Rab Deep Cover Parka Review

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 true 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.