Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket vs The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

The Cotopaxi Fuego is the lighter, more packable jacket and the better pick for active use, layering and travel. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse is heavier and bulkier but warmer and more weather-resistant, with a boxy retro look and a much larger review base. Build quality is solid on both; the Nuptse's ripstop and taffeta overlays resist abrasion better, while the Fuego's 20D shell is thinner and more prone to snags.

• Choose the Fuego Down Hooded Jacket if you want a light, packable 800-fill layer for hiking, camping and three-season travel.
• Choose the 1996 Retro Nuptse if you want maximum warmth, a stowable hood and a boxy streetwear silhouette for cold city winters.