This photo shows a closeup of the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket men's version.
Chris Maxcer

REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket Review

- Field-tested -

Disclosure: Man Makes Fire is reader-supported. When you buy gear using retail links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission that helps pay for our work. Learn more.

The REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket is a thick and durable down jacket with a waterproof nylon shell and water-repellant goose down insulation. It’s very warm, has a solid set of features that include massive pit zips for dumping excess heat. If you think of the Stormhenge 850 as more of a down coat rather than a down jacket, you’re heading in the right direction.

To get us a closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. This is what we learned:

*Editor’s Note: REI has updated its popular Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket by adding a recycled fiber synthetic insulation to high-heat and high-use areas that are more likely to get wet during activity. REI’s new body-mapping insulation strategy leads to the slightly new name: Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket.

What else has changed? The Hybrid version is slightly longer at the hem and includes a new internal pocket as well as an inside drop-in pocket. (Nice. We always like more pockets!) The fabric is very similar, but it’s now bluesign-approved and is manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified Factory. REI reports that the overall jacket warmth and fit is very similar to the previous version.

If you want to see the previous version product page at REI, you can view the previous Stormhenge here as long as REI keeps the page active. Other links to the Stormhenge below now go to the new updated ‘Hybrid’ versions. The synthetic insulation provides a new moisture benefit but weighs slightly more. It’s a reasonable tradeoff — our buying recommendations remain the same!

REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket Review

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is more of a coat than a lightweight jacket — and it flirts with down parka status. Why? It’s packed with plenty of 850-fill power goose down insulation and uses a nylon shell that’s far more durable than what you usually see in lightweight down jackets. (To learn more about down jackets, check out our best down jacket guide.)

And that shell, it turns out, is the key feature of the REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket: It’s waterproof. With most down jackets you need to avoid water. If down insulation gets truly wet, it’s insulating properties plummet to essentially nothing. On the other hand, to create a waterproof outer layer, you’re going to add weight. So waterproof down jackets are — by design — heavier than non-waterproof down jackets. Consequently, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is really a lightweight down coat. Plus, it’s far warmer than what most people expect from a jacket.

This image shows the men's REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket on a white background.
The REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket looks fantastic and has an excellent build quality. It’s best feature is the waterproof outer shell.

REI says the men’s Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket weighs in at 1 lb. 11 oz. (new Hybrid version weighs 1 lb. 15.75 oz). REI reports that the women’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid weighs in at 1 lb. 6 oz (new Hybrid version weighs 1 lb. 10 oz). Compared to full synthetics of this size with comparable insulating capabilities, the Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is very light. Compared to most excellent down jackets, it’s a bit heavy. On the other hand, if you take a heavily insulated ultralight down jacket and then add in the weight of a durable waterproof shell for skiing or a rain jacket — especially at the excellent price point of the Stormhenge — you’re going to break well past a pound. Of course, if you went that route — down jacket with a waterproof shell — you’re not going to get pit zips, a.k.a. underarm vents. If you’re active outside in cold weather, pit zips can be awesome.

This photo shows the pit zips on the men's REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket.
With a jacket this warm, you’ll end up using the pit zips if you’re active. The dual zipper design lets you easily adjust the venting.

Meanwhile, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is pretty straightforward in its design and construction. The insulation is mapped to hot and cold body spots, giving you more insulation where you need it and less where you don’t — and now synthetic insulation in areas that are more likely to get wet. The baffles are welded to the shell to eliminate cold spots. The 3-way adjustable hood is super warm. The shoulders are seam-free, which can make backpack straps feel a bit more comfortable.

The sleeve cuffs are widely adjustable, which is handy when you add or remove layers or gloves.

The hem has an adjustable drawcord to seal out drafts.

Shop the Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket at REI now and get FREE shipping!

REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket: Fit & Finish

This photo shows a man wearing the men's REI Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket.
The men’s REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is sized for layering.

The REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is designed to allow for a couple of full layers underneath it. For instance, I can wear a base layer with a heavier fleece sweater, no problem. If you plan on heading out into very cold weather and plan on bulky layers, definitely go with your regular size. If you want something you can throw on over a t-shirt, choose one size down. I’m about 6’3″ and 220 lbs and the XL fits slightly big — ready for layers.

The hood is three-way adjustable, and while it’s super warm, it seems just a bit tall. When I wear it with a baseball cap, it’s perfect. Same goes for wearing it with a stocking cap. When it’s just my bare head, it’s a bit big — but still nice to have.

The standout feature is the waterproof layer, which reduces the “puffy” look of this down jacket and helps give you a slimmer profile — despite the slightly big torso. I must say, the REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket looks great on. I’m not sure I would solely trust the waterproofing layer in an all-day rain out in the backcountry without having a backup shell, but for rain and sleet here and there, it’s nice to not have to worry about it.

The zippers are all solid and functional. The main zipper is a bit stiff at first, but it blocks air and water well and it loosens up after a bit of use.

As for quality and overall style, it’s very good. Surprisingly good. It compares well to jackets that cost twice as much, making the REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket an outstanding buy.

 

REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket: Super Warm

This image shows a woman wearing the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket.
The women’s version includes all the same features as the men’s version.

Remember the sizing and layering advice? The Stormhenge jacket is warm. I wore it just over a t-shirt in 9-degree Fahrenheit weather one night — where the snow is all squeaky under your boots — and I started to overheat the moment I put on the hood. If you want more of a grab-and-go down coat that’s great over t-shirts or single layers, size down. If you want to error on the side of seriously cold-weather versatility that you can wear with multiple layers, go with your usual size.

As for wind, this down coat blocks wind very well. Because you can adjust the cuffs and hem, you can cinch out cold drafts. The collar is plenty high, and when it’s cold and windy, you’ll appreciate it. One minor point: the lining of the hand pockets is a soft warm fleece-like material — not a slick shell nylon. Basically, you’ll like putting your bare hands in these pockets.

What about those pit zips? They are massive and have dual zippers, which make it easier to find a zipper and unzip or zip on the go. I am a huge fan of pit zips. If you want a coat ready for cold-weather outdoor activity like hiking, snowshoeing or building epic snowmen with the kids, the pit zips will help keep you from sweating. They’re great.

Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket: Outstanding Price-to-Value Ratio

This image shows beads of water on the waterproof shell of the REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket.
The waterproof shell works well.

The major takeaway for the REI Co-op Stormhenge Hybrid Down Jacket is that uses excellent goose down and synthetic insulation, has a waterproof shell, and it boasts an outstanding price-to-value ratio. Oh, and it’s very warm, too. Highly recommended.

Get the Gear:

REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket
Benefits
Fantastic warmth
Waterproof and durable
Excellent price-to-value ratio
Drawbacks
Some customers report less insulation in the shoulders
4.7
This image shows a YETI Roadie 48 wheeled cooler on a beach with a lake in the background.


Disclosure: Reviews and Gear Links:

In addition to Man Makes Fire buying gear for reviews and guides, gear manufacturers occasionally ship review units to Man Makes Fire. If we like it, we spend some quality time with the gear and review it, noting if it was provided to Man Makes Fire. After the review, we return it, give it away, or work on longer-term review follow-ups when applicable to reader interest.

We do not accept any gear in exchange for coverage. If we do not truly appreciate the gear, we don't write about it at all -- bad gear will fade into obscurity on its own if everyone ignores it. In addition, we focus on gear from reputable companies, reputable brands, and reputable retailers we trust.

The gear links on Man Makes Fire are focused on what we are willing to recommend to our own family and friends. Many of our specific gear links connect to industry-standard affiliate advertising programs. When you buy something using the retail links in our guides and reviews, we may earn a small affiliate commission that helps pay for our work.

Basically, we deliver the advice and insight you need, you get the gear you want, and then everyone wins. Pretty straightforward.

Complete Site Details & Disclosures Here