Down Jackets?

[Pequenita]

I'm shopping for a down jacket to wear as a mid-layer. I've been scouring websites of places like REI, EMS, Backcountry to read reviews on those sites, but frequently the reviewer is self-identified as a "casual/walker"-type person, who has different needs than I have...so I turn to you!

I read QQ's recommendation on the Isis Whisper jacket and put it on my list of things to research. Does anyone own a down jacket and have additional recommendations?

Many thanks!

 

[altagirl]

I'm shopping for a down jacket to wear as a mid-layer. I've been scouring websites of places like REI, EMS, Backcountry to read reviews on those sites, but frequently the reviewer is self-identified as a "casual/walker"-type person, who has different needs than I have...so I turn to you!

I read QQ's recommendation on the Isis Whisper jacket and put it on my list of things to research. Does anyone own a down jacket and have additional recommendations?

Many thanks!

I have a Sierra Designs one - it's not really the thin type meant for layering. I bought it more for apres-ski, camping, etc. BUT - on the coldest days - it does just fit under my shell and I wear it. It has to be close to 0 or below or it's too much. I think one of those thinner types meant for layering would make more sense if that's your goal.

Other than that, I'd say look for something with good baffling so it keeps the down where it belongs. And just good construction, quality down, etc.

Also - heh - watch out when you wear it camping. If you sit around the campfire and a spark hits it, the nylon melts and you get a little hole the down will start to fall out of... But it's perfect for sleeping in when it's cold camping weather!

 

[tradygirl]

Dear lord, this turned into a novel.

I have to admit that I'm a down coat junkie. I have two of them currently and I'm drooling over a third that I want to add to my "quiver". Sad, but true. Here's my inputs on what to look for.

Brands:
Lots of good ones out there. Shop around for quality, fit, and the features you want. Mountain Hardwear, Sierra Designs, Mont Bell, North Face, Isis, etc.

Goose down vs Synthetic:
Goose down and water do not get along. Synthetic down keeps its insulative properties when it's wet, which can be extremely useful in winter sports conditions. Goose down just becomes a wet rag with no insulative properties. The trade-off is weight (goose down is lighter), warmth (goose down is warmer as long as it stays dry), compressability (goose down compresses better), and price (synthetic is cheaper). If you're going to be using it in wet conditions (I would include skiing if you're wearing it without a shell), in any conditions where you may be sweating, synthetic may be the way to go.

Fill/weight:
How warm do you need to be? Fill is an important factor. The lighter weight down coats are usually in the 200's to the 300's. The higher the number, the more down is in the coat. Also, the more fill, the bulkier it will be. If you just need a nice warm insulating layer, a lightweight fill is the way to go for bang-for-the-buck. The thin jackets are suprisingly warm when worn with a windproof shell. Also consider a vest if layering to cut down on bulkiness without losing alot of warmth.

Fit:
More companies are making women-specific down coats. Check them out because fit can make a big difference. Just don't sacrifice warmth or quality for cuteness!

Hoods:
Built-in hoods will add a HUGE amount of warmth. Consider this if you'll be using it in extreme cold or as an emergency outer layer.

Here's what I have and what I like/dislike:
A 300 fill North Face down coat (no hood - they call it a "sweater") with single layer baffles that I bought for around $200 six years ago. It's THRASHED and totally packed out but I still love it for camping, backcountry skiing, and other activities where it's likely to get dirty and ripped, since it's old and busted up. The biggest downsides of this coat are it's layerability (it's bulky under a shell), the fact that it's down and not waterproof (I've had some wet days in the backcountry), and no hood.

A Moonstone 700 fill hooded jacket. Similar to Mountain Hardwear's Sub Zero but WARMER. I got this coat for ice climbing and it is heaven. It's goose down, but has a waterproof laminate so the down will never get wet. It is double baffled (so no baffle seams are exposed). It is extremely bulky and hot, so I wouldn't recommend it for anything but standing around in the sub-zero cold.

What I want and drool over:
The Mont Bell ultralight Thermawrap parka. Packs down to the size of a softball, it's synthetic, and has an excellent hood. My buddy used his in Jackson last year when it was 20 below.

 

[ski diva]

This is a great thread. I've never worn a down jacket for skiing, but I've wondered how it'd work out -- not as a layer, but all by itself. Anyone do this?

 

[altagirl]

This is a great thread. I've never worn a down jacket for skiing, but I've wondered how it'd work out -- not as a layer, but all by itself. Anyone do this?

I have, just on sunny but fairly cold days. Mine are definitely not waterproof, but if there's no precipitation, it works fine. The only thing is that unless you have a double-baffled down jacket like Tradygirl was describing, you'll be able to feel the wind through the baffle seams.

Basically, for it to be ideal for a standalone jacket, you have to get one that was designed for it - waterproof, double baffled, etc. Otherwise, it's fine on some days, but wouldn't be good at all on others.

 

[Gloria]

the puffy coat thread

This reminds of the puffy shirt episode of Seinfeld. I have lusted for a puffy coat for years, but by the time I get done getting the whole family ready and through the season, I always manage to end up without one.

 

[Pequenita]

This reminds of the puffy shirt episode of Seinfeld.

But I don't wanna be a pirate!

Tradygirl, that is some GREAT advice. Thank you for reading my mind!! I checked out the Mountain Hardware Sub Zero last night but was concerned that it would be too warm as a midlayer, given that one reviewer was talking about how great it was in the freezer aisle of her local grocery store and plain old walking around town. So, I'm thinking I may need something with a lower fill.

For the past several years, the layers I've been wearing up top on what I would consider are wicked cold days have been 1) coolmax longsleeve; 2) superthin merino wool sweater; 3) sometimes a thicker wool sweater; 4) fleece jacket; 5) Marmot Precip shell. Sometimes I'm too warm, and I sweat like a demon. I don't remember having been cold in a long time. I want to combine layers 3 and 4 and be able to use that layer as a standalone while camping. I would love something light and that compresses well.

 

[altagirl]

https://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/group/205/c12/s42/Womens-Down-Jackets.html

A whole page of down jackets on sale. If it isn't already 50% off or more, use code 1V9-1-VDN1M to bring it to 50% off.

 

[Jilly]

I have a seirra design synthetic down jacket. Its for apres ski since the d@#n thing doesn't have any interior zippers. Hubby has a one with less filling and uses it for a layer when it gets really cold at Tremblant. We usually ski in -20F in January. Also last year I bought him a down coat with the hood and fake fur, again SD. He wears it around at night with only his street clothes underneath and he's warm enough. Years ago I had a down ski jacket made by Ditrani. It was our ski school uniform. I was never cold in that thing. Hubby still has his and wears it to work in the winter. I don't think Ditrani is around any more.

 

[sibhusky]

I wear an ancient Eddie Bauer heavy duty down jacket over ALL of my normal clothes if it's like 25 degrees. It's not waterproof and it's not attractive, but it's got a hood with coyote fur around it and it's rated to negative 40 or so. I tried it a couple years ago and it worked like a charm. Everyone else was constantly going in, while I didn't even need hotpacks for my hands I was so toasty! I love that coat. I call it my Nanook jacket.