Product Updates
Since our testing period, Canada Goose updated the Camp Hooded jacket with a new matte fabric. This updated outer fabric is 100% nylon with a DWR finish. Check out the revamped matte fabric below in the first image (maroon) followed by the shinier red version we tested.
We are linking to the updated Camp jacket above, but the review below still tells our account of the version we initially tested.
Hands-On Review of the Camp Hooded
High-quality windproof construction, combined with ample warmth, the Camp is a knockout. Reaching mid-thigh, this parka can handle cold temperatures and strong winds.
Insulated with 750 fill hutterite down white duck down, this jacket is loaded with warm down. Thanks to the mid-thigh length we had no issues with mobility in this jacket, compared to the longer knee-length parkas.
Warmth
Insulated with 750 fill Hutterite white duck down, this mid-thigh length parka packs a lot of heat into a small space. Cozy and warm, we felt like we were wearing a sleeping bag. The hood is equally loaded with plush down, keeping our head super toasty. We really liked that there were an insulated collar and adjustable drawcord, which added another warm touch.
This jacket is rated for 30F / 5 F weather. Although our core was warm in 15F, our legs began to feel cold; granted this was at nighttime. During the day when it was sunny out, we didn't seem to have an issue. We rated the Marmot Montreaux higher in terms of warmth, because we were able to be outside for an extended period of time, day or night, without feeling cold; the longer length parkas really add extra warmth on super cold days.
We wore this jacket in the snow storm in Lake Louise, Canada. Snow beaded up and rolled off, but after an extended period of time the outer shell became saturated. If it wasn't for worrying about the loft of the down insulation, we would of stayed outside longer, because our core was nice and toasty.
Weather Resistance
The nylon outer shell is Basecamp 20D water-resistant and windproof fabric. We tested this jacket in a blustery snowstorm in Canada. At first, the snow brushed right off, but it isn't waterproof, and after an extended period, saturation occurred. The Camp Hooded isn't as protective as the waterproof and durable outer shell of the Fjallraven Nuuk Insulated Parka.
Unlike any other jacket we tested, the hood has a two-way adjustable cord made to handle high winds. In windy conditions, this jacket held up better some of the other contenders in our fleet.
The outer shell is made of nylon, and is smooth and sleek. The internal stitching lines from the down insulation are noticeable, especially from different angles and lighting. This jacket is very versatile, and we had no issues wearing it with snow boots or sneakers.
Style
The Camp is loaded with down but is still very flattering and form-fitting. We liked how the mid-thigh length gave the jacket a sporty look. The exterior windproof nylon fabric is smooth and clean, but you can see the internal stitching lines from the down insulation. We didn't find this to be any issues with the style, just something a little different. There are four colors to choose from Black/Granite, Ink Blue/Firefly, Red/Black, Algonquin Green/Ink Blue.
It fits a bit looser than some of the other mid-thigh jackets we tested, like The North Face Thermoball Parka and the Patagonia Tres 3-In-1 Parka, but isn't baggy by any means. However, the well-priced Eddie Bauer Sun Valley Down Jacket is more form-fitting, highly water-resistant and half the price.
This jacket was very comfortable, for being such a form-fitting and flattering. There is enough room to fit another layer underneath without making the jacket look bulky or frumpy.
Comfort
Cozy and warm, the plush down hugged us, making it hard to take this jacket off. Insulated with 750 fill Hutterite white duck down, we never felt like the down was overtaking us. The down insulation is evenly dispersed, making the jacket lightweight and functional. If thick plush down reaching to your knees is more your style, check out the Patagonia Downtown Parka or our Best Buy award winner, the Marmot Montreaux. There is enough room to fit a sweater or heavy layer underneath the jacket. The North Face Gotham II Hooded Down Jacket is similarly comfortable and has a cute faux fur ruff around the hood.
The quality of the windproof construction is undeniable. From the nylon windproof fabric on the outer shell, to the two-way adjustable hood. You can see the adjustable cord running through the front and back of the hood. It allowed for a tighter fit in seriously windy weather.
Features
The main feature on the Camp Hooded Jacket is the windproof construction. Meant to withstand high winds, this jacket did live up to its expectations. A 2-way adjustable tunnel hood offers extra protection in high winds, and we found the hood to be insanely warm and cozy. The hood is loaded with down, as well as the insulated neck collar — this added extra warmth in cold weather. The hood is integrated into the neckline and doesn't allow any room for cold air to get in, especially with the insulated collar. Jackets with bomber outer shells that protect against wind make all the difference in cold, windy and stormy weather.
The outside of the jacket is smooth and sleek, but we loved the way the down insulation wrapped itself around us. We found it very comfortable and warm.
The exterior fabric is Basecamp 20D: nylon windproof and water-resistant fabric. The exterior fabric on the shell of the Patagonia Tres 3-In-1 Parka is more durable, heavy-duty and waterproof. The front main zipper and exterior pockets have a YKK 2-way locking reversed coil zipper. Despite how fancy this sounds, the front zipper is finicky and you need to take your time zipping it up.
This is the only jacket we tested that didn't have fleece-lined pockets. Since there is an ample amount of down in front of the pockets, our hands did stay warm even on super cold days. The interior has an oversized media pocket, as well as a mesh pocket. Lycra cuffs weren't super heavy duty, but they did an okay job of keeping cold air and precipitation out. A unique feature that this jacket offered is that it can be stuffed into the interior media pocket, creating a cozy travel pillow. As cool as this sounds, it was hard to get the jacket into the pocket. Once we did, it was awesome, but after we took it out of the pillow form, the jacket was noticeably wrinkled for a couple hours.
Unlike most of the jackets we tested whose cuffs are in the sleeves, these lycra cuffs are located at the end of the sleeves. We were unsure at first how they would hold up in stormy conditions, but they did a fine job keeping cold air and precipitation out. While testing them, they remained tight, but we could see potential for them stretching out over time.
Durability
While we were testing the Camp, we had no issues with durability, besides the finicky zippers (unfortunately, this seems to be a common issue with winter jackets). There isn't much exterior stitching, so we don't see snags being an issue. Keep in mind that the nylon exterior fabric is durable, but it's also smooth, soft and has the potential to tear.
Best Application
Window shopping in New York City or going ice skating on a chilly evening won't be an issue in this jacket. Yes, the cut is only mid-thigh, but this jacket packs a lot of heat, and is very functional, especially when compared to the longer length parkas we tested. If you aren't worried about functionally as much as being cold, you may want to consider a parka that goes to the knees, like the Marmot Montreaux or the Patagonia Downtown Parka.
The Camp from Canada Goose goes above and beyond to make your winter enjoyable. Subtle features like an insulated collar made a noticeable difference in cold weather. Super comfortable and warm, it did a great job at trapping heat.
Value
At a price of $595, this is one of the more expensive jackets we tested. For the price, you are getting a very warm jacket with quality construction that's going to last you multiple winters. If warmth is your primary issue, check out our Best Buy award winner, the Marmot Montreaux. The knee-cut length is warmer and is also almost $300 cheaper.
Conclusion
Sporty, warm, and flattering, we were overly impressed with the Canada Goose Camp Hooded Jacket. Despite its mid-thigh length, we found this jacket was very warm. Our core was always toasty, and only in super cold weather did we notice our legs feeling cold. This winter jacket is a solid investment for someone looking to be comfortable during a cold winter while wearing a functional and stylish jacket.
