Down jacket suggestions?

[wayno]

yeah should be pretty balmy, why don't you get a campervan to sleep in? i can recommend some great places to take it


http://www.weatherforum.org.nz/phpBB3/v ... f=9&t=1943

[Joomy]

FWIW I just bought a seemingly awesome down jacket from the US site The Clymb. It's a Norwegian brand and the specs on it are insane. 300+ grams of down in a 700g package thereabouts. Plus they are 66% off "retail price" from that website. Only trick is they don't ship to Australia so you either need a friend or a parcel-forwarding company to get it.

[wayno]

yup, bergans are good. if its good enough for scandanavian weather, its pretty good stuff...
every now and them The Cylmb have some great deals. but they sell a lot of stuff for various sports and casual wear as well

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=11141215

[tastrax]

Macpac also have 40% off down products to members at the moment

I am certainly happy with my Sundowner XP

http://www.macpac.com.au/get-out-there/ ... ket-m.html

[wayno]

hooded jackets give better warmth, if you're going to use the jacket in pretty cold conditions repeatedly, you might want to consider a hood.

[Joomy]

Macpac also have 40% off down products to members at the moment

I am certainly happy with my Sundowner XP

http://www.macpac.com.au/get-out-there/ ... ket-m.html

Cheap(ish) and fairly warm but heavy. There are lighter and warmer jackets out there, for more money of course.

[vorpal]

I just got a Marmot Zeus. I guess I would like to know what people think, but would suck if I just bought it and everyone started hatin' on it - lol

[wayno]

marmot make some great down gear, should be ok, not a super cold weather jacket but still should do you in cold weather...

[J M]

I still don't know what jacket is suited the best to what I'm looking for....any final suggestions?

[wayno]

tell people where you are going to be using it after europe, and what time of year...

[J M]

Essentially everywhere from Italy to Germany to Norway. Most likely from early December/late November through to January.

[wayno]

yes but what about after europe are you going to keep using it down under outdoors?, if so where and what time of year?

[J M]

Probably just Victoria (Feathertop, Howitt etc.) and Tassie (anytime it's needed). I can't say what else I'd use it for yet.

[wayno]

dont agonise over it, it may come down to your gut instinct of what will work for you long term when you hit the shops.
the thinnest down jackets are no warmer than wind fleeces.. the heaviest ones you'll cook in unless you're in the high arctic out in a storm, so something of moderate bulk will probably do you nicely... around the 400 to five hundred gram mark if its made of good lightweight material. even 600 gram, depends how warm you want to be and how much you feel the cold

[GPSGuided]

Essentially everywhere from Italy to Germany to Norway. Most likely from early December/late November through to January.

There will not be one to suit. When in doubt, pick a mid-range model. Fact is, the demand will also vary on the individual and as suggested, wear what you already have there in Victoria when you go over, supplement as needed. You'll see what others wear and see the wide range of choice then.

[J M]

Thanks for all the advice - it's certainly focused my search a lot! Now to actually decide....

[wayno]

there will be a bigger selection in the european shops. i'd avoid ultralight models. i've got one, but personally i wouldnt use it in sub zero weather, not sure i'd use it even close to zero. i'd need to use other layers with it to keep warm, some people dont need as much insulation to stay warm, plus ultra light gear can be more fragile and have lesss features lie pockets, and draw cords

[Joomy]

If only someone had a fantastic, brand new down jacket for sale in the market place section...

[wayno]

maybe something like a rab infinity endurance?

http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothin ... acket.html

[Joomy]

maybe something like a rab infinity endurance?

http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothin ... acket.html

Indeed!

[J M]

What a coincidence! Although this jacket looks really good, I think the large size is a bit big for me unfortunately.

Sorry

[Moondog55]

So what size do you normally wear ?
That is a very skinny cut jacket I would need an XXXL in it to layer even light clothes, why not ask to try it on??

[wayno]

click on the size guide in the rab link to check the dimensions, i find rabs arent that bulky, i was looking at a shell and needed to size up and i'm not well built.

[J M]

My chest size is about 96cm with a light-ish polar fleece on and the large is listed as 109cm, so I think that it'll be too big

[stry]

If you're keen on Rab, have a look at www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

They have what appears to be a wide range and pretty fair prices.

[Joomy]

What a coincidence! Although this jacket looks really good, I think the large size is a bit big for me unfortunately.

Sorry

Yeah I'm just being a bit facetious since we've pretty much had this conversation already. The L might be a little big for you although I don't think you'd swim in it. But a medium might well fit better. My chest is about 104 and it fits me great.

[Moondog55]

Which is why at 109+ I never even considered it despite its amazing price. Personally I like enough room for at a minimum a 300 weight pile or fleece inside plus a Vest if need be, and this being over the top of my 2 layers on underwear, otherwise whats the point of a down jacket [ unless to save weight]