How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

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Boasting toasty, ultralight insulation, the men's REI Magma 850 down jacket offers easy movement and just-right warmth for backpacking, hiking and travel.
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View the REI Co-op Magma Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Down Jackets| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Pertex ripstop nylon shell |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Down |
| Insulation | 850-fill goose down |
| Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
| Back Length | Waist-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 28.75 |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 10.8 ounces |
| Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) From a Climate Label Certified brand |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
| Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Wore this on a recent hiking trip around Iceland. It was my go-to outer layer in the 20 - 30 degree (f) Iceland weather with some substantial wind (10-20 mph). I was really impressed at the ability of the jacket to cut the wind and keep me warm with a simple thin base layer beneath. Stood up well to some light rain and snow encountered while hiking around as well, didn't saturate quickly and was able to keep me warm. Would still recommend a good hard shell outer if you expect to encounter heavy precipitation, but the 850 fill and construction is great for warmth and wind blocking.
Awesome hiking/camping jacket, keeps you warm but still extremely light weight and packs up small. I feel like it runs a bit big, I normally wear a medium in jackets, but had to get a small in this jacket. My only complaints are lack of colors, I'm more of a grey scale person, and I think the arms a little big in the bicep area. I'm 5'10" 165lb for size reference.
Overall this is a great jacket. $180 dollars for 850 fill down is a good deal, and the jacket is quite warm. It’s not the best if you’re looking for something for extreme conditions since it’s not quite heavy enough, but it works well as a packable mid layer option in anything over 20 degrees or lower if your exerting yourself. That being said, if you’re thin the fit will be terrible. This jacket is obviously fitted for people with larger stomachs and every time I wear it there’s a huge bubble over my stomach. It definitely not a slim fit.
I travel extensively between warm and cold climates - and lugging a regular jacket around doesn't work with my 1 carry-on rule. The 850 packs down to a very compact size, weighs nothing, but is as warm as anything I've ever had outside of a 5 ton ski jacket. Perfect!
I'm heading overseas where the temps will be 15F - 30F. I wanted a warm jacket that was lightweight and easy to pack. The jacket has no exterior chest pocket but does have an interior zippered pocket. I'm 5'11" and 200 lbs. I bought a large and it fits great when I wear thermal underwear and a sweater. The length is slightly below the waste. So far this jacket is exactly what wanted in a jacket.
I wore this in the rain for the first time, and it repelled a lot of water on a 30 minute ride home. Yet I've not found any limitations on breathability. I wouldn't count on it as raincoat, but it is reassuring to know my rain gear doesn't have to be bullet-proof. Also, it has much more insulation than a GhostWhisperer, so it is definitely warmer.
I already had a mid layer but the insulation was only 450 & wanted something with more insulation. I'm impressed with the Magma's 850 quality & price. The fact that it packs into the pocket & it's weight makes it great for storing in my saddlebags. I was able to get some riding in last night & I was impressed with how warm it kept me. Every REI Co-Op product I've purchased has performed as advertised. -
I bought this about a month ago and have used it for an everyday jacket and cold weather layer while out on the trails. This jacket has honestly done way better that I suspected. I have used it in temps from 50* all the way down to mid 20* over night while backpacking.
Note: I recently purchased this jacket and I've used it mostly to bike to work. I plan on using it extensively this summer and next fall for alpine travel, warming up after spending time in the water (whitewater kayaking and canyoneering) and as a pillow when backpacking. I compare this jacket to the Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket and the Arc'Teryx Cerium LT jacket. It's a bit heavier than those, but that's probably due to the much burlier (50D vs 10-15D nylon) face fabric. Whether that face fabric is actually more durable remains to be seen, but I like it. The fit of this jacket is much better (more contoured to my body) than the Patagonia (which is way too boxy for me, having a wide chest and slim waist). It doesn't fit as slim as the Arc'Teryx, but you get what you pay for, and the fit is a good balance between being able to layer underneath for very cold days and being able to wear it as an outer layer on dry, cold days. It has been leaking a little down, but that's very normal and the fabric is such that it is very easy to pull the down back through the face fabric when you notice a leak. As for warmth, it's about as good as most 650-fill puffies that are much bulkier and heavier; that is, very warm. The cuffs have a relaxed fit, which isn't appropriate on such a technical jacket, but again, you get what you pay for. Similarly, the collar is relaxed. So, both the cuffs and collar let a bit of air in, but if it's cold enough for that to matter, I figure I'll be wearing gloves and a buff or shell. I rode in to work today with just this over my T-shirt and it was around 28 degrees. I was plenty warm, even needed to unzip the top of the collar to keep from sweating too much. That makes me very satisfied. I couldn't feel the wind coming through the jacket (I ride at 15-20 mph and there was little to no headwind) whatsoever. I haven't tested it at higher wind speeds yet. This thing packs down nicely into its pocket, feels comfortable as a pillow (a big deal for me since I use my insulating layer as my pillow when backpacking), and the DWR is very solid, at least initially. In a recent rain/slush event, water beaded up and stayed beaded for over 15 minutes before I just wiped it off. None infiltrated the face fabric. That said, I would never use this as an outer layer in significant rain. That was very light precip. For the awesome price, I would say this jacket is likely the best value for a high quality down jacket on the market. Sure, it isn't the epitome of perfection like the Cerium LT, but it's also not nearly as costly.
This was one of the better purchases I have made. I have worn this jacket a ton since purchasing and it has held up big time. I had never owned a coat this light before and was startled at how warm it has kept me. I like the zip pockets and interior pocket. I am 5'8 about 157 lbs and the Large fits me really well. I'm able to easily wear a hoodie under it, sweater etc....I live in New York City so we get wind, rain, cold weather, some snow, and it holds up so well. I was nervous initially after the purchase because I really thought there was no way a jacket this light would hold up. I am glad to be wrong. You can't beat the price at all. Knowing how it has held up, I would have paid more.