UKH

Whether you're climbing, camping or walking - or even just out in town - a light and packable down jacket is a versatile layer year-round. We compare 10 options.

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In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

No Jottnar Fenrir? Ideal specification for this test.

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

One thing that's worth mentioning about the Arcteryx Cerium SL is it doesn't have a chest pocket.   My beaten up old Rab Xenon which doesn't look nearly as good is far more practical for most things that I do.  It's a shame because it is really well cut and looks great, if there was a pocket for my phone I'd use it a lot around town.   

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

I know nothing about making jackets but is it really a problem to make one with a pocket that the jacket can stuff in? I have a rab down jacket that has the stuff sack which I'm obviously just going to lose. It fits in its own pocket so surely it's a case of having a slightly different zip. Or am I missing something? 

 

In reply to phizz4:

They're changing their product line, although the Fenrir is still there but they've got other new products out to UKC for testing.

I don't think the jacket has changed much since https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/clothing/down_insulation/jottnar_fenrir_dow... and mine is still going strong! Just washed it for the first time and it's fluffy, well - puffy, and clean again.

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

Or for £40

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/trek500-down-jacket-m-blu-id_8397298.html

Had mine about 3years, couple holes. I have posher jackets but this one lives in my rucksack

In reply to snoop6060:

You don't need a pocket or stuff bag. Too much faff on the hill anyway. You just roll it into the hood. Compresses better in your sack too.

In reply to LG-Mark:

Oh right, didn't realise I didn't need it. Thanks for letting me know .

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

Also a bit of a shame not to have any PHD jackets, since down is what they do best - though they are pretty pricey

In reply to snoop6060:

Patagonia does some. The down sweater is good for everything besides harsh winter conditions and packs nicely into itself.

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

The winning jacket isn’t actually light though is it?

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

Above this thread, there's an advert for crux. A brand that isn't mentioned in the group test. Their halo and turbo jackets are sure competitors for this! 

Halo is lighter, better fill power and only £10 more than the winning rab.

I think the reviewer missed a good one there. Just my two cents

In reply to GHawksworth:

I agree with this. The Halo jacket is almost 20% warmer, given its fill weight and fill power. Also, the Microlight is close to being 40% heavier! (my Halo is a bit heavier when compared to official specks, but still 100 grams lighter.)

I own the original Microlight, which I like because of its tougher exterior shell and slightly better fit for a medium build, but when weight, packed volume, and warmth are an issue, for long hikes or belaying, I take the Halo jacket . 

 

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

As a general question, how warm are these, say compared to a 60 GSM primaloft top? 

I have synthetic insulation layers and can never quite work out how these light down jackets fit in for UK use.

In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:

But what about “insert brand name here”. I have their jacket and really like it.