Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket – Reviewed and Tested

Lightweight, cosy, and colourful enough to make a sunset envious, the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket was the perfect warm layer for Pippa; from hiking the Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Red Centre to exploring the Victorian High Country on backcountry ski trips.

While the desert sun is scorching during the day, nights on the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory drop below 0ºC. I needed a jacket to keep me warm at night, while not taking up too much precious space in my hiking pack. Thankfully, the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket fit the brief.

After a successful two weeks gallivanting around the desert, I stuffed it in my hiking pack again and took it to the mountains for some backcountry skiing. Once again, it proved a trusty companion.

From the desert to the snow!

Why am I the right person to do this review?

I grew up hiking in and around the Victorian High Country and spent a couple of years working in the outdoor industry, as a hiking guide and outdoor educator. As someone who gets cold easily, I hate to head anywhere remote unless I know my gear is going to keep me toasty, regardless of the conditions.

While I’m no ultralight hiker, I don’t like unnecessary bulk or weight. I’d much prefer to use the extra space to carry tasty snacks!

Pippa’s a veteran WAE contributor who’s only a little unhinged

Quick Specifications

Weight: 397g
Waterproof: No, but a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
Colourway: So many! Check out all the groovy colour options
Insulation: 800-fill power down, responsibly-sourced, water resistant
Fun additional features: Packs into internal pocket, scuba hood, zippered pockets
RRP: $439.99

Read more: 11 Best Puffer Jackets in Australia for Men & Women in 2025

The sunrise colourway is kind of iconic

Performance

Cotopaxi describes the Fuego jacket as its ‘quintessential insulation layer’, and I have to say I agree. It’s perfect for chilly evenings in autumn and spring, mountain adventures during the summer, and with a bit of layering, it’s great for winter adventures too. 

I brought it along on an overnight backcountry ski trip to Johnstons Hut outside of Falls Creek, a good test for a lightweight down jacket.

When it got cold, I layered it with thermals and a fleece underneath and a rain jacket on top. With this setup, I was super warm. However, it’s worth noting we had nine people squeezed into a little cabin, the fire roaring, and blue-bird days. If I were sleeping in a tent in the snow, or the weather was less than ideal, I’d probably suggest bringing a thicker, warmer jacket (but that’s also coming from someone who really hates feeling cold).

Read more: Down vs Synthetic Filling – Arc’teryx Cerium vs Arc’teryx Atom Jackets

Warm enough for lounging outside, until sundown at least

Durability

This jacket feels well-made and good quality, with a nylon ripstop shell increasing its durability. However, given it’s a lightweight jacket with a 20-denier nylon lining, it’s still able to be damaged. If you’re walking through scratchy scrub, you’d be better off chucking on a fleece or wool jumper and saving the Fuego jacket for when you return to camp (or, if it’s really cold, wear a shell over the top of the jacket to keep it safe).

After using the jacket almost daily for the last month, I finally gave it a wash, following the label’s instructions. I tumble-dried it with tennis balls, and the down feels light and fluffy. 

Side note: Be careful around any open flames – I had the head of a match flick off and land on my jacket, and it left a burn hole (which I promptly patched up using a sticky patch from my mat repair kit). 

Not a flaw of the jacket, but be careful with it around fire!

Versatility

I’d argue the best thing about this jacket is its versatility. It’s the type of thickness/warmth that, depending on how it’s layered, can be worn in most conditions. Until I decide to get into international mountaineering, I don’t feel the need to buy another puffer. 

It’s groovy enough to wear in the city, and it’s practical (and warm, and light!) enough to wear in the mountains. What’s not to love?

Pretty fashionable look for a two-week hike

Comfort

The Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket feels so light it’s ridiculous. When I first unwrapped it and put it on, I was immediately doubtful it’d keep me warm, because it hardly felt like I was wearing anything. But I was so wrong – it kept me toasty during both chilly Larapinta nights and in the snowy Victorian High Country.

This jacket has a scuba hood, which I found to be a game changer after previously using puffer jackets without hoods. It keeps you so warm and cosy, and I think it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the additional weight. However, it’s worth noting the hood isn’t adjustable. Thankfully, it fit my head well, but this might be an issue for some, or in particularly windy weather.

If you don’t rate hoods, there’s a version without it that’s lighter and cheaper

The Fuego jacket doesn’t have a drop tail (when the jacket is slightly longer at the back, so it covers your bum when you sit on the ground). While some people love having a drop tail, I didn’t find this to be an issue. I’m always nervous that I will damage my puffer by sitting on it, and stylistically, I much prefer the look of jackets without a drop tail.

Another thing worth noting is the pockets aren’t fleece-lined, so you don’t get that ‘Ahhhh’ moment as soon as you pop your chilly mitts in them. Nonetheless, they still warm up quickly.

Design

I’ve never received more compliments on a piece of hiking kit in my life. I mean, did you see the colours? 

If looking like a desert sunrise isn’t the vibe you’re going for, Cotopaxi has a huge range of colourways – from deep sea blues to vibrant yellows and oranges – there’s something for everyone. Buying a brightly-coloured jacket can also be a bonus if you’re keen to stand out in the bush for safety reasons.

While the brand is known for its colourful gear, it also makes the Fuego Hooded Down Jacket in more classic colourways, such as black and navy, if you’re looking for something more subtle.

Read more: How To Wash Your Down Jacket

Pippa, like a sunrise (or sunset)

This jacket is designed with more of a boxy fit, so you can easily fit a fleece layer underneath for colder conditions. The hood and cuffs have a soft elastic binding, and an adjustable drawcord at the jacket waist helps to trap the warmth in. 

This jacket has a DWR finish, meaning it’s kinda water repellent. As down is basically useless when it’s wet, this is super helpful if you get caught in a surprise burst of rain or are outdoors on a misty morning. However, the DWR only does so much, so if you’re expecting wet weather, make sure to layer a proper rain jacket on top to keep you dry and warm.

The jacket packs into an internal pocket. While it packs down pretty small, it’s a bit of a mission to squeeze it in, and you have to be pretty careful zipping it up. Personally, I don’t tend to stuff my jackets often anyway, as I prefer to squish them around the rest of my gear in my pack. 

Always a useful feature

Cotopaxi is also committed to creating outdoor gear for everyone, and has inclusive sizing up to 4XL.

Sustainability

Is it possible for a down jacket to be totally sustainable and ethical? I’d argue no, unless it’s made from 100% recycled down and nylon. 

However, the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is giving it a good crack! It’s made with RDS-Certified (Responsible Down Standard) down. This means the down is sourced from animals that have been treated ethically, meaning no live-plucking or force-feeding. Cotopaxi is also fighting poverty by donating 1% of revenue (not profit) to humanitarian organisations, and it lists all of its factories publicly.

It’s pretty important that the brands we support aren’t harming the places we love

Cotopaxi as a company seems to be doing some pretty great stuff in the sustainability space too. It’s a B Corp Certified organisation, meaning its success is measured based on the positive impact it creates (and it’s just about as ethical as a brand can get). Cotopaxi is also Climate Neutral Certified.

The jacket itself doesn’t seem to use any kind of recycled material, which is interesting as the website says Cotopaxi plans to create all of its products, ‘using repurposed, recycled, and responsible materials by 2025’, and many of the colourful jackets use offcuts of material. Its rocking a ‘Great’ rating on good on you though, which is rare to see from apparel brands.

As part of Cotopaxi’s promise to make durable gear as ethically and sustainably as possible, it also has a resale site which lets you buy and trade used gear and clothing, though this isn’t currently available in Australia. 

Price

The Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is available online for $439.99. 

This is on the pricier side for a mid-range down jacket. However, given its fill-power of 800, ethical production, and light weight, well-thought-out design, I think it’s a worthwhile investment, and I’d happily fork out the cash for it. 

Unfortunately, Cotopaxi Más Vida, the gear resale store, isn’t available in Australia at the moment, which is a pity as it’s a cheap and environmentally-friendly way to score some Cotopaxi gear.

Hiking, it’s cheap, kinda!

Final Thoughts

I’d argue the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a jack(et) of all trades and makes a trusty companion for most adventures. It’s perfect for exploring both the mountains and the city. It’s lightweight, groovy, warm, and from a company with a great ethos. If I accidentally left it on the train today, I’d buy it again in a heartbeat (after calling up the V/Line with tears in my eyes).

Ok byee, more sunsets to chase

FAQs Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

Is the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket warm enough for winter?

It’s warm for its weight and works well with layers in autumn, spring, and mild winter. It’s not ideal on its own for sleeping in snow or extreme cold.

Is the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket waterproof?

No, but it has a DWR coating that repels light rain. Use a rain shell in wet conditions, as even water-resistant down can get wet!

How much does the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket weigh, and does it pack down small?

It weighs 397g and packs into its own pocket, though it’s easier to compress around other gear in a pack. This is a similar weight to competing hooded down jackets.

Is the Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket worth the price?

Yes, if you value warmth, sustainability, and versatility. It performs well across environments for $439.99 AUD.