"For about the same money you can purchase a Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket which weighs about the same, or a Feathered Friends Hyperion Jacket which costs $50 less. Now, that’s a tough decision…"
Nice review Will, thanks! It's a nice sweater, seems like a relatively simple decision to me though, I'd save the money and opt for the latter two options. Not sure I particularly care for the Polartec Powershield collar and hem, a more simple elastic band would save some weight and not absorb moisture, and using the standard #3 YKK zipper would also save a little weight, considering as you noted in your tests that the Westcomb Chilkos stitching allowed a significant amount of water through the seams in the puddle test. What good does it serve the wearer having a waterproof RiRi zipper up front if everywhere else on the jacket isn't going to hold back water very effectively? The fleece lined pockets are cool if not wearing gloves, around town possibly, but a Pertex lined down filled pocket would be simpler and lighter. My dirty hands would turn the white lining of the Chilko a muddy brown and black from pot soot after 2 trips. The Pertex Quantum is a nice touch, allowing all 3.25ozs. of 850+ down to fully loft, with only one downside, the shimmering gold color definitely requires a Rick James sense of style and taste. Some bright red down booties and a pair of green Capilene tights would go well with the Chilko.
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