Looking for new "puffer" jacket

[Back on the trail]

Planning on Hiking JMT in August and I need recommendations on a jacket for the 37 degrees expected at night. Thoughts maxing around $200.

[swisscross]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/arcteryx-cerium-lt-down-hooded-jacket-850-fill-power-for-men~p~9350u/?filterString=s~arcteryx-cerium-lt-down-%2F

Great deal if you don't mind the color.

But it all comes down to fit. (ha)
Patagonia is boxy, then mountain hardware, then montbell and arcteyx for the thin folks...just to name a few.

[Hosh]

Patagucci @ SNC

http://www.steepandcheap.com/patagonia-down-sweater-mens?skid=PAT00FN-LEGGN-S&ti=UExQIFJ1bGUgQmFzZWQ6UGF0YWdvbmlhOiBPbiBTYWxlOjE 6NDo=

[chknfngrs]

Why not just hop in your sleeping bag?! Kidding of course

[saltysack]

Can't go wrong w montbell...u just missed one here for well under $100...love my ul down parkas I've had several years....agree w Swiss....i much prefer the tapered fit of the montbell..I'm not thin but stocky at 215lbs 5'11"........


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[colorado_rob]

+1 on montbell jackets, between myself and my wife we own SIX various MB insulated jackets many 8-9 or so years old, still look great, fit great, very light, hard to go wrong. The 6.5 ounce UL down sweater is perfect for jmt

[cbxx]

https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2301211

If you really want excellent warmth to weight ratio.

[HooKooDooKu]

I bought the hoodless version of this for my JMT thru.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-qshield-down-hooded-jacket-800-fill-power-for-men~p~8882m/?filterString=mens-down-and-insulated-jackets~d~5269%2F

Should you buy something from Sierra Trading Post, look for coupons offering an additional 25%off and free shipping for orders over $100.


Here we go, here's an example of the hoodless version, weight is only 7oz.
http://www.campsaver.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-down-jacket-men-s

[JPritch]

Is a down jacket good to have for an early April start at Springer?

[HooKooDooKu]

Is a down jacket good to have for an early April start at Springer?
I guess that depends upon what else you've got to keep you warm.

Once you get in the mountains (like in GSMNP in May), the seasonal low temps are still around 45º, but typical variances of +/-10º means you are likely to encounter night time lows at or below freezing at some point.
And that's discounting extreme weather events that could push temperatures into the 20's.

[saltysack]

Is a down jacket good to have for an early April start at Springer?

I take mine year round...worst case use as a pillow


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[CoffeeBru]

Really love my Mountain Hardware Hooded Ghost Whisperer. Super light and very warm with the hood up or under a rain jacket.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-qshield-down-hooded-jacket-800-fill-power-for-men~p~8882m/?filterString=mens-down-and-insulated-jackets~d~5269%2Fmountain-hardwear~b~13530%2F

[lumberjaime]

I got a screamin' deal on a Patagonia Down Shirt (display model at my local outfitter), bought it on impulse:
http://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-down-shirt/84746.html

I love it, and have been super impressed at it's insulating capabilities. While active, I am comfortable wearing a hiking shirt and the down shirt down to about 30*. Sitting around at camp I would at least add a wool baselayer and a wind/rain shell, but it still does well. Don't let the "shirt" part fool you, it is super warm for how light and compact it is! weighs in at 9oz. Not THE lightest, but it's just right for me.

[SkeeterPee]

Really love my Mountain Hardware Hooded Ghost Whisperer. Super light and very warm with the hood up or under a rain jacket.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-qshield-down-hooded-jacket-800-fill-power-for-men~p~8882m/?filterString=mens-down-and-insulated-jackets~d~5269%2Fmountain-hardwear~b~13530%2F

I picked one of these up. The price of these varies a lot depending on color and timing. I think I paid 159, but saw them about 139 a few weed before I made my decision.

[Engine]

Unless you're really cold natured, a vest might be all you need along with a mid weight baselayer. But if a jacket is your preference, I have a MH Ghost Whisperer I found on sale for $135 and it's amazingly light with nice features and plenty of warmth for the temperature range you're talking about. I also agree with the previous posts about Montbell, they make nice gear.

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[Back on the trail]

Thanks for the ideas. If anybody has more is still hunting around. Amazing how the MH ghost changes price with colors. Still in the hunt. Thanks again. I want the jacket for the wind aspect so sleeves a must. I'll be hiking in a long sleeve shirt to protect from the sun up there on the JMT.