How do we evaluate the jackets warmth level online - like what to look for? I was trying to look up the 800 level vs other numbers. I bought one off eBay (haven’t received yet) but interested in others for different purposes. I have a Gotetex shell so got a small down used coat to put under my large woman’s shell. Doing this because sometimes I get lazy and don’t want to layer so much and think so much about it just to say warm, especially with kids laundry on top the layers end up being a lot to launder if u are out there 2-4 times per week (my son is on ski team and I’m a helper coach so we have to practice after school and drive up to hill about 1 to 2 hours away depending on weather and the resort!).
For NYC weather all you really need is a Gore-Tex TNF Mountain Jacket and a Zipped Compatible Fleece Liner and you are set, I know I’m set for the winter, most my jackets are Goretex and Fleece Windstoppers
Why compare 4 jackets where one of which has a hard shell and the other 3 do not? Both Patagonia and Mammut have plenty of jackets that have a waterproof outer-shell with insulation. Also, in regards to the 'fill power', the higher fill power is the down's ability to trap air (body heat) making them warmer, so an 800 fill jacket will trap air better than a 600 fill jacket. It's all about how you layer in order to stay warm for different weather scenarios.
Why does the 800 Patagonia look so low and flimsy then? I used to have a large puffy eddy Bauer and it was really warm but too bulky for skiing (it was a mans and I’m a woman). I’d like something warm again to wear around ski resorts and cold days and then another down coat that fits under my Norrona GoreTex Pro shell for active skiing. Since I will be helping to coach ski team kids we will be standing around at times on the race days so would like extra warmth but less layers than I usually need to do.
dude your not supposed to get down jackets wet!!! Always check the weather forecast and if there's even a chance of snow or rain you need to carry a shell. Down jackets are really only to be worn on cold sunny days. Synthetic down jackets are better for wet conditions
I got rid of the Mammut Eigerjoch. It was utter crap! In it's place I just purchased a Montane Deep Cold Down Jacket I sold my purple Patagonia Down Sweater and bought one of the newer 2016 color Down Sweater (Underwater Blue/Neon Yellow trim). The Berghaus Ultvetana is a great jacket so I kept that as well as my original Patagonia Hi-Loft Jacket. In fact my only complaints is that I wish the Hi-Loft had a hood so I may try to flip it for a hooded Hi-Loft Jacket.
the center storm flap is only secured down by three velcro points and it is already too slim and thin so when it was windy I had a cold spot down the center zipper. also the lack of outer pockets and stiff tiny pocket zips did not make for an easy cold weather coat (wearing gloves and operating the zips). it is a great looking, light wieght coat that is warm with it's 800 fill double V baffle construction but the box wall baffle Montane Deep Cold Down Jacket is just as light and warmer with way better storm flaps and pockets.
Both actually. You can buy pre-owned, new with tags or new without tags. eBay in 2017 is so much of a hassle to list items and sell and deal withe eBay/PayPal seller fees that sellers tend to not really sell junk or counterfeit items on eBay since most of the time it costs sellers time and money without any profitable gains. The result is I've seen and bought some top quality items from Patagonia, Mammut and North Face thru eBay for 1/4th of retail prices and that was items new with tags.
Arcteryx Cerium LT jackets are awesome for the price! I just picked up a Cerium LT hooded down 850 fill and it surpasses any of the quality that Patagonia makes. Arcteryx also tends to make bigger fitting clothing so an XXL person can get an XL or L! Check Out The Cerium and Thorium and Atom lines in the LT (light weight), SV (heavy weight) and AR (all round use-mid weight) trims!
Hey Roy! This is so true! I actually did a photo analysis comparing the various baffle styles on my Montane Deep Cold Down Jacket review! The warmest is the BOX wall baffle while the least warmest is the STITCH-THRU or V-Style baffle.
