Down Jackets

Check out this down jacket. Incredibly light, amazingly warm!

www.backcountry.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-down-jacket-womens

Hi all, I am in the market for a down jacket. Besides the First Ascent and K-Way models, is there anything else I should be looking for, or that you recommend?

A tad unorthodox - but Icebreaker makes a fleece that combined with a wind breaker is equivalent to a down jacket. I think its this one www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2558

One of the ladies on GT last year was using an Icebreaker fleece. Advantages are mostly that it doesn't become useless when wet, it can be worn with a backpack and it dries quickly. Its also easier to wash. Roughly no difference on weight (although I'm not 100% sure on this point).

I haven't tried this particular one, but I have an Icebreaker shirt that is supposed to be a base layer. It is thinner than the above and has often been too hot for the Berg even when worn with nothing over or under it (its great when its cold).

I have also tried Icebreaker socks and they were also often too hot for general Berg use. Great when its cold though.

Try the Cape Storm Down jacket. You can pick them up at Sportsman's Warehouse. The construction is very good compared to the equivalent first Ascent, i.e. Box baffle construction vs sewn through baffles; 650 Fill Goose Down. Retails for about R1,499.00 vs the fA at R1,999.00. They're getting scarce though because CS is no longer manufacturing them since Holdesport took over, plus they were made locally while the fA jacket is made in China.

a friend of mine got a really nice Colombia down jacket from their outlet store at under R 1000. Their primaloft jackets with silver lining that reflects body heat are also very good and can function better than down in wet conditions

Drifters also stock Mountain Equipment lightweight down jackets which are brilliant at under 2k cost

Thanks for the tips, I'll have a look at the Cape Storm and Columbia jackets.
I've researched PrimaLoft a fair bit. I'd love to give it a try but its a bit expensive to 'gamble' with.
One of the things that concerns me with the CS jacket is its only 650 fill down. I'd prefer at least 800 fill. I think the FA is higer than 650, but can't confirm.

I use the First Ascent Malamute Down Jacket. It is more of an expedition jacket which I have not yet used in the berg. I have however tested it on Mt Aconcagua in -25C and it was brilliant!

First Ascent Website - Malamute Jacket

Also got the CS High Down Jacket. Black and rated down to -14. Intrepid has got a groovy jacket, don't think it has a hood, but it is very light and packs small.

See the pic of him in the northern berg trip 2012.

www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/55358-northern-berg-photo-trip-august-2012.html#55436