Down Jacket Options

[tambli22]

Hello,

I am a native Oregonian who has spent a great deal of time on this forum over the years but who has recently moved to Montana for a position with the USFS. Due to my new location and the climate that comes with it, I am on the lookout for a WARM down jacket. I'm all set with my hiking/backpacking/skiing setup, so this would just be for walking around town, walking the dog, and other casual use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[kepPNW]

...on the lookout for a WARM down jacket. ... would just be for walking around town, walking the dog, and other casual use. ... leaning towards the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whiperer.

Seems like a really nice jacket! I was even looking at them in the employee store, but decided against it. Mainly because I found their Thermal.Q to be about the same warmth, a couple ounces heavier, more water resistant, and a bit less prone to accidental damage. Not to mention about half the price. I think the big killer for me, was what seemed to be very fragile fabric. Wearing it on a bushwhack could be a disaster. It's also semi-translucent, so you see the down right through it. The synthetic's water resistance sold it to me, given the climate here. That all said, I also bought another ultralight dri-down jacket from Kohl's, of all places, and really like it for around town. It was only about $40 on (deep!) sale, and is warmer than either Mountain Hardware offering. I guess that's all a long way of saying, I'd skip the Ghost Whisperer unless you either have money to spare or planned to use it on the trail. For around town, there are far more economical offerings.

[turtle]

Take a look at Campmor.com or Cabela's. Since weight isn't an issue I think you might find something for your needs at a reasonable price.

[Webfoot]

Why not ask the locals what works best there? I think you will want a down parka rather than a thin and much less warm sport mid-layer like the Ghost Whisperer. I don't know if this brand is still good (it's been 20 years) but look at Triple FAT Goose for examples.