Rab Deep Cover Parka Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Rab Deep Cover Parka | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $168.75 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $379 List $227.37 at Backcountry | $129.98 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $199 List | $90 List $59.97 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Stylish, incredibly warm, lightweight to down ratio, detachable fur hood | Warm, light, soft, great hood | Warm, flattering, cozy, double-sided zipper, functional pockets | Warm, comfortable, simple, inexpensive | Inexpensive, comfortable, decent waterproofing, quite warm |
Cons | Somewhat bulky, not waterproof, some feather & down loss | No cinch at the waist, not the most stylish | No front snaps, not as warm when compressed, not waterproof | Shallow hood, no internal pockets | Short, no wrist cuffs, questionable quality |
Bottom Line | A stylish winter jacket that will keep you warm when temperatures start to drop | This soft, extra-long down parka with a cavernous hood is a dream to wrap up in when the temperatures drop | Serious warmth is packed into this lightweight, flattering, and reasonably priced parka | Cute, streamlined, and warm enough for almost any winter weather, this jacket is a great value | This low-cost winter jacket is warm and waterproof but much shorter than others we tested |
Rating Categories | Rab Deep Cover Parka | Outdoor Research Co... | Marmot Montreaux | REI Co-op Norseland... | Wantdo Waterproof Snow |
Warmth (30%) | |||||
Weather Resistance (25%) | |||||
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Rab Deep Cover Parka | Outdoor Research Co... | Marmot Montreaux | REI Co-op Norseland... | Wantdo Waterproof Snow |
Insulation and Fill Power | 650 fill RDS Certified Hydrophobic European duck down | 700 fill down | 700 fill power duck down with water resistant Down Defender | 650 fill duck down | Unavailable |
Fill Weight | 340g | 240g | 221g | 238g | Unavailable |
Hood | Insulated, detachable hood with faux fur trim | Adjustable | Insulated, removable, detachable faux fur trim | Fleece lined | Detachable, insulated hood, with removable faux fur trim |
Pockets | 1 internal, 2 external | 2 zippered hand warmer, 1 internal zippered security, 1 internal pouch | 2 zippered hand warmer, 2 internal chest (1 zippered) | 2 zippered hand warmer | 2 zippered hand warmer, 2 internal - 1 zippered chest, 1 drop-in pocket |
Weight (size small) | 1.9 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 2.3 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
2-way zipper | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Weather Resistant Features | DWR treatment | Water and wind resistant | Water resistant down, DWR treatment | DWR treatment | Waterproof |
Sizes Available | 6 to 18 | XS to XL | XS to XXL | XS to XL | S to XXL |
Social or Environmental Certifications | Responsible Down Standard (RDS), hydrophobic European Duck Down, fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic Down | Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Bluesign approved, 100% recycled nylon shell | None | Responsible Down Standard (RDS), 100% recycled polyester lining, Bluesign approved | None |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Insulated with 650 R.D.S Certified Hydrophobic European Duck Down, we don't feel restricted when wearing this jacket. The down never feels too bulky, and weighing in at 1.9 lbs, this model is lighter than many.
Performance Comparison
Warmth
We can't deny how warm the Deep Cover is. At first, it seemed like any other winter jacket; it consists of an okay amount of down, a nice style, and a cozy hood.
The detachable hood with a faux fur ruff added extra warmth in windy, stormy, and cold temperatures. The hood is snug and warm enough that a beanie underneath isn't necessary. An added feature that made a difference in cold weather was the nylon cuffs with thumb holes. We loved this feature.
Weather Resistance
There aren't too many issues with the Deep Cover, but we want to note that it's not waterproof. The exterior fabric is durable nylon material and is somewhat water-resistant, but again, not waterproof like a top-rated women's rain jacket. It performed as intended in light snow, but after a short period of rain and heavy snow, it started to saturate. Moisture compromises the down loft, and the jacket is not as warm.
Style
The Deep Cover is exceptionally stylish despite being insulated with fluffy down. It reaches mid-thigh and can easily be dressed up for a night out on the town. It's also perfect après-ski wear after a long day on the mountain.
The stitching is closer together on the sides, while the rest of the jacket offers a different stitching pattern. The exterior nylon fabric of our model had a matte finish, despite the pictures on the website. In the sun, it has a slight sheen.
Comfort
We have a hard time taking this jacket off. It's just that comfortable. The Deep Cover's down insulation is just the right amount to make it warm and comfy without feeling like you're wearing a heavy, bulky sleeping bag. It reaches mid-thigh, which allowed us to move around in it a touch better than other longer-length models. The extra mobility was beneficial when running errands or going out for a brisk walk.
Durability
Since the material is nylon, there is potential for snags. There is also a lot of exterior stitching due to how the down insulation is placed. We read some reviews where people said they started to see feathers coming out from the stitching at the seams. Over the three months we tested this jacket, we didn't notice this happening at an alarming rate.
Features
The Deep Cover is a simple jacket. But it had the appropriate features we needed to stay warm on some of the coldest days of the season, which we appreciated.
The hood has a fabulous faux fur ruff. The two exterior pockets are lined with microfleece on one side. And the wrists have nylon cuffs with thumb holes, which provide incredible warmth, almost negating the need for gloves.
One interior media pocket with a zipper is perfect for a cell phone or keys. The main zipper is double-sided, allowing more movement or letting in some cold air (if you find yourself overheating). There is also a wind flap behind the main zipper that does an excellent job keeping cold air out.
Should You Buy the Rab Deep Cover Parka?
This competitor is a steal and would make an excellent addition to any array of jackets. It's undeniably warm, stylish, and form-fitting. While it's water-resistant, it's not waterproof. If that's what you need in a winter jacket, keep looking, friend. However, from its simple look to the beautiful faux fur ruff around the hood, Rab did a great job making sure every detail was well executed, and this is an excellent jacket for those who frequently find themselves out in cold but dry conditions.
What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?
Simply put, we love the Rab Deep Cover. The incredibly warm and lightweight jacket has almost everything we look for in a winter coat, but if it's not cutting it for you, a similar jacket to look at is the Marmot Montreaux. If you live in a climate where the snow is wet and heavy, waterproofing may be a higher priority for you. In that case, the The North Face Arctic Parka is your best bet while staying in this price range.
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