures and Anchorage's snowiest January on record. I wore it in temperatures ranging from about -5 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, which felt even colder given the high-humidity coastal environment. It kept me safe in those conditions, but not necessarily warm: on one particularly brutal day when temperatures hovered around zero, I stayed warm on my walk and could stand around for short periods, but felt like I was pushing the jacket's limits. The hip length covers the core well, though I could feel the cold sneaking in through my leggings between where the jacket ended and my boots began—a reminder that even the best jacket has limits when it comes to coverage. The hood and cuffs do a great job of keeping cold air out without compromising visibility or mobility.
The Down With It Parka's 8.5 ounces of 600-fill down make it just right on less extreme days in the teens and 20s. I generally wore it with a thick base layer or sweater underneath, and there wasn't much room for additional layering. The jacket's sweet spot is roughly 15 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can push it a bit higher by unzipping the front zipper to regulate heat buildup. For comparison, the Patagonia Down With It Parka provides comparable warmth to the Patagonia Jackson Glacier (8.2 oz. of 700-fill down) and is significantly more insulating than the Down Sweater Parka (5.4 oz. of 700-fill down).
If you've ever thought about wearing your weighted blanket as a jacket, the Down With It Parka might be the closest thing. The feather-and-down mix gives it a lofty yet substantial feel that's deeply satisfying to wear and offers a good deal of security in the cold (and for many, security = comfort): Fully zipped with the hood up, I felt no drafts sneaking in, no choking at the collar, just consistent warmth from head to hip. It’s not quite as soft and supple as a jacket like the Patagonia Silent Down, but it’s close, and the lack of a super water-resistant face fabric eliminates the rigidity that comes with a waterproof parka.
I found myself reaching for the Down With It Parka constantly this winter, whether heading out for errands, a neighborhood walk, the office, or a date night. The contoured cut and two-way zipper make it easy to wear for extended periods without feeling restricted while walking, sitting, or driving. All told, it looks great, feels good, and keeps me warm. At the end of the day, that’s exactly what you want from a winter jacket. And despite its length and bulk, it compresses surprisingly well: I packed it into a duffel for a trip and was impressed that the entire jacket condensed down into the hood.
The Down With It Parka handles everyday winter conditions well, but it’s not meant to be pushed into truly bad weather. I wore it throughout Anchorage’s snowiest January on record (40 inches!), and the shell consistently repelled snow, protecting the down insulation underneath. That said, I wouldn’t want to test it in sustained rain or wet snow. Despite having a durable water-repellent finish, the polyester shell doesn't bead water as well as a more weather-resistant nylon shell might, and there’s no waterproof membrane to prevent moisture from reaching the down. In heavy snow or any sort of rain, I’d opt for a more water-resistant jacket or one with synthetic insulation.
Wind protection is where the Down With It surprised me. On a couple of days, I spent several hours outside in a consistent breeze of around 10 miles per hour, out on a lake, and taking the kids sledding during a cold stretch in January. I never once felt drafts making their way into the jacket, be it between the baffles, up from the hem, down my neck, or through the zipper (covered by a front placket and a backer from behind). That said, I wouldn’t expect it to perform as well in higher winds, which would likely overwhelm the shell and liner fabric. But for the conditions I tested it in, the Down With It performed exactly as I'd expect from an everyday down parka—decent in the wind, capable in snow, and vulnerable to wet weather.
The Down With It Parka features a removable hood that secures to the collar with snaps. This is a common design on casual winter parkas, and while I don’t exactly love it (I find the snaps add unsightly bulk), it’s hard to deny its functionality. As for the hood, the 3-panel construction fits my head nicely, the cinch pulls are easy to operate and effectively seal the hood snugly around my face, and coverage is just right: not so generous that it interferes with my vision, but enough to keep the cold out. I wore it over a bare head, a headband, and a beanie with a pompom, and it accommodated all three without issue.
The cuffs don't have gaskets, but they taper nicely at the wrist—snug enough to keep cold air out, with enough room to slip liner gloves underneath or pull bulkier gaiter-style gloves over the top. And the two-way zipper is a genuine asset on a knee-length jacket, making it easy to chase kids around in the snow, sit comfortably in a car, drive, or get a little more active without feeling locked in.
The Down With It Parka keeps storage simple with three pockets: two hand pockets at the waist and a single interior chest pocket on the left, both secured with zippers. The hand pockets sit at a natural, comfortable height and are roomy enough for my keys, phone, and lip balm. When I add my hands, the brushed tricot lining makes them noticeably more pleasant than a standard nylon pocket. I mostly used the interior chest pocket for my phone, though it fits easily in the hand pockets too.
The storage layout is adequate for everyday use, and I wouldn't want any fewer pockets. That said, anyone who likes to carry more than the basics will likely find themselves wishing for one more pocket somewhere.
The Down With It is moderately durable—I’d trust it for most everyday uses, but it's no Carhartt jacket or super robust hardshell. The polyester shell feels noticeably more substantial than what you'd find on a lightweight technical jacket like the Patagonia Fitz Roy, but it's not in the same league as a hardshell-like construction, such as The North Face Arctic Parka or Arc'teryx Patera Parka. All told, it sits comfortably in the middle ground alongside something like the Columbia Amaze Puff: An everyday down jacket with a slightly more robust face fabric than a purely performance-oriented design.
After about a month of use, the Down With It shows no signs of wear. A three-day cabin trip on a lake put it through its paces: My nine-year-old used my coat as a tow rope, I collected and sawed firewood, and routinely stoked a wood stove. The jacket came through without a snag, tear, or loose thread. Patagonia designed the Down WIth It to be a daily driver in the winter months, and its build quality and durability reflect this.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand.
Recycled Materials
This product is made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc). Look for these details in our product sustainability report linked below.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.
PFAS-Free DWR
This product’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds are known as "forever chemicals” because they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
This product's waterproof membrane is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds are known as "forever chemicals” because they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.
Responsible Down Standard
The down used in this product is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Set by The Textile Exchange, the RDS is the leading certification for sustainably sourced down in the outdoor industry. It ensures that down suppliers use sustainable land management practices, prioritize animal welfare, and provide workers with safe working conditions and fair wages. Third-party audits are conducted at all stages of the supply chain, starting with the farm supplying the down.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates this brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
This brand uses recycled packaging and/or is making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, it may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic across its packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.
Repair Services
This brand offers repair services, which can extend this product's lifespan and reduce overall consumption. Some brands offer comprehensive repair programs that can fix a wide range of issues, while others have more limited capabilities. If a brand's warranty policy only covers replacement, rather than repair, these programs usually do not meet this criterion.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
This brand has a resale and/or recycling program, which helps keep gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Generally, companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions.
Annual Impact Report
This brand produces and publishes an annual impact report for public consumption, tracking its environmental footprint and sustainability efforts. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas and emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front.
Tester: 5’4” 125 lb.; 32” chest, 26” waist, 36” hips
Size tested: Women’s XS
I typically wear an extra-small or small, depending on the brand. I went with an extra-small with the Down With It Parka and loved how it fit. The contoured cut with curved princess seams gives the jacket a flattering, fitted silhouette, and the sleeves are nicely tapered. That said, the contoured fit does limit layering options—for example, I’d have to size up to a small to pair the parka with a chunky sweater. On days when I needed a bit more warmth, I put on a base layer underneath the rest of my layers, but anything bulkier would have felt too snug.
The Down With It is also available in a jacket-length version that falls just below the hip. It shares the same chevron baffles and princess seams as the parka, uses identical materials, and also features a removable hood. The Down With It Jacket features 7.1 ounces of 600-fill down (surprisingly, just a little over an ounce less than the parka version) and comes in at $229—a meaningful savings if the parka's thigh-length cut feels like more coverage than you need.
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka ($499): Up Your Protection Game
If the Down With It's princess-seam silhouette isn't quite your style but you want comparable warmth from Patagonia, the Jackson Glacier is worth a look. It offers a similar amount of 700-fill down with a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic—and crucially, it adds a 2-layer H2No waterproof membrane, making it the more capable jacket when wet snow or drizzle is in the forecast. The Jackson Glacier's 75-denier shell is also more durable than the Down With It's softer polyester. The Down With It, though, is $134 less, has a more fitted and traditionally feminine silhouette, and packs down more easily for travel. If you want waterproofing and a simpler style, the Jackson Glacier is worth the premium; if you prefer a more contoured fit and don't need wet-weather protection, the Down With It is the stronger pick. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka.
The North Face Arctic Parka ($350): More Waterproof, Less Cozy
Both the Down With It and the Arctic Parka are thigh-length down parkas built for serious cold, but they take meaningfully different approaches. The Arctic Parka pairs its 600-fill down with a waterproof membrane and a tough, tightly woven 75-denier shell that can shrug off wet snow and rain in a way the Down With It's unlined polyester can't. It's also more durable and better suited to hard everyday use. The Down With It, though, is noticeably warmer—its 8.5 ounces of down outweighs the Arctic's 600-fill construction—and considerably more comfortable, with a softer, more supple feel that the Arctic's stiff shell can't match. But for wet winters where weather protection matters, the Arctic is the more functional pick. To learn more, read our Arctic Parka review.
A staple in Patagonia’s winter lineup, the Down With It Parka merges cold-weather warmth with an elegant, fitted style. It’s not as water-resistant or durable as many options, and we think its princess seams are a bit outdated (but we’ll let you make that call).
Warmth
Comfort
Weather Protection
Features
Durability
Sustainability
Warm, waterproof, durable, and stylish—the Jackson Glacier is about as complete a casual, everyday parka as you'll find to handle the full gamut of winter weather. Waterproof construction is surprising on a jacket this warm, but we’ve come to appreciate the Jackson Glacier’s build for its no-holds-barred protection.
Warmth
Comfort
Weather Protection
Features
Durability
Sustainability
The Arctic Parka packs the warmth of a down puffy and the waterproof protection of a rain shell into a jacket that’s built tough enough to wear every single day. For cold-climate dwellers who want capable winter performance without the technical aesthetic, it's a great option at a reasonable price.
Warmth
Comfort
Weather Protection
Features
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Down With It Parka for You?
For an everyday winter jacket that can fight off serious winter cold and look cool and casual doing it, check out the Patagonia Down With It Parka. It offers warmth down to the teens, but it’s not built for wet weather—so if your cold days come with a lot of rain or heavy wet snow, you'd be better served by a more water-resistant or fully waterproof shell. We don’t think the Down With It is the most trendy winter jacket on the market (its style is a bit 2000s, which is when it debuted), but some will like the contoured cut with princess seams. If you like the style and are looking more for an everyday defense against the cold rather than serious weather protection, the Down With It Parka is a classic for good reason.
Go for it if you want a warm, comfortable, and flattering everyday parka for genuinely cold winter temperatures.
Pass on it if you need waterproof protection, want room to layer heavily underneath, or are looking for a more modern style.
stay warm out there
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