Down Jackets?

[grouse]

Had a search on past posts, but cannot seem to identify anything about Down versus synthetic warm jackets?

I am looking for suggestions on a hooded jacket that is very warm - don't intend getting it wet, wearing a shell over it in wet conditions.
Have been pointed in Rab and Mountain Equipment range, but am lost in the choice.

Don't mind paying upto £200 for a good one - or possibly over this if it improves performance etc.

Not too bulky would be an attraction but not if warmth was compromised.

Regards Grouse

 

[Graham_S]

Alpkit Filo?

Personally I've always hankered after a North Face McMurdo.
Since I now live in Saudi, I don't really need one though...

 

[sxmolloy]

I have had a Berghaus gillett with a 650 down fill for years. I've always washed it in Nikwax Down Wash so it has retained its water repellancy perfectly.

I think any down fill over about 600 would keep you very warm, I'm always warn in mine even with just a shirt or jumper under neath because of the lack of sleeves.

 

[JAG009]

Have a look at this kit its very good http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/index.php

 

[Bartooon]

I have had a Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket for five or six years and I love it.

The downside (no pun intended!) is that down does not insulate well when wet, whereas synthetic fill does. That said, my Lightline is quite capable of withstanding a shower or steady light rain and I have never had a problem with it getting soaked through. The warmth and low weight make it a fantastic jacket.

I wash it every year or so using Nikwax Down Wash & Down Proof and tumble dry it with the obligatory tennis balls.

I have not had a Rab down jacket, but I think if you choose ME you won't be disappointed.

 

[Shewie]

Another vote for Phd, although the Alpkit ones are good value they don't quite pack as well as some of the others.

In all the years I've been wearing down I don't think I've ever got it wet enough that it affects performance, a little common sense with packing (pack liners/dry bag) and choosing when to wear it and it'll serve you well.

 

[andybysea]

Removed my suggestion as i read your post properly and noticed you want a jacket with a hood, my suggestion didnt have one.

 

[Graham_S]

Most of the year round I have a down vest in my pack.
No pack space, loads of warmth.

 

[MikeLA]

Another vote for Phd, although the Alpkit ones are good value they don't quite pack as well as some of the others.

In all the years I've been wearing down I don't think I've ever got it wet enough that it affects performance, a little common sense with packing (pack liners/dry bag) and choosing when to wear it and it'll serve you well.

Alpkit are good But catching up with price and quality of the well known brands Sadly

 

[MikeLA]

Here’s 4 quick searches all good and not bad prices especially the first

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/north-ridge-mens-elbrus-ii-down-jacket-p274803

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/rab-arete-jacket-p282579

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/rab-microlight-jacket-p275820

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/montane-anti-freeze-jacket-p212580

 

[tiger stacker]

Snugpak Softy Sasquatch is quite good, alternative would be any Buffalo hooded jacket.

 

[Laurentius]

I still think you can't beat the Buffalo pertex and pile, it may not be the most stylish nowadays, but what the heck it's not a fashion parade, and it is just as good in the wet, still cheaper than all the latter day imitations too.

 

[Paul_B]

Had me lightline smock for nigh on 20 years. Got it when they added a drilite dwr. Loses finest down through seams now. Too thick and warm.

Suggest looking at berghaus hydro down. They were early adopters with the treated down. The likes of rab and montane waited a bit to see how it took off. Rab even put out that it wasnt interested for awhile i think. Phd still doesnt use it. It does seem to be a good idea, if not for coping with getting wet through but good for when youve wildcamped for awhile and dampness has gotten into down. Ive had that before.

650 fill down? Try looking at 800 fill or more these days, 650 is really no better than primaloft one these days. For uk id go for pl1 over 650 down any day.

 

[Bluffer]

grouse, what temperature range are you expecting?

I'd advise different jackets for different conditions.

If UK only then something treated or hybrid (This Tribe Kosa) might be a wise choice (damp and cold), but if for any of the higher ranges (Himalaya) then it would be a £300+ Rab for me.

 

[welchyd1]

I have just got one of these they are fantastic for the money, Im really pleased with it.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-sub-zero-down-jacket-mens-443377

 

[MikeLA]

I still think you can't beat the Buffalo pertex and pile, it may not be the most stylish nowadays, but what the heck it's not a fashion parade, and it is just as good in the wet, still cheaper than all the latter day imitations too.

100% agree here

 

[MikeLA]

Had me lightline smock for nigh on 20 years. Got it when they added a drilite dwr. Loses finest down through seams now. Too thick and warm.

Suggest looking at berghaus hydro down. They were early adopters with the treated down. The likes of rab and montane waited a bit to see how it took off. Rab even put out that it wasnt interested for awhile i think. Phd still doesnt use it. It does seem to be a good idea, if not for coping with getting wet through but good for when youve wildcamped for awhile and dampness has gotten into down. Ive had that before.

650 fill down? Try looking at 800 fill or more these days, 650 is really no better than primaloft one these days. For uk id go for pl1 over 650 down any day.

Thats the same reason I am no longer keen with the Filo by Alpkit. Still got my old version which I think was 750 fill

Definitely go with 750 or 800 if keep on a Down jkt

 

[EddieP]

Rab batura are awesome, but so warm are quite specialist. I borrowed one when working as a photographer at bob sleigh tracks. Kept me warm when standing still in the shade for hours. No use if moving though. Also quite expensive.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

 

[Headshed]

Have to agree with the Buffalo advice, I have a special 6 & I have an ME Annapurna down jacket. If I'm out in the hills then its the special 6 for sure if I'm out in sub zero temps in town or watching rugby etc then it's the ME Annapurna (too hot otherwise, it was made for Everest after all). I love the special 6 for not having to worry about it and think, will it, won't it rain. For warmer, ie 15 deg C down to 5 deg C, then I use a base layer/merino wool top and a montane pertex marathon smock, same principal as the Buffalo, but for warmer conditions.

 

[dwardo]

Very, very happy with my Rab photon.
It has a proper adjustable wire hood rather than a pretend stick on one.

I think with most of these jackets though they are a dog walk/base camp or stopped on a hill affair. Far too warm for strenuous activity but for that its layers anyway.
The Rab stuck out for me as its not too "puffa jacket" and smart enough for usual wear. Build quality is typical Rab, excellent.