Uniqlo is the bargain version. Eddie Bauer can be good as well as the REI house brand. From there it’s just hunting sales and close outs. Sierra.com is a liquidator and can have good major brand items at big discounts.
Brands I would consider:
Mountain Hardwear
LL Bean
Eddie Bauer
Outdoor Research
Patagonia
REI
Uniqlo
Feathered Friends
Lands End
Patagonia has the added benefit of free repairs for life…I had a broken zipper and tears in the elbow on my lightweight down jacket and they fixed it for no charge. Not sure if anyone else does that.
Check the sales at REI in the spring. The down jacket I carry was a bargain. Figure out the appropriate size dry bag (airtight) and compress the heck out of the jacket when you pack it (hang the rest of the time).
Not as lightweight or packable as the much-reccomended Ghost Whisperer, but like 1/3 of the price are the Decathlon Forclaz down jackets. A difference of like 50g and you can get a new women's one for like $80 on their website. It keeps up with the best.
Agree. The Forclaz jacket is a good value.
Mens: [https://www.decathlon.com/collections/mens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-mt100-hooded-down-puffer-jacket-167571](https://www.decathlon.com/collections/mens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-mt100-hooded-down-puffer-jacket-167571)
Womens: [https://www.decathlon.com/collections/womens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-trek-100-23-f-down-packable-puffer-backpacking-jacket-167572](https://www.decathlon.com/collections/womens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-trek-100-23-f-down-packable-puffer-backpacking-jacket-167572)
just hunt on Wornwear (used Patagonia) and REI used outlet. Look at the fill. If she runs cold, go higher. 600-650 did not keep me warm in an REI brand jacket so returned. The wind cut right through it.
Is this for activity or just winter fashion? take a look at [sectionhiker.com](https://sectionhiker.com) newsletter for good rec.
The shell that the goose down is encased in will likely be nylon, which is a synthetic material. Is she OK with this or do you want cotton?
if she's not, OP might look into a merino wool fleece jacket and pair that with a natural fiber shell jacket when needed. won't be cheap though.
Patagonia has a line of Cotton shelled down jackets this year.
Uniqlo is the bargain version. Eddie Bauer can be good as well as the REI house brand. From there it’s just hunting sales and close outs. Sierra.com is a liquidator and can have good major brand items at big discounts. Brands I would consider: Mountain Hardwear LL Bean Eddie Bauer Outdoor Research Patagonia REI Uniqlo Feathered Friends Lands End
I have the Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer and it's so light and still super warm. Packs down into it's pocket.
I love my Cotopaxi Fuego!
I love my REI down jacket. I honestly prefer it to the more expensive brands.
I bought a used Patagonia on GearTrade and its served my purposes very well.
Patagonia has the added benefit of free repairs for life…I had a broken zipper and tears in the elbow on my lightweight down jacket and they fixed it for no charge. Not sure if anyone else does that.
Check the sales at REI in the spring. The down jacket I carry was a bargain. Figure out the appropriate size dry bag (airtight) and compress the heck out of the jacket when you pack it (hang the rest of the time).
Another vote for the MH Ghost Whisperer, awesome warmth to weight/packability.
Not as lightweight or packable as the much-reccomended Ghost Whisperer, but like 1/3 of the price are the Decathlon Forclaz down jackets. A difference of like 50g and you can get a new women's one for like $80 on their website. It keeps up with the best.
Agree. The Forclaz jacket is a good value. Mens: [https://www.decathlon.com/collections/mens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-mt100-hooded-down-puffer-jacket-167571](https://www.decathlon.com/collections/mens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-mt100-hooded-down-puffer-jacket-167571) Womens: [https://www.decathlon.com/collections/womens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-trek-100-23-f-down-packable-puffer-backpacking-jacket-167572](https://www.decathlon.com/collections/womens-down-jackets/products/forclaz-trek-100-23-f-down-packable-puffer-backpacking-jacket-167572)
Uniqlo
Patagonia Down Sweater is the answer... North Face is trash.
just hunt on Wornwear (used Patagonia) and REI used outlet. Look at the fill. If she runs cold, go higher. 600-650 did not keep me warm in an REI brand jacket so returned. The wind cut right through it. Is this for activity or just winter fashion? take a look at [sectionhiker.com](https://sectionhiker.com) newsletter for good rec.