It might be worth noting that not all down is the same and it’s not all sourced in the same manner, some methods of down production leave a lot to be desired.Some companies make efforts to ensure both the quality and that the down is ethically sourced and is something worth considering when looking at cheap options.Of the companies I know who do something:Mountain Equipment: Down Codex, http://www.thedownproject.me.uk/ Patagonia: Traceable Down, http://www.patagonia.com/us/traceable-down Fjallraven: http://www.fjallraven.com/explore-fjallraven/responsibility/nature-environment/animal-welfare Also:Alpkit made an effort but never published anything: https://www.alpkit.com/develop/down-sourcing-part-3 An article on the other channel: http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/press.php?id=5183
6-7 years? That's practically brand new. Come back when you've used it a bit.
It's a lightweight stitch-through, press stud hood thing of the type that Fultonius disses above but it's never suffered from the problems he mentions.
On the designing jackets not for mountaineering, are there any ticket down jackets that have a hood that is head sized, rather than head plus helmet sized.
Problem with synthetic is it doesn't last as well, and although its better in some situations (it's worth having one) don't expect it to last as well as down. My Rab pull-on I bought in about 1998/9 and its still going strong, still warm, still tons of loft, no mechanical failures (way better build than current Rab stuff). Essentially a down jacket should last more or less indefinitely if looked after - i.e. stored loose, ideally not hung up, always dried out properly. Hard to achieve that if getting soaked in the mountains, but for domestic bouldering use it's totally feasible.I think for most folk a down is a better bet for today's boulderer for standing around in winter etc, especially with the waterproof outers they have now. Down also tends to be be less sweaty if you're active in one. its a bit like with down sleeping bags, they tend to be better for a wider range of temps than the equivalent synthetic due to being less sweaty on warm days.
I have a synthetic North Face jacket, 2 down ones, 2 down Rab ones plus the missus Rab one which she lets me wear and a Montane down vest. They all work well in most conditions but then again I only tend to use them to walk from the kitchen to go on the board in the garage.
Sad times, but after about 14yrs of trusty service (plus another few by the previous owner) I’ve been convinced (told) to get a new downie, as apparently it’s filthy and falling apart so I’m an embarrassment to be seen at the crag with.Anyway…I’ve got another lightweight downie for taking up hills and stuff so I’m just after an indestructible workhorse of a jacket that is very warm for belaying or bouldering. Doesn’t have to be lightweight so could be synthetic if that’s a better option?Any advice / opinions / recommendations on the current market for such things? I’m a bit out of touch with what would be a good option. Haven’t really got a budget in mind as a few extra hundred quid is a bargain over the lifetime of a jacket if it’s a goodun so could be persuaded to push the boat out.Are Alpkit still good?
Alpkit have got their Fantom reduced to £120 - seems to get decent reviews but heard their quality has dropped a bit?https://alpkit.com/products/fantom-mens-down-jacket
Sad times, but after about 14yrs of trusty service (plus another few by the previous owner) I’ve been convinced (told) to get a new downie, as apparently it’s filthy and falling apart so I’m an embarrassment to be seen at the crag with.
No idea where you’re based but I always recommend the Rab factory shop in these threads.
Controversial, but the only time I wear a down jacket now is for belaying when mountaineering. Synthetic all the way for bouldering, you get wind and water-proofing then which are generally of more use for our climate.