I am going to Alaska for 3 weeks next spring. Can anybody recommend a down jacket?

I have looked at the North Face Nuptse and the Mountain Hardwear Sub-Zero.... obviously there are others available, but can anyone recommend one, with experience???

MUCH appreciated :)

I have a Nuptse - very very warm, not very water resistant, doesn't have a hood. OK so long as its dry and cold (though I've improved mine with some of Nikwax's downproof) and if like me you hate hoods.

So you can get something to waterproof a down jacket?

I take it it would look ridiculous underneath a waterproof jacket???

A lot depends on where you're going in Alaska and what you're doing. You shouldn't need too much waterproofing in Alaska if you're mainly going to be in the interior and away from direct contact with the sea anyway as it's a dry cold. I'd recommend the Rab Neutrino Endurance, it's warmer than the Nuptse in my experience and is already water repellant as well as hard wearing - and it has a very good hood.

Give PHD a call, they have a fantastic range of down jackets and can suggest which one will best suit your requirements. On top of that they can do made to measure, are UK manufactured and very good value IMO.

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/

Hi Laura

What part(s) of Alaska are you visiting?, what part of Spring - April/May? and what will you be doing? - trekking/climbing/sightseeing.

I came back November 2005 from two whole summers spent in Alaska - wilderness hiking and fishing over a lot of the state. I can tell you what works and what doesn't except if you are climbing Denali etc - I'll leave that to the climbing gurus.

ATB

Jason