Advice on a multi-purpose down jacket?

[scott499]

I am looking for a down jacket, will be used for running around town, and as a mid layer during work in very cold temps, think down to 20-30+ below zero wind chill.

For reference, I have looked at the OR transcendent, and am looking for a similar jacket, but warmer.

Durability is more important than weight. Anything come to mind?

[jon gaper]

If its only 20-30 with a big wind,down is not the answer

[newe english]

patagonia is always a solid bet. ive had my down hoody for three full years, wore it a good 150 days a year(skiing, camping, eveyday, looking at lunar eclipses, etc.) and i just burned my first hole in about a month ago. it's lost more loft to gallons of sweat and dirt than it has to any holes though. all in all, definitely one of the better purchases i've made in my life, which sounds weird, but i'm a dirtbag.

[gritter]

If you want robustness over lightweight then go for lower number 'fill power' - 500 should be fine. This will generally allow you to go cheaper too.
That said - I use my synthetic jacket more and more over my down jacket. Less bulk and better when it is damp cold.

[RUCKUS]

I have been super happy the last three years with my patagonia down sweater, super easy to layer with, and very packable. I also just got a first ascent down vert, and Am very pleased with it too, though it spits out more feathers than the patagucci one.

I do agree with gritter, about the synthetic, it will always be warm, where I have notice my down get colder, as it got* wetter. For cheap, the stoic synthetic aint bad.

[whyturn]

I have the 900 UL Montbell. Very light and warm. Thin and great quality. Wore it on my motorcycle in below zero and it was great

[alkos]

If you want a really versatile down jacket, I'd look for a product that is at least 800 fill power. I've got a Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody (800 fill) that is awesome. It's pretty much the same jacket as the Patagonia Down Hoody. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these offerings (every company is making an 800+ jacket these days) - they are light weight, thin, and super warm. I've had the 'big puffies' before, and they have never been as warm for me. Plus, a down sweater fits under a shell for wind protection.

[scott499]

If its only 20-30 with a big wind,down is not the answer

20 to 30 below.

-40 isnt really all that uncommon in jan/feb. I need something pretty warm.

[adrenalated]

Sweater style, but warmer? Western Mountaineering Flash or Flash XR.

[AKNickolai]

I just got rid of my last down jacket for synthetic. Down is really more suited to high altitude and low moisture in my opinion. I'd take a look at the heavier synthetic jackets from Patagonia and the Arcteryx Atom SV (rad jacket, if I didn't get a deal on some Patagonia gear I would have bought this). Both are good, the Atom SV seems to have a less boxy fit which is good for mobility.

[Meadow Skipper]

Sweater style, but warmer? Western Mountaineering Flash or Flash XR.

^This, or the Rab Infinity, which is a very little bit warmer (IME) and has a Pertex shell.

I don't see why you'd want a synthetic jacket for below 0 temps.

[wboarder]

I have been super happy the last three years with my patagonia down sweater, super easy to layer with, and very packable. I also just got a first ascent down vert, and Am very pleased with it too, though it spits out more feathers than the patagucci one.

I do agree with gritter, about the synthetic, it will always be warm, where I have notice my down get colder, as it got* wetter. For cheap, the stoic synthetic aint bad.

I have the Stoic synthetic sweater too and it keeps me warm, and I warterproofed(nikwax) it so it is a good mild day shell as well. I think I got it off SAC for under 50 bucks

[Chugachjed]

I have the Stoic synthetic sweater too and it keeps me warm, and I warterproofed(nikwax) it so it is a good mild day shell as well. I think I got it off SAC for under 50 bucks

I've got the stoic down sweater, I only wear it in town when it's very cold. I'll throw it in the pack just in case but down scares me. In alaska shit seems to get wet even when it's real cold and I don't want my warm coat to kill me.

[|K_M|]

^This, or the Rab Infinity, which is a very little bit warmer (IME) and has a Pertex shell.

I don't see why you'd want a synthetic jacket for below 0 temps.

I have the infinity, it weighs almost nothing and is so warm, its like wearing a forcefield of heat. Packs up pretty small, bright orange color is sick, pertex shell is great, and did I mention that its warm?

[gritter]

I love that the OP says that he wants something durable over superlightweight and a whole bunch of you douches are recommending paperthin 'at least 800 fill power' jackets! You guys have OD'd on Koolaid.

OP - the higher the fill power the less weight of down is required to fill a fixed volume. This makes high values extremely light weight (normally coupled with super thin fabrics) but also means that they collapse down quickly if they get wet or are used and abused.

A lower fill power jacket could have just as much insulating effect but will be heavier for the same volume. It will also be more robust. I'm a fan of RAB jackets but the infinity is not what you want if you want durable. Honestly - cheaper jackets are probably going to meet your requirements better if you want it to last and are not counting grams.

That said I'd repeat that if you are using it anywhere humid / damp then synthetic is a better option IMO. There are quite a few synthtic jackets on the market with tougher shells as well making them better for everyday use.

[Meadow Skipper]

I love that the OP says that he wants something durable over superlightweight and a whole bunch of you douches are recommending paperthin 'at least 800 fill power' jackets! You guys have OD'd on Koolaid.

OP - the higher the fill power the less weight of down is required to fill a fixed volume. This makes high values extremely light weight (normally coupled with super thin fabrics) but also means that they collapse down quickly if they get wet or are used and abused.

A lower fill power jacket could have just as much insulating effect but will be heavier for the same volume. It will also be more robust. I'm a fan of RAB jackets but the infinity is not what you want if you want durable. Honestly - cheaper jackets are probably going to meet your requirements better if you want it to last and are not counting grams.

Did you look at the OR Transcendent referenced in the OP, dumbass?

[pfluffenmeister]

i've got (and would recommend) a Marmot Zeus for light layering, and a RAB nuetrino endurance for serious cold.

[Cruiser]

Mammut Stratus Jacket? Not down, but ticks your other boxes.

[Hugh Conway]

Buy a thick fleece or a synthetic. IMO many of the pieces mentioned above layer like shit (case in point, Marmot Zeus)

[alkos]

I love that the OP says that he wants something durable over superlightweight and a whole bunch of you douches are recommending paperthin 'at least 800 fill power' jackets! You guys have OD'd on Koolaid.

OP - the higher the fill power the less weight of down is required to fill a fixed volume. This makes high values extremely light weight (normally coupled with super thin fabrics) but also means that they collapse down quickly if they get wet or are used and abused.

A lower fill power jacket could have just as much insulating effect but will be heavier for the same volume. It will also be more robust. I'm a fan of RAB jackets but the infinity is not what you want if you want durable. Honestly - cheaper jackets are probably going to meet your requirements better if you want it to last and are not counting grams.

That said I'd repeat that if you are using it anywhere humid / damp then synthetic is a better option IMO. There are quite a few synthtic jackets on the market with tougher shells as well making them better for everyday use.

The fill power refers to the number of cubic centimeters that 1g of down will fill. So 800 fill power means that 1g of down will fill 800cc's of volume. This does mean that the higher fill jackets are lighter, but in my experience, it also makes them much warmer. The value of any insulation is not inherent to the material, but rather is about how well it traps air.

I've used big 600 fill jackets, and synthetic jackets - and my go-to is now an 800-fill down sweater, and a protective layer over-top. I am often out in -20 with a down-sweater and coveralls. It's a great setup. But YMMV - the sweaters are definitely not durable on their own.

[Chowda]

Sweater style, but warmer? Western Mountaineering Flash or Flash XR.

I love my flash, but with so many great options in this catagory, IMO it isn't worth the premium$$$.

edit: and at -30, I'd want something with a higher fill weight.

[skimaxpower]

I've got over 3000 miles on my Patagonia down sweater, and it's still going strong. Highly recommended.

[scott499]

I should have been more clear about the OR transcendent. I ordered and returned one, seamed like a great jacket (fit and finish), but am looking for something different as explained... "more robust". py posting on my part.

I think im gonna get a Marmot Guides and a MEC Tremblant, and keep whatever I like better.

I have looked into synthetic a bit, but havent seen much that fit the bill for warmth. I have a montbell thermawrap, which I love for high activity layering. However, I feel down works much better at holding warmth at low exertion levels.

The thermawrap guide looks like it would work well, but ugly, imo. Mammut Stratus, looks good too, but I dont think it is made anymore, not much for sale right now.