How to Choose a Down Jacket: Stay Warm While Backpacking

[@shawnr6117]

The best jacket is the one you can afford . Pretty much true for any piece of gear

[@ObjectiveMedia]

Capitalism/wage slavery sucks

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

That's ridiculous. I could afford a cheap sleeping bag once and almost got hyperthermia. The best one is the best one.. don't skimp on cheap gear

[@SkitterComic]

My down puffy is a zero-degree Decathlon. It was only $150 when I bought it, but prices shot up this month and i think it's $190 now. It's a nice, warm, packable backpacking jacket. --------------> Forclaz, Down Packable Puffer Hooded Backpacking Jacket, Men's

[@Jedwoods]

My favourite down jacket is the Dark Peak Nessh - 12oz of 850fp, DWR on the jacket material, awesome pockets *and* the company donates a jacket to a homeless charity for every piece sold.

[@imahuman1996]

I had to learn the imperial system to continue watching Eric’s videos. Also my favourite down come from Rab Rab Rab, they make some 1000+ fill $$$$ down jackets.

[@BackpackingTV]

I’ll try to incorporate some metric in the future. I love me some Rab gear too!

[@chovue2363]

Dayum! Was for sure I was watching an episode of mtv's cribs in the intro!

[@kenwest8638]

I recommend the Outdoor Vitals NovaPro down jacket. It has much less stitching - so fewer cold spots - and the down is treated for water. Give it a try, as it is one of my favorites - amongst over 12 warm down jackets I now own - including Canada Goose and Mountain Hardware's Phantom Parka.

[@LTRand]

I tend to put off a lot of heat, so end up in a tee shirt when hiking a full pack in 40 degrees. I literally can't imagine hiking with so much warmth! I just do layers anymore. Heavier, but easier to customize warmth.

[@BackpackingTV]

I understand that. It's more for what you're wearing around camp when the temperatures drop and you're not fully loaded and exerting a lot of energy.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

All really nice jackets, but for us impoverished working slobs something like the Patagonia Down Sweater is a great option. It's affordable (mine was $170 new last year), light (13.1 ounces), has 800 fill down, and keeps me plenty warm.

[@BackpackingTV]

Great to hear! That’s nice value.

[@noahgoldman9725]

My favorite down jacket, while definitely not ultra light, is the mountain hardwear stretchdown hoodie. I think it’s a good buy purely for its resilience. I’ve never been too cautious while wearing it bc the fabric is tough! It stretches a lot too (hence the name) and that aids in its longevity.

[@spaceforthesoul6286]

thank you, sounds like a great recommendation. what about the sizing?

[@mkultra9361]

I just purchased the stretch down, loving the style and durability. But I’m considering returning it, as I’m not convinced it’s all that warm. Any updates on your experience with it would be appreciated!

[@letsclimb5828]

I have a hoodlums version of it and it's WARM. I can't wear it as a hiking layer unless it's under 30 out (michigan so that feels like half the year)

[@msp423]

What about the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100? For $79 it's an incredible value for the money and has comparable features to the more expensive ones. I got one and really like it.. I think it's definitely worth a closer look!

[@jonathanfitts2584]

While I do love my ghost whisperer 2. I would never stomach that price. It was a gift and I love the jacket I baby it around camp but if I have to replace i would just get the forclaz. It costs about 75% of the price and maybe a 10% difference in quality. That's the best way to look at spending money on gear when you start thinking expensive equals better.

[@Zak_McKracken]

Yeah, the Forclaz from Decathlon is my favorite too! Unbeatable price to warmth ratio. And no issue if you beat it up in a thornbush. Just replace it with another one.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Yep, agree, $400-$450 makes sense for a pro guide that makes his living in the backcountry. Search and Rescue, Forest Service, Fire Dept, same thing. Most of us "arm-chair adventurers", even if we've backpacked Whitney, Grand Canyon, Eastern Sierras as three season sofa averse adventure lites are better off with a good poly fuzz, under another good poly quilted wind blocking top layer. Don't forget a thin wool base layer and mid weight wool layer. All good. Happy trails!

[@etthealienouttheresomewher1296]

Patagonia Fitzroy is really warm, a little on the bulky side, I love the slash chest pocket

[@FunFactOfTheDay]

If you ever feel like shedding some pack weight, TimmerMade's SUL "Sweaters" are custom made to fit (with like 10 body measurements) down jackets that use 950FP DWR treated down and have outrageous loft! Their warmth to weight ratios are absolutely bonkers - I had the "1.5" (Winter rated, comfortable down to about 10F with a thin baselayer for me) one made and even with my larger size it weighs just 6.8oz on my scale. Under 300 bucks too!

[@BackpackingTV]

Wow great deal! Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out.

[@kevans2337]

What was your shipping amount ?

[@joegardner1416]

Also I believe there was a picture of Jim Bridwell wearing it on some crazy Mountain I think that was in either outside or climbing magazine back in the '80s

[@j78987]

The Decathlon Trek 500 down jacket is awesome value for money. If you want warmer, just buy two and layer them

[@BackpackingTV]

Cool! How much do they cost?

[@j78987]

@@BackpackingTV I wrote Trek 500, but I meant to write Trek 100, which costs only $80. It uses 800 fill power down, which is rare in a low cost down jacket. It weighs 10.2oz.

[@masterquan4891]

Yes, 75 to 80, 850 fill. I have 2 they are absolutely just as good as a 200 to 350 down jacket. They are not as light 2oz heavier. Worth every penny.

[@ciscoB2183]

They just raised their prices it’s 99 now

[@timmo971]

I’ve heard that line before. “Oh the DWR technology has come a long way” yeah that’s what they said about “the new generation” of Teflon frying pans.

[@majesticbob884]

Appreciate the video man. Can you make a video on synthetic jackets next one day

[@nickmail7604]

Arteryx was the name of the first fossil found of a flying dinosaur with feathers, so I think that's what their logo plays on.

[@cavemandancer]

My first thought was like, not getting that thick af green jacket lol

[@joegardner1416]

Nice job man my favorite down jacket that I have was made from REI and I bought it in 1980 it's made for super extreme conditions I think it's like almost 3 pounds or so I'm trying to figure out how to send a picture of me in it it still works great even with a 650 Loft can attain almost two inches in some parts of the jacket

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I have a Patagonia nano Puff it's not a bad jacket for real

[@grmocg]

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer supposedly has 1000 fill power down.

[@jamestribol1434]

perhaps commenting on what one might notice with 600 down fill vs 850 would be helpful. such as individual down poking thru, etc.....the DWR info is good to know...have companies started to put gor-tex in Down jackets???

[@jasonsmith7345]

Eddie Bauer has WeatherEdge Pro which has shown better water repellency than gortex. Fill Power has less effect on warmth than the actual amount of down. My warmest Jacket is the Eddie Bauer Ridge Line/Superior Down Jacket(650 fill power), it’s stuffed full of down. I can leave it unzipped in temps below zero if I have warm base layers. I have lighter jackets that have 700 fill and 800 fill but this one with 650 is the warmest.

[@lesliefeigley239]

I have found the inexpensive duck down Chinese jackets offer equality low price etc. Too bad they don't label their brands. Could be called generic but save a ton. Wished you would have included in your review. Enjoyed review.

[@vennyph]

How about using two ultralight ? Or ive seen photos of people using a vest Over a down or synthetic jacket/hoodie ? What do u think?

[@garyo4456]

When you need warm: Feathered Friends. Inexpensive: Decathalon Trek.

[@Brad-99]

I dropped a big chunk of $$$$ on a mountain Hardwear down jacket and was rather disappointed .I like the stretch but new design Is not particularly better than baffles. My mountain Warehouse kicks it butt for warmth hands down !! Sometimes you don't get what you pay for 🙄

[@derjesper]

Eric, great channel🙂what pants are you wearing in this video? I have to favorite dows:-) PGT Nano Puff and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer ll.

[@Agylanisa]

How many ideal weight of puffer jacket?

[@toddbirge2800]

i hike in the winter,and it gets below 0deg,what jacket woild you recommend if i only had $250.0. now this will be part of a multiple lters,but what jacket can keep the warmest for the money? thank you

[@gabeah]

thanks for the vid. can you share your height / weight and size of Big Agnes Zetto that you got? I'm 6'1" 185lbs and trying to decide medium vs large. thanks much.

[@ArtTimofeichuk]

Eric! How about a Mont Bell down jackets (1000 Fill Down) It's a Japanese brand) thank you for your reviews! they're always helpful!!!

[@OneWeekGetAway]

yes, I am also curious why the Cerium over the MH Ghost Whisperer

[@jacobbarry2585]

Love the consistent content! Something I wish we could get from Dan Becker…

[@dorsalfishing]

A key takeaway from this video is that UL isn't worth it if you have to bail because you get too cold. Know your weather, know your gear.

[@z0uLess]

I dont trust when a company says they have treated the down feather to be water resistant. Sure, that stuff will help a little, but you need to wash and use this for a long time. Its like the whole goretex shaballackledingdong.

[@AlexanderMason1]

It goes up to 1000 fill power.

[@donnydread7631]

🙏🏻

[@larrytheriva]

Cerium LT or was is the Cerium SL ?

[@truthserum8357]

That’s the Cerium SL

[@bayside6207]

Stio Alpiner off Geartrade $150.00 new condition.

[@mmmmmlemons]

Duck/geese feathers are generally plucked while the birds are still alive, which I assume is very painful. Fuck down jackets.

[@ja2595]

That's why you get an RSD certified jacket

[@sfoeric]

Fun fact: EU fill power is 100 higher than its US counterparts.

[@christopherch7307]

Foot Hills Trail SC have ya hiked it yet?

[@BackpackingTV]

I have not! You recommend it?

[@christopherch7307]

@@BackpackingTV yes I recommend it. 76 miles with 10,000 to 10,900ft elevation gain depending which end you start at. I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 through hikes on it.

[@jtact5487]

Good weekend hike

[@simpleoutdoors1]

trying to find a jacket that isnt the price of a car payment? good luck!

[@jzubs]

whats with the horrible quality

[@Tettrum1]

I think Eric has been hanging out a little to much with Dan recently... Not that that's a bad thing!

[@BackpackingTV]

I’m not sure what this means, but we’ve been having fun shooting and hanging out together!