[Closed] Which Lightweight Down Jacket?

Alpkit and Finisterre both have some nice ones in the sale at the moment, worth a look.

Personally I've never worn down for 'two season' unless I'm camping in which case I'll take the normal down for sitting outside at night. Anything involving not sitting still is sorted with a jumper, softshell, shell, or normal jacket (from C+A) depending on the weather.

However I'm sure the industry has something designed exactly for your requirements 😉

Cheap and functional - [url= https://www.alpkit.com/products/filoment-hoody-mens ]Alpkit Filoment Hoody[/url] I've the Filo - works fine but is bulky as it uses lower fill power (650fp) down. No idea of the temperature rating.

Pricey but top notch -[url= http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/minimus-down-jacket-sale ]PHD Minumus[/url] I've the minim vest which is ridiculously light and compact. If that's too warm for you then the [url= http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/wafer-down-jacket ]Wafer Down Jacket[/url] is also available, 1000 fill power hence the lighter weight.

Ultimately depends on how much usage you intend to get out of the jacket and just what your priorities are. If money was no object or you need it to be very light or compact, I'd get the PHD but the Alpkit is more than good enough for most people.

Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer is seriously light and packable if that is your main criteria, but you pay for that in lack of robustness (I have tested the tear resistance to it's limit 8O). No chest pocket either.

I spend quite a bit of time standing around in the hills being not that active and I find down ideal for that as keeps me warm but then packs away well once I do get moving. I'll also use it for dog walking and other day to day stuff.

arcteryx atom lt. probably my most worn bit of clothing. they do one without a hood I think.

Yeah, not sure down would be my choice either. If you're not after the extremes of the weight/warmth equation then something in Primaloft will take more punishment generally, especially important if it's going to be compressed in a bag more than it's worn.

I have a real light down jacket that came from a 3-in-1 .. the outer waterproof died years ago but the down is still used....

What makes it so useful is actually no pockets etc. so it will compress into a ziplock sandwich bag

Anything above -5C I'd not wear it riding or skiing but keep it in a bag and take out when stopped.... it's great knowing it's in the bag and a decade ago when a friend had a serious injury way way off piste skiing might well have been a life saver...

When its really cold I have a huge Northface but I find I use the small liner fleece more... fits under a softshell and over fleeces...I tend to have pockets in the fleeces or softshell so this works well and as someopne mentioned lightness and durability... the softshell over the top protects it being ripped.

If you go synthetic rather than down then you've kind of described a Montane Prism or Fireball and you already like the Flux.

I used the term down loosely. Really not fussed about the type of filling, much more so the functionality. Also when I say lightweight, I meant something not too warm, rather than its actual weight. (I'm not doing too good a job of using words today)

So, something warm but not too hot
Something relatively robust (dog walking seems to trash my kit)
Something that is under £150

Alpkit could be a goer

a jumper?

+1 for Arcteryx Atom, or Patagonia nano puff if you like the "premium" kit, Alpkit or even some of the Simond branded clothing from Decathlon is pretty decent for not too much money.

Man asks for down recommendation, gets told...

normal jacket (from C+A)

That's a shop which closed its last UK branch 16 years ago.

😆

Don't ever change STW.

PS. I use a synthetic down gilet from Finesterre. Bought as an emergency layer but now one of my most-worn garments as its so versatile and comfy.

So the brief has changed! 😆

One of our cycling club has one of [url= https://www.alpkit.com/products/heiko-mens ]these[/url] and rates it.

Mountain Equipment Fitzroy. I tried on a bunch of synth belay jackets, settled on this for fit (ME has gone slimmer, Rab has gone tubbier since I last bought. Sounds like the temp range you're after.

And it turns out Fitzroy insulation is now Hydrophobic down. win-win.

Warm but not ridiculous, so possibly what you're after. It'll take a light shower. It's got a hood, but I like a hood, cos I've got a baldy head.

Take care if you're buying, they're available from £100, but you might find an older one with the Primaloft One synth insulation. You want the Primaloft Gold, 90% hydrophobic down

There are some thin synthetic padded Howies jackets on Sport Pursuit today BTW

You'll find cheaper options if you search for a puffer jacket. Those with a 'puffer' specification can also be found down the market.

The cheap Decathlon down jackets are excellent.

Washable, decent hood, packs down well and perfect for summer evenings outside, lunch stops, camping, huts etc.

They do get scruffy quickly outdoors, but all down jackets do.
It's what gaffa tape was invented for.

At £30.00 a pop, you could have a second one for best.

Not 'dodgy' down either.

or normal jacket (from C+A)

http://www.c-and-a.com/at/de/shop/herren/jacken-maentel/alle-jacken-maentel/daunenjacke-rds-zertifiziert-184615-1.html

arcteryx atom lt. probably my most worn bit of clothing. they do one without a hood I think.

I have one, but I do wish it didn't have the Powerstretch side panels, on a windy day all the heat gets sucked out the sides. The AR is a better, coreloft all round, but too warm for summer.

🙂
Good find.

I've got a pair of beige chinos from the 80's that need to go back for a refund.

Coats-n-Ats for the win!

Their ski range used to be the only thing available for school ski trips in the eighties. I guess Decathlon have that market now.

Rab Generator Alpine when Go Outdoors sell them off half price. I paid £90 and it's a bargain for a great jacket. Wouldn't pay full price though. Montane Prism is also good, but not quite as good as the Rab IMO.

But everything was awful.
🙂

Ugly shirts, misguided trousers and plastic shoes.

Arc'teryx looks feels and is more expensive than other brands. And worth the money too IMO. Atom lt hoody (synthetic) or Cerium lt hoody (down) would be my recommendations. All my coats are Arc'teryx these days. Just looks and feels nicer than everything else.

I've a Patagonia nano puff I use for pretty much that (and carrying as a spare layer in the winter). It's a bit pricy at full cost, but I think mine was about £90 in a sale.

Probably my most work piece of clothing, both as an "outdoors" and a day-to-day jacket. Does a great job of stopping you being cold, doesn't have that super warm feeling of a big down jacket, but I'm happy walking the dog in just it and a t-shirt at just below zero.

The Patagonia Nano-Air is the most comfy jacket I've ever come across - not down though, but just so soft and comfortable to wear.

Something relatively robust (dog walking seems to trash my kit)

That seems incompatible with most down type insulated jackets - any 'technical' one tend to be thin (and thus delicate) outer shell to keep packed size down.

However, Uniqlo's insulated jackets are really good value.

Vulpine's get reduced heavily in their sales - the Gilets were only £25 a few weeks back.

What are you wanting that's different to your Flux?

Based on your description, I'd have said "Montane Flux"...! Packs down pretty small, stays warmish when wet, not too warm/heavily insulated.

I was looking at the Snugpak SJ3 last night - but the pack size doesn't seem all that small at 26x16 cm?

http://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/sj3

My Alpkit filo is my most worn piece of clothing, I'd rather wear that then a jumper.

They only seem to do a hooded version now which I'd prefer not to have.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/x-light-mens-down-jacket-orange-id_8318548.html

i have three but the Dakine one is by far the best one. the helly hansen doesnt even come close

I have a Uniqlo one which is great. RustySpanner - my old £10 Sainsbury's one had gaffer tape on it - thought it was just me!!

What are you wanting that's different to your Flux?

Too warm in milder weather.

I'm liking the look of the Alpkit Heiko, seems to be the front runner.

I'm looking for a synthetic insulated vest, for warmer weather.
Maybe a Snugpak SV3. It is designed for military use, so should be a bit tougher than some of the super-lightweight stuff. And not too expensive (about £70).

I have both down and synthetic insulated jackets of various flavours - for all-season active use I'd suggest Polartec Alpha, it has good windblocking and insulation, breathes well and works very well when wet. I find Primaloft can get a bit clammy and lightweight down is more about fashion than function

Has anyone tried any of the Kilpi stuff that Sportspirsuits have on offer at the moment? This is less than half price:

https://www.kilpisports.com/en/product/isaiah

The £40 Decathlon jackets are much better than the similar £70 Uniqlo hooded jacket, I've got both, the Decathlon for wearing when I'm working, but it's got more fill, and the shell is a bit thicker, and is just that bit more robust.
Excellent value for money, for sure.
Next up I can't recommend the Jottnar Fenrir jacket highly enough, British company, beautifully made clothing designed by a couple of ex-Marines, who know a bit about working in harsh conditions.
I wore my Fenrir on a long walk that turned seriously wet, and while it did start to soak through, it didn't lose its insulation, and at £200 it's significantly cheaper than the likes of RAB and Arc'tery; an outdoor shop in town had a RAB jacket reduced in price, and it was still £230, and I couldn't see any significant difference between them.
The Arc'teryx Cerium is £299, and I can't see where the extra £100 is justified, TBH.
https://www.jottnar.com/uk/mens/down-insulation/fenrir/

If you want down then

Decathlon down is excellent value and pretty hard wearing mine is three years old and is still going strong,plenty of weights to choose from

Uniqulo pretty decent but not as good value for warmth but better colours

Alpkit the older large down ones are very warm, but bulky. Lighter ones i think the decathlon are better value,

Arcteryx i have a synthetic down mix and i would not bother paying the premium again, no warmer than others and not a great fit either but big street credit.

PHD pretty much as good as can get in down, not always the best cut so choose wisely. I like mine but ....See below

Jottnar i got one in tk maxx and was impressed but gave it to my older brother who adores it, ex builder, very very warm, very well made.

I would not both with down yes packable, light but synthetic is a better more robust alternative if it is so good used in the wet, stuffed in and out of packs, easy to wash and dry and used in British wet humid muggy climate.

Of the ones i have i would recommend

Decathlon simond/ their mountaineering range, great warmth and really robust. But the sizing are a bit all over so need to try.

Rab generator, i think bought off here and pretty impressive but a box body cut so lots of space but good for fitting things under.

Alpkit synthetic, my daughter swears by hers warm, robust, and been seriously mistreated yet looks good. I found the cut too tight round my shoulders arms but good in body.

Finesterre gilet, i have one bought second hand and trashed for the last seven years just keeps going wash after wash.

TK Maxx have lots of random things in but got a Rock Experience (Italian brand) for 15 quid been great.

I avoid montane as the cut was too short and the prism not that warm.

I avoid Patagonia as the cut is not the best for me.

My ultimate jacket is a black diamond hot forge bought this winter gone for 120 quid a mix of synthetic and down, great fit great warmth great weather resistance and stolen last week when i was in Madrid, gutted.

Good luck

My ultimate jacket is a black diamond hot forge bought this winter gone for 120 quid a mix of synthetic and down, great fit great warmth great weather resistance and stolen last week when i was in Madrid, gutted.

Yep, I have one of those very nice indeed!
Also paid 1/2 price (not worth the £260 rrp).

Only flaw is the down has migrated away from the inside of the elbows, so I get a cold spot there cycling to work in it. Also, probably too warm for winter.

I also bought their fully synthetic jacket (Heat Treat Hoody) half price but don't need two so have that for sale on Ebay....

I've just got an Alpkit synthetic jacket through the post, a bit tight around the shoulders / under arm, but a good thickness for cool summer evenings (too thin for winter use on it's own). Thinner than an Arcteryx Atom LT, but more windproof as it has a full Pertex outer. In their sale now....

The Arc'teryx Cerium is £299, and I can't see where the extra £100 is justified, TBH.

They regularly appear on Sports Pursuit with 40-50% off. E.g. [url= https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/986443 ]Mens Thorium Down jacket.[/url]

Only ever in mediums though. 😥

[url= https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/801658 ]Black Diamond Down Jacket in Large?[/url]

Anyone know their decathlon jackets can't make my mind up between these 2

[url= https://www.decathlon.co.uk/slide-300-warm-mens-ski-jacket-grey-id_8371429.html ]Slide 300[/url]

[url= https://www.decathlon.co.uk/x-light-mens-down-jacket-blue-id_8317718.html ]X lite[/url]

both look good anyone with first hand experience of them ?

I'm sitting watching the tv wearing the x lite right now. Only such jacket I've had and it's great. Our house is cold, but it's really comfy and cosy. I love a bargain, so I'm tempted to get another. Style wise it could look a bit better, but for an everyday wear I'd recommend it.

Cheers...It's top of the list now 🙂

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/vulpine-ultralight-thermal-jacket

Picked one of these up at the weekend -

https://m.ellis-brigham.com/products/the-north-face-mens-morph-down-jacket/201128

Haglofs Essens Down LIM. No chest pocket but it is under 200g and packs down super small. Very warm for the weight. I also rate PH Designs kit for wArmth to weight. Not cheap though.

Best bet is to try several on and go for your favourite! 😀

That vulpine light weight jacket is utter naff have seen them in the flesh they are like the cheapest jacket you could feel with who knows what rubbish they used for packing it!

[quote=Munqe-chick ]That vulpine light weight jacket is utter naff have seen them in the flesh they are like the cheapest jacket you could feel with who knows what rubbish they used for packing it!

I disagree. I find it warm, breathable and it looks good - not like the Ghostbusters Stay Puft marshmallow man look

Cotswold have a sale in store only on Patagonia hooded down sweater, £200 reduced to £120. Picked one up yesterday