How to Choose Insulated Jackets

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Lighten up your backcountry load—replace a couple of layers with one jacket that does it all: the waterproof, breathable and insulated women's REI Co-op Heliovale jacket.
Shop similar products| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Nylon (bluesign®-approved) |
| Lining Fabric | Nylon (bluesign®-approved) |
| Windproof | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | 2-layer waterproof breathable shell |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Insulation | Polyester fibers |
| Hood | Yes |
| Ventilation | Pit Zips |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 27.5 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Weight | Unavailable |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Fair Trade Certified™ Factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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I bought this jacket about a month ago and have really been enjoying it! It’s perfect for 30-50 degree weather, especially if it’s raining. The other review says it wasn’t waterproof for them, but that isn’t what I’ve experienced. I’ve worn this coat in pouring rain and it was great. In fact it was dry within a couple minutes of being inside my car. Also, the fabric is SO soft, not like the typical rain jacket fabric. I’m 5’4” 120lbs and bought a size Small (I’m usually XS) so I could layer my fleece underneath if I wanted to, and it fits perfectly. The sleeves are a bit longer but I like that in a jacket. The price is high but so far it’s been worth it.
I made the mistake of not trusting the other review(s), because this jacket is NOT waterproof. I wore it on a trek to Machu Picchu over four days, and the second day it poured rain. Wearing this jacket, I was SOAKED though. The jacket absorbed all of the rain and took 2 days to dry. I was so disappointed, because it continued to rain, but I no longer had a warm jacket to keep me dry. If you’re looking for a jacket that looks nice and for just a light drizzle now and then, this is a decent jacket, but if you’re looking for something to keep you warm and dry in anything more, keep looking.
I bought this for a hiking trip to Ireland. This jacket is NOT waterproof it is water resistant. Still, it was great in light rain, the under arm vents were great during the hike, it packed small, and it was snuggly
It is important to note that this jacket stand alone is not waterproof. It does great in a light rain or mist and beads well. Layered with the proper shell it does great. Defiantly a versatile jacket for hiking/camping and casual wear.
I was looking for a backpacking jacket, warm but not bulky. The description says warm enough to reduce layers. I did not find this true. I definitely needed a hoodie on underneath to stay warm. It seemed like it was going to be to tight in the shoulders with a hoodie on. With REI's one year return policy, I decided to try it out for a while. It stretched to accommodate the hoodie, and all of my movements. It is water resistant, the car wash water beaded up, I have not been in a down pour yet. Great jacket for a cool day, and works well on a colder day with an extra layer. Packs down well and is very light weight. The zipper has small teeth, sometimes the inner wind block flap gets caught. You need both hands to zip all the way up.
Since I bought this jacket a month ago I take it with me everywhere. It keeps me dry in the rain, warm in the cold and is light enough to carry everywhere.
I love this jacket, I took it to Ireland with me this fall, it’s been to Colorado and Florida, it’s a great all weather jacket, super light, but still keeps you warm in low temperatures!