Is it warm enough for winter?

It is a genuine insulated puffer, warm for cold dry days and light precipitation. The cropped cut leaves the hips and lower back uncovered, so pair it with high-waisted bottoms or a longer layer in deep cold.

Does it actually keep rain out?

The shell is water repellent, which handles drizzle, snow and brief showers. It is not a waterproof shell, so sustained heavy rain will eventually soak through.

How does it compare with a longer North Face puffer?

A longer puffer gives more coverage and warmth for standing around outdoors. This one is shorter, lighter and easier to style, better for commuting and layering than for long exposure.

It uses a blend of down and feather with synthetic filling. That gives down's loft and warmth with synthetic's resistance to damp, though it needs gentle washing and thorough drying to keep its loft.

How should I care for it?

Wash it gently and dry it thoroughly with dryer balls to break up clumps, and avoid fabric softener. Store it loosely rather than compressed so the fill keeps its loft.