Down jacket ideas
Re: Down jacket ideas
Yes, the higher the number, the warmer the jacket.
I have both down and synthetic. Down is warmer, but the synthetic packs down to nothing. Better for traveling.
I have both down and synthetic. Down is warmer, but the synthetic packs down to nothing. Better for traveling.
- JP Chestnut
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Re: Down jacket ideas
The main benefit of synthetic is water. When down gets wet the warmth is terrible. Even the new hydrophobic down isn't good.
Synthetic is heavier, less long lasting, and doesn't pack as well. But it's cheaper and works when wet.
Synthetic is heavier, less long lasting, and doesn't pack as well. But it's cheaper and works when wet.
Re: Down jacket ideas
JP Chestnut wrote:
These all weigh the same. Higher number holds more air and hence keeps you warmer.
Thanks I was about to ask about the different weights.fastward wrote:https://www.heddels.com/2018/01/down-fi ... plained-2/DoctorC wrote:So, educate a noob to the puffy jacket.. ( I tend to wear thinner multiple layers to be able to adapt to the rapidly changing Colorado weather).
What is this 850, 700 etc fill?
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Re: Down jacket ideas
How does down compare to PrimaLoft?
Re: Down jacket ideas
Primaloft is heavier, but in my experience just as warm if it is their premiere fill (Gold, used to be called One). My belay jack is Primaloft since in the NE the winters are wet and as mentioned you don't want down getting soaked. You could dunk a Primaloft (or other synthetic) in a bucket of water, put it on, and it would be just as insulating as it was when dry. If down gets wet and freezes, you're in trouble.
Last edited by Chocodove on Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Todd
- JP Chestnut
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Re: Down jacket ideas
Primaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
I bet that they're going to release an updated version with some new synthetic soon. Here's the nearest alternative:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... puff-hoody
100g versus 120g from the DAS.
Last edited by JP Chestnut on Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Down jacket ideas
The DAS is exactly what I use in the mountains, but the previous version that had a better fit than this one (Pata keeps screwing that up). It's nice to know I could survive a night out in an emergency.JP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:55 amPrimaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
- Todd
- JP Chestnut
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- Name: Jacob
- Location: Ithaca, NY USA
Re: Down jacket ideas
This has been an interesting thread. I need to replace my Patagonia nano puff mid layer. I've loved that thing - easily my best ever clothes purchase.
Re: Down jacket ideas
Thanks I was looking for a PrimaLoft coat and saw this thread about down. Since i want something versatile it seems like PrimaLoft has an advantage since it can get wet.Chocodove wrote:Primaloft is heavier, but in my experience just as warm if it is their premiere fill (Gold, used to be called One). My belay jack is Primaloft since in the NE the winters are wet and as mentioned you don't want down getting soaked. You could dunk a Primaloft (or other synthetic) in a bucket of water, put it on, and it would be just as insulating as it was when dry. If down gets wet and freezes, you're in trouble.
Re: Down jacket ideas
I'll look into the Patagonia DAS, thanks!JP Chestnut wrote:Primaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
I bet that they're going to release an updated version with some new synthetic soon. Here's the nearest alternative:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... puff-hoody
100g versus 120g from the DAS.
Re: Down jacket ideas
I'm going to search for a Patagonia DAS, thanks! How do they fit? Are they tried to size or do they run large or small?Chocodove wrote:The DAS is exactly what I use in the mountains, but the previous version that had a better fit than this one (Pata keeps screwing that up). It's nice to know I could survive a night out in an emergency.JP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:55 amPrimaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
Re: Down jacket ideas
Best to try them on if at all possible. They are designed as a belay jacket, so they are cut very roomy. My version is appropriately huge in a medium since it is meant to go over three or four other layers very easily. The one Jacob linked to is the newer version that they slimmed down a bit (there goes Pata fucking up the fits again), but from what I understand it is still oversized. I'd err on sizing down if you can't try them on.
Last edited by Chocodove on Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:15 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Todd
Re: Down jacket ideas
Thanks!Chocodove wrote:Best to try them on if at all possible. They are designed as a belay jacket, so they are cut very roomy. My version is appropriately huge in a medium since it is meant to go over three or four other layers very easily. The one Jacob linked to is the newer version that they slimmed down a bit (there goes Pata fucking up the fits again), but from what I understand it is still oversized. I'd err on sizing down if you can't try them on.
Re: Down jacket ideas
And in all honesty, if you are down in MD the DAS may be a bit overkill. You may want to look at the Nano Puff instead. They fit true to size and are much warmer than you would expect by just looking at them.ItnStln wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:15 pmThanks!Chocodove wrote:Best to try them on if at all possible. They are designed as a belay jacket, so they are cut very roomy. My version is appropriately huge in a medium since it is meant to go over three or four other layers very easily. The one Jacob linked to is the newer version that they slimmed down a bit (there goes Pata fucking up the fits again), but from what I understand it is still oversized. I'd err on sizing down if you can't try them on.
- Todd
Re: Down jacket ideas
I'll check out the Nano Puff as well, thanks for the recommendation!Chocodove wrote:And in all honesty, if you are down in MD the DAS may be a bit overkill. You may want to look at the Nano Puff instead. They fit true to size and are much warmer than you would expect by just looking at them.ItnStln wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:15 pmThanks!Chocodove wrote:Best to try them on if at all possible. They are designed as a belay jacket, so they are cut very roomy. My version is appropriately huge in a medium since it is meant to go over three or four other layers very easily. The one Jacob linked to is the newer version that they slimmed down a bit (there goes Pata fucking up the fits again), but from what I understand it is still oversized. I'd err on sizing down if you can't try them on.
- JP Chestnut
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Re: Down jacket ideas
Definitely try on. I'm a 38 in slim suits and a small gives a proper relaxed fit. I could go XS jackets, but not mid layers.
- streetracer101
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Re: Down jacket ideas
I recommend you try the DAS on to size it. I am a medium in most Patagonia clothes, but the medium DAS was massive on me. It is because it is designed for layering multiple clothing pieces underneath.ItnStln wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:09 pmI'll look into the Patagonia DAS, thanks!JP Chestnut wrote:Primaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
I bet that they're going to release an updated version with some new synthetic soon. Here's the nearest alternative:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... puff-hoody
100g versus 120g from the DAS.
Edit - just realized Todd already covered this

I had an issue with my Nano puff threads coming loose. The way it was stitched, when one thread came loose it basically unraveled. That's on of the only Patagonia items that disappointed me. I returned it less than a week after purchase. Now I wear their standard down sweater for casual stuff. It works fine, but the nano looked much nicer.
Re: Down jacket ideas
I swear by my 800-fill Patagonia down sweater jacket. Really freaking warm, lightweight, and easily packable. But then again, I love in NC. I like Canada Goose, but have no need for that sort of warmth.
Re: Down jacket ideas

Things are going crazy in NC with the storm.
My office is shutdown and everyone is panicking. It’s a real storm.
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- Erratic101
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- Name: Justyn
Down jacket ideas
I’ve recently picked up the North Face Thermoball jacket. It’s primaloft. Can pack into the pocket (which is nice if you’re out hiking) and feels incredibly light (avg weight is about 12oz). So far it’s been super warm. It has gotten wet and kept me warm and dry, and it dried out pretty quick.ItnStln wrote:Thanks I was looking for a PrimaLoft coat and saw this thread about down. Since i want something versatile it seems like PrimaLoft has an advantage since it can get wet.Chocodove wrote:Primaloft is heavier, but in my experience just as warm if it is their premiere fill (Gold, used to be called One). My belay jack is Primaloft since in the NE the winters are wet and as mentioned you don't want down getting soaked. You could dunk a Primaloft (or other synthetic) in a bucket of water, put it on, and it would be just as insulating as it was when dry. If down gets wet and freezes, you're in trouble.
https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens- ... t-nf0a39ng
Re: Down jacket ideas
Will do!JP Chestnut wrote:Definitely try on. I'm a 38 in slim suits and a small gives a proper relaxed fit. I could go XS jackets, but not mid layers.
Re: Down jacket ideas
Thanks! Can you post a link to their sweater you're talking about?streetracer101 wrote:I recommend you try the DAS on to size it. I am a medium in most Patagonia clothes, but the medium DAS was massive on me. It is because it is designed for layering multiple clothing pieces underneath.ItnStln wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:09 pmI'll look into the Patagonia DAS, thanks!JP Chestnut wrote:Primaloft is synthetic. It's impossible to keep all the names straight:
http://www.primaloft.com/insulation
I'm wearing some version of primaloft right now. It's not very compressible and it's heavy. Fine for a mid layer, but not sure about a jacket made of it. If I wanted a synthetic jacket, I'd probably hunt one of these (discontinued) down:
https://www.rei.com/product/855095/pata ... parka-mens
I bet that they're going to release an updated version with some new synthetic soon. Here's the nearest alternative:
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... puff-hoody
100g versus 120g from the DAS.
Edit - just realized Todd already covered this![]()
I had an issue with my Nano puff threads coming loose. The way it was stitched, when one thread came loose it basically unraveled. That's on of the only Patagonia items that disappointed me. I returned it less than a week after purchase. Now I wear their standard down sweater for casual stuff. It works fine, but the nano looked much nicer.
Re: Down jacket ideas
I'll check it out, thanks! How's the quality? I've noticed some of my newer North Face coats didn't feel as nice as the older ones I've had.Erratic101 wrote:I’ve recently picked up the North Face Thermoball jacket. It’s primaloft. Can pack into the pocket (which is nice if you’re out hiking) and feels incredibly light (avg weight is about 12oz). So far it’s been super warm. It has gotten wet and kept me warm and dry, and it dried out pretty quick.ItnStln wrote:Thanks I was looking for a PrimaLoft coat and saw this thread about down. Since i want something versatile it seems like PrimaLoft has an advantage since it can get wet.Chocodove wrote:Primaloft is heavier, but in my experience just as warm if it is their premiere fill (Gold, used to be called One). My belay jack is Primaloft since in the NE the winters are wet and as mentioned you don't want down getting soaked. You could dunk a Primaloft (or other synthetic) in a bucket of water, put it on, and it would be just as insulating as it was when dry. If down gets wet and freezes, you're in trouble.
https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens- ... t-nf0a39ng
Re: Down jacket ideas
Yep. We got about 11 inches of snow at my house and people are going crazy.fastward wrote:
Things are going crazy in NC with the storm.
My office is shutdown and everyone is panicking. It’s a real storm.
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Re: Down jacket ideas
11” and brine won’t do much.
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