Fleece vs Down jacket

[glowfrog]

Hi all - am considering buying one of those light down jackets:

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/ultra-light-down-parka-460915.html

Though not necessarily from Uniqlo. How does it compare in terms of warmth to a fleece? Or does it depend on the brand, eg an £80 down jacket from Uniqlo will be very warm but one from M&S less so

I can never manage without a hood in London. Went out tonight in a trench coat without a hood- the sun was shining- and regretted it as my brolly was blown inside out.

Uniqlo down coats really are very warm indeed and are another level compared to fleece. They are reasonably water repellant but you can dramatically improve this by washing in Nikwax Down Proof. Genius stuff.

Down jackets are brilliant, perfect for the shite English weather in the Winter. They provide extreme warmth and also great practicality compared to other coats often with numerous zip pockets just brought this the other week and love it already. I cannot get though winter without a down jacket especially as someone who is outside a lot

https://m.jdsports.co.uk/product/black-montirex-arcs-padded-jacket/19591918/

@CharlotteRumpling I hate umbrellas, especially in London when everyone has one out and you have to waltz around each other. So agreed on need for a hood!

@glowfrog I use a waterproof bucket hat! Sometimes hoods can be too large (fall over my eyes) and uncomfortable.

Well, you're not wrong. Hoods are often too big or too small. Especially difficult to find a good one for kids as well.

I have a few hoods that are ideal but they are a lottery. Hat in my bag works quite well.

I should try a hat. I will probably forget it as I would forget my own head if not attached to my shoulders.

@Supportyourlocal I love thar jacket. Never heard of that brand before but it looks very Matrix!