Descente Puffy Elle Jacket Review
Finding a down jacket that is fashionable and functional is fortunately a lot easier these days than in the past. Thanks to companies like Descente, we now have options. The Puffy Elle by Descente is a good example and provides extreme warmth in a fun package.
The Puffy Elle features “superlight down fabric” for insulation. We are not so sure what the fill count is (as it is not provided on the label or on Descente’s website), but the Puffy Elle kept me cozy in temps down to the teens, and even below zero out here in Colorado. The Puffy Elle is also lightweight-highly compressible and can be packed down into a small stuff sack, borrowed from another jacket. With that said, I am estimating that the Puffy Elle has a fill of greater than 700 or so.
The Puffy Elle also features a zippered removable hood that can easily be stashed in a pocket or in your pack for easy layering with an outer shell. I personally like keeping the hood on, even when wearing with a shell because the hood is super warm and features bunching of elastic that helps to cinch the hood more tightly around your head. There are no pull cord adjustments for the hood and it is not helmet compatible, but these were not too big of a deal for me. When the hood is popped up, the zipper area for the hood is completely covered by the overlapping collar of the jacket; which translates into no cold spot where wind can sneak through and cool you down. Whether you keep the hood on or off, the jacket has a snug collar to help keep your body warmth inside. There are two snap buttons over the shoulder to add some style and snap the collar out to change up the look of the jacket.
Descente Puffy Elle paired with a Patagonia vest for a super cold day at A Basin
This jacket has two standard zippered hip pockets. But what makes this feature slightly different is that the pockets are flat and hidden with the underarm seam of the jacket, keeping a more streamlined fit. There is also an internal zippered pocket at the right chest. The jacket features a 100% polyester lining that is silky and easy to layer with. While the outer lining is also super soft, not shiny like other puffy jackets, and has yet to be pierced by skis-poles-or dog paws. The wrist cuffs feature the same cinched elastic band seen with the hood and provides a snug closure to the elements.
The Puffy Elle is available in sizes 4-12. I am typically a medium and tested out a size 8. The fit of the body is perfect, including the back center drop. However, like I have said before, I may have some long arms because my wrists definitely show when I straighten my arms completely. Going up a size may solve my personal problem of long arms:) Overall, the Puffy Elle was a surprise and has been a jacket I have been picking of out of the coat closet for walks with the dogs, a day on the slopes, or as a just in case jacket for a recent hut trip. The Lime color is guaranteed to get some comments and helps your ski mates find you on the slopes.
Retails for $195 and is available online now from Descente.com.
