Sub 1lb. Sub $100 jacket?

What do I win?!

If not down:

REI Venturi Hoody Jacket – Men's
$63.83 on sale.
just under 17 ounces

or

Golite Wenatchee PrimaLoft® ONE Synthetic Jacket 16 ounces

$99.99

down: maybe a 2014 Golite Demaree at $119 and 16 ounces. The 2013 model is $110.

Can he throw his sleeping bag over him in camp too?

I'm usually in bed if it's that cold…

REI has some Marmot Zeus 800 fill down jackets for $119. These can be found for as little as $99 if you catch the right deal. (TJMAXX usually has some in the fall). Under a pound and more than warm enough for what you describe.

On the other hand, if you only have one jacket, it might make sense to go with a synthetic fill. Just depends on your climate. I prefer down in the winter, but 3 season with rain, the synthetic might be a better choice.

I've got a Marmot Baffin, which is on sale here for $90:

http://www.omcgear.com/marmot-baffin-jacket-men-s-fall-2012.html

Honestly, though.. you can probably pick up a decent no name synthetic puffy layer for $50.

If it weren't for the requirement to go down to freezing (and even with it), I would seriously consider a PowerStretch fleece jacket or hoody instead. I don't think anything covers as much of a the range from near freezing to 60 degrees. The big advantages compared to down or synthetic is that it is so easy to wash and dry AND it breathes well enough to wear it when you are moving or setting up camp.

Sierra Trading Post has these for $59, minus the usual 30% off coupon.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-eko-polartec-power-stretch-shirt-zip-neck-long-sleeve-for-men~p~6729a/?filterString=s~marmot-power-stretch%2F&colorFamily=04

This is somewhat looser fitting than some of the more athletic cut power stretch tops. It's actually really good for a jacket/top layer. EMS has a full zip hoody version for $99 with $20 off on a $100 purchase (buy some waterproof mathches or something).

I think power stretch tops are probably the single most versatile outdoor clothing I own. Hard to beat a power stretch top and bottoms for lounging around camp.

I wouldn't rule out a one pound fleece pullover. I was alright in almost freezing mornings with a polypro base, fleece mid and driduck shell, with thermal base bottoms and a good hat. Warm enough when even slightly active around camp, but sitting around in the rain might be a different story, in which case lack of experience would definitely make down a poor choice IMO. I'd think the "rookie factor" needs to be taken into account, since you won't be there to guide him.

How about a very inexpensive down vest (like Hawke & Co – about $20 on eBay), combined with your other layers? Pretty versatile and cheap!!

The Uniqlo down parka is a great deal at regular price, and right now it's on sale for $50. At 9oz, I've been very happy with mine. You might want to size down though, they run kind of big.

If I were taking it down to freezing, I might add in a lightweight fleece vest (easily found at a thrift store), which in my case would bring the whole system to 15oz.

Thanks Guys! I totally found a bunch of info I didn't have before!

I think the Uniqlo is the winner though. Heck, I'm gonna buy one for myself at that price!

I like the idea that a fleece vest could be added if more warmth is needed, since it's so light.

JMag: You gotta put that info in the body of the reply. I wouldn't have even seen your suggestion if Mitchell hadn't also suggested it. I thought you were asking what you would win before you made a suggestion, like you were just being funny, lol.

You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for a sale or a used one (try geartrade.com) but the Stoic/backcountry.com hadron could be a possible option. They weigh about 7-8oz and can be pretty regularly found for $80 or so if there's a used one or a sale. I'm not see I'd use it to sit around for hours at freezing temps, but it's a nice thing to have for that little bit of time when temps are dropping (but before you hit the sleeping bag) and for packing up on chilly mornings.

Id second the stoic hadron…found mine on geartrade for around $70 and it's great!

FYI…there appear to be a couple of models of the Hadron jacket on sale at Backcountry right now:

Full-zip jacket ($101, so not TECHNICALLY sub-$100): http://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-backcountry-hadron-down-jacket-mens?ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6aGFkcm9uOjE6MzpoYWRyb24&skid=BCC0327-CHA-S

Anorak ($116, not sure how much the stated price range can budge): http://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-hadron-down-anorak-mens?ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6aGFkcm9uOjE6MTpoYWRyb24