Down jackets this good at two very different price points — that's the whole story here. Patagonia's Down Sweater uses 800-fill recycled down and has earned near-universal praise in Backpacker and on r/Ultralight. REI's 650 Down costs significantly less and punches above its weight for casual use and mild cold.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Patagonia's Down Sweater is worth it for serious backcountry use; REI's 650 Down is the smarter buy for everyday wear.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody | REI Co-op 650 Down Hooded Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | ~$280 | ~$149 |
| Fill Power | 800-fill | 650-fill |
| Weight (M) | ~400g / 14 oz | ~480g / 17 oz |
| Shell | 10d ripstop | 20d nylon |
| Down Standard | Recycled, traceable | RDS-certified |
| Packability | Softball size | Slightly larger |
Fill Power and Warmth
Patagonia uses 800-fill recycled down — higher loft per ounce means more warmth for less weight. REI's 650-fill down is solid but noticeably heavier for equivalent warmth.
On a cold trail below 30°F, the Patagonia pulls ahead. For city use or moderate temps, the REI is plenty warm and nobody notices the difference.
Shell and Construction
Patagonia's 10-denier ripstop shell is light but surprisingly durable. The REI uses a chunkier shell fabric that's more snag-resistant but adds weight.
Both use DWR treatment that needs refreshing over time. Neither is truly waterproof — down and rain don't mix without a shell over top.
Packability
The Down Sweater stuffs into its own chest pocket at roughly softball size. The REI 650 packs to a similar form factor but compresses slightly less tightly due to the heavier shell.
For backpackers counting ounces, the Patagonia's packability matters. For car camping, the REI is fine.
Price and Ethics
Patagonia retails around $280 and uses traceable, recycled down. REI's 650 Down runs about $149 and uses Responsible Down Standard-certified fill.
Both brands source responsibly. The price gap is real, and for casual wearers the REI delivers 80% of the performance at half the cost.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Strengths
- 800-fill recycled down — warmer per ounce than REI's
- Packs smaller with a lighter 10d shell
- Traceable down supply chain and strong brand ethics
REI Co-op 650 Down Hooded Jacket Strengths
- Costs about half as much as the Patagonia
- Tougher shell fabric resists snagging on rough surfaces
- Great warmth-to-price ratio for everyday use
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Weaknesses
- Premium price limits it for those who don't need elite performance
- Thin 10d shell can snag on rough pack straps
REI Co-op 650 Down Hooded Jacket Weaknesses
- 650-fill down is heavier for equivalent warmth
- Compresses slightly less than higher-fill competitors
- Less desirable resale value
Best For
- a: Backpackers, alpinists, anyone counting grams and wanting warmth
- b: Commuters, car campers, and budget-conscious buyers
FAQ
Is 800-fill down noticeably warmer than 650-fill?
Yes, per ounce of fill, 800-fill lofts more and traps more air — but the REI compensates slightly by using more fill material, so the gap in real-world warmth is less dramatic than the numbers suggest.
Can I wash these jackets at home?
Both can be machine-washed on delicate with down-specific detergent. Dry on low heat with tennis balls to re-loft the down.
Does Patagonia repair their Down Sweater?
Yes — Patagonia's Worn Wear program offers repairs. REI's jackets can be returned under their REI guarantee within a year of purchase.