Cozy, Capable, Budget-Friendly: REI Co-op Norseland Women’s Winter Jacket Review

When I saw a heavy storm in the forecast for my upcoming trip to British Columbia, I knew I’d need a lengthy women’s winter jacket to handle the squall. But I didn’t have a ton of space. My solution? I stuffed the REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka into my bag.

I’d been using the long coat on ice-cold dog walks at home, so I already knew that the warmth was adequate. But the jacket was also surprisingly packable for its size.

Loaded with recycled down, the jacket’s ability to shield the elements also punches above its price point. The roomy silhouette is tapered at the hem, which has three zippers to increase the range of motion, which is great for a longer stride, sitting for long periods, or stepping into a vehicle. 

In short: The REI Co-op Norseland Down Parka ($229) has large baffles loaded with plenty of insulation — mostly down plus a bit of synthetic fill — and a cozy fleece-lined hood. Decently lightweight, at around 2 pounds, this warm parka is loaded with 650-fill recycled goose-feather down. The DWR-treated shell and liner shed moisture quickly. This fan favorite is also impressively packable for a weekend getaway or longer vacation.

See how the Norseland compares to our other favorite women’s winter jackets in the Women’s Winter Jackets buyer’s guide.

Field Testing: From Colorado to British Columbia

This women’s winter jacket became my travel buddy this season. In March, I travelled to British Columbia to ski at Whistler and visit friends in Vancouver. I needed to bring a layer that could handle the moisture-heavy climate of the PNW, but also be packable enough that I wouldn’t need to wear it on the plane. 

I stuffed the Norseland into an exterior pocket on my ski bag where it barely contributed to the airline’s 50-pound weight limit — phew! That first day in Vancouver was cold, rainy, and very gusty. But the Norseland didn’t budge.

Despite the circumstances, I was pretty comfortable while we walked around and explored the city. On day two, we woke up to dew and a bite in the air. Once again, the Norseland provided solid insulation and protection against the moisture.

Next, I went to Whistler, where the temps were pretty low following a huge 30-inch storm. Throughout the week, it snowed each night, leaving us with cold mornings. The temps hovered from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Norseland felt like more than enough on breakfast and coffee outings.

Back home in Colorado, I continued to test the Norseland in a range of conditions on my daily winter walks from bluebird days to blizzard-filled evenings.

Weather-Resistance: Holding Up in Wet, Heavy Snow

The Norseland is water-resistant thanks to its DWR-treated nylon shell. Truthfully, I was a bit nervous about the lack of waterproofing on the Norseland, especially for handling the infamously wet, heavy snow of the PNW.

But the jacket’s ability to repel water surprised me. One evening in Whistler, I stood in heavy snowfall for 45 minutes while waiting for a table to open at one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. The flakes were huge and relentless, and the shell’s exterior eventually looked soaked. But the liner is also treated with DWR, and inside the jacket, I remained perfectly comfortable and dry.

To make matters more challenging, we were given a table outside — yes, in the snowstorm — but throughout an unrushed dinner, I stayed dry inside the Norseland. Even my lower body stayed protected despite the very wet seat.

After I got back to the hotel, I hung up the jacket, and it dried completely by the next morning.

Honestly, it would be great to see a version of this jacket with a full waterproof shell, even if the price took a hit. If I had stayed longer in the blizzard, I imagine the water-resistance could have eventually given out, leaving me in a pretty uncomfortable situation.

That said, the lack of a heavy shell helps to give this coat a lighter feel and impressive packability. It also helps keep the price down.

Fleece-Lined Hood, Windproof

The Norseland from REI is not a complex design, but it has some thoughtful features that shouldn’t be glossed over. The hood is lined with cozy fleece polyester, a detail I have not seen on other women’s winter jackets. For me, this extra element replaces wearing a beanie or ear muffs. 

Furthermore, the hood is adjustable with a cord located on either side. However, the hood lacks a fur or baffle ruff, a design element that I’d like to see added. When I stood in the heavy snowstorms, my face got pummeled by the giant flakes. Having a reinforced brim or detachable ruff would eliminate this issue.

This jacket is also windproof. The front zipper is covered with a snappable storm flap and backed by a windflap, providing protection when the gusts picked up. I noticed this feature worked particularly well during windy excursions in Vancouver.

Several Pockets and a Touch of Synthetic Fill

The Norseland has three pockets: two lined hand pockets and one zippered internal pocket for small devices and valuables. The zipper for the internal pocket is discreet, which I think adds a bit of security, especially if you are doing some heavy traveling with this coat.

Inside, the pockets are lined with a microfleece fabric, which feels nice on the hands, especially on days when the air has a bite.

While the majority of the fill is recycled down, sprinkled with a bit of feathers, the jacket has a bit of synthetic fill. Strategically placed near the rim of the hood and bottom of the jacket, there’s 120g recycled polyester. In those high-use areas, the jacket won’t lose heat if the exterior gets wet — which explains why I could comfortably eat dinner outside on a blizzard-ridden night in Vancouver.

Relaxed Fit & Inclusive Sizing: Plenty of Room for Layers

Available in sizes XS to 3X, the Norseland has decent sizing inclusivity, which can be tricky to find. I tested this parka in size XS. With my petite 5’3” frame, the 36.5-inch center back length came to about mid-thigh. This coverage was excellent without being too constrictive during long days of walking on my trips.

Overall, the fit is decently relaxed with tapering near the hem. I had plenty of room for thick wool sweaters and fleece midlayers without feeling like the Michelin Man. The slick liner made it easy to slide this jacket on without my sleeves getting bunched up (my pet peeve). 

This women’s winter jacket supports excellent mobility. Two lower side zippers can slide up to provide extra room for a wider stride or stance. And the front zipper is two-way, allowing you to open the jacket from the bottom. I especially appreciated these three zippers during après-ski, while sitting around fire pits and at restaurant tables.

Eco-Conscious Materials

While the entire jacket isn’t fully Bluesign-approved, it’s made with textiles that meet the standard.

Specifically, the nylon shell and polyester liner of the Norseland are Bluesign-approved. That ensures a major portion of this jacket meets ethical and environmental best practices.

When a garment is Bluesign-approved or made with designated materials, it was manufactured in accordance with major ethical, sustainable requirements. The employees are in safe working conditions with minimal environmental impact. All to say, consumer safety and the planet’s health are prioritized. The insulation is also constructed with 80% recycled down. The synthetic polyester fill is likewise 98% recycled.

Critiques

The XS to 3X provides a nice sizing variety. But it would be awesome to see REI offer this jacket in tall and petite lengths for women who require some length diversity. As mentioned, the hood lacks a fur or baffle ruff.

Also, the same fabric that’s in the hand pockets would be a smart choice for the chin guard. That’s another spot I’d like to see an upgrade on the Norseland. The inner collar is currently unlined and can cause a bit of chafing on sensitive skin after extended use. 

Final Thoughts: A Dependable Winter Staple

From winter trips in British Columbia to exploring Colorado, the REI Co-op Norseland Parka impressed me more than I expected. This coat can handle such a wide range of conditions — and be stuffed into my luggage. The use of natural down and polyester fill kept me warm.

The two-way main zipper and adjustable side vents made this jacket excellent when I was on the move and needed more range. Additionally, the silhouette is flattering, without adding too much bulk and with no restriction.

The large baffles, knit wrist gaiters, fleece-lined hood, and windproofing add to this parka’s comfort on cold, windy days.

With an added ruff to the hood, the Norseland would be pretty much perfect. But with the use of recycled materials and a price tag that doesn’t make you wince, you can’t beat the packability and insulation of the Norseland.