very warm

By ncj86 Ranked #1573 - Women's Down Jackets January 27, 2010

First of all, I did not buy this jacket for its looks, so I'm only going to rate it on its function. For that, this jacket deserves 5 stars. 750-fill down is almost as good as it gets as far as weight and bulk to warmth ratios (800 is the best to my knowledge). That means that this sweater keeps you warm with significantly less bulk and weight than a 650-fill (or lower) sweater. That is reason enough for me: I bought this to use as a layering piece under my waterproof shell for winter camping/ mountaineering and as a belay jacket for climbing. My only complaint function-wise is the size of the pockets: I can BARELY get my hands in and with gloves on I can't get them in at all. This isn't an issue for me, because when I belay I don't wear gloves and in the cold I always have a shell on over this jacket. That being said, the pockets are designed such that your hands go between the down and your body which makes the pockets really warm, if you can get your hands in them.

I can't help but make a few comments on its appearance. I bought the pink color and my climbing partner constantly makes fun of me for wearing it (the color is about 100x girlier than I am). I'd prefer something more earthy and subdued. Also, the shape is definitely feminine. I have the curves of a pre-pubescent girl, but in this jacket, I look like a real woman! I never though a down jacket could make my shape look BETTER, but it's true. You don't have to worry about the "michelin man" look with this one.

As long as the super-light shell fabric doesn't rip, I'll be using this jacket for years to come.

View Details: Stoic Luft Down Insulated Sweater - Women's

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes