Down Jacket Choices!

Sam Wyman

23/05/2012 at 21:12

What do you guys think about the jackets between each of the five and could you compare if possible?..Mountain Hardwear Nitrous, Mountain Equipment Vega, Rab Infinity, PHD Yukon, Feathered Friends Helios Hoode, Montane North Star?

edd175

23/05/2012 at 21:58

Alpkit do a down jacket for £90:

http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16341&category_id=298

They don't hold stock over the summer (but then why should you need one during the summer?). When they do start selling them again, in November, I think I'll buy one myself.

By the way, they do come up on Ebay every now and again. Other than that I don't really know much about the other brands

Guy Hurst

23/05/2012 at 22:14

Hi Sam

I think those jackets cover a range of conditions from cool spring night in the Lake District (eg MH Nitrous) to serious Scottish winter and beyond. All good jackets so far as I know, having used some and heard of others, but I couldn't recommend one above the other unless I knew what the main use would be.

Sam Wyman

23/05/2012 at 22:23

First of all I'm from the US

....i wouldnt mind a little bit of water resistance, because some have none, doesnt have to have a lot and be stiff, and i want to use it for walking in a cold area, for the VERY cold snowboard touring, when I get into snow camping, possibly ice climbing, a hood would be nice, but idk

Sam Wyman

23/05/2012 at 22:24

so cross out the MH Nitrous and Rab Infinity and add the Rab Neutrino Plus

huskyman

23/05/2012 at 23:56

What size are you?

I have a Rab Summit, rated @ -20c, size small, blue, for sale.

Though I'm not sure how much would cost to post to US.

Paul.

Sam Wyman

24/05/2012 at 00:03

seems nice huskyman, but i would like atleast 700 down fill and i am like 5'10 about and 160 lbs with long legs shorter torso

huskyman

24/05/2012 at 00:40

Just a thought,

Hope you get a good jacket. Your side of the "pond" you could se if any of the outdoor shops are having a sale

Sam Wyman

24/05/2012 at 01:14

thanks alot dude it does seem nice, thanks for trying to help

huskyman

24/05/2012 at 01:47

As is said in Norn Iron, 'nay bather mate'. 'Nay prablam'.

Sam Wyman

24/05/2012 at 02:01

hahahahaaha

mattb

24/05/2012 at 09:48

Hi Sam,

I'd have to say the Montane North Star is the best of the bunch imo. It has a good droptail to keep ur backside happy, the build quality is the best ive seen. Ukranian goose down is as good as it gets, the hood has baffles that fit around the head well and the peak fabric is much softer than a rab neutrino endurance that i have in pertex. The Montane also has excellent DWR. Water instantly beads up and rolls off. My wife absolutely loves hers.

Sam Wyman

24/05/2012 at 19:43

Mattb...how warm can it get? like temperature ranges?

Martin Carpenter

24/05/2012 at 19:52

About the same as the Vega (or NE) so -5ish (give or take a massive amount!)

Backpackinglight actually did a very detailed study of its non hooded predecessor - and a lot of the competition - although I seem to have let my subscription lapse so can't check details. iirc it had it at the top end of their 'three season' jackets warmth wise.

(American seasons that is.).

Edited: 24/05/2012 at 19:53