What TT says. For a micro baffled light down jacket it's hard to beat uniqlo for value. I've seen them reduced and they probably will be again before the end of the season. The collar is pretty good and snug on the jacket version too. The hood on the hoodie version is hopeless as it's way too loose and has no draw-cord, though you could compensate by using a hooded windshirt over it to cinch it down. It depends on the temps you want to use it at. It won't get you down to the same ranges as the likes of the big Rab and TNF jackets you mention.
I like a hoodie and will stick to the Montbell inner hoodie for three seasons and the nunatak skaha plus for the fourth. The Montbell actually looks quite trendy at the mo as a lot of kids are wearing micro baffled stuff. Personaly when it's cold, sod looking cool. I just want to be warm.
I have the Uniqlo too. -there isn't much down in it. (259g overall in L) I't more like an insulated 2 layer windshirt than a 'puffy' down jacket. I will be taking it as tentwear in the warmer seasons, or for layering over a thick fleece. It's a nice casual thing.
and I'd say that it's not exactly a slim cut but has nice long sleeves and body. No drawstrings anywhere so the hem and hood are quite open to draughts.
I made a couple holes to feed a thin shockcord and install cordlocks around inside the lycra hem - it now can be cinched in to stop draughts. (took about 15mins - already have a stock of nicknacks for these sort of things)
Thinking of doing the same with the hood. At the moment to get me a cosy fit with the hood I have to wear a Buff around the neck outside the jacket (luckilyI have a plain black one)
The other night went for a 5mile walk in the frosty moonlight (-6C). I wore thick baselayer and the Northstar. I would have frozen in the Uniqlo unless running fast.
When reading the descriptions of down jackets, and it goes along the lines of '125g of fill at 800+ fill power', I'm assuming that more fill is better(warmer)?
Also I was wondering, I used to have a Patagonia Das parka, which was pretty warm, would a down jacket be much warmer than the Das Parka? I'm guessing the warmer rated down jackets would be, but not sure about for example: the Alpkit Filo, or the Sub-zero jacket:
I'm a slim feloow too - I have the same problem when it comes to outdoor gear. As a guide, I'm about 5'4-5'5 and 140 lbs.
The ME classic lightline is too bulky, the chest slightly too big and the arms massively too wide.
I second the North Star. Got one myself, It is not quite as slim / small as other Montane products but pretty good. And if you plan on wearing a baselayer and fleece underneath at any point, then you need a bit of room. It's also cut quite long. I'm about 5'4/5'5 and for a neat cut I'd prefer an inch or two taken off the length, but for what it's meant for - keeping you warm and going over other layers, it's perfect. Also has a fantastic hood, nice warm pockets.
If you prefer something even slimmer and 'fitted', the Rab microlight jackets are a good option. Nowhere near as much down though and very expensive IMO for what you get. PRice is dictated by populairty, not performance. They cost about £135 new at the cheapest, and on ebay they rarely go for less than £100. Definitely an 'in vogue' jacket.I wnt one, but not prepared to pay full whack for the trend factor.
If you are open to something which isn't down, Montane flux, Montane prism and ME Fitzroy might be suitable.
Thanks for that Addick, just had a look, bit weird that!
Thanks for reply Snowdevils, I would prefer a longer cut, that's why I like the look of the Alpkit Filo, the dropped tail looks good. The North Star seems to be getting good feedback, like the look of that one too.
I agree about Rab, nice gear, but expensive, I think I'd be looking to spend around £100 on a down jacket, not much more.
I have a Montane Flux, great jacket, warm when active, but not so warm when not, hence I fancy a down jacket for a bit of extra cosyness!
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