Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket Review

Lightweight, insulated jacket in men’s and women’s styles.

When I’m active in cold weather I appreciate some insulation to keep my core warm enough, but I also need plenty of ventilation so I don’t overheat. Additionally, I want enough stretch in my top layer to have unrestricted movement. I have found all of those essential qualities in Cotopaxi’s Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket.

Recycled Materials

This versatile jacket combines the best features of a vest and a thin fleece all in a single lightweight layer. The front and back of the jacket are made (and lined) out of a smooth, soft 100% recycled 20D ripstop nylon and filled with Recycled PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E. Insulation. P.U.R.E. stands for “Produced Using Reduced Emissions.” Good to know. The material around the torso of the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket is incredibly thin and lightweight, and it does a stellar job of keeping my body warm in cold weather.

Warmth Without Bulk

I really appreciate how effective the PrimaLoft® insulation is at providing warmth without bulk. I’m a huge PrimaLoft® fan because I’m allergic to down. It’s good to know I can get the same type of feel and warmth from a synthetic insulation, plus sustainability creds. I’ve had such ideal experiences with jackets filled with PrimaLoft® insulation. It rains all the time where I live, so it’s reassuring to know that the PrimaLoft® filling keeps me warm even when the jacket gets wet. The jacket as a DWR finish, so it has some level of water resistance.

Performance

The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket’s sleeves, hood, and side panels are made out of an interesting and effective material (97% recycled polyester, 3% spandex) that’s soft on the outside and has a fuzzy, raised, warm grid pattern on the inside. I’ve been wearing this jacket for fast urban hiking and power walks in temperatures from 40^oF down to freezing, and I’m happy with how well the material breathes, allowing me to keep my body warm with the insulated part of the jacket while cooling off enough that I don’t get too hot. 

I appreciate the thumb holes in the sleeves, which I use often because I forget my gloves 80% of the time. Same for the “scuba” style hood that fits well and is easy to use. I like having a hood that has a snug-ish fit but doesn’t have strings or toggles. Simple is better for me. The hood, sleeves, and jacket hem have nylon binding around the edges for added durability. 

Pockets, Plus Packable

The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket has two large zippered front pockets that are well protected from the weather. The pocket placement is ideal, right on the seam of the insulated material and the side panel, and the zippers are inset just a bit. This design keeps the zippers covered. Thin, contrast colored corded zipper pulls with rubberized tips are easy to find by touch when I need to access either pocket. The pockets are nice and deep, so I can stash a lot of things in them: my inhaler and spacer, my large iPhone in its protective case, and a heavy lanyard full of keys. 

There is also a deep, flat zippered pocket on the inside of the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket that I use for my wallet and personal items. The jacket packs into this pocket, making it compact and easy to toss into a day pack or carryon bag for travel. 

Bottom Line

The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket has become a cherished and much-used jacket because it works so well for me during moderate-intensity activity in cold weather when an insulation jacket would too warm and a thin fleece might not be quite enough. 

I absolutely love the chunky front zipper. Sometimes when I’m testing outerwear I feel like materials can feel a bit more than the zipper can handle, but that’s not the case with the Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket. The zipper is sold and durable. I have no concerns that the jacket could outlast its zipper. I also appreciate the raglan sleeve construction, which gives everyone a more custom fit through the shoulders and makes layering more comfortable.

Details

I am normally a women’s size XL, but I tested a men’s size L because I am 6 feet tall and have very long arms (and a long torso). The sleeves were a bit long on me, but I like that because then my arms covered even when I’m reaching. 

Men’s jacket available in sizes S-XXL in several colors, including: Cotopaxi Black, Black Fatigue, Mezcal/Sunset (orange/yellow). 

Women’s jacket comes in sizes XXS – XXL in many colors, including: Lake/Abyss, Sangria/Burgundy, Cotopaxi Black, Rusty, Tempest/Graphite, Gulf/Pine, and Wine/Amethyst. Both styles on sale now at Amazon.

Click on links read our reviews of the Cotopaxi Fuego Vest and our review of Capa Insulated Jacket.

$180 $135 click here for women’s, click here for men’s

Images from Cotopaxi website.