The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket vs Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie

Buy the Nuptse if you want one warm, wind-resistant jacket for cold city winters and don't mind the bulk. Buy the Expedition Pack Down Hoodie if you layer under a shell, travel light, or run hot and want a jacket that packs small. The Nuptse uses 700-fill down in oversized baffles and has a boxy, hip-length cut; owners rate it 4.8 from about 13,000 ratings and call it warm and durable, though many find it bulky and heavy. The Fjällräven is a lighter, trimmer piece with synthetic insulation over the shoulders and a two-way zip; reviewers like its packability and layering, but it is not a stand-alone deep-winter coat.

• Choose the Nuptse if you want a single warm jacket for cold commutes and casual wear and prefer a roomy, boxy fit.
• Choose the Expedition Pack Down Hoodie if you want a light layer that packs into its own pocket and works under a shell.