Thread: down jacket layering piece

so i am looking for a mid-weight, very packable down jacket to carry in the backcountry pack.

i want to be able to wear a light shell on the skin up (or just a baselayer),
then put on the down puffy underneath for the puffin' up top and the ski down, on nice but cold winter days.

some things i want to avoid-
-boxy oversize fit (patagonia)
-excess material/weight (hood and lots of pockets)
-thin fabric on the outside that will tear easily
-selling the car to afford the jacket

so i want a relatively athletic fit, no frills, warm down, hand-warmer pockets, reasonably priced down jacket.
FWIW i am a small guy 5'6", 125 lbs. not pretending to be bigger.

any rec's???
thanks

Love my TNF Diez, found it for half off. Only a bit less boxy than Patagucci though.

Looked at the First Ascent stuff?

Plus If it's a layering piece just go with a thin shell fabric.

Montbell Ex Light maybe?
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp...0&p_id=2301344

I've always been pleased with my GoLite stuff too. The Demaree Canyon jacket might work for you:
http://www.golite.com/Ms-Demaree-Can...et-P46716.aspx

quality on the Go Lite is good?
i havent heard of before but the price sure works.

I dunno. If you hunt around a bit you'll find plenty of reviews on both sides. My impression of GoiLite is very positive. I have probably 15 or so pieces of theirs ranging from clothes to tents to packs and beyond. Nothing I've bought of theirs has ever failed me. I have a prototype version of that Demaree Canyon jacket that has been a solid little layering piece for the last couple of seasons. Nice light ripstop nylon and good quality down fill. For a bill I'd grab it in a heartbeat if I were in your situation.

I would say go check out the SAGA site. they will have what your lookig for....

But really Arcateryx Mammut or mountain hardwear all have what your looking for..

Can't remember the actual name of the jacket, but I picked up a Burton AK about two years ago that was a dead ringer for what you described. Super warm, lightweight, athletic fit and pit zips. It's my go-to for layering under a shell on really cold days.

I really like my Mountain Hardwear Nitrous. I think I got it at Moosejaw on sale a couple of years ago for ~$100.

Originally Posted by PNWbrit

Looked at the First Ascent stuff?

Plus If it's a layering piece just go with a thin shell fabric.

Yeah, if it just a layer, then this stuff is pretty affordable.

I always use a down sweater as a mid-layer on cold days, but if you think it's too bulky, then Rab microlight might work. Yesterday, I saw some on sale in SLC at IME.

Have a look at the Mountain Equipment Arete. I tried one on yesterday, and it was very nice. Nice, long sleeves and long'ish slim body. Very good fit (I'm 6'1 x 175, tried a M).

Really happy with my Montbell as the oh shit I'm outta position layer in my flak jacket
Also happy with my OR for around town and long walks on the beach

It's not down, but the Patagonia Nano Puff treats me well for this exact purpose. Packs down super small in my pack and is the perfect weight to layer.

They may not have the insulation/warmth you want, but I use the Pattigucci down sweater or nanopuff for this purpose

Stoic down is ugly as sin but cheap, uses high quality down, and fits slim.

Patagonia Hi Loft Down jacket is a more athletic cut. Montbell stuff is great and comes in every weight you could want.

check out the brooks range alpini pullover. Awesome jacket.

http://brooks-range.com/alpini-mt-hoody.html

Great venting. Easy to pull over all your layers.

So I will save you alot of time and hassle.... Every post here seems to say something different - but here is one jacket that will meet every one of your needs.

Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody.

1 - Best name of any down jacket.
2 - Slim fit
3 - 800 fill = equals super compressible
4 - no extra frills - chest pocket, 2 hand pockets, worthwhile fit hood
5 - Cheap!!! $200 retail... eyes open online $100. I got mine for $110 last year at a small S.D. online disty.
6 - comfy. I wear this thing everywhere.

It does have a thin exterior material - but not so thin that I am overly concerned of punctures. If I am concerned - throw a shell on.

Super happy for what performance I get at the cost - can't imagine Pat, MH, CV, NF, etc can put up a product with the branding expense and performance that Sierra Designs has...

I have an SD tent as well - had it for more that 4 years and have been nothing less than thrilled. They make a quality product - highly recommended.

I use a down vest for the standing around at the top and ski down. Its smaller and packs well, plus I feel like I can move my arms better. I have a full jacket w/hood for super cold lift days and standing around.

When would one use a down layer for cold? I am out in as low as -18 and 30mph gusts with a base layer, a thin micro grid polartec polarfleece hoody and one of my jackets made from nylon or poly laminate fabric (water resistant/breathable or waterproof/breathable fabric) with thin poly insulating layer. I cant imagine using down for layering. What are the conditions when people are doing this?

I have slept in a down jacket in a sleeping bag in the cold in -minus degree temps. Never used one during any activity in recent times.


I see a lot of people walking around in town at 10,200' elev. wearing down as a casual jacket. I've had the Japanese ask me at shows if I would make a down garment (they say they are very poplular there).

I grew up in scouts hiking the AT with down jackets but never used them since.

Originally Posted by schindlerpiste

I always use a down sweater as a mid-layer on cold days, but if you think it's too bulky, then Rab microlight might work. Yesterday, I saw some on sale in SLC at IME.

The Rab is my recommendation. It's pretty much exactly what you ask for. Packs into it's own pocket. One zip pocket. two non-zip hand pockets. It's puffy but not as puffy as say the mountain hardwear. I always thought patagonia was fairly sleek. Maybe that is the sweater?. Weights in at 13 oz.

I'd agree on having a down vest - freedom of arm movement is really nice. Something like the Western Mountaineering Flight vest or the Nunatuk Skaha vest is great. I usually just use a Nano puff vest since I've never needed anything that warm.

Originally Posted by MiCol

When would one use a down layer for cold?

i like it if it is cold out and

I am alternating between heavy exertion (skinning up) and resting/skiing down.

i like to dress really light for skinning, often just a long shirt. at most, a super thin nylon windbreaker on top of this.
i typically strap my bulky shell jacket to my pack to put on at the top, but it often isnt warm enough to dally on the summit.

carrying a puff in my pack would give me a better cushion for staying warm once my activity level relaxes.
***it would also be a nice piece of warmth insurance in case of an emergency bivy or delay.

i dont like to skin in fleece (too hot), and i dont like to carry fleece in my pack (too bulky). my preference.

i like the casual around-town down jacket too, but for that i want more of a parka, lots of feathers and a hood. bulky by design.


for backcountry the one-pound down sweater is choice.



maybe just a bad taste from scouts? happens to me too on a few different fronts (propane lanterns, jughead leaders, etc)