pretty good between-season jacket

By Vanessa H. Ranked #83 - Women's Down Jackets September 12, 2009

I wanted a stowable between-season jacket that wouldn't break the bank, that I wouldn't mind getting dirty or beating up on the trail, and I would recommend the Aria if you can find it on substantial sale. The down is quite thin, which is fine for my purpose, and the stitching goes all the way through (it is not off-set stitching) so all the stitched lines are very thin (hold them up to the light and it passes right through) and I'm sure this will result in cold spots. I wish it had off-set stitching, but for the sale price I scored it for, I'm not complaining...too much :) If it had off-set stitching, I'd give this jacket 5 stars. As a layering piece around and above 30 degrees, I'm thinking it should be fine for summer/fall camping. I'm 5'11" and the medium fits me pretty well - it's sized a bit generously to allow for layering underneath, but it is not too baggy. The arms are long enough for me, and the elastic wrists are perfect (I have small wrists, so if you have very large wrists, be careful). I often wish jackets were a bit longer (I have a long torso), and this jacket is no different. If you're of average height though, you'll probably be quite happy.The construction is of good quality all around - the interior pockets are well made with the detail of allowing for headphone pass-through, the main zipper is sturdy, and the stitching is uniform. Do be warned that with the light-colored jackets that have a dark interior color (mine is ice-blue with dark-blue), you will probably see the white down feathers through the thin fabric. It makes the jacket slightly mottled in appearance up close. If you care about that sort of thing, go with a darker color to hide the down. The hood is great - cinches nicely around the face and is sized well. I think the light weight and included small stuff sack will make the jacket perfect for backpacking and also for throwing in a day pack as an emergency layer if the weather turns.
(ps - If you don't need or want a hood, try out the North Face Thunder Jacket or the Backcountry 800 luft. I haven't tried on either of them, but they seemed similar in weight and cut.)

View Details: Outdoor Research Aria Down Hooded Jacket - Women's

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