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Short of Time ? – Speedy Summary Review

This Jacket nails it for high levels of features without the price tag. My Trail Co sell direct from their store so its easy to see the benefit of the savings in their prices. At $129 dollars delivered this 3 season jacket is a no-brainer for all but the most challenging conditions and adventures.

Purchase $129

Main Review

My Trail Co have a real ‘sweet spot’ for the hiker and runner on a budget who still wants quality gear with lots of features. I tend to use this kind of jacket as a ‘thrown on in camp’ kind of jacket to stay warm but its equally good for hiking and walking too.

Materials

The outer layer of the jacket is made from 20D Ripstop Nylon with a DWR finish. This finish means its heavily water repellent and will survive a bit of a shower or if you spill water on it. This is important with a Down Jacket as the internal down filling can lose a lot of its thermal properties when it is wet .

Stuff This

The jacket itself is stuffed with ethically sourced down. The channels at the side of the jacket are vertical which actually gives this jacket a better range of movement than traditional jackets with all horizontal baffles. The jacket has an 800 fill rating, which is a high rating which means it gives you excellent insulation against the cold. The debate will rage on about down fill versus synthetic fill, and the honest answer is I have both. I opt for a synthetic fill when I’m worried about damp and excess sweat, but will always opt for a Down fill when warmth is important. Down can lose its thermal properties when wet so you can see why the outside of the jacket has a water repellent coating. I would use this jacket for standing around in camp or after exercise, hiking and walking but wouldn’t use this for running in the winter.

Pocketyness

There are two pockets on the outside that are really large for gear or your hands. What I really like is that the pockets are fleecy lined so they really do help keep your hands warm. There is also an internal chest pocket for your phone or wallet and it has a guide loop for headphones too.

Zippyness

The main zip up the jacket has a storm baffle inside to stop the wind coming through and also make sure your clothes don’t get caught up in the zip. I took it on the ‘ driving in my car with the hood down on the Interstate in Winter’ Test and the jacket kept me warm and comfortable.

Fit and Sizing

There is also an elastic cord round the hem to tighten the jacket if you need to and I would say this jacket is on the generous side for fit, which is actually exactly what you want. The times when you are going to want and reach for a Down Jacket are times when its very cold and so its likely you’ll have a few layers on underneath so you’ll want the extra room for comfort.

The sleeves have elastic wrists too to keep the draft out, although it would be nice to see some small thumb loops to help keep my hands warm when I forget to bring gloves.

All Good in the Hood ?

The jacket has a really large hood. This is useful for people like climbers who need to get a helmet on underneath. I would have a little gripe though about the lack of a draw cord to tighten it up and keep it against your head. It tends to feel a bit big a loose and may have a tendency to flail around in the wind a bit too much. It would be good to see this jacket have this feature added in the future.

Take Care

Down Jackets need a little bit more tender loving care than normal clothes. I don’t not recommend washing them with normal detergent and definitely never use fabric softener. The best thing to use to keep the jacket puffy and the outer coating water repellent is to use Nikwax Down Wash Direct and Re Waterproof with Nikwax Down Proof.

Closest Contenders?

If its a combo of price and warmth then the other option is the fully synthetic Rat Race Thermal Jacket which I reviewed here .

There is also the same version 800 Jacket from My Trail Co without the hood for an amazing $99 here .

Verdict

This jacket nails it for high levels of features without the price tag. My Trail Co sell direct from their store so its easy to see the benefit of the savings in their prices. At $129 dollars delivered this 3 season jacket is a no-brainer for all but the most challenging conditions and adventures.

Purchase $129

Want to Buy it ?

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Purchase $129

Specifications

• Outer Shell: 20-Denier ripstop nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish

• Lining: Polyester

• Internal media chest pocket with headphone guide loop

• Full length front zipper with internal storm flap to prevent drafts

• External zipper garage protects your skin

• 800 Fill ethically-sourced goose down

• Vertical side channels for improved body contact and range of motion

• Elastic cord hem adjustment

• Low profile elastic cuffs

• Zippered microfleece lined hand warmer pockets

• Reflective logo for safety

• Ethically sourced – Responsible Down Standards (RDS) – Learn more at responsibledown.org