Down Jackets

[Greyfox]

Hi Folks, am thinking of getting myself a down jacket and am staggered by the amount there are on the market. The question is which is the best one to go for. I am after something in the region of the Rab ascent, north face nuptse or equivalent. Its for general wear in cold weather while out walking or going round the town etc not for tackling everest. Can anyone give me their ideas??

Thanks in advance folks!

GF.

[twentyclicks]

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/bargain_box.php >> May be some left there, the pricing is very good for the quality.

TNF Nuptse is quite average, for the same money the Mountain Hardware Below Zero is a much better jacket (nicer construction, better fit, fleecy hand pockets).  You don't need a hood for around town so don't fork out more for one necessarily.

Anything is fine really for casual use, but I think the MH is the optimum choice of that style. It's probably the most durable too.

You might get more use out of a primaloft jacket though (in our country)... personal choice, I find down too warm unless just sitting sub-zero and it doesn't like the wet.  A thinner down jacket like the Rab micro or Patagonia Nano-puff is another option - still decently warm for pottering about but can be layered under a waterproof.

my tupence-worth

[chris]

Another vote here for primaloft!! you'll def get more use out of it in this country. The main reason is that it doesn't get affected by wet weather. Once down gets wet its pretty much screwed! And 20clicks is right you'll most likely be far too hot walking in a down jacket.

[Celt_Ginger]

Get one of the Norwegian Nanok SF jackets like I have. I'll even let you try it on for a small fee    Seriously mate, it's the business. Berghaus make a nice down jacket that I believe is on offer at Cotswolds. I got my wife one last year and she loves it.