I just finished reading the Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010. I was specifically interested in Part 3 of the article which dissects several lightweight, versatile jackets.

My main concern is that most of the jackets might not be durable enough to withstand typical everyday usage. Basically, I am looking for a jacket which meets these requirements:

- under $200
- at least 750 fill power down
- around 5 oz fill weight
- durable: everyday use & camping/backpacking
- weather: fall, winter, early spring in Northeast US
- around 16 oz
- hood & thumb holes are a plus

I am still researching the models recommended in the article but would appreciate recommendations & experience from you guys in the meantime.

Thanks :-)

Edited by nkline on 11/06/2011 16:38:34 MST.

I think this ends today.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=55146

Rab microlight ? I love mine should still be able to find one on sale

I hear ya on the durability issue. Those Western Mountaineering jackets, despite not fitting me well, are so fragile, and only suited for lightweight backpacking. I keep coming back to the Montbell Alpine Light jacket. On sale for $140 at summithut.com, 4oz. of 800 fill, durable 30D nylon shell, medium weighs 13.6 oz, hood optional with the parka. I think for the price it can't be beat

I'd recommend the MB Alpine Light too - the 30D fabric is quite durable compared to the 15D or lighter fabric you'll find on many other jackets. I think the Mountain Hardwear Phantom also uses 30D fabric and weighs 15oz total.

For reference, I have a 4-year-old Mountain Hardwear Compressor jacket that uses 30D ripstop that I have NOT been careful with - done lots of climbing, bushwhacking, etc. in it and it doesn't have a single tear. 30D is pretty strong stuff.

Andrew

What about taking one of those fragile UL jackets and throwing a shell over it? I often put driducks over my montbell inner parka.

I don't know how much stronger the 30d of the alpine light is than the 15 of the inner down parkas, but I imagine I'd still be terrified of walking anywhere in a $200 jacket like that.

You may want to check out the cheap Costco jacket that created quite a frenzy on here a few weeks ago. I actually sold my MontBell Alpine Light Parka after getting one, mostly because I used the Parka just once in a year and don't plan on doing any real cold weather trips. The Costco seems just as warm to me and is decent for the price if it fits.

I also have a Rab Microlight vest and find it to be a very warm piece. It has a pretty durable water resistant Pertex shell but constantly leaks feathers due to it's many seams. For core insulation, I personally found it to be warmer than the MontBell Alpine Light. Another benefit is that the Rab is casual enough to double as regular town wear.

I own the Rab microlight-alpine which is a hooded jacket with 5 ounces of down and a 30d pertex Microlight shell i really like it

Edited by Ultralightwillinn.m on 11/06/2011 21:52:25 MST.

It doesn't really fit your criteria, but I recommend the Marmot Guides Down Sweater. I had one for almost ten years and really liked it for general use. It was great for around town (looked good, nice pockets) and just okay for backpacking (slightly heavy). I got rid of it because I never really took care of it and looked beat up. It was still quite functional though.

Watch out for really light fabrics. They can be shiny which, depending on the color, can make it look like your wearing a trash bag. Not good around town!

for under $200 and around that amount of fill ... the MB is the only one i know of with a "tougher" shell

Thanks for the great recommendations, guys.

Awhile back, I tried out the Montbell UL Down Inner Parka. It fit me "like a glove", the olive green color was gorgeous, and it was toasty. I ended up returning it because I did not trust the fabric durability for everyday use, I should've known better.

I think I am going to try the Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka. It seems more appropriate for my needs. Hopefully the fit is just as amazing.

Now, to find one on sale in size medium olive green!