I'm looking for a good quality packable down vest or jacket.

Something that will be good for layering underneath a light raincoat in 20 to 40 degree temps.

Will be wearing wool undershirt and probably a wool pullover in addition.

I'm trying to be prepared for pretty chilly weather without having to pack a huge coat.

Any good ideas?

Is there a non-down alternative that will pack small and still be really warm?

I bought an OD Green Eddie Bauer Synthetic one before my elk hunt a couple years ago. I think it was on sale for 15$ at Macy's.

Worked for the intended purpose. Didn't freeze to death. Avg high while we were there was 40-50, down to 10-15 at night.

Patagonia nano puff vest is excellent. Packs small and very warm.

https://www.patagonia.com/search/?q=nano+puff+vest&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20Plus&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsTqi9uq5AIVPv_jBx2fewPDEAAYASAAEgIbv_D_BwE

Pricey but you'll never regret the purchase.

I've seen that Nano puff and read a few good reviews on it. Wasn't sure how well it packed since it's synthetic.

If you are tall, take a look at LLBeans version. Comes in a tall size that gives you more sleeve length which is my problem with NF and Patagonia.


https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/119860?page=mens-primaloft-packaway-jacket-mens-regular&csp=a&feat=83564-item_page.t_recsbottom

Outdoor Research is a great brand and one of the best warranties in the business.

https://www.32degrees.com/products/mens-ultra-light-down-packable-jacket

They sold these at Costco a few years ago and they're awesome.

I have had a nano puff since they released it. Over time the stuffing does wash out. I have probably washed it twice per year for 5 years so it did its job regardless. It packs small and fits under any jacket.

PearlJammin said:

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https://www.32degrees.com/products/mens-ultra-light-down-packable-jacket

They sold these at Costco a few years ago and they're awesome.

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2 for $60!!?

kuiu superdown ultra jacket. packs down super small and they are WARM.

The LL Brean Packaway jacket is a good recommendation. Also the Arcteryx Atom LT has good reviews.

In my experience a down jacket will be too warm for your temperature range you described. So either a synthetic jacket or a down vest.

I got one of those 32degree vests several years ago and it's a great layering piece

Eddie Bauer down jackets have quality down (800 fill), a good ripstop shell, and are always on sale. For the temps you listed, I'd recommend their micro therm line.

Sitka Kelvin Lite Hoody

kuiu superdown ultra jacket
Arcteryx
Sitka


And....
32degree

Kuiu would be my first choice.

JosephMarcus said:

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kuiu superdown ultra jacket. packs down super small and they are WARM.

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The superdown is awesome as a layer under a shell. I keep mine in my hunting pack all season since it takes up virtually no room.

I have the Gerry one from Costco. Think it was $30 and u can roll it up and fit it in a rtic cup (I always travel with my cup).

Have the first lite puffy vest for this exact application. Love it.

Snowman2006 said:

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UPatagonia nano puff vest is excellent. Packs small and very warm.

https://www.patagonia.com/search/?q=nano+puff+vest&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%20Plus&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsTqi9uq5AIVPv_jBx2fewPDEAAYASAAEgIbv_D_BwE

Pricey but you'll never regret the purchase.

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+1 for Patagonia nano puff. Very light, packs small. Downside is price. Pretty steep.

As an alternative, I found a Gerry brand at Costco last year for ~$35. AMAZING jacket for the price. Down & feather, welded seams, lightweight, packs very small and WARM.

https://www.costco.com/Gerry-Men%e2%80%99s-Sweater-Down-Jacket.product.100478634.html

That Kuiu ultra down looks awesome. Also looks like they have nice rain jackets.

Is the web the only place to buy? Do they run regular sales?

For down fill, we prefer Patagonia. Well-made and great performance of course, but the main reason why we like them is that they don't wrinkle too badly after being tightly compressed. Sun&Ski had them on sale earlier this week, so you might stop by one this weekend if you have the ability.

I've not used Kuiu down products, but I have three of their jackets, and IMO their overall quality is every bit as good as Patagonia or NF (or Outdoor Research, or Marmot, or Arcteryx, etc...).

Remember that if you are going to go w/down, then you will most likely need a water-proof shell too. If you don't want to mess w/a shell, then consider synthetic fill. Kuiu, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear make great synth. fill jackets that are not water-proof. Arcteryx makes excellent Gore-tex synth. fill jackets that are water-proof (their non-Gore-Tex synth. fill jackets are merely ok).

C

Vernada said:

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That Kuiu ultra down looks awesome. Also looks like they have nice rain jackets.

Is the web the only place to buy? Do they run regular sales?

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Yes, they are a web only company unless you happen to live near the headquarters where they do have a store. They are very well made products with a lifetime warranty, but understand their sizes run small. The company was founded by the same person that founded Sitka.

Kuiu is great. Just be aware the fit is super athletic/slim fit.

My favorite is the First Lite Uncompahgre vest (synthetic) and the Brooks Down Sweater. The Sitka Kelvin Active jacket is great as well (synthetic).

Patagonia is starting to come around and partner with hunting groups on conservation Issues, but historically they've been pretty anti-hunting. They're just taking a enemy of my enemy approach.

Thanks. Does that mean I shouldn't completely trust their size guide?

They have an ultra down on close out right now that should fit according to their size guide. However, they take no returns on close out items. That seems like a pretty gamble. (And I think is kinda bs policy for an online company.)

I might call them and see what they say. I'd love to save $100... but on the flip side I'd hate even more to waste almost $200 on something that doesn't fit.

Yep. Ideally I'll couple a down jacket or vest with a high quality rain jacket.

Unless you're very thin or just like tight clothing, I would definitely Size up with Kuiu.

Another in for Kuiu. It's a really good piece and I like that it packs into its own pocket

Bird93 said:

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Unless you're very thin or just like tight clothing, I would definitely Size up with Kuiu.

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I'm not sure what really thin is. My chest measure just a touch over 40. I probably wear a 32 waist. Kuiu size guide says their M is a 40 chest and their large is 43. Seems like I'd wear an M according to that. But I'll probably pass on the discounted item - sounds too risky.

I wear an XL chest and 32 pant

Chest measures 44 inches and the XL is just right. If it were any tighter it'd be too small

Woods Ag said:

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I wear an XL chest and 32 pant

Chest measures 44 inches and the XL is just right. If it were any tighter it'd be too small

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Thanks. Sounds like L is for me.

I don't want to steer you wrong. I would just say that normally I'm on the border of large extra large, But their extra large is still very fitted on me, and it doesn't leave me any room to layer.

Bird93 said:

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I don't want to steer you wrong. I would just say that normally I'm on the border of large extra large, But their extra large is still very fitted on me, and it doesn't leave me any room to layer.

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Of course, I use their fit finder and it tells me a M for a 'regular' fit.

That doesn't seem to jive with the comments here or the reviews on their site.

Admittedly, part of the issue may be that my beer consumption has not been adjusted commensurate with my time in the gym.

My wife and I each have a "puffy" style jacket from Arc'teryx. The thing is amazingly warm, packs down to almost nothing, and is super light weight.

Got it on sale at REI, so the cost wasn't too bad either.