The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket vs Pioneer Camp Men's 700-Fill Down Jacket

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse is the safer buy for most people: a long-running icon with 13,000 ratings at 4.8, 700-fill down, recycled ripstop, a stowable hood and a boxy hip-length cut that layers well. The Pioneer Camp is a credible budget alternative with hydrophobic duck down, a graphene-lined back panel and a stated 14°F rating, but it has far fewer reviews and a classic fit that runs snugger. Pick the Nuptse for fit consistency, resale and everyday wear; pick the Pioneer Camp if you want a warm hooded puffer for damp cold and don't need the brand.

• Choose the Nuptse if you want a proven, boxy, hip-length puffer with a stowable hood, recycled fabrics and a huge review base behind the fit.
• Choose the Pioneer Camp if you want hydrophobic down, a graphene back panel and a stated cold-weather rating in a lighter, packable jacket.