800 and 900 FPs are obvious. Down jacket for mountain lovers 2018
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
As for myself, it is almost impossible to bring down a down jacket with you, assuming that it is actively used when climbing, unless there are any major conditions. The reason is simply because it is difficult to use when climbing. When climbing mountains, you often sweat a lot while you are still in the mood, and if you move while wearing down, the inside will quickly become sweaty. You need to take off and put on every break. Also, if the down gets wet, where does it have an overwhelmingly excellent heat retention? Caregiving is also a hassle. Meanwhile, the performance of synthetic fiber insulation has been improving recently. The need for downing in general mountain climbing seems to be fading day by day.
However, it is never the case that this item is no longer of any use at this time. In terms of insulation (heat retention) at the same weight, one or two heads are still available, so when rolled up, the down jacket has a capacity of just two fist, giving it a great deal of security.
Even if you don't use it frequently, it's a reliable amulet that is useful as a great addition to the best warmth whenever you feel that it's cold with your usual equipment, or when it's time for a while, it's a great amulet. I think that's fine. This time, I will introduce carefully selected models that I have focused on as a reliable partner for fall and winter to remaining snow climbing, especially when I am focusing on how easy it is to use in the mountains.
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What to look for in down jackets for mountain climbing
What we want when using down jackets for use in the mountains they are extremely light and compact . It is generally desirable to use less than 300g. Of course, it's only natural that as long as it has insulation as a middle-end item, but it's not just for stargazing and fishing in the middle of winter when you're still in the cold for a long time, but for mountain climbs that you only wear during breaks or bivouac, you don't need extraordinary insulation to withstand the extreme cold of the Himalayas. In that sense, depending on how you use it, a "vest-shaped" without sleeves might be fine.
In addition, the materials used, parts, and designs are included when used in mountains, such as upper body exercise, strong winds, slight rain, and external impacts. Finally, as long as it has a great design for everyday wear, there's nothing to say.
For information on how to choose a middle layer, including down jackets, please see this article.
Down jackets featured in the 2018-2019 season
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket
Weight/portability★★★ Insulation★★☆ Functionality★★★ Design★★★
I was shocked to encounter this site in a comparison review that I had been groping around while still groping I've seen many down jackets over the years since then, but personally I still don't know of a model that has reached a higher level of perfection than this model. Although there are some fine adjustments, the ease of use that has never changed since then can be said to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The padding is 800FP bulky down, and at the same time it is treated with a water-repellent finish from NIKWAX, making it less likely to cause bulk collapse due to moisture, which is the weakness of down. In addition, it has also been added to RDS certification, which is proof that it has been dealing with waterfowl, which is the raw material, in a humane manner. Although it is a masterpiece, it has never forgotten to make efforts to hone our inner self as time goes by.
This high-performance down is enclosed with a minimally exquisite volume that does not damage warmth, and is extremely fine, high-density, water-repellent ripstop nylon that is both strong and flexible, plus drawstring at the hem, a hood that fits easily on the head and elastic cuffs, and the warm air is not escaping, resulting in a warm air that is sufficiently warm, but weighs only 205g (actually measured in size S). The packable design allows you to flip the right pocket over and store it, so there is no need for extra stuff sacks. Of course, it has almost no tension due to movement of the upper body, and its dense three-dimensional cutting is also wonderful, and it takes every detail into consideration of how easy it is to use on the mountains. The design is sophisticated and basic shape, coloring, and the fact that it doesn't feel unnecessarily shattered, making it perfect for street wear.
This is an all-around down jacket for mountain lovers, packed with enough warmth and ease of use, packed into a sophisticated design, with a truly luxurious design. To be careful, the amount of down is decent, so you cannot imagine it as a down, "overwhelming heat retention and fluffy feel." It is an integral amulet that is essential for autumn to early winter when temperatures change dramatically depending on the weather, and you can't read the equipment, or it is perfect as an outerwear for long nights when camping in cooler seasons, or as a mid-wear for backcountry skiing in winter when you go downhill.
mont-bell plasma 1000 alpine down parka
Weight/portability★★☆ Insulation★★★ Functionality★★☆ Design★★☆
Montbell is one of the few domestic brands that handles high-quality EX downs with the highest class resilience of "1000FP". This Plasma 1000 is the lightweight down jacket for mountains. Compared to this 1000 figure, for example, a 800FP down, the number is 25% increase from 800 to 1000, but the actual heat retention power is 38% ( according to Montbell ). You can see from the moment you hold it, that there is a huge difference that is incomprehensible. It's not just light. Despite this amount of down, the terrifying resilience that fills the space between your body and clothes without gaps is impressive that can only be experienced with limited models even when looking for a world-wide look.
This overwhelmingly resilient down is sealed with 7 denier ultra-fine, high-strength ballistic® nylon thread, and a unique pattern of quilt with fewer seams, making it possible to combine unspecial heat retention and lightweight. It also has the same functionality as always. There are no exfoliation, including a drawcorded hood and hem that can be sealed tightly, elastic cuffs, and a front zipper with flaps.
And what's more than anything, I'm happy about the existence of the US model. When it comes to Montbell jackets, it's often disappointing that the overall wide body width and short sleeve length are not suitable for me personally, so I tend to avoid them, so I'm happy to have a slim, long sleeved US model for this model. It's the best looking at it casually. If you keep this one in the pack at all times, you can rest assured even on winter traverses in the winter. Comes with a stuff sack.
Arc'teryx CE LT Hoodie
Weight/portability★★☆ Insulation★★★ Functionality★★★ Design★★★
This is a highly-finished down insulation jacket that was also shocked by our website's 2015 comparison review Made from the finest 850FP white goose down, it has no doubt high resilience. The fabric is made of ultra-fine, highly durable Arato™ 10 nylon. The slim silhouette does not create gaps in the body, and yet the arms are bent and extended to create a three-dimensional cutting that is completely stress-free. The weight is slightly larger this time, but the actual measurement of the 200g range is light enough from a normal perspective, and the heat retention is also higher.
And what doesn't end here is Arc'teryx. In fact, by mapping synthetic cotton to areas that are prone to wet, such as the head, shoulders, armpits, and cuffs, wetting efforts have been made to minimize the effect of lowering heat retention due to wetting. In other words, it does not worry about moisture, which is the weakness of down, but also responds to some degree to which it is somewhat active. When I actually use it, I usually say down jackets and when it gets hot and moving, the inside of my clothes gets sweaty as soon as they move, but this really helps to relieve sweat.
The hood comes with a drawcord that can be fitted to the head with just one touch. By the way, I was unsure about the "CE SL hoodie," which is even lighter than this model, but in terms of its good balance between lightness and heat retention, this LT is more versatile, so I chose this one. If you are looking to use it as a charm, SL is probably more suitable.
THE NORTH FACE Astrolite Hoodie
![[2018 Fall/Winter] THE NORTH FACE Astro Light Hoodie Black (K) ND91816](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41dhqh04IYL._SS300_.jpg)
Weight/portability★☆☆ Insulation★★★ Functionality★☆☆ Design★★★
It seems that down products from this brand are selling like crazy all over Japan, but what caught my eye was the slightly plain model. The down used here is a real one made from 900FP Eastern European goose down, which has been polished to the highest quality using advanced cleaning techniques, among the many down jackets from the brand.
What's distinctive is that unlike other serious mountain-friendly ones, they are slightly more oriented towards being "bottomed or in the city." As proof of this, it is difficult to say that it is pursued as lightweight and highly durable, with 20 denier nylon fabric, which is more of a texture-oriented 20 denier nylon fabric on the outer fabric and basic nylon taffeta on the lining. Also, if you are concerned about the hem, cuffs and hood being slightly loose (they cannot be sealed), you may be concerned about it.
However, it is worth noting that the baffle structure, which is made by glueing the front and back with dots and the fabric is woven into a bag, reduces cold spots, achieving both lightness and heat retention at a high level. The fabric is water-repellent, and has a slim fit for the North, and a front zipper with flaps, making it suitable for use in the mountains, so it is probably the perfect model for people who want to use it mainly for towns, camping, snow hiking, etc. rather than for mountains.
there is an Ultimate Down Hoodie released from the SUMMIT series Personally, I feel that the North Face's skill in expanding this lineup has a strong momentum, or rather, its business sense, have been around for a while.
Rab Zero G Jacket
Weight/portability★☆☆ Insulation★★★ Function★★ Design★☆☆
Rab, which began with the development of down products needed by real climbers, still has no distorted roots, and the lack of compromise on down products is incredible. Their utmost pursuit and commitment, and the resulting high-quality, hard-core, are always worthy of respect. A classic down jacket that represents Rab in recent years is the Microlight Alpine Jacket, but this model is a super lightweight technical down jacket that is typical of Rab, as the flagship of similar lightweight down jackets, and is a Rab-like ultra-lightweight technical down jacket that is designed to be used at the very least.
Like the Montbell above, the down uses virtually the highest quality 1000FP European goose down, and it is estimated that the amount of down is greater than that of Montbell, so its insulation is probably the best of the ones we will introduce today. Furthermore, the fabric used on the front and back is 7 denier Pertex Quantum® GL, developed by Pertex for Rab, and is even 20% lighter than usual.
Let's take a look at the details too. The cutting and fit are familiar to Rab, but the perfect three-dimensional cutting makes it stress-free. The sleeves are still long. The front zipper has a vislon zipper that is resistant to low temperatures and is highly durable, and the back has a windproof flap. The hand warmer pocket is in a high position that does not interfere with the harness. The cuffs are made of stretch material that adheres tightly, making the wrists neater. The more you look at it, such as the hood with a stiff rib and the elastic hem, the more you look at it, the less gap there is. This is a dish that is just made with just the finest ingredients. I'm full.
Needless to say, this high-performance down jacket focused on winter alpine climbing will work perfectly as an intermediate or outerwear in dry environments in all extreme situations, including harsh winters. However, it is too sharp in many ways to use it in town. In any case, if you're able to find a fortune that can be worn, a symbol of Rab's philosophy, try to fully enjoy it.
We also recommend this article about middle layers.
- It's about time to summarize how to choose a middle layer
- Something's different about this year's synthetic insulation jacket! ? [Featured latest model 2017-2018]
- I'm left wearing it and not getting cold and sweaty! 7 recommended synthetic fiber insulation for your activities
- Comparison review: [Beyond fleece!?] We compared the latest synthetic fiber insulation (cold protection clothing)
- 3 questions to choose insulation wear that won't make a mistake and 15 recommended items
