Feathered Friends Helios or Patagonia Fitz Roy Jacket

I don’t fit those qualifications. I buy Patagonia on sale and have always been very pleased with their products for the price. I have only a small pillow from Feathered Friends. They are expensive, even compared to Patagonia. That said, if it fits your budget, I’d go with Feathered Friends.

The Feathered Friends will be warmer. Has more and higher quality down. FF has 7.04 oz of 900+ down, Fitz has 5.6oz of 800.

I’ve had great experience buying Montbell from Montbell Japan instead of USA, the exchange rate was extremely favorable and shipping took about three weeks, but I ordered a Permafrost parka (which is heavier than either of your specified jackets- but is amazing,) that was $279 instead of over $500 from Montbell USA.

The Alpine would be a closer comparison to those parkas than the Permafrost, but just a reminder that there are amazing down parkas that can be had for less (and sometimes much less) than Patagonia or FF.

THAT SAID- FF is made in Seattle and fantastic- so supporting them is great. I have friends with Helios and they’re awesome, but my Permafrost clowns on pretty much everything else when you need to dial the needle towards warmth instead of pure weight.

What features are more important to you, and what will you be using it for? Fitzroy a little more climbing oriented. It appears to have a longer cut, helmet compatible hood, drawstring waist, hand warmer pockets with zippers, located above harness height and additional zippered pockets above. Both have drop in interior pocket. Helios has  a two way zip, Fitzroy doesn’t.