[Closed] Best lightweight packable down jacket ?

Rab microlight. I've got an over the head one with a hood (it was a sample that never made it to production, but I love OTH and hoods). Weighs nowt, packs into its own chest pocket. Got a bit upset when caught out in the rain as its down, yet it faired pretty well, frequently wear it in drizzle. Dries quick and hasn't lost it's loft, not sure whether it may have some hydrophobic treatment.

Kev

Patagonia also do some ultralight down. Alternatively you could take a look at their Nano Puff range. It's Primaloft, not Down, though - but warm (even when wet) and wind proof, highly compressible for packing away and more durable than a down garment. I love my pullover and wear it all year round for climbing, camping, walking the dogs, chopping wood and general manliness...

Like all Patagucci, they're reassuringly expensive, but you can occasionally pick them up cheaper - Mountain Factor for e.g.

+1 for Patagonia.

PHD. Off the shelf is available but give them a call with your requirements (size and what you want it for) and they will make it for you.

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OMM-Rotor-Half-Zip-Long-Sleeve-Mens-Smock-/361180453530?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item5418085a9a ]This is cheap[/url] if it fits you.

I had a lightweight down that after a lot of wear I ended up having to replace (I had had my value for money so not a problem). I have ended up swapping to Montane primaloft for the issue of down getting wet so it could used for bivis, winter walks etc. They are incredibly warm. Ok tend to weigh a tiny bit more but mine still packs down small and it far less fragile.

I've got a montane featherlight down and I've been nothing but impressed so far. Really warm and packs down very small. I carry it in my riding pack for cafe stops and post ride faffing, but also use it like I would have done a fleece. Great jacket- had mine from go outdoors but I think they are on offer at outdoorgb at the moment

Seriously check out Decathlon if you can, I got a decent down for very decent money.

I've had a rab microlight and currently have a patagonia down sweater.
The hood on the rab was too small. The patagonia is nicer, but has a slimmer fit around the hips (a bit snug really) the environmental credentials of patagonia is a real plus though (no live plucking, traceable down etc)
I love all of the montane kit I have, I'd look there next.

New Alpkit Filoment? Rock and Run have a Rab on offer too at the moment.

Alpkit or PHD depending on budget. Both super IMHO

I've got a reasonably cheap TOG 24 jobbie that is perfect but do like the look of the filoment.

Alternatively snugpak do some great offerings.

Why down? The Montane prysm is very light and packs well. Try it! I love mine more than a skydiver loves his parachute

How warm is your Prism ? Is it still warm when you're stood for a while (ie watching sons rugby game )?

I would probably layer it up quite well, it isn't overly warm when you are standing. But when you are moving it's ideal as it traps the heat you generate very well. It is windproof however and the hood is great.

Thanks

It all depends on how light/warm you want it to be / whether it's likely to get wet in use / your budget. What sort of weight are you looking at, roughly? Brands like Rab, Mountain Equipment, PHD, Yeti, Haglofs, Arc'teryx, Western Mountaineering - if you can find it - all do decent down. Burghaus too, have a look at the Ilam for example. Alpkit is good for the price.

If you're likely to get damp, as in UK winter bivvying etc, then syntheitics like Primaloft are a better bet. Warmth to weight ratio isn't quite as good as down, but they're more resilient to abuse and retain more loft when wet and are easier to wash and care for.

Water-repellent down is ime more of an insurance policy - if it does get wet, it retains more of its loft when dried and is a bit better than damp, but I'd still go synthetic in wetter conditions.

Are thinking a sort of fleece substitute, which is where I'd put something like Rab's Microlight kit and most of the other micro-baffled jackets, or something a fair bit warmer like the Rab Continuum / Berghaus Ilam?

If one wants to get nerdy about spec - don't overlook the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisper ...

Yeah, except the Ghost Whisperer is about as warm as a sheet of blotting paper imho etc... It marks the point where lightness compromises functionality. I'd rather carry an extra 100g or so and have something warmer. YMMV etc.

My husband has a Montane Prism which is lightweight and packs down well. My TNF Quince Pro is warmer though.

I know people love the Montane Prism, but I found the cut a bit odd. A mate left his in my kitchen - a small - and it fits me, despite me being usually a medium, though a little short. The cut's a bit boxy, so worth trying before buying, he picked it up cheap from a bloke who bought it as a small and found it too large. There are loads of similar jackets out there, with different fit, e.g.: the Rab Xenon and the Mountain Equipment Compressor, Haglofs Barrier Pro etc, so lots of choice with similar performance. The hood on the Prism's good though.

Anyway...

The more you read about them the harder it is to pick one. I think a dreaded trip to the shops is in order to try as many as i can.

Rab xenon here.. great jacket. Packs down to tennis ball size and it's warm..