Down jackets

[tonyb]

Ok let's talk down jackets ,I was goner get a rab or north face one but my wife surprised me with a jack jones one .

So it wasn't cheap £110 I think and looks good ,now I've never had a light weight down jacket but after 2 nights out and 2 washes it seems ,well a little flat / thin,

I've looked at some others and there's not much differance I think

I'm not sure weather to send it back ,am I expecting to much ,is it all in the design

[Bearbonesnorm]

2 washes

[Bearbonesnorm]

Okay, I've just got over the shock that you've washed it twice in as many outings. My initial thought was, no wonder it doesn't feel great. However things may not be that straightforward.

I had no idea who J&J were, so I did a little internet searching and it would appear that what J&J call a down jacket should really be called a down style jacket ... as it's 100% synthetic :? Obviously the one I've looked at could be a different model to yours but I believe that any company that describes a synthetic jacket as 'down' are producing goods for the high street and not the hills and mountains.

Does it actually say what it's made from on the label?

[tonyb]

It's jack jones simple down jacket ,it folds up real small

I washed it cause it stunk of fire for obvious reasons ,I wanted to wear it when not bivvying

Obviously big mistake

The wife got it from next and they pretty good at refunds ,want to sort it quick cause got a bivvy date on 20 th

The wife ( bless her ) thought it was a nice surprise

[Bearbonesnorm]

Aha, it was a different one to the first one I looked at. I can't actually see whether yours is down or not BUT if it's synthetic it's unlikely to keep you very warm given how thin it is and if it is down, you've more than likely knackered much of it's insulation properties.

My advice would be take it back, then depending what you want the jacket to do / how warm you want it to be:

If you don't need a really warm jacket, buy a down parka from Uniqlo (link on the bargain alert thread)

OR if you want something warmer maybe an AlpKit Filo or Karrimor sub zero

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-su ... ens-443377

The thinner down jackets are really more like insulated mid-layers. They're great for chilly summer evenings but in Winter you really need something much thicker.

Oh and don't wash it unless you really have to and then look on-line for instructions for washing / drying down.

Sermon over ... sorry.

[tonyb]

Na all good advice appreciated ,goner take it back and get the rab infinitely

[Ray Young]

I have Karrimor down jacket and although weighty compared to more expensive options it has served me well for the price.

[Charliecres]

Just got a Uniqlo vest. Good for the money and packs v small but, as said above, it's nothing like my Mountain Equipment expedition jacket, which is super-warm.

[tonyb]

Think I was expecting to much from it ,plus over washed

Ordered the infinity now

Can't moan about the wife though she gave me an early Xmas present ,a evernew meth stove and ti mug :)

Can't wait to test it on the 20 th