North Face vs Patagonia vs something else?

[RedDwarves]

Hi all,

It's coming into winter where I am at the moment, and I am walking my dogs in the early hours of the morning, which will soon hit 0 or close to 0 degrees.

I find my "big" jacket (Parka London) too heavy/bulky to wear for a 6+km walk, and my Gortex raincoat (Kathmandu) too light feeling for the cold. So I have been looking at a short, down insulated jacket, like the North Face Nuptse or the Patagonia one which is similar.

Does anyone have experience with either of these jackets? Which do you prefer? Are there any other brands which might appeal?

If you can afford it Patagonia are great and a good ethical brand. I've got a Uniqlo down parka - it's lightweight, really warm and covers my arse and is probably a third of the price. Had it for a good few years and it's brilliant if there's a chill but my big proper heavy Didriksons winter parka too much. If it's really chilly, I wear my Uniqlo lightweight down gilet under it, both pack down tiny,too.

Patagonia is better quality than TNF. Some of the Summit Series stuff is ok but the rest is more mass market than proper technical gear.

I'm an outdoor gear addict and have an embarrassing number of jackets. The down versions that I rate most highly for winter walks are the Mountain Equipment Lightline and the Arc'teryx Cerium SV.

This is one of the most versatile jackets in my collection. It's not down but it is very warm, very breathable and water resistant. It's always the first one I grab unless it's really sub-zero or pouring rain: www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/montane-womens-hydrogen-direct-jacket-A4514778.html?colour=105

I would avoid real down as you’ll be worry about getting stuck in a downpour. I second a recommendation for montane- I have a few bits and bobs from them and I really like them. You can also look at rab.

Thanks! Patagonia seems to be a better option than TNF.

Sergeant Not a worry here! We're in drought. Feb 2017 was the last time we had substantial, persistent rain.

I will look at Montane.

Alpkit are good value for jackets if Rab etc are looking pricey.

I ended up ordering the Patagonia Down Sweater, but can return it if it isn't what I'm after.

Thanks everyone.

I have a Patagonia hybrid puffy which I love. Great quality and fit.

For a colder weather puffy I have a Rab Alpine which I love. I think go outdoors are having a May discount at the minute so might be cheaper with their current discount code?

X post!

Uniqlo down. I love them!

I got my first Rab down jacket this winter and I'm evangelical about it.

Down is amazing.

Will keep Rab in mind if I end up returning the Patagonia one. Have never heard of them before, so I wonder if I can buy them here in Australia without extortionate shipping costs.

I was in Uniqlo recently and they didn't have much, but that was in Sydney and the temperatures there aren't nearly as cold as it gets here. Might look online.