Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#135182 - 06/15/10 03:16 PM Down jackets
hikenc9
Unregistered


Here are three down jackets I'm looking at:

First Ascent - Downlight Sweater Jacket

Patagonia - Down Sweater

MontBell - U.L. Down Inner Jacket

Does anyone have experience with any of these?

Top
#135183 - 06/15/10 03:26 PM Re: Down jackets [Re: ]
Glenn Offline
member

Registered: 03/08/06
Posts: 2617
Loc: Ohio
Patagonia Down Sweater is a great lightweight down piece. I'm going to assume you realize that it's hoodless and that it's a sweater, not a full-on jacket. I've found it works well down into the 30's for me, layered over midweight long underwear and under a windbreaker (Patagonia Houdini.)

Last year, they also made a hooded version for a while. I got one, and it's also very nice.

I also tried an older version of the Montbell Down Inner. I don't think it's quite as warm as the Patagonia piece - and I'm not sure it's meant to be. I think it's more of a Polartec 200, while the Down Sweater is more of a Polartec 300, if that makes any sense. I also didn't like the fact that the hood on the Montbell jacket didn't have any drawstrings or tightening system, so it didn't keep your head as warm as it could have. Finally, the Montbell jacket was cut a bit smaller than the same size Patagonia piece.

The Montbell was OK, sort of, but the Patagonia is great.


Edited by Glenn (06/15/10 03:30 PM)

Top
#135187 - 06/15/10 05:13 PM Re: Down jackets [Re: ]
ChrisFol Offline
member

Registered: 07/23/09
Posts: 387
Loc: Denver, Colordo
Originally Posted By hikenc9
Here are three down jackets I'm looking at:

First Ascent - Downlight Sweater Jacket

Patagonia - Down Sweater

MontBell - U.L. Down Inner Jacket

Does anyone have experience with any of these?


I own the Down Inner Parka and it keeps me warm down to around 30 degrees with a Capilene 1 baselayer and a Marmot Ion windshirt underneath. With a heavier baselayer (Cap 3, R1 etc) then I could probably be comfortable into the low 20's.

My wife owns the Downlight sweater and her experiences have been similar. I think the that the First Ascent piece is probably a little warmer than my Parka, but not by much.

All in all, both garments are fine bits gear and are excellent three-season items. You won't go wrong with either purchase and $85 sale price for the Downlight is a steal if you ask me.

If you are wanting a true winter piece, then you either need an additional layering piece to use in conjuction with your above purchase or something more substatial like the MB Alpine or Fugu Jacket.

FWIW, the UL Inner is a little warmer than a Polartec 300 fleece. Interesting study.

Top
#135191 - 06/15/10 10:22 PM Re: Down jackets [Re: ChrisFol]
taM Offline
member

Registered: 01/31/10
Posts: 112
Loc: Nashville, TN
very satisfied MB UL Inner jacket owner here...

Fits well, weighs nothing, packs down tiny, great for 3-season use as a layering piece, or in place of a much heavier/bulkier fleece.
_________________________
Light, Cheap, Durable...
pick two

Top
#135232 - 06/16/10 10:11 PM Re: Down jackets(1st Ascent) [Re: ]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
I read this thread & then decided I DO need a down jacket/sweater for summer in the western mountains (Rockies & Sierras) so I ordered teh Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight jacket since it was the best quality I could find for under $100. &84. + $11. 95 S&H through their catalog.

I plan to use it for morning & evening camp wear & in my WM Megalite down bag if mecessary on a mid to low 20s F. night.

I've experienced a 16 F. morning in AUGUST on the PCT south of Olancha Peak! All I had was a 200 wt. fleece vest to wear over a synthetic T shirt & long sleeved shirt. Thank God I had my GTX PacLite rain parka to wear over it. I was still cold while walking but it was bearable. Now I'll have some decent insulation!
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

Top
#135236 - 06/17/10 02:01 AM Re: Down jackets(1st Ascent) [Re: 300winmag]
ChrisFol Offline
member

Registered: 07/23/09
Posts: 387
Loc: Denver, Colordo
Originally Posted By 300winmag
I read this thread & then decided I DO need a down jacket/sweater for summer in the western mountains (Rockies & Sierras) so I ordered teh Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight jacket since it was the best quality I could find for under $100. &84. + $11. 95 S&H through their catalog.


I already own the MB UL Down Inner, however my wife and I were in Cherry Creek Mall today and I just couldn't help myself-- we went in to find her a swimmsuit and we came out with the Downlight sweater for me! $84 for this down sweater is just too hard to pass up.

I just had to justify that it was mainly a summer piece-- for when the MB Parka was just too much and I didn't need a hood. However, I actually plan to use it in the winter also, layering it under my MB Alpine Parka.

It really is a high quality piece.

Top
#135519 - 06/25/10 08:50 PM Re: Down jackets [Re: ]
Tangohkr Offline
member

Registered: 11/08/09
Posts: 57
Loc: Arizona
MontBell UL Down inner jacket owner, I LOVE IT. So light and warm. Very comfortable and fits through the shoulders. I am very happy with my purchase and have no experience with the other jackets.
_________________________
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Helen Keller

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 170 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum