With grit season approaching , I'd like to treat myself to a new down jacket - needs to be as close to standing in a volcano as is possible . Anyone got any recommendations? Tia.
Often decent deals on eBay for expedition weight ones that have seen minor use.
ME K7. It’ll last a lifetime if you don’t wash it.
Other than that I've found that TX Maxx does a good line in cheap, smart work / down the pub type down jackets.
I got a heavyweight Rab from the Go Outside sale a few years back - generally wheel that out when it gets really cold.
I have an ME Lightline which I'm very happy with; it's kept me nice and warm on even the coldest grit days and is more appealing cost wise. However, if money were no object I'd have a Rab Resolution:https://rab.equipment/uk/resolution-jacket
The Rab factory shop in Alfreton is a good source of cheap(er than usual) down.They have periodic weekend events but in my experience they’re an absolute clusterfuck and it’s much nicer to go on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon/ evening when it’s deserted and most of the stuff has the same reductions.
Don't want to be preachy, but buying 'cheap' down is not cool unless it has 100% traceable down in it.
From the outside, it looked like the outdoor industry was doing a great job. Then, last year, PETA made us all wince with another live-plucking video, claiming the down featured was in the Responsible Down Standard supply chain. Some digging revealed the problem: a loophole. Some slaughterhouses and suppliers are processing certified down alongside non-certified down or, even worse, down that knowingly stems from force-fed or live-plucked geese. As PETA pointed out this, “makes already complex supply chains even murkier”.
Point 10 being particularly pertinent!
Whats the lowdown on washing these days (sheffield) - last time I did it - Franklins (Rab endorsed) was still open in Greystones. Is there an equivalent place. I'd prefer to just pay someone to do it properly than fart about with tennis balls in our home drier.