Down jackets

[huwthomas]

So I have a bit of money to burn, and the obvious hole in my outdoor inventory is a down jacket.

I've never owned one of these, partly because the warm/emergency layer I've always carried is a fleece. I've checked the gear section, and there are no recent reviews of down jackets, so looking for advice

Are they actually worth it - in terms of cost-weight-warmth, is it worth having one in your pack? My likely use would be winter walking/mountaineering in Britain, possibly branching out to use as a belaying jacket.

If yes, then which one would you recommend, based on personal experience. My upper limit is £200, but would rather not spend more than £150.

[prog99]

Do you have a decathlon store near you? I've one of theirs I take with me in winter.
Failing that find a big brand that fits you. I'd try and get one with a hood. Worth checking out sports pursuit as they frequently have various brands 1/2 price.

[Landsoul]

+1 for the decathlon one. It's a Simond synthetic jacket (available in orange or black last time I looked) I have one that I use specifically for a belay jacket in winter. It was only £40 and it's excellent.

Synthetic is more appropriate for winter in the UK as we have a moist climate, compared to drier air in the Alps for example, and down when wet is next to useless as it clumps together. Synthetic insulation dosent and retains its insulation value and warmth when wet.

That said I sometimes do take a small down jacket on cold/dry/windy days in the summer as down is lighter, packs smaller and is the superior insulator when dry.

Really depends on what weather and season your likely going to be using it in. But as you mention winter and the possibility of using it as a belay jacket, I would definatley go for synthetic over down.

[dav2930]

I agree with Landsoul that synthetic is more appropriate for the British climate (damp and not extremely cold). Primaloft is almost as good as down for insulation and will still keep you warm when wet. Something like Rab's Photon Hoodie is adequate for the severest Scottish winters if you use a layer system underneath (thin wicky, thick wicky, fleece pullover).

[nathan79]

Another vote for synthetic insulation. I so have a lovely puffy Alpkit jacket but I've never taken it out on the hill, mainly post-hill warming up. I also have a micro down jacket but that's never been worn at all.

I have 3 primaloft jackets that see plenty use and the dearest cost me £80 so you should find something well within budget. Karrimor do one, the Avalanche. Great value for a Primaloft one/gold jacket, I got mine for £40. The Simond one is also a good shout for a great bang-for-bucks jacket.

[Caberfeidh]

I use a down jacket sometimes, I bought a new one last year, a big parka-style one which turned out to be a waste of too much money and has sat taking up valuable wardrobe space ever since. I have since been to Decathlon and got myself a light down jacket for much cheapness. More robust versions are also available for much cheapness. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-858789-down-jackets is worth a browse through, but remember their sizing is different and so trying it on instore is the best option. Down is warm and very light but of course our climate means we have to be practical for our lousy weather, and synthetic may be your best option. Welcome to Scotland.

Light down jacket day in Glen Coe

[rockhopper]

Synthetic for me too. Don't know if they still make it but I use a Berghaus Ignite Hoody - primaloft and pertex. Think it was under £100. Great for putting on at rest stops and overnight camps - find it a bit too warm for walking though even in winter. Has a good hood - I wouldn't get an insulating jacket without a hood. Can then be washed and low tumble dried as normal - cheers

[Mal Grey]

I have a lovely Alpkit down jacket, but as with others this is used almost exclusively for evenings on camp rather than on the hill. I have a Keela synthetic "belay jacket" that I carry sometimes.

If you want down, Alpkit are good value for a high quality product.

[teaandpies]

I guess I have expensive taste but...

Arc'teryx Atom AR or the LT version.

The Patagonia Nano Air Hoody is incredible by the way.

[BobMcBob]

Are they actually worth it - in terms of cost-weight-warmth, is it worth having one in your pack?

Oh abso-bloomin-lutely I bought a Rab synthetic jacket recently, having always relied on fleeces before, and it wins in every respect. Packs down tiny small, weighs nothing, but is extremely warm. Too warm to wear while on the move, at least when I tried on a cold April day, but great for rest stops. Wouldn't go without it now. As others have said, I looked into it and went for a synthetic in the end as they work better in the wet.

[skawt100]

I would never buy a down jacket for the UK for anything other than wearing to the Clachaig, other pubs are available. The weather here is just too unpredictable to have to worry about not being allowed to get a piece of clothing wet for fear of killing it.

I have a Black Diamond Heat Treat synthetic down jacket and it's what I wear in the heart of winter, I love it. I wear what I wear in the summer under it, a helly hansen base layer and a black diamond coefficient fleece and it's warm enough for the coldest of days with back ups in my bag which I have yet to need in two winter seasons, plus it only weighs 600g. I got it in a snow and rock sale 2 years ago half price for £125.

[teaandpies]

I would never buy a down jacket for the UK for anything other than wearing to the Clachaig, other pubs are available. The weather here is just too unpredictable to have to worry about not being allowed to get a piece of clothing wet for fear of killing it.

I have a Black Diamond Heat Treat synthetic down jacket and it's what I wear in the heart of winter, I love it. I wear what I wear in the summer under it, a helly hansen base layer and a black diamond coefficient fleece and it's warm enough for the coldest of days with back ups in my bag which I have yet to need in two winter seasons, plus it only weighs 600g. I got it in a snow and rock sale 2 years ago half price for £125.

The Black Diamond clothing range is very nice but ultra pricey. I admire it from a distance because it's also very precision fitted...not for fatties

[Caberfeidh]

The Black Diamond clothing range is very nice but ultra pricey. I admire it from a distance because it's also very precision fitted...not for fatties

Oh shiver me timbers ~ that counts me out too...

[huwthomas]

Magic. Thanks all for the comments - really helpful. Sounds like synthetic is the way to go. Had a look on the Decathlon website, but sadly it appears the Simonds is out of stock. Hey ho, will have a look for similar options.
Cheers

[Caberfeidh]

Yer could always use a light down jacket under a goretex/other breathable fabric jacket and see how it turns out. If you don't expire from hypothermia I may try it myself.