Find me a Down Jacket!

Am wanting to get a downie for the upcoming camping season. Have been looking around and there seems to be a derth of quality down jackets with hoods. Anyhoo, I saw this on mgear.com for $189.

mountaingear.com/pages/prod…

Anyone have any reviews for this jacket? How about suggestions for hooded jackets for belay duty/ hanging out at the campfire? As a side note, I've got a $250 REI gift card that I'd trade for $240 cash. Not a great deal but if you're in Boulder it's an extra $10 for you.

3+ lbs. for a belay jacket is a lot. That thing looks like more than I would ever need or want. I like my Montbell Flatiron synthetic puffy a lot. Pretty economical too.

Pros and cons of down:

Pros

* Is warmer than synthetic insulation ounce for ounce. No manmade fiber matches down in its warmth-to-weight ratio.
* Retains its shape and loft and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. No synthetic can beat down's longevity. Down holds up better over years of use.
* Wicks body moisture and allows it to evaporate. Moisture wicking goes a long way in keeping you comfortable.
* Is highly compressible and lightweight. Although synthetic insulation has come a long way, it doesn't hold a candle to down's ultralight weight and amazing compressibility. Down is the preferred choice for backpackers who want to travel light in dry conditions.

Cons

* Loses its insulating properties when wet and is slow to dry. And if down gear is damp-especially in a humid climate-it will take a great deal of time to dry. Don't count on leaving your wet sleeping bag to dry while you take a day hike. Chances are it may not be dry enough for you to sleep in that night.
* Requires special cleaning. Cleaning down gear is labor intensive. Harsh detergents and chemicals will break down its natural loft and luster. If you don't dry clean your gear, only very mild detergents or down-specific cleaning products should be used.
* May contain allergens. Down is not entirely hypoallergenic. While the down may not cause an allergic reaction itself, lower quality down can harbor dust particles, debris, or other non-down materials, causing a reaction. However, higher quality down is cleaned according to strict industry standards. If you're prone to allergies, it's wise to invest in better quality down products.
* Costs a pretty penny. Down insulation is far more expensive than synthetic insulation, but it's a great value for the avid outdoor enthusiast if you factor in down's resistance to deterioration. Recreational campers and hikers can get the job done with synthetic gear, which is usually a more wallet-friendly option.

I would suggest getting a Wild Things Belay Jacket. backcountrygear.com/catalog… My friend has this jacket and he wears it ALL THE TIME. It's super durable and I'm sure you'd be pleased.

Only one manufacturer when it comes to down, Feathered Friends...

Expensive, light and warm....

My FF jacket is like 15 years old and still looks brand new...

Anything else except a lightweight puffy, your wasting your money....

Check the link to patagonia out--their men's down jacket is $120.
It's not a bad jacket, but I've got a North Face Pumori jacket which
runs about $200 which is a bit better. . .
Feathered friends or Western Mountaineering are great jackets too.

patagonia.com/web/us/produc…

My Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero hooded jacket has kept me toasty warm on the coldest nights in the desert.

I love down! I have an old 700 fill marmot col bag that I have used from wet NH to the dryer snow of COlorado to Cananda! It does take more care, but to me it is so worth the comfort and coziness. I did read several years ago, that after a 5 day trip down will absorb so much of your persperation and outside moisture. Now I don't know if that was just with regular nylon shell. Mine has Gore Dry loft that is higly water/wind resistant. The bottom is nylon taffetta.

As for a jacket. Last year I got a marmot down jacket. I don't think they make it anymore as i got it for $250 and it was normally $4something. 800 fill down and ohhhhhh so cozy and warm!!! I have been in well below Zero temps in a t-shirt with that jacket. It rocks!

The biggest issue (to me) with down is that it is an investment in time to care for it. The rewards are so worth it. I wash it maybe once or twice a year in a front loader, takes awhile to dry and then I re-apply a DWR to it. That being said I believe the loft lasts longer than synthetics. It also packs down tight and warmth to weight is unbeatable. Sucks if you get a hole in it so bring some tape! (I think Feathered Friends actually will restuff any down garment if it is that bad.)

Anthony P: You are right about Wild Things. My buddy has had one of their jackets for over 15 years!!!!

Wait, you have $250 for REI? Just freakin go there and get a Mountain Hardware subzero, or a North Face Nuptse, or a Patagonia.. whatever.. try on different ones, pick the one you like.. done. I have the Nuptse, tho I got it at one of their used sales for 50 bucks so I can't complain.

Check out montbell. uber light, super stylish, and a little unknown.