Gear Review
Western Mountaineering Meltdown Down Jacket - Men's
Expedition parka without the bulk
By Tom Gordon
Ranked #24 - Men's Down Jackets
October 25, 2010
This is a parka that I wish I could wear more often. My days of expedition climbing are probably over. Having climbed Denali and Western Canadian peaks, I can only say that I wish I'd had this jacket during my most adventuresome climbs. Like all Western jackets, the Meltdown uses minimum 850 fill goose down. Most of our down tests higher, in the 900 to 950 range. The fabric is slightly heavier and water resistant than the stuff used in Western's Flight or Flash Jackets. This adds to the durability and suggests its use without a layer over top. Only the soggiest days would wet out this jacket. This begs the question: Why would you wear this jacket anywhere above 20 degrees F, anyway?
The downfilled hood tucks easily into the collar yet reappears to provide super cold weather protection. The jacket's fit is generous to accommodate layers underneath. My size large weighs 17 oz. on my postal scale yet would be my jacket of choice for another shot at Alaskan peaks or winter camping in my state of origin, Minnesota. Don't be fooled by the overall weight. It's got more than enough down to keep you toasty! It's just the good stuff!
View Details: Western Mountaineering Meltdown Down Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: November 22, 2011 By: Jen
looking for a jacket for my husband who works in Nome,AK. Its currently -1o and we are just going into winter! He needs something he can move in and throw a fleece layer underneath. Suggestions?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
hey the fill weight(amount of down) of this jacket is 6.5 ounces whereas the flash is only 3.5 ounces. so this is considerably warmer with almost twice as much down so you can imagine how much thicker it would be. the xr is quite thin and more of a layering piece thats warmer and lighter than the alternative being a fleece. the xr does have some water resistence though for when its soggy out and you just need to throw it over your soft or hard shell while climbing without having to swap layers and expose yourself to the wetness!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Hello Tom Your coments have convinced me in ordering one of these 2 jackets. I live in Montreal, Quebec and it get very cold here in winter in the city. Im walking everyday to the gym and catching the subway to work. Which jacket would you say in the warmest between the "Meltdown Down" and Flash XR Down Jacket? I don't like to layer I preffer to only wear my V-neck t-shirt underneath. Looking forward to ur reply. ;)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes