[Closed] Down Jacket

bonesetter

Are they really worth it??

Unless you are going somewhere with arctic conditions, or plan to do very little for extended periods of time in very cold conditions, no.

Synthetic will be much better for 90% of the things most people will be likely to do. Down will be marginally warmer but only really necessary for wild camping or stargazing etc but consider whether the jacket will be getting wet or how you'll care for it.

Any chance of getting to a factory shop? The Rab one near Alfreton has some real bargains if you can catch it open. My wife loves hers, light and warm. I went for a synthetic smock thing I wouldn't mind wetting out so much. Best £70 I ever spent on a top, should have been £120 or something. Wife's cost was a touch over half price as well. For that kind of money, I would say it's worth it.

Oh sure - a half priced Rab I would go for

You say you live nearby???

Bought a Montane Flux early this year @ £100 from Go Outdoors.
Synthetic, not down - if it gets wet, stays toasty warm and dries very quickly. I believe down is less good when wet. Lots of features. Love it.

Alpkit?

But as above, my synthetic gets far more use than the Rab....

My cheap Craghoppers synthetic jacket gets more use than either of my down jackets.

Aren't the down ones only 10 or 20% down anyway?

This is what I can't quite accept - I can't see where the money is

As Jimjam said, they're great for staying warm if you're not doing anything. Was too hot when out for a walk last night (-5) however! This is one of the really full-on ones though, probably overkill for the UK tbh.

Go outdoors have some offers. But i'd also recommend considering a synthetic one. My craghopper one was £40 in the sale and very warm. Good for standing around when it is freezing but too warm to walk I. So far this year even when it was below 0.

I have the same issue with sleeping bags. I love my Alpkit down bag (it's very warm and longer than normal, so actually fits me), but I rarely use it when out because I usually go out when conditions are rubbish and/or I know I'm going to be sleeping in a ditch/fire trench. So, sadly, I have to use the synthetic green bomb.

For jackets, if it's really cold, I'll use my ski jacket or my Buffalo.

Bonesetter, I live nearby enough to make a trip (it's probably only a 20 minute drive) but they only open 2 weekday afternoons a week and the stock is constantly changing, samples, odd sizes, some seconds. If it was simply a case of you picking from a catalogue and me picking it up that could be doable. You really need to go yourself though. Possibly more than once, or twice...

Go Outdoors seem to sell the premium brands (although have decent offers)

All 'outdoor' shops sell these type of jackets now though don't they, like Millets etc

bonesetter - Member
Aren't the down ones only 10 or 20% down anyway?

This is what I can't quite accept - I can't see where the money is

No, the down ones are 100% down, or at least the fill is. The stuff comes in different fill powers, the higher the quoted fill power, the greater the volume a given weight of the stuff will occupy when lofted up. Once you get over 600 or so it's decent, anything over 700 is pretty good, the 900 fill power down that PHD uses for its top stuff is mega warm for its weight, but also very expensive.

Goose is generally better than duck down, but more expensive. It also smells less 'downy' for some reason. Oh, and there's lot of ethical stuff around down production.

But down jackets are filled with down. Or if you want to be fussy, generally it's something like 95% down and 5% less fine feathers. Or 90/10. Or whatever.

And probably Alpkit on the budget front. Or something better in a sale. The Alpkit one has a ridiculous drop tail so you look like a very warm platypus, which'll either bother you or not.

Expensive aren't they?

Are they really worth it??

Anyone got a budget one they like?

Yes they can be..

Yes I think so..

No, no budget one whats the point.. Mines from Jattnar, I know the Guys who make them.

Tracker - was only joking really. THanks for your good intention though 🙂

yes they are worth it. I've got 3 different down jackets.
1 I bought in Costco for £30. 800fill Hungarian goose down. comfy warm and light, very understated.
2 North face Nuptse 2 jacket. another 800 fill down, uber warm, and fantastic. downside, they are like specialised, and dog sh#t. they are everywhere.
3 rab microlight. got it from sportspursuit for £90 delivered. only 600 fill I think. opinion was reserved until today. it's not as warm as the north face, but that's the point, it packs down really small.
today I was hiking in the Brecon beacons, on kit testing day. just trying out combinations, of jackets and baselayers etc. that I own.
whilst everyone else was making their way up the granny path to summit pen y fan, we were on the other hillside, enjoying the snow.
I started off wearing my smartwool merino baselayer, and a craghoppers corey2 midlayer. my outer layer was a mountain equipment thermal pro polartec fleece. it was plenty warm, not too bulky. but as the windchill picked up, once sweaty, I could feel the cold enough. temperature was hovering about 0 degrees to -6 degrees.
then I swapped the mountain equipment for the rab microlight, and it regulated my temperature far better, for the next 5 hours.
verdict.
if you can afford a few outer layer jackets, then a down jacket is a good investment, for dry conditions. they don't like the wet much, or at all.
synthetics are good, as mentioned above, as they manage better when wet. but if you want a warm, wet weather jacket. have a look at a 3 in 1 jacket. preferably a goretex outer, with a polartec fleece inner. I've seen berghaus now do, goretex jackets with primaloft (synthetic)liners. now they'd deffo be worth a look.
hope this helps.

I think vest is far better option as jacket might be too warm indoor, no?

Check out Snugpak because they are very warm and they are made in UK.

Jattnar - ooh deep pockets

850 fill power though (as good as it gets)

And 97/3% fill ratio

That's the best I've seen

I'm after a pauper's model though

Might pay £80 - 100 tops

bikebuoy.
that jottnar stuff is really pretty, and chuffin' expensive. but well worth it.

evil - thanks for that

It's not for wet weather, more of a daily

The Buffalo is too serious/not suited

I have just bought a Regatta down jacket I want to use for carrying in a pack when riding (this one packs down really small) and getting out when standing around outside a pub

For £100 I would go with Snugpak SJ3 jacket as they come in 8 different colours.

[url= http://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/clothing/jackets/sj3-softie-jacket ]Buy Snugpak here - made in UK[/url]

rab generator here. synthetic. packs down small. pertex outer so ok when wet. warm and very light.

and the main reason i bought it, because it dont make me look like michelin man....... 😆

bonesetter - Member
Tracker - was only joking really. THanks for your good intention though

That's ok, you know what this place is like, a moments pause, people think I might go and before you know it I need to borrow a van for all the "whilst you're there" crowd!
Has reminded me that I am after a body warmer (or are they called gillet now?) and maybe some gloves...

Rab is nice but getting rather common now ... 😆

chewkw, do you live in Matlock too? Don't know if it's the proximity of the shop but especially the lighter, but full, coat my wife has is bloody everywhere!

The Uniqlo ultralight down jackets are pretty good for the money, maybe not as warm in more extreme conditions, but cold, dry days are where they work well, and they pack down very small.
I've worn my NF Nuptse for the first time in at least two or three years the last couple of days, yesterday because I was down on the Avalon Marshes and it can get pretty chilly down there, and I was up on an exposed part of the chalk downs this afternoon, but TBH I reckon the Uniqlo with a light fleece would have been perfectly adequate.
Very pleased with mine.
http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/127879

Alpkit is better made than Rab (we have one of each).

Tracker1972 - Member

chewkw, do you live in Matlock too?

No. I live in the sunny GeordieLand of the plenty. 😆

You must all come here on holiday then, bloody foreigners!

Well funny story this..

I went to the Outdoor show in Excel whilst the Cycle show was on, stumbled around the stands (as you do) then bumped into an old Uni mate.. Turned out he spent 15yrs in the Army in the SAS then retired out and started Jottnar with his mate. They has a stand, all new kit and was so impressed that I bought the Fjorm and MrsBouy bought the Womans Alfar and Bergelmier.. Has to be said we paid "sale" prices so 20% off but blimey.. these are some damn fine jackets..
Whether they're worth the money only you can decide that, me I think they are but then I'm supporting an old mate aren't I..

Funny this topic comes up as I've just got mine out to wear since it's gone all cold and -1C here on the coast 😆

bikebouy - Member
... Turned out he spent 15yrs in the Army in the SAS then retired out and started Jottnar with his mate.

Very nice but very expensive too for my budget.

Can a SAS man be a good businessman as well? Who is he selling his stuff to? Target market wise? All his stuff are premium end of the market judging from the price.

I have never heard of his brand until now ... 😯

Got a Ralph Lauren down coat. Yes it was expensive but it'll last me 15 years and I've never needed anything more than a t shirt underneath. A quality down jacket is warmer and more comfortable than synthetic insulation in my experience.

"I think vest is far better option as jacket might be too warm indoor, no?"

why in gods name would you wear a down jacket or vest for that matter INDOORS - unless to save on the heating bills .....

Standing around in the pits at 24 hour races my el cheapo tk maxx Down nike jacket is the bomb - i would never spend 200 or even 100 quid on something to treat as i do that nike jacket but it just takes it and keeps on being warm !

prefer my buffalo active if im out walking or being active at all.

trail_rat - Member

"I think vest is far better option as jacket might be too warm indoor, no?"

why in gods name would you wear a down jacket or vest for that matter INDOORS - unless to save on the heating bills .....

I mean not having to peel off too many layers while shopping ...

where do you shop ? iceland ?

trail_rat - Member

where do you shop ? iceland ?

Ya, Iceland Supermarket in GeordieLand. 😆

Alpkit is pretty good for the money,
Tbh, despite having a couple of down jackets, Alpkit and Mountain Equipment, the only down I ever wear regularly is my North Face gilet. Rest of the time I prefer my synthetic Mountain Hardwear belay jacket.

chewkw - Member
bikebouy - Member
... Turned out he spent 15yrs in the Army in the SAS then retired out and started Jottnar with his mate.
Very nice but very expensive too for my budget.

Can a SAS man be a good businessman as well? Who is he selling his stuff to? Target market wise? All his stuff are premium end of the market judging from the price.

I have never heard of his brand until now ...

You know what I have no idea at all. 😆

Our hours conversation in the main entered around old/ex girlfriends at Uni.. I think he was single (but never asked) 😆
Well he spent large proportion of his time up in Norway, on some sort of USA/EU/UK base they have up there and he got into Climbing/Mountaineering and I guess using std SAS stuff to him wasn't all that good. Figured he had to do something when he left the SAS and still has a passion and love for all things Mountain.
I kinda admired him for that, kinda thought to myself "if he lived up there for all that time he sure knows about what he wants out of his kit"
Single minded he is/was and again thats a trait I admire, this venture is a couple of years old now and clearly he and his mate have done some sort of research into the market they want to get into. One thing, he does (like most) get a mix of garments made here in Manchester and the Far East, but they are his own designs and fittings and stuff like that, then they test them out in northern Norway and hey, I buy the jacket..

Great story to catch back up with him, really nice bloke and we've spoken since which is kinda nice.

I'll be wearing my jacket today as it happens to be 1C 😆 here on the coast.

OP what do you actually want it for?

Unless warmth to weight/size ratio is crucial, then you'll probably be better off with synthetic. Not affected if it gets wet, easier to wash/clean and less likely to clump up if stored properly. Also less likely to leak its filling. Down is great for places where it's constantly sub-zero, where warmth is paramount and there's very little liquid water about. In the UK it is very rarely sub-zero but often wet.

If you just want a very warm jacket on a budget, then this is pretty good: [url= http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alpinism-warm-mens-jacket-id_8271763.html ]Decathlon[/url]

Pleader - I think this is always what issues like these boil down to - intended purpose

It's for a sort of do it all use I suppose, so standing/sitting around outside in the winter/cold, walking the dog etc

So, no climbing mountains, trecking the arctic etc

Just been looking at the Alpkit Filo. Quite like the look of that as it has a long back, as well as a detatchable hood, plus is sensible money

Muji have some nice looking, well priced jackets. Not the best technically I'm sure, but I got one of their down body warmers and I'm well impressed.

We are sad and have "his and hers" Alpkit Filos. Bargains in their sales at £80, a mate who does winter walking in tbe Lakes reckons it is still a bargain at normal price.

I'm the only one in the office who didn't complain about the cold after the 10 minute walk from the car park this morning. And for standing around on a cold and windy school playground when the teachers decide to not let the kids out on time, it has been amazing!

Dash - was that the sales on Alpkit's site?

[url= http://www.h-outdoorshop.com/haglofs-clothing/essens-ii-down-jacket-magnetite-dynamite.html ]Haglof[/url]

I've just got a Haglofs jacket for Xmas and its bloody awesome (mine isn't the down one but I tried one on while i was in the shop). I've got various North Face jackets and none come close to the fit and finish of a 'Lof. This is much cheapness (relatively) and would be the one I'd buy

bonesetter - yes, Alpkit seem to sell them off Feb/March time. I got mine last year, wife got hers the year before. Bit of a gamble waiting of course! Subscribe to their emails for details.

If you are anywhere close you could always ring them and see if they have any seconds or returns going cheap. They sometimes do, they had lots a couple of years ago when I last went to their yard sale.

And if you are close enough for Alpkit then you are close enough for the Rab factory as well.

I've had an alpkit one for years which has lasted well despite my best efforts. They also repaired it for free for me ( in exchange for a box of chocs). I found it warmer and nicer to wear than my Rab neutrino endurance. I couldn't believe I sold the latter for almost full retail ( I paid 110) after a year though.

My favourite is a Halti I picked up in tacky max. Halti are a Finnish brand that make really nice kit. I think I paid 60 for a 750 FP jacket.

Thanks everyone - think it's going to be the Alpkit.

The long back is the deal winner for me. I like their down to earth ethos too

Fantastic customer support too

Haglof

I've just got a Haglofs jacket for Xmas and its bloody awesome (mine isn't the down one but I tried one on while i was in the shop). I've got various North Face jackets and none come close to the fit and finish of a 'Lof. This is much cheapness (relatively) and would be the one I'd buy

got a NF down gotham jacket for xmas and when asked about it on here people said too warm , it's a heavy jacket and a snug fit, i spent boxing day at football (my son made me) it was perfect for sitting down doing bugger all with the occasional standing up to cheer a goal !

I'd always wanted a NF one, got one at a good price but turned up and didn't fit, it's band new in Large RRP £300 yours today for only £100!

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-brand-new-north-face-hyvent-goose-down-coat-100

I like the look of the Jottnir Fafnir jacket, and it's the same price as the Black Diamond Hot Forge (when that's got £70 off), too!
Expensive, yes, but Arc'teryx stuff is insanely pricey.

^ Diminishing Return?

For truly eye-watering prices just look at Moncler jackets

Nige.
The Alpkit down jackets are great for the money.
Very warm, if a little bulky, but you'll not go far wrong for the kind of use you're looking for.
Amanda has one, I have one, but we only wear them for a walk to the pub when it's propper cold.

Great, looks like I've made a good move as I Ordered a Filo 🙂

'Walking to the pub' is about all I want it for

You pair out and about tomoz? I'll be bimbling 'round, passing the Anchor

HYN

We were there today*. Don't think we'll be there tomorrow. Thought we might have seen you.
*Did bump into Mot.

did he try and get you to tubeless his fat tyres while you were there?

Picked up a mountain warehouse jacket for £50 in a sale before Christmas.

( http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/mens/jackets/mens-padded-jackets/henningvaer-down-padded-jacket-p12143.aspx)

It's been excellent and my go to jacket (when dry) for dog walking, work, hanging around outside shops etc.
I don't really feed the cold too much, so anything more insulated would be overkill for me.

I've always been a fan of down jackets but this year I went for an arcteryx synthetic.
It's fantastic. Just as warm as a down 600 fill but you can just chuck It in the washing machine without worry or faff.

I bought a Montane Extreme jacket in the summer sale at go outdoors. It's the best £70 I've ever spent, extremely warm with just a merino base layer underneath for waking the dog in -3C the other night.

bikebouy - Member
... Turned out he spent 15yrs in the Army in the SAS..

/pedant according to their bios' they where both Navy.. /pedant.

Granted, you can still be badged and come from the Navy..

Nice looking kit tho'..

Was going to recommend ALPKIT but i see someones beaten me to it.
Ive the above jacket and have used it for the colder months for the last 3 years.
https://www.alpkit.com/products/filo-men-chilli-steel

I see theyre up in price to £120 (mine was £95)

I have to say that comparing my jacket to the other high st brand names, the Alpkit is considerably thicker.

If it finally gives up or is destroyed in some way ill be getting the same jacket as replacement.
Yes its warm but you can also crush it really small into the bottom of the pack. You had the day out and off to the pub where you feel chilled. Its ideal for that. Certainly a considerably warmer throw on than anything else you can pack at that size.

I must say that Mountain Warehouse jacket looks good for the money. There's one in Cirencester, I might take a run up there and check them out.

Well, I had a run up to Cirencester today, thought I'd pop into my mate Sean's bike shop to say hello and Happy New Year and they were closed! So I had a look in Mountain Warehouse, which was my other reason to go up, and had a shufti at those lightweight down jackets, reduced to £50, but tbh I wasn't that impressed, they're ok for the money, but hardly any different to my Uniqlo jacket, apart from being synthetic fill instead of down, and having the two chest pockets.
Fine if you need a light jacket, but I certainly couldn't justify getting one.
Gives me a good excuse to start saving for a Jottnir jacket, though... 😀

Mountain Warehouse are 75/25 fill mix. No mention of fill power

My Alpkit should arrive tomoz

I love down jackets - really cosy when it's cold. But only needed/appropriate really for when you're standing/sitting around and not generating much heat e.g. wild camping/belaying in winter.
That said, I wore my North Face Nuptse most days on a trekking trip in Nepal - but we were up above 5000m and not really moving too fast!
It's had loads of use and is now 10 years old and still going strong so from a value for money point of view I'd say it's been well worth it.
I find synthetic's not as warm, but for most UK temps and if you're moving then that's prob more appropriate, esp as UK tends to be more damp as well!

I've got a few down jackets stored in the loft from my Winter Mountaineering days. I mainly use synthetic jackets now, cheaper, easier to clean (bung in the wash once a month) and just as comfy, although not quite as warm. I've been skiing all week in a Rab synthetic jacket and don't miss my down jackets at all.

NB Decathlon do pretty reasonable down jackets price wise.

^ Good feedback, thanks