Last winter, I discovered my go-to down jacket had finally given up. The zip was broken, the fabric was looking tired, and after years of service, it was ready for retirement. With plenty of dog walking ahead and the cold months approaching, I needed a replacement that would keep me warm without breaking the bank.
That’s when I found the OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket. At around £100, it sits in that middle ground between budget and premium. Not the cheapest option, but nowhere near the price of high-end brands like Rab or Montane. After 12 months of testing it on dog walks, wild camps, and winter hikes across the UK, here’s my full honest review.
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At a Glance
Best For: Dog walkers, day hikers, and weekend campers who want reliable warmth without premium pricing
Price Range: £100–£125
Tested over: 12 months including wild camping in sub-zero conditions and winter hiking in frost and hail
The OEX Kintra is a 700-fill-power down jacket that delivers excellent warmth for everyday winter use. It features a fully adjustable hood with wired peak, durable ripstop outer with DWR coating, and a comfortable fit that allows layering underneath.
Top Features of the OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket
Understanding what makes a down jacket work well matters when you’re standing on a windswept ridge or settling into camp on a cold night. Here’s what stood out during my testing.
700 Fill Power Duck Down
The Kintra uses 700-fill-power duck down in a 90/10 down-to-feather ratio. Fill power measures how much space the down can occupy, which directly affects insulation. At 700 fill power, you’re getting solid warmth-to-weight performance without paying for the diminishing returns of higher fills.
For UK winter conditions, this is more than enough, and to be honest, more would probably be overkill. I’ve been comfortable at zero degrees with just a base layer and fleece underneath. Going higher would add cost and require more delicate fabrics, which isn’t ideal for regular outdoor use.
Fully Adjustable Hood with Wired Peak
My previous jacket was hoodless, and I hadn’t realised how much difference a good hood makes during winter. The Kintra’s hood fits comfortably over a beanie, features a wired peak you can shape to your preference, and has toggle drawstrings to cinch it around your face.
This matters when the wind picks up. There’s nothing worse than cold ears ruining an otherwise enjoyable walk, and the hood has been brilliant for keeping the chill at bay. It’s not helmet-compatible, but for walking and hiking, it’s spot on.
Durable Ripstop Outer with DWR Treatment
The outer fabric is ripstop polyamide with a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. This isn’t a waterproof jacket, but it handles light rain, snow, and moisture reasonably well. The ripstop construction adds durability compared to cheaper down jackets, which is important when you’re brushing past gorse or scrambling over rocks.
In prolonged rain, you’ll still need a shell, but for typical winter walking conditions with occasional showers, the DWR does its job.
Narrow Angled Baffles
The down is stitched into narrow, angled baffles rather than horizontal ones. This isn’t just aesthetic (though it does look good). The baffle design helps distribute insulation evenly and reduces cold spots where stitching compresses the down.
I’ve not experienced any noticeable cold patches, even after a year of use and multiple washes.
Adjustable Hem with Extended Back
The jacket features hem drawcords so you can pull it in around your waist to seal out draughts. The back drops slightly lower than the front, providing extra coverage over your backside. This small detail makes a real difference when you’re sitting on cold rocks or leaning against a frozen cairn.
OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fill Power | 700 FP duck down (90/10 down-to-feather) |
| Outer Fabric | Ripstop polyamide with PFC-free DWR coating |
| Weight | Approximately 480g (size M) |
| Hood | Fully adjustable with wired peak and drawcords |
| Pockets | 2 external zipped hand pockets and 1 external chest pocket |
| Cuffs | Elasticated |
| Hem | Adjustable drawcord with extended back |
| Sizes Available | Small to XXL (men’s and women’s) |
| Colours | Multiple options, including black, red, and blue for men, plus pink and teal for women |
| Price | £100–£125 |
The 480g weight for a medium is competitive for a jacket at this price point. It’s not ultralight territory, but it’s reasonable for the warmth and features you get. For comparison, most jackets in this category sit between 400g and 550g.
My Personal Experience with the OEX Kintra
I bought the OEX Kintra specifically for dog walking last winter, but it’s ended up coming with me on far more adventures than I originally planned.
For its intended purpose of dog walking, the jacket has been brilliant. Daily walks in various winter conditions showed it handles real-world everyday use well. The two front pockets are perfect for dog treats, poo bags, and keys, though I do miss having an internal chest pocket for my phone, that said, there is an extranal chest pocket.
One of the jacket’s first real tests came in January when I took it up Cadair Idris in frost and hail conditions. The weather was miserable, with driving hail on the summit plateau and bitter wind chill. I’d layered a fleece underneath, and the combination kept me warm throughout. The hood with its adjustable peak kept the worst of the weather off my face, and the fit allowed full range of movement when scrambling up through rocky sections.
My most recent test came on Raven Crag in the Lake District during a wild camping trip. Temperatures dropped to zero overnight, and I spent the evening and early morning wrapped in the Kintra. The hood kept me covered when cooking breakfast in the morning breeze, and the extended back kept the chill out while sitting on cold ground. With a base layer and fleece underneath, I was more than comfortable.
Packability and Storage
When not in use, I fold the jacket in on itself and roll it into the hood, which holds everything together. It’s not the most compact down jacket I’ve owned, but it packs down enough to stash in a rucksack without taking up excessive room. For day hikes where I know I’ll need it, I often just wear it rather than packing it.
Performance After 12 Months
After a year of regular use, multiple washes, and some rough treatment, the jacket is holding up well. The DWR coating is still performing reasonably, and there’s no noticeable loft loss in the baffles. The zips remain smooth, and there are no loose threads or damaged seams.
One thing worth noting: down jackets need careful washing. I use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle with Nikwax Down Wash, followed by tumble drying on low heat with tennis balls to restore loft. Following the care instructions has kept the jacket in good condition.
OEX Kintra Pros and Cons
Every piece of kit has trade-offs, and the Kintra is no different. Here’s what I’ve loved and what could be improved.
What I Like
Excellent warmth for the price – 700-fill-power down punches well above its weight at this price point. You’d struggle to find better value for genuine winter warmth.
Quality hood with adjustable peak – Makes a massive difference in wind and cold conditions. Fits well over a beanie and the wired peak is brilliant for keeping the weather off your face.
Good fit and layering capability – Sized appropriately with enough room for a fleece underneath without feeling baggy when worn alone.
Durable construction – The ripstop outer has handled a year of regular use, including rough terrain, without any tears or significant wear..
What I Dislike
No internal pockets – Only two external hand pockets and a chest pocket. An internal chest pocket would be useful for phones, valuables, or items you want to keep from freezing.
Not waterproof – The DWR coating handles light rain and snow, but you’ll need a shell for proper wet weather. This is standard for down jackets, but worth noting.
Slightly bulkier than ultralight options – At 480g, it’s heavier and less packable than some competitors with higher fill power. If minimising pack weight is crucial, you might look elsewhere.
Top Alternatives to the OEX Kintra
If you’re weighing up options around this price point, here are three jackets worth considering alongside the Kintra.
Decathlon Forclaz MH100 Hooded Down Jacket
Best for: Lightweight backpackers and budget-conscious hikers who prioritise pack weight.
Around £60, the Forclaz MH100 offers 800-fill-power duck down in a lightweight package (approximately 330g for size large). This is an excellent option if you want something lighter and cheaper with higher fill power.
However, the trade-off is a less robust outer fabric, fewer weather-proofing features, and less coverage at the back and hem. It’s ideal for packing light on multi-day trips where you’ll wear it mainly in camp, but the Kintra is more durable for regular walking use.
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Best for: Regular hikers and mountaineers who want premium performance and longevity.
The Rab Microlight Alpine is a premium option coming in around £200. It features 750-fill-power hydrophobic down, Pertex Quantum shell fabric, and excellent build quality. The fit is refined, the hood is brilliant, and it handles moisture better than standard down.
If you’re serious about outdoor pursuits and want something that will last years with heavy use, the Rab justifies the extra cost. For casual use and dog walking, it’s harder to recommend over the Kintra unless budget isn’t a concern.
Montane Featherlite Down Jacket
Best for: Hikers and backpackers who want a balance between premium features and reasonable pricing, particularly those who value packability.
At around £140–£160, the Montane Featherlite offers 750-fill-power down with Pertex Quantum outer fabric. It’s designed to be packable and lightweight (approximately 380g for size medium) whilst maintaining good warmth and weather resistance.
The Featherlite has a more technical fit than the Kintra, with features like elasticated cuffs, two hand pockets, and a stuff sack included. The Pertex outer provides better wind resistance and a slightly more durable feel than budget options, though it’s still not waterproof.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | OEX Kintra | Decathlon MH100 | Montane Featherlite | Rab Microlight Alpine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Power | 700 FP | 800 FP | 750 FP | 750 FP (hydrophobic) |
| Weight | 480g | 330g | 380g | 500g |
| Price | £100–£125 | £60 | £140–£160 | £200 |
| Hood | Yes, adjustable | Yes, basic | Yes, adjustable | Yes, helmet-compatible |
| Best For | All-round use | Lightweight trips | Packable performance | Premium performance |
Final Thoughts
The OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket is a brilliant choice for anyone wanting reliable warmth without premium pricing. It’s done far more than the dog walking duties I originally bought it for, proving itself on wild camps, winter hikes, and everyday cold-weather use.
At around £100, you’re getting 700-fill-power down, a quality hood, durable construction, and practical features that work well in real-world conditions. Yes, it lacks internal pockets and isn’t waterproof, but those are reasonable compromises at this price point.
If you’re after a solid winter jacket that won’t let you down on UK trails and camps, the Kintra delivers excellent value. Just pair it with a shell for wet weather, and you’re sorted.
Highly recommended for walkers, hikers, and weekend adventurers.
More OEX Kintra Photos
OEX Kintra FAQs
Is the OEX Kintra waterproof?
No, the Kintra is water-resistant rather than waterproof. It has a DWR coating that handles light rain and snow, but you’ll need a waterproof shell for prolonged wet conditions. This is standard for down jackets.
What temperature range is the OEX Kintra suitable for?
With proper layering (base layer and fleece), the 700-fill-power down keeps you comfortable down to around 0°C. In milder conditions (5–10°C), you can wear it with just a base layer or even a t-shirt underneath.
How does the OEX Kintra compare to Rab or Montane jackets?
The Kintra offers similar warmth to entry-level Rab or Montane jackets but at roughly half the price. Premium brands typically use higher-quality materials, better water-resistant down, and more refined fits, but the Kintra represents excellent value if you don’t need absolute top-tier performance.
Can I fit the OEX Kintra hood over a helmet?
Probably not. The hood fits well over a beanie but isn’t designed for helmet compatibility. If you need this feature for climbing or winter mountaineering, look at jackets specifically designed for alpine use.
What size should I buy?
The sizing is accurate. I wear a small typically and found the small Kintra fits perfectly with room for layering a fleece underneath. If you want a very close fit for technical use, consider your usual size. For more casual use with layers, your normal size should work well.
How do I wash the OEX Kintra?
Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with down-specific wash (like Nikwax Down Wash). Tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls to restore loft. Avoid fabric softener and don’t wring it out. Follow the care label instructions carefully to maintain the down’s performance.
Learn More
Like this review? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- The Ultimate Hiking Equipment List: Hiking Gear Checklist
- Best Head Torches
- Best Thermos Flasks
- Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking in the UK
I bought the OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
