Uniqglo vs MH Ghost Whisperer – worth the price given my needs?

I own the Uniqlo parka and took it on the JMT. I haven't had much experience first-hand with the more expensive down jackets. Maybe they're better in some ways, but I can't imagine that their quality or features could justify such a massive price difference. I think I paid $50 for my Uniqlo on sale, and it's served my needs perfectly well. Doing camp chores, it keeps me happy and warm down to about 40º with a long-sleeve shirt and a hat.

I'd say save your money and get the Uniqlo.

I am also in a subtropical area and mostly staying in warmer regions for future trips. I don't envy the critters in Florida though! I have started sleeping without my net inner tent here but not sure if that would ever happen in Florida.

I was lucky enough to find a "full set" of lightly used backpacking clothes on gear swap that included a uniqlo 8oz ul down jacket. It came in silver/gray color, and large size fits great for my "average build"* 5'7" 180lbs. The first night I went out to test my grace duo tarp, I only had a usgi poncho liner for sleeping under, and it ended up being a little bit windy since I didn't drop the back of the tarp, I left it up on the short pole. The thing that shocked me is that while the jacket seemed very warm, I was never hot, I didn't ever seem to start sweating in it.

I think I just haven't owned that many down items and didn't realize how breathable they can be. I ended up ordering a down quilt instead of synthetic based on that experience. Other factors like my synthetic quilt orders being canceled also played a role in reconsidering, I had ordered those before using my ul down jacket.

I want to buy something similar to the lightweight uniqlo jacket for my wife now. I think she was surprised anybody made a down item light enough to be used where we live, and was impressed it showed up in a package of used items (thanks BPL members!). When I looked up the new price of uniqlo, I was surprised at how affordable it is. Again, I really like the jacket fit.

EDIT:

* "average american build" can also be considered "heavyset" by most bpl members and the international community as it has been previously noted many times.

I must be the down jacket Goldilocks, because I have a 3 different thicknesses of down jackets (Too warm, too cold, and just right…).

My Ghost Whisperer is perfect for trips where the temps will be moderate (Grand Canyon bottom in spring/fall); my Feathered Friends jacket is good for "actual" cold (below 30F); and the Uniqlo is for everything in between.

Uniqlo is really an incredible value, considering. And check out the new Artists Series (Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat) very, very cool!

Are you saying that you find your 10oz Uniqglo hoody to be warmer than your 8oz MH Ghost Whisperer hoody? If thats the case I would find it a no brainer to go that direction for a one jacket approach.

I've owned both. Similar warmth, slight weight difference, and huge price difference. I would do Uniqlo next time mostly because I'm a little more price conscious now days.

Ryan

I'll definitely order a Uniqglo and try it on the Costco milk/eggs room to see how it keeps me warm. I am 6ft and 150lbs and will order a medium unless anyone chimes in to order up or down.

I'm 5'10" 170lbs and was swimming in the medium, so I returned it for a small. With your height though you might appreciate the extra length, my lower back does get exposed if I'm bending over.