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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? on: April 30, 2012, 04:30:14 PM
Miki


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« on: April 30, 2012, 04:30:14 PM »

As stated above, I'm considering investing in a down jacket to keep myself toasty and am unsure what to go for. I'm fairly new to "bikebacking" but have been racing xc for 12 years+ and camping since i was a nipper. I did my first Bivvy and Tarp trip in February in Wales and am keen to do more, but as i live in the UK, i need something that'll keep me warm on cold nights and pack down well into my bag when i'm riding. I don't want to spend too much as realistically i'll only use it 12 times a year if i'm lucky, but at the same time i want something good that will last.
Does anyone here have any recommendations for a budget of no more than £100 ($160)?
I'm tempted with the Trespass Igloo because of the low price of £50, but i don't know how well it preforms. Also considering the Alpkit Filo as i own some of their other stuff and it gets impressive reviews, but it's right at the top of my budget at £95.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  thumbsup
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #1 on: June 04, 2012, 05:50:37 PM
harryonaspot


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« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2012, 05:50:37 PM »

The Patagonia down sweater is good. it can be found for less than the $200 asking price.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #2 on: June 16, 2012, 08:38:02 AM
12wheels

Bolder Bikepacking Gear


Location: Boulder, CO
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« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2012, 08:38:02 AM »

If you don't mind the colors these are a real bargain:
http://www.backcountry.com/stoic-hadron-down-cardigan-mens
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #3 on: June 27, 2012, 04:13:57 PM
thesergeant


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« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2012, 04:13:57 PM »

If you wear "slim fit" clothing you simply can't be the golite down jacket.  800fp down, very light and unbelievably priced.

http://www.golite.com/Ms-Demaree-Canyon-800-Fill-Down-Jacket-P46716.aspx
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #4 on: July 11, 2012, 11:44:04 AM
Eric


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« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2012, 11:44:04 AM »

check montbell, great down Jackets.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #5 on: December 04, 2012, 06:15:57 PM
Snowbd2u


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« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2012, 06:15:57 PM »

First ascent, Eddie Bauer line. Has great down options. And usually can catch them on sale. Plus can get with or without hood. I have a bunch of gear from fA and love it.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #6 on: December 10, 2012, 06:23:46 AM
Yagi


Location: Fort Collins, CO
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« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2012, 06:23:46 AM »

First ascent, Eddie Bauer line. Has great down options. And usually can catch them on sale. Plus can get with or without hood. I have a bunch of gear from fA and love it.

+1 

Definitely good stuff.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #7 on: December 14, 2012, 10:46:30 AM
Colorado Cool Breeze


Location: Colorado
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« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2012, 10:46:30 AM »

Go for the biggest puffyest you can afford for winter camping. Also think about your legs.

Down coat with hood and insulated pants will add 20F (-7C) to your sleep system and you can wear them around camp.




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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #8 on: December 14, 2012, 12:01:27 PM
Area54
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« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2012, 12:01:27 PM »

Miki, with your UK riding you might be better with a synth jacket, given the high levels of rain. Something like a belay jacket with a few pockets (act as pseudo vents), check out the Montane Flux as a guide. It has a low cut back and long arms, differential layering of Primaloft in key areas.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #9 on: December 18, 2012, 12:19:39 PM
Ogre


Location: Bakersfield, Ca.
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« Reply #9 on: December 18, 2012, 12:19:39 PM »

Recently picked up a Patagonia UL hooded down sweater. Works great, packs small, and helps extend the range of my 35F bag when cold. Great pillow when warmer. Only ~10 oz and I picked it up for $150 during a sale, so they can be had for much less than retail if you're patient.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #10 on: December 19, 2012, 06:04:10 PM
Turtle01


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« Reply #10 on: December 19, 2012, 06:04:10 PM »

For those that are reading in the States and looking for a mid weight penny pincher check out JCPenny's Down Puffer jacket.  It is 650 wt. down fill.  I've used it with a basic base layer alone in ~35 deg F riding and had to vent it from the front zipper (no pit zips).  It's not the highest construction and has a somewhat goofy fit that you need to try on first.  Not sure on durability yet.  I usually wear large, but I had to get an XL for the shoulders.  Anyway, they are on clearance right now for $30 and were originally only $60.

Maybe this will help someone out that is really short on cash and wants a basic down jacket to try out.  That's my reason for my purchase.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #11 on: December 26, 2012, 10:14:59 PM
stumpyfsr


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« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2012, 10:14:59 PM »

I'll second on Patagonia. It'll last forever and will be in the same condition as the day you bought it. Of course, if treated well. Its pricey, but will outlast many cheap alternatives.
For wet climate better go with synthetic. If dawn get wet, don't expect any insulation.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #12 on: December 27, 2012, 06:13:41 PM
bpeschka


Location: Chandler, AZ
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« Reply #12 on: December 27, 2012, 06:13:41 PM »

For those that are reading in the States and looking for a mid weight penny pincher check out JCPenny's Down Puffer jacket.  It is 650 wt. down fill.  I've used it with a basic base layer alone in ~35 deg F riding and had to vent it from the front zipper (no pit zips).  It's not the highest construction and has a somewhat goofy fit that you need to try on first.  Not sure on durability yet.  I usually wear large, but I had to get an XL for the shoulders.  Anyway, they are on clearance right now for $30 and were originally only $60.

Maybe this will help someone out that is really short on cash and wants a basic down jacket to try out.  That's my reason for my purchase.

+1

My wife had tried to order one of these last week, then had shopping cart problems that made it look like they were out of stock.  I looked today on a PC an they're still there.  Just ordered one for TD in June.  I think/hope it will be a good layer.  For $30, I can leave it in Pie Town or Silver City if I don't really want to carry it. 

If you spend $50 at JCP, shipping is free.  You can also get free shipping by shipping to and picking up from a local store.
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #13 on: December 28, 2012, 09:35:26 AM
the tortoise


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« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2012, 09:35:26 AM »

I bought a patagonia down sweater on sale for under $140. I just got my daughter the Eddie Bauer one for under $100. Eddie Bauer now has some great deals going on. Sure don't notice much difference in quality and I think the fill on both are 800 plus.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Men/Outerwear--Blazers/Jackets-and-Parkas/index.cat
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  Topic Name: Which down jacket? Reply #14 on: December 28, 2012, 03:39:44 PM
dream4est


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« Reply #14 on: December 28, 2012, 03:39:44 PM »

I bought the JCPenney puffer in black large. It weighs a shade under 10oz without stuffsack. Very nice for 30 bucks. Nothing but 2 pockets. But really nice otherwise fits funny I needed the large at 5'8" 155lbs with slightly larger than normal chest/shoulders. It has no logos so looks real clean and not cheap IMO.

If it doesnt lose too much down I would say it is nicer than my $90 down coat I got for $63 on closeout at REI (White Sierra). I am going to use the 2 jackets for a 3 season kit to replace sleeping bag. Wear the old jacket as pants upside down put legs in arms . I lose 18oz overall (and a nice bit of bulk from carrying 1 coat and a sleeping bag versus 2 coats) as I dont need an extra l/s shirt with 2 down coats.

For 30 bucks one could buy a few of these jackets and since bikepacking kills gear the user wouldnt feel bad tearing or beating up one of these versus a Montbell.
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