Kathmandu Epiq Womens Hooded Down Jacket v2 Review: Alpine Excellence Meets Sustainable Style

First Impressions: Alpine Heritage Meets Modern Design

Kathmandu, New Zealand's premier outdoor brand, has built its reputation on creating gear that's as rugged as the landscapes that inspire it. The Epiq Womens Hooded Down Jacket v2 is no exception. At first glance, it's a stylish, well-constructed puffer that feels premium to the touch. The Pertex Quantum Eco outer fabric is soft yet durable, and the baffles are plump with 600-fill-power duck down.

Unlike some outdoor gear that screams "technical," the Epiq Hooded Jacket has an understated elegance. The women's version comes in a curated palette, including versatile options like Black and Taupe, which pair effortlessly with anything from hiking pants to jeans. It's clear this jacket is designed not just for the trail but for everyday life. The fit is tailored but not restrictive, offering a flattering silhouette without compromising on the loft needed for insulation.

The hood immediately stands out as a thoughtful addition. Unlike many puffer jackets where the hood feels like an afterthought, the Epiq's hood is properly insulated and features an adjustable drawcord. When cinched down, it provides excellent protection against wind and cold, though some users may find it restrictive when fully tightened. For those seeking womens puffer jackets with hoods, this design offers superior functionality.

What immediately impresses is the attention to detail. The zippers feel smooth and substantial, the seams are even and well-finished, and the overall construction suggests this jacket is built to last. The B Corp certification badge on the tag is a nice touch, reminding you that this is a company committed to doing business responsibly. This aligns perfectly with our guide to sustainable down sourcing.

Design and Features: Thoughtful Engineering

Delving deeper into the design, the Epiq Hooded Jacket reveals a host of thoughtful features that elevate it beyond a simple layering piece.

• 600 Fill Power RDS Down: The core of the jacket's warmth comes from its high-quality duck down. With a fill power of 600, it provides excellent insulation without adding excessive bulk. Crucially, it's certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), guaranteeing ethical treatment of the birds. For more on down quality, see our down fill power guide.
• Pertex Quantum Eco Fabric: The shell is made from 100% recycled Pertex Quantum Eco fabric. This material is lightweight, wind-resistant, and allows the down insulation to fully loft. A DWR finish helps it shed light rain and snow, though it's not a substitute for a waterproof shell in a downpour.
• Smart Pocket Configuration: Functionality is key in the outdoors. The Epiq Hooded Jacket features two zippered hand-warmer pockets lined with soft, brushed fabric—a welcome touch on chilly days. There's also an internal zippered chest pocket, perfect for securing a phone or keys. This pocket also cleverly houses the stuff sack for packing the jacket away.
• Adjustable Hood and Hem: The hood features an adjustable drawcord that allows you to customize the fit and trap heat effectively. An elasticated hem with adjustable drawcords provides additional customization options. The high collar features a soft chin guard to prevent irritation when the jacket is fully zipped.
• Reinforced Construction: High-wear areas like the cuffs and hem are reinforced for durability. The zipper is protected by a storm flap, and the overall construction suggests this jacket is built to withstand regular use in demanding conditions.

The attention to detail extends to the fit and finish. The jacket features a slightly longer cut than many puffer jackets, providing better coverage and a more sophisticated silhouette. The sleeves are appropriately long without being excessive, and the overall proportions work well for a variety of body types.

Real-World Performance: From City Streets to Mountain Trails

A jacket lives or dies by its performance in the real world. During testing across various conditions—from crisp autumn hikes to winter city walks—the Epiq Hooded Jacket consistently delivered exceptional performance.

The warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive. The 600-fill-power down provides substantial insulation without the bulk you'd expect from a jacket this warm. On days where temperatures hovered around freezing, the jacket kept me comfortable with just a light base layer underneath. The hood, when properly adjusted, provides excellent protection against wind and cold, making it particularly effective in exposed conditions.

The wind resistance of the Pertex Quantum fabric is notable. Even in strong winds, you can feel a distinct difference in warmth between the protected areas and any exposed skin. The DWR finish works well for light precipitation, though it's important to remember this isn't a waterproof jacket. In light snow or drizzle, the jacket sheds moisture effectively, but in sustained rain, you'd want a proper shell over it.

Its packability is another major win. The jacket compresses easily into its stuff sack, taking up minimal space in a daypack. This makes it an ideal 'just-in-case' layer for unpredictable mountain weather or a versatile travel companion for trips with fluctuating temperatures. The stuff sack is thoughtfully designed with a carabiner loop, making it easy to attach to your pack.

The jacket performs equally well in urban environments. The sophisticated design and neutral color options make it suitable for everything from casual weekend wear to more formal occasions. The fleece-lined pockets are a particularly nice touch for city use, providing a comfortable place to warm your hands on cold days.

Sustainability and Ethics: A Brand That Cares

In an era of conscious consumerism, Kathmandu stands out as a brand that's genuinely committed to making a positive impact. As a certified B Corporation, the company is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on its workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

This commitment is evident throughout the Epiq Hooded Jacket. The use of 100% recycled shell fabric demonstrates a tangible effort to reduce environmental impact. The RDS-certified down ensures that the birds providing the insulation are treated humanely throughout their lives. These aren't just marketing claims—they're verified by independent third parties.

Kathmandu's broader sustainability efforts include carbon-neutral shipping, packaging made from recycled materials, and programs to repair and extend the life of their products. When you buy from Kathmandu, you're supporting a company that's actively working to make the outdoor industry more sustainable.

The quality construction of the Epiq Hooded Jacket also supports sustainability by ensuring the product will last for years. This is a jacket designed to be a long-term investment rather than a disposable fashion item, which aligns perfectly with sustainable consumption principles.

How It Compares: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

The puffer jacket market is crowded with options at every price point, from budget-friendly synthetic options to ultra-premium down jackets. The Epiq Hooded Jacket v2 sits in the upper-mid range, competing with brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Arc'teryx. For a comprehensive comparison, check our best womens puffer jackets guide.

Compared to similar offerings from Patagonia, the Epiq offers comparable warmth and packability but with a more sophisticated design aesthetic. The Patagonia Down Sweater is more minimalist, while the Epiq offers more features and a slightly more tailored fit.

Against The North Face's Nuptse, the Epiq provides similar warmth but with better sustainability credentials and a more versatile design. The Nuptse 1996 is more of a statement piece, while the Epiq is designed for everyday versatility.

The Arc'teryx Cerium LT offers similar technical performance but at a significantly higher price point. The Epiq provides most of the performance at a more accessible price while maintaining excellent build quality. For budget-conscious shoppers, our under $200 guide offers excellent alternatives.

Where the Epiq truly shines is in its combination of performance, sustainability, and style. It's a jacket that performs well in demanding conditions while looking sophisticated enough for urban wear. The B Corp certification and RDS down add value that goes beyond just technical specifications.