PCT: Down jacket

The uniqlo parka is supposed to be pretty good. I don't own one, but I was strongly considering buying one before I was gifted a Kirkland down jacket.

I would go uniqlo also. They just released their water defender series which uses DWR fabric and hydrophobic down (Like dridown). I don't have the water defender version, but my small parka weighs in at 8.5oz, and feels warmer to me than some of the more expensive lightweight down jackets. The weight and fill amount on the water defender is unknown, but I emailed uniqlo and they said that a womens large weighs in at 7.2 ounces (they did not have the specs for the mens).

The Uniglo is really good and probably the best deal out there. I have had one three years and it still holds up fine. Now that they have hoods, even better. I think it is their loss leader.

If money is tight, one of those kirkland jackets would be nice. On the other hand, if you're going to be carrying it and using it a lot, it could be worth it to get a nicer one.

I would think that something with more loft would be in order for the PCT starting in the spring. Spring in Socal can get cold at night, and the sierras are at altitude. Something along the line of a FF Daybreak jacket, or the many equivalent alternatives.

Steve

I have the patagonia ultralight down hoody. It's my favorite jacket. I got mine at the local patagonia outlet during one of their quartery clearance sales. Lucky to live in Santa Cruz. I think it was $80 or so. But I do remember that patagonia has some pretty epic online clearance sales after the new year. Like upwards of 50% off. If not direct from patagonia then through 3rd party retailers. I remembered at one point being very surprised with the great clearance prices for patagonia gear. So if you are patient, look around in January and see what deals you can find. Enjoy the PCT

The thing is, you are either wearing it or not and not usually while hiking. I had the MH Ghost Whisperer and only really used it to supplement my sleeping bag when we had snow during the night. So anything cheaper that gives you the same protection will work. Besides that and my base layer and rain jacket is all I needed till Washington, then you might need something more.

I thru hiked this year with a Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody as my only warm layer. Overall I think it's an excellent choice.

For the first two months (i.e. start to Yosemite), this jacket is about the minimum you'd want. Other people got by with less (MH Ghost Whisperer, Montbell UL Down) but most of them seemed cold at times. For the next month (Yosemite to Sierra City) this jacket is about perfect for staying comfortable in the evenings (you'll virtually never wear it hiking). You could get by with something a bit lighter but it's a comfortable choice.

For NorCal and Oregon this jacket is overkill (virtually all jackets are in these circumstances). You'll wear it every few days in the evening because it's cozy, but this is such a warm time of the summer that you can always just head to bed if you get an oddly cold night. I carried mine the whole way because I don't like the expense and hassle of switching out gear, but you probably could bump it to Cascade Locks for Washington.

We finished on the early side of things (Sept 5) and this jacket was nicely suited to Washington. If you're finishing anytime in September then this jacket would be a good choice. If you're finishing in August you might be able to go without, while if you're finishing in October you might want something warmer and perhaps not down.

I like the looks of Borah Gear's down jacket. As soon as they get back from Nepal,( 9 weeks)I'll order one. Cheaper and warmer than my Ghost Whisperer. I don't have first hand experience though.
I got my Ghost Whisperer,without the Hood,year end for alot cheaper. Hope you find what your looking for!

eddie bauer down light hoody

get it on the massive 40%+ sales which will appear

and i believe it has a bit more down to boot

not to mention the no questions asked warranty

;)

I went through two Eddie Bauer down light hoodies – one of which was replaced under warranty. I don't consider myself hard on gear but the outer fabric is very fragile and it permits significant down loss through its fibres. I would avoid this one like the plague even if it was free.

I have the Ghost Whisperer which has proven remarkably warm and durable, yet my preconceived notions suggested the opposite would be the case. It wasn't. I got my jacket at a significant discount and would not pay full price for it, however.

ive been wearing my EB downlight vest daily for the last 4 years

its gotten pin holes, etc … but its still chugging along

and i can send it back in anytime

im wearing it right now

however when i bought a EB down jacket last year one of the chambers had no down !!!

so i took it back to the store and they gave me another one

;)

Yeah, I may have simply got a bad batch. Yes, the warranty was nice.

I guess it pays to bring a small LED flashlight when shopping to search for down!

I had a couple of missing down scenarios with Montbell but that was a few years ago. I suspect their quality control has improved.

I guess it pays to bring a small LED flashlight when shopping to search for down!

well here a somewhat off topic story …

my climbing partner went to the westcomb factory sale a few weeks ago … he bought several items including a WPB jacket

unfortunately he didnt test everything out and found out that the zipper pocket was actually glued shut …. now factory sales dont have any warranty, exchanges or returns as the gear is generally overstock, samples or slightly defective (dead bird is the same way at their outlet store)

but he went back and chatted with em nicely about it … the westcomb guy simply went to the production line and picked out 4 new jackets and told him to pick whichever one he wanted

inspecting the goods thoroughly is a skill AZNs know well (but i seem to have forgot) as in asia its buyer beware ….

fortunately out here reputable brands and retailers have good return/exchange policies …

but often not on outlet or sample sales … so buyer beware then

;)

"but he went back and chatted with em nicely about it … the westcomb guy simply went to the production line and picked out 4 new jackets and told him to pick whichever one he wanted"

Wow. I wonder if Dead Bird would have done that….?

Has anyone compared the new water-resistant down with synthetic insulation for active use, IE while actually hiking?

We all know the regular down is not nearly as efficient at regulating moisture and loses loft, but what about the water resistant down, has anyone actually tested enough to see how it compares? Does it really hold its loft and warmth that much better? Does it hold any measurable weight in moisture?

After much deliberation and "practice," I found it well worth the (significant) weight penalty to go synthetic, but man would I like to go back to a +/- 9 oz jacket from the 12-15 ounces the synthetic jackets weigh.

Thoughts?

Uniqlo has had their down jackets on sale periodically. Their email list is a good way to get an even better deal. I bought my son one of the new jackets with water resistant down. Decent quality, would buy one again. He's warm into the 30s with it with a light shirt. No, I don't know how much it weighs.

"Has anyone compared the new water-resistant down with synthetic insulation for active use, IE while actually hiking?"

I'd be hesitant to wear any puffy layer while hiking esp if you put out a lot of heat and sweat. Moisture will get in and compromise the loft. Water resistant does not mean water proof. :)

JMO.

Totally agreed, Paul.