Hi, one of the last pieces in my puzzle of going UL is my insulating layer. I hear alot of people recommending Patagonia's "Nanopuff" and some others recommend down jackets. Is there any other choices out there that are good as well? I want something that will keep me warm, but without having to spend $100 or more on a jacket. Normally this wouldnt be an issue, but I've spent a bit of money on gear this month, and needless to say, Im out of money. Im not that worried about it being "super ultra light" or anything, I'd be happy even if the jacket weighed 16-18oz. The latest I hike is mid-september, and the lows then can get into the 30's at night here in northern Idaho. I wear polypro base layers if that helps. Any recommendations?

Thanks guys

I've never used the jacket, but if you look on gear deals, seems there was a close-out on Eddie Bauer First Ascent down jackets for $60-75. I"m sure you can find some somewhere.

The Patagonia Outlet in Dillon had an R3 and a Down Jacket on sale for $83 each right now and they ship!

+1 on eddie bauer first ascent down jacket

if you can find one at a nearby store. it meets all your requirements. Well under $100 and lighter than 16-18 oz.

I don't thing you'll get the great price on one bought in the store. I went in to see if they had any, and the clerk told me they sent all the clearanced EB/FA stuff back. She said they only sell closeout and clearance online and in outlet stores. YMMV, though.

In the unlikely event you need a XXL, I'd be happy to sell you I've at cost- tried two colors, need to return the black one. PM me if your are interested- $70 shipped.

If cost is the primary factor, Eddie Bauer's Yukon Classic down vest was also on clearance for $20. Mote substatial fabric, but still around or under 16 oz for a med or large. My XXL Tall is 19 oz. I think the Yukon Classic jacket was on sale, too, bit it was more like a jacket than a down sweater.

Another decent cheaper option is Cabela's 650 fill down vest and jacket. The vest was on sale for around $40 and the XXL Tall was 20 oz.

Edited by areichow on 08/22/2010 19:43:46 MDT.

Aaron, was the 20oz's on the Cabelas that you mentioned for the vest or the jacket?
thanks

Edited by skyzo on 08/22/2010 22:00:58 MDT.

I just picked up both the 1st ascent vest and jacket at the store at the end of last week. They had a good selection of men's sizes. $40 for the vest, $50 for the jacket. 7 oz med vest, 12 oz med jacket.

It must just depend on the store location if some have sent them all back. Definitely worth a call/trip to the store to make sure.

I was the vest, but it was a HUGE vest. I usually wear XXL, especially in outerwear, but the XXL Tall vest from Cabelas wore like a 4XL- I had enough room to pull my arms in through the sleeves while wearing it, like an oversized sweatshirt. Could have gotten away with a lighter large.

Never tried any of Cabelas jackets.

Good, inexpensive insulation is a challenge.

For camp use you could get away with a lot of less expensive stuff for this season. Haunt the closeouts on 6pm.com, Sierra Trading Post, REI Outlet, Gear Trade and the Gear Swap forum here.

EB has the down sweater for $59 in XXL and XXL-Tall at this writing-- that's about as good as it gets.

Edited by dwambaugh on 08/22/2010 23:22:33 MDT.

I have a new First Ascent jacket (on sale) and feel a good light down jacket is a must when backpacking anytime at altitude (over 6,000 ft) and in spring and fall.

In fact I think light down jackets will become one of the main items of equipment for lightweight backpackers, as much as a rain parka or poncho.


Wish I had it last August in a high valley on the PCT near Olancha Peak. 25 F. at 5:30 AM and 16 F (SIXTEEN!) further down the trail at 6:30. My 200 weight fleece vest under my PacLite parka was not warm enough even when briskly humping a pack!

I'll buck the trend by recommending the EMS Ascent Sector Down. I just picked one up for $109 including shipping, hopefully $10 won't break the bank. It is very warm and pretty light. I'm looking forward to wearing it this spring and fall. I may or may not be wearing it when I'm typing this...sitting inside.