Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by travelingwithsunscreen
I’m always on the lookout for high-quality, lightweight jackets that are actually warm. Sometimes buying a jacket feels like a choose two type of problem. Warm, light, or stylish: you can have two, but not all three. In this Quince jacket review, I’ll share why I knew I had to try the Quince Hybrid Insulated Lightweight Hooded Jacket—especially since I’ve had great experiences with their other products, like the hard shell suitcase.
The jacket comes in three colors: Admiral (blue), Verdant Pine (green), and Black. I chose the Admiral in size medium. The jacket shipped in a few days and arrived in a small Quince bag.
A Lightweight but Warm Jacket
The first think I noticed about the jacket when it arrived was how light and compact it was. It weights just a few ounces and is super compact – I could even compress it into a gallon-sized zip lock back for packing. Not many other fall/winter jackets could do that!
The medium size fit me perfectly (I’m 6’3″ and 160 lbs). The inside of the jacket is the same material as the outside, and it is soft and smooth. It’s very comfy.
Despite being so lightweight, it’s quite warm – probably because the material is nearly waterproof, and does an excellent job protecting you from the wind. With a sweater underneath, I think this jacket would be perfect for temperatures from 30 to 60 degrees or so. It has a very big hood, perfect for rainy days – the hood totally covers your head, protecting you from rain and wind.
Sturdy Materials
As part of this Quince jacket review, I want to highlight the brand’s attention to detail and construction quality. Even though this jacket is extremely lightweight, it doesn’t feel flimsy. The outer shell is made of a ripstop-like material that resists snags and tears quite well. I’ve caught the sleeve on door handles and brushed up against rough surfaces a few times already, but I haven’t noticed any fraying or loose threads. That’s always a big plus for me—there’s nothing worse than spending money on a piece of clothing only to have it look worn out after a handful of wears.
The zippers are smooth and sturdy, too. I especially like the main zipper’s design: it has a slight protective flap at the top so the zipper doesn’t scrape against your chin when it’s fully zipped. Little details like that make a difference in comfort and longevity.
Pocket Layout
Pockets can make or break a jacket, and I was relieved to find that Quince did a great job here. There are two external zippered hand pockets at just the right height. They’re lined with a soft, slightly warm material (which is a nice touch if you need to quickly warm up your fingers on a chilly day). Inside, there’s also a hidden zippered chest pocket where you can stash your phone, wallet, or passport if you’re traveling.
I love how the pockets are nearly invisible when zipped; Quince clearly thought about the overall aesthetic. The streamlined design means the jacket looks sleek and doesn’t have the bulky appearance that some puffer or insulated jackets can get. And as another plus, the pockets provide great protection against pickpockets – a phone or wallet is nearly invisible in the pockets. I love this feature, as I can move my phone from my pants pocket into the jacket if I’m on a crowded bus or train.
Water Resistance and Breathability
While this jacket isn’t labeled as fully waterproof (like a dedicated rain shell), it definitely repels light rain and snow. I wear it during the (frequent) drizzly, cold days in Upstate New York, and it keeps me almost entirely dry. The moisture simply beads up on the surface and rolls off. If you’re caught in a heavy downpour, you’ll eventually want something more waterproof, but for a quick dash through the rain, it’ll hold up well.
Despite being warm, the jacket is surprisingly breathable. If I’m walking briskly or climbing stairs in colder weather, I don’t overheat or feel clammy. But if I were doing something more active—like hiking uphill in milder temperatures—I’d probably need to unzip or layer differently to manage heat.
Packability
I mentioned earlier how compressible this jacket is, and I want to emphasize it again: it’s super packable. It’s easy to toss in a backpack or carry-on without taking up half of your available space. If you’re a frequent traveler or commuter, this is a dream. It folds or rolls up small and pops right back into shape without looking wrinkled or deflated afterward.
Style Factor
Quince did a great job keeping the design clean and versatile. The cut is modern without being tight or restrictive. I’ve worn this jacket over just a t-shirt and jeans, but I’ve also thrown it over a sweater with chinos and it looked perfectly fine. The color “Admiral” is a nice deep blue that pairs well with most other colors in my wardrobe. If you prefer a more neutral look, the Black option would be incredibly versatile, whereas Verdant Pine is a great pick if you want a subtle pop of color.
Sustainability and Brand Ethos
One reason I’ve gravitated towards Quince is that they focus on responsible manufacturing, fair labor practices, and transparent pricing. They’re known for using high-quality materials and offering them at a more affordable price than many competitors. This jacket is no exception. Although it’s not the absolute cheapest option on the market (it was $70 when I bought it), the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment, and it’s great to support a brand that pays attention to its supply chain. Who wants to wear clothes produced by exploited sweatshop labor?
Verdict: A Fantastic Travel and Everyday Companion
To wrap up this Quince jacket review, I want to emphasize how this Hybrid Insulated Lightweight Hooded Jacket strikes a near-perfect balance between warmth, weight, and style—truly checking all three boxes that can be so hard to find in a single jacket. Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons:
- Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and packable
- Surprisingly warm for its weight
- Water-resistant shell for light rain or snow
- Sleek, versatile design
- Big hood for extra coverage in wind and rain
- Responsible manufacturing and transparent pricing
- Cons:
- Not intended for extended heavy rain (it’s water-resistant, not fully waterproof)
- Might not be quite warm enough on its own for very cold or sub-freezing temperatures
If you’re looking for a grab-and-go jacket that can handle cool, windy days, a bit of drizzle, and pack down into practically nothing for travel, this one is a winner. It also layers nicely over heavier sweaters when the temperature drops further. Quince nailed it once again with a high-quality piece at an excellent price point, making this jacket a staple in my wardrobe for many seasons to come.