Reviewing the Best Budget Down Jackets - BEST to WORST
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- Check Out PackWizard Here! www.PackWizard.com
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
Jacket #5 (M & W): geni.us/AliDownJacket
Jacket #4 (M): geni.us/AmzDownJacketM
Jacket #4 (W): geni.us/AmzDownJacketW
Jacket #3 (M & W): geni.us/650DownHoodie
Jacket #2 (M): geni.us/Trek100DownJacketM
Jacket #2 (W): geni.us/Trekk100DownJacketW
Jacket #1 (M): geni.us/UniqloDownJacketM
Jacket #1 (W): geni.us/UniqloDownJacketW
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⭐ MY FAVORITE GEAR ⭐
Garmin InReach Mini: geni.us/InReachMini2
Decathlon Down Jacket - geni.us/Trek100DownJacketM
REI Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt: geni.us/enigmadown
Garmin Fenix Watch: geni.us/FenixWatch
Lanshan 1 Pro Tent: geni.us/Lanshan1Pro
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📷 MY FILMING GEAR 📷
Sony ZV-E1: geni.us/Sony-ZVE1
GoPro Hero 11: geni.us/GoPro11
Insta360 One X3: geni.us/Insta-360
Rode Wireless Mic: geni.us/Rode-Wireless
Komperdell Camera Staff: geni.us/CameraStaff
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CONNECT WITH ME!
Website: justinoutdoors.com
Facebook: / justinoutdoors
Instagram: / justinoutdoors
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This video description includes affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!
Check Out PackWizard Here! www.PackWizard.com
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
Jacket #5 (M & W): geni.us/AliDownJacket
Jacket #4 (M): geni.us/AmzDownJacketM
Jacket #4 (W): geni.us/AmzDownJacketW
Jacket #3 (M & W): geni.us/650DownHoodie
Jacket #2 (M): geni.us/Trek100DownJacketM
Jacket #2 (W): geni.us/Trekk100DownJacketW
Jacket #1 (M): geni.us/UniqloDownJacketM
Jacket #1 (W): geni.us/UniqloDownJacketW
What watch you wearing in this video also when pushing elevation in colder weather what watch do you use
Thanks mate
Can you define "least" warm for the $20 jacket?
How less warm did it feel to you compared to the warmest jacket in the test and at what temps (if you mentioned this in the video, I must've missed it)?
#1 Gear man on youtube! Thanks again for the upload brother!
I love your gear review videos! Feels like a friend reviewing rather than someone who's just balancing stats. I need a good jacket for my Husband. Will definitely be using this video to help make a decision.
I recently used the Decathalon MT 100 for the first time on a backpacking trip. I hadn't heard of it until I watched one of your videos. I love it, it was very warm and lightweight.
I would love a video like this on synthetic jackets! I've worn the mt100 for 4 years and recently tried the synthetic version and was disappointed to find a completely different fit.
Thank you for your feedback! That's a great suggestion for a video on synthetic jackets, especially if the fit can be different from the down versions. I'll definitely consider making a video on that topic in the future. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile power station with a massive capacity, fast recharge, and waterproof technology. It could be a great addition to your outdoor gear collection!
The synthetic MT100 was a good fit for me. How was it in terms of warmth and layerability.
I own the UniQlo jacket, tested it at -15 C and it did the job very well.
I bought the Decathlon some time ago, on your recommendation, and it's gone all over the place with me, and has been rock solid.
I've had two Uniqlo jackets for several years. One hooded, one not. Love them, a great value
Mt100 is RDS certified btw, i dont think my uniqlo has that. Another point for the Decathlon
I've had the hooded Uniqlo down jacket since 2015. I traveled Eastern Europe with it for a month, and have taken it on countless hikes and day trips, bunched up at the bottom of a backpack. I can't believe it's still kicking after 9 years. It's not super warm now, but as a portable extra layer to put under another jacket it's one of the most useful pieces of gear I've ever had.
Found my mt100 to be warmer than the uniqlo. Probably because of the fit. They're the same price here in Ontario. 85CAD.
Truth is it’s nice to have someone to turn to for gear advice. I know that it deviates from the mostly homegrown hiking videos that I like to make but whenever I want… information, I will go to your videos. I love my new Toakes Spoon… but why isn’t mine pink too? Say, it’s high time for me to get a jacket
I've been using the uniqlo down jacket for years and the ultralight subreddit has also recommended it too! I'm glad you tried it and loved it! I'm glad you compared it with other affordable down jackets because now I'm just gonna replace my old uniqlo down with a new one. 😂
Sounds like you'd be able to write up a great review on PackWizard.com for the jacket!
what else is recommended from uniqlo? Im trying to spend another 20 bucks for freeshipping
@@BH-gh6qm I hear a lot of people like their airism underwear
It’s interesting. My wife and I have old Uniqlo back when they were $40. The men’s has very narrow baffles and women’s is wider. Hers is much warmer than mine. I guess they changed them to be the same now.
I’ve a North Face puffer jacket costing when i bought it almost £180. I also have two simple ‘down jackets, both fold into their pockets and both cost less than £40 each from Decathlon. With a good jumper or sweatshirt underneath the two cheaper jackets are great!
Amazing detailed video! Thanks
I just bought the REI 850 down jacket yesterday. I've been using an REI synthetic jacket as a casual jacket for the last few months but its getting colder and just wasn't quite enough. Looking forward to it arriving Wednesday! I do have a Ghost Whisperer, but its too small now. Need to do more hiking lol
Waiting for the video on _cold_ weather puffies!
I would agree with you on the Decathalon MT 100 taking a bump because of the big price jump. I was thinking about buying a second one but when I saw the new prices I decided to wait. I would be curious to see a review on the puffy jacket Costco offers I believe it’s about $70 US. I haven’t Had a good look at it other than passing by it in one of their stores a couple summers ago. The Uniqlo looks promising I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for the vids! Looking at Packwizard at these jackets, the Decathlon is ranked higher than the Uniqlo? Also, you said the uniqlo is $80, but the website (US) says $90. Does that change your order?
New to your channel..how do you feel about Spyder? I grabbed one of their down hoodies from an outlet last winter for well under $100 and have been pretty thrilled so far
So the Uniqlo is actually listed as 750 down now and $90. The decathlon might be rising back up.
Yes in the UK, the MT100 is £60 and the Uniqlo older version of this is mostly sold out on sale, but the more recent version is pound for dollars so £79. Not as big a bargain here, as Justin said.
That was some interesting information you shared with us. I just got the decathlon jacket for 60€ and I am looking forward to trying it. I was also surprised to see the uniqlo jacket out there. Uniqlo make some good quality clothes but I never considered it for outdoors use. They are more of a city kind of clothing for me.
I'm wearing my XL MT100 right now, $85 mail order from years ago, based on your reco, back when there weren't any outlets here in BC, but as of Oct28th we finally have one at Metrotown, as a pop-up, with the full store opening Spring 2024. I did pickup a CAN$50 women's medium in pink, but she hates the color, maybe i can exchange it when the full store opens (I'm beyond the 1yr warranty, tho i do recall Decathlon having a 2 year warranty on some products, and an anytime return for unwanted products, not just Decathlon products) oh, that was a 3mo buyback in Belgium at their renamed Nolhtaced stores LoLz 😂
I bought my Decathlon MT100 last year for $50 CDN, I am a naturally warm person so I can't wear it casually i.e. around town. I can't even wear it above -10C and that is with a long sleeve T only but boy does it work down in the -35C and -40C range. With layers you are laughing at Mr. Frost. Definitely a personal item but I am very pleased with the cost / benefit ratio on this one. Even at $80 CDN I would consider it a good deal, but it does go on sale.
I am doing the PCT in 2024 (awaiting final permit approval) and I am kinda not budget minded since all pieces of gear must work. no exceptions. I have the REI jacket It is good but feel I need more warmth. I was stuck between the Mountain Hardware and Enlightened Equipment jackets. I went with E E's Torrid which is synesthetic which I might need for Washington.
I just need gear that has been battle tested with a reputation for being good.
Awesome video, thank you!
Thanks for the Video i have the Decathlon jacket plus My Mountain Hardware Ghost whisper light jacket had for years 900 fill too both good
I really like the Eastern Mountain Sports Feather Pack down jacket. Current models have 5oz/142g of 800FP hydrophobic down, mine is 6 or 7 years old and has 5.5oz/156g. They are missing the interior drop pockets, but they pack into a zippered interior pocket on the left chest which is plenty big enough for a 1l water bottle, hat & gloves, etc. They also have a zippered external left chest pocket big enough for an iPhone 13Pro. Hem and hood drawstrings let you hold in warmth. They’re more expensive than your 5 jackets at an MSRP of $250USD, but you can find them all the time at $175 USD. Mine has been in my pack nearly every time I’ve hit the woods since buying it. I’d definitely buy another one.
Yep, thats been my go to for years. Got it on sale for around $125 or something.
Got the mt100 for 45 usd… def dont regret it! Just missing pouch inside and might need it a bit warmer (0c is coldest i would take it with a light fleece and base layer, while it being kinda cool still)
I just put my pink titanium spoon in the pocket of my rain jacket when it gets to cold outside.
You're on content fire! Keep the videos coming:)
Oh wow I wish I'd seen this before getting my Fjern jacket in the sales, happy with that but I did consider the Uniqlo but was wary because I didn't have any temp info etc. I have the MT100 and it's a great jacket, I found it a little cold for static work though. I can swear by Uniqlo though, I always take their fleece with me - mine is actually a polyester/cotton mix, so not totally ideal (their recent ones are 100% polyester), but it dries pretty quickly. It's a bit ragged now on the sleeves, but it's brilliant.
Decathlon jackets run extremely small. I got 3xl. Just barely fits. REI's hooded 650 jacket is on sale until 11/20 for $104.00 + some change.
Great & helpful review. For size reference can you please provide your height & weight details? Thank you
I have the decathlon for cool weather and I got the OV Nova Pro for cold weather. Different price points, but both are great jackets.
Thinking about getting the Nova pro not sure if I should get the jacket or the vest mostly for three season hiking
@@CountryFriedCracka I usually run pretty warm, so take this with a grain of salt. I use my decathlon for three-season hiking, using a decent mid-layer. My NovaPro is for really cold weather. An example of range.
Decathalon: 30-60 degrees
NovaPro: - 20-30.
I got an EMS Mens FeatherPack for like $90 new two years ago and it’s kept me warm in 30mph winds at -15* with just a fleece underneath.
Don’t cheap out on foot ware, rain gear or a winter coat. Those items, spend money and do your research.
One thing to note about a lot of "affordable" brands is not just the sustainability and ethics of their down, but also their ethics of how they treat their employees, AND the possibility of toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of the fabrics.
I'd hazard a guess that the 2 on the lower end of your rating here, the cheaper ones from Ali Express and Amazon, are probably made by people who arent being paid a whole lot of money, and the fabrics may be toxic.
Uniqlo has been accused of near slave labour conditions.
Even Decathlon has been accused of using rather vague "ecological" claims on their products, and had to remove those tags in The Netherlands.
REI seems to be the only one on your list that doesnt have any ecological sustainability or employment ethics problems. Hence, the higher price.
As I dont have access to an REI, I went with the Decathlon jacket when it was on sale recently for only $51 at a grand opening sale.
When at all possible, stay away from fast fashion brands, particularly if you care about your health, and the health of the people making your clothes.
Sams Club has the Eddie Bauer packable down jacket for 36$ and is a great jacket for the price. Enjoyed the video, thx..
I think the issue with the Uniqlo ones is that you can't cinch the bottom, so air can get in
Helpful information. Thanks.
When you first showed the REI jacket, you said it was a large, but when you showed the all five jackets side by side, your graphic said it was a medium. Could you clarify which size it was? Thanks.
Sorry about that miss. It is a size medium!
Thanks. That makes us about the same size; I had an REI 650 down jacket (new version) last week and liked the fit and improvements. (We haven’t yet seen the Hoodies yet here in South Carolina.) I had thought we must be the same size, but when a large in the Decathlon Trek 100 was too snug on me, I had to wonder. (I hate buying clothing online and just gave up; never tried the XL and I’ve since addressed my limited cold weather needs in other ways.) However, although we may be the same size, I’m, um, several decades older, and so not quite the same shape as you! Still, knowing this will help me estimate my size for items that might interest me in your future videos. Thanks.
Is that the same as the Uniqlo, ultra light down 3D cut parka ? It’s only $60 in Canada.
I have the Amazon jacket. Myself I was warm in single digits temperature with just a tshirt. As well as caught in a heavy rain storm but looking into the 32 degree type bc still cheap that least it has a pull string in the hood
I've got 2 Amazon Basic pants and one Amazon Basic synthetic vest and they are pretty good for the cost
What are the zips like on this. Can you open and close multiple times without any snagging?
Curious, why haven’t you ever included the Eddie Bauer cirruslite down jacket when considering best budget jackets? It is a name brand jacket that is popular, includes 650 fill, ykk zippers, dwr coating, light weight and a low price of $60.
What about zpacks goose down puffy? Its supposedly only 192g somehow. The Uniqlo is an interesting option. But idk if you were missinformed but the website here, canada, says its 750 fill down and fowel feathers not 800 down fill. It costs $109.90 canadian. A good price though.
750 is based on the EU method of measuring
Hi Justin, thank you for your work and here especially for the overview with the different sizes at 9:30. Can you please tell us your height and weight? (I think I'm about the same size as you, this would help me when ordering. Btw, at 9:18 you said your MT100 would be a Large but at 9:30 you list it as an XL) - Greetings 🙂
I am 5ft 10 and 180lbs. The MT100 is an XL. I also messed up the REI jacket. It is a size medium.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for your answer, it helps me. 🙏
I’ve been aware of the decathlon MT100 for awhile. Finally bought it and happy I did. Was on sale for $60. Bargain !
Watching this video the whole time I was just thinking it would be cool if he looked at some uniqlo lol I'm a big fan of their stuff, the only bad thing I can say is they have too many options for down jackets so it can be hard to choose
What gloves are those?
I have the Patagonia version of the the jackets you reviewed in this video. A quick story: in 2014 I bought the Patagonia jacket/sweater. Twice the zipper failed. it was fixed at a Patagonia store about 3 years ago, i put on the jacket about a month ago. And the zipper failed again, basically unzipping from the bottom up. I took it back to the retail store to see if they could fix it again, just a couple days ago. Instead of fixing it, they replaced it with a brand new jacket. Retail price $279 "800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down." They took the old jacket to recycle. Way to go Patagonia! I love this company.
Justin, thank you for reviewing lower cost jackets. FYI it’s “fill power”, not “power fill” 😂. And I think you confused “thickness” and “width” of the baffles on the REI jacket. You used thickness for both dimensions which is confusing.
My decathlon was $99 four years ago. Only time I've seen it cheaper is when it's on sale.
I hope you will also introduce breathable waterproof Goretex jacket and pants without sweating too much for hiking walking etc.maximum price range of 200 euros, thanks
That was a great gear review! I learned a lot about down jackets in the past 12 minutes. I would be cautious about buying an outdoor (hiking, trekking) jacket from Uniqlo since they are not a dedicated outdoor clothing company. I would trust REI, or higher end (Rab, Mammut, North Face) more. The highest jacket I have in terms of fill is a Haglofs at 800-fill. There are 1000-fill jackets out there. QUESTION: How much better is 1000 than 800, given the much higher cost? Rab just came out with the Zero G 1000+ Fp jacket at $515.00. Justin--is it worth it? Thanks.
The Rab Mythic G is about twice as warm and a little lighter than the Decathlon, due to both the higher fill power and the reflective inner lining. I own both. That said, it's very much *not* worth five times the price. If not for my REI employee discount I would not have even considered it.
@@Andy-Mesa I second that comment all the way - Rab's Mythic series of jackets are amongst the warmest to weight ratio out there if not THE best. I own a Mythic Ultra (their warmest) and took it for a spin at -50 C (!) and was toasty warm for 45 minutes walking around. Their ligther options are equally impressive. That being said, the prices are equally insane - I end up wearing my Decathlon MT100 way more often as I don't mind risking damaging it etc. Rab's are not great value, they are top of the food chain for gear geeks or professionals
Thanks to you, too. I may buy one, but really need to think about the price. @@VoicelessScream
Decathlon's sleeves and collar are very well designed. People need long sleeves so they don't need to wear gloves, and a high collar to protect the neck. Many high-end brands seem to ignore these humanized designs
I’d like to see a review of the little donkey Andy waterproof puffy jacket. For like 60-75 bucks, a synthetic jacket that’s supposed to be good to 5 degrees F would be a steal. Definitely a little heavy but they do make non waterproof packable puffys. There’s just close to no reviews about the company as a whole.
Hey man! Just a question to you as a whole, you've probably been asked it before: Why don't you ever review any products from MEC? I know REI is basically the same and you have a large American audience, but as a follow Canadian, I would love to see your thoughts on some of the MEC clothing and gear which many Canadians rely on rather than REI. I'd love to see a video!
Love your stuff, keep it up!
I get asked that pretty much every day. The reason is that there are only a few MEC products that really stand out to me. The Expedition booties, Spark 1P tent, and Mica Pants are a few examples and those who up in my videos often.
@@JustinOutdoors fair answer! I’m a MEC employee so I’m always curious what people think objectively of our products haha.
Just a heads up but the uniqlo jacket in the link is now $89.99 and listed as using a 750fp down.
Yup, price went up. The 750 is based on the EU standard of testing. It converts to about 800 based on the US standard.
Hey Justin. What does the MT 100 stands for in the decathlon jacket? Thanks.
mountain trekking
I should have been more precise. They have MT 100 and MT 500 in Canada. The website doesn't say what does the numbers mean. Is is for the warmth?
Whats the deal with this fashion of thin baffles? Isnt this making the jacket colder?
Have not watched yet but I have a good guess
I was wrong
Could you add chapters with titles to your videos? It will help a lot
I think I will buy the hat
Justin please stop talking about the MT100 or it's going to be 100 bucks in France too ;) I remember buying it for 50€ (and that was the normal price).. Also according to decathlon it's 800 CUIN at the international standard and not the US one as you say in the video. I'm surprised by the uniqlo jacket, when I checked it out a few years ago they were using 600CUIN down (and it didn't look the same as in your video). uniqlo jacket isn't RDS certified afaik
I have the REI jacket, I think re reason it's warmer because of the nylon being a heavier denier, lets less air through.
Strange, here in Germany and France the price for the Decathlon MT 100 is still 59,95€
bought mine in Greece today for 69 euros
My Decathlon MT100 in size L has a weight of 310gr. :/
You got a puppeee!?
what's so wrong with synthetic jackets? they're not as packable, but are waterproof
Nervously looks at my new kuhl spytfire purchased for $289…
Since when is $150 “just over” $100?
750 down not 800 on the Uniglo.
That Uniqlo jacket is only 39.99 in the UK in certain sizes. Bargain!
39.99£ pounds are different from US$, and even CAN$
6:40 - meat is murder, eh?
Decathlon offers 10% off for first time customers, but it's impossible to get the 10% off coupon, no matter how many times you email them.
If they can't get that right, how can I expect them to fix an order that needs returning.
HARD PASS!
Decathlon is also unfortunately becoming too expensive
What about ethics? Where did the down come from and what conditions did those animals suffer?
sure they did. but that's not the point when you buy stuff for this little money.
If that is a concern, then you want to look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) Certified. Also, you might want to listen to Backpacking Light podcast episode 46 where host Ryan Jordan talks with some of the folks from IDFL Laboratory and Institute. I learned a lot about down from that one episode.
Will never purchase a down jacket that doesn't explicitly state the Fill Power and the Fill WEIGHT. I don't care about the animals, it's my warmth and it's coming off their body one way or another. Also that uniqlo one that you listed a link to uses 750
750 based on EU testing standard. I converted to US
It's definitely worth it to pay for ethically sourced down if you can afford it.
Just don’t use down…. Or leather
Why?
You want to look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) Certified. Also, listen to Backpacking Light podcast episode 46 where host Ryan Jordan talks with some of the folks from IDFL Laboratory and Institute. I learned a lot about down from that one episode, such as goose down is a byprodcut of the food industry.
I use unborn panda fur in my jackets. softest, Warm/weight ratio.
I agree, in this day & age you should definitely make sure it's RDS. And I like to buy from companies that definitely do not dabble in child/forced labour. It's crazy that we have to think of these things in 2023, it should be a thing of the past...
Being from Scotland, I find synthetic jackets to be most reliable in varying conditions. I use the very warm Generator Alpine from Rab. For lighter use, I use an Alpha Direct jacket. Wicks & regulates very well 👍🏼
Let’s me honest… can we really see a reason somebody would hold down a goose, pluck it’s feathers out, then feed it for multiple months to regrow it’s feathers to do it again… food cost would out weigh the benefits… not to mention how hard it is to hold down a goose lol
As well, the down is a fraction of the value of a goose relative to the meat. Live plucking is very rare.
Decathlon pushed the price because of this channel and others bigging it up so much. Foreseeable consequence.
Good review just too heavy on the Ethical stuff. Kill it . Eat it. . Make clothes out of it. There's nothing more natural than that.
These ultra budget down jackets get their down from very shady places. Not good
None of these jackets are worth it.. you can find a north face nuptse for 100 in sales. Far warmer.
That jacket is $250 and double the weight! Not the same kind of jacket at all. These are LIGHTWEIGHT packable down for $100 or less. That Nupse is an around town fashion statement. Heavy as hell.
How do you know it's far warmer?
But who cares about RDS? why does everyone market the crap out of it? We just want a warm jacket, we don't about about the ducks
Down is not ethical and it’s cruel. Please choose something that doesn’t involve animal suffering.
Save it lib