Down Jacket For a Mid March Thru Of The AT

You’ll see a lot of AT folks that time of year in Patagonia nanopuffs (or any equivalent brand). Couple ghost whisperers if they/you can afford it. Unless you get a cold snap, you’ll mostly just use it at camp & rest breaks.

If you’re on the cheap, any equivalent non-cotton fleece or w/e works. You want something you can put on at camp and feel warm. I’ve used a $60 mountain hardware zonal jacket for 2 years.

If you’re worried about the first couple weeks, supplement base layers (lowers/uppers), gloves, neck gaitor/hat if you get cold. That way when it gets warmer if you’re still carrying them you can just use them for pajamas.

Good luck!

Really depends on how much you want to spend, but Montbell has every flavor of down jacket you could ask for at varying weights and prices.  The Superior Down Jacket or Parka would do the trick nicely IMO. I wore it’s older brother the UL Down Inner for a lot of years on the AT. Best of luck on your thru!

Ryan

I pulled the trigger on a ghost whisperer.  it was 165 out the door at sierrat trading post

Borah Gear has a really basic, light down jacket that has the same amount of downfill as a Nanopuff, but is a bit cheaper.

Michael,

I get it. For a thru hike you want the lightest possible gear. But… the AT is often damp or downright rainy. That’s why people use synthetic insulation like Primaloft, or my favorite, Climashield.

But now that down DWR treatments like Dri-Down, Down Tec and other DWR treatments have become available in garments and sleeping bags it is a good choice IF you don’t get it totally soaked. I’d recommend LL Bean’s down jackets as the best for the money.  Eddie Bauer, Sierra designs and Montebell have ’em too. Just to be sure to help shed sprinkles and tent moisture I’d treat the shell with Revivex spray.

You still need a light eVent or Gore-Tex Pro Shell parka to protect the down jacket on the trail or in camp.

If you are concerned about weight, consider a downTek vest from Luke’s Ultralight.  I used just the vest on shoulder season trips for about six months (before getting the sleeves & hood). It is simply wonderful, and a great way to heat up my core.