$60 Uniqlo Down Jacket vs. $400 Arc’teryx Down Jacket!
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2024
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Can my cheapest down jacket compete with my most expensive? On the surface the affordable and insanely popular Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket checks every box for a great backpacking insulation layer: it's extremely light weight, packs down very small, and it's full of 100% RDS-certified down packed at 750 fill power into its baffles. At $60 (on sale) it could be the best value down jacket on the market for hiking and backpacking if it is genuinely warm and durable. Now, to be fair, the Uniqlo jacket is definitely not designed for hiking and backpacking, but I had to know what could justify the $340 price difference between this jacket, and the priciest technical backpacking and hiking coat in my closet - the $400 Arc'teryx Cerium Down Hoody. I took both jackets and headed to the mountains to find out just how these two jackets on either end of the price spectrum perform!
Intro: 00:00
$60 down jacket vs $400 down jacket: 1:04
Why I am comparing these two down jackets: 1:52
$60 down jacket vs $400 down jacket (con't): 2:37
Best down jacket options: 10:16
Conclusion: 11:21
Gear in this video -
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket: www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products...
Arc'teryx Cerium Down Hoody: arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/women...
REI 650 Down Jacket: www.rei.com/product/154226/re...
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody: www.mountainhardwear.com/p/wo...
Shop ALL My Favorite Backpacking Gear: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/bl...
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Miranda Goes Outside is the evolution of REI’s Miranda in the Wild channel and is no longer affiliated with, or sponsored by REI Co-op. All opinions are my own. To learn more, watch my video about my channel transitioning to Miranda Goes Outside here: • So, I have some news
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The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Videographer and Editor: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Dog: Tucker
This video was edited by Katie Van Fleet and filmed by Rainer Golden!
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#downjacket #winter #backpacking #hiking #camping #naturelovers #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild
I’ve seen a few questions about layering, other jacket suggestions, and down alternatives- so here ya go!
I’m wearing a base layer from Kari Traa and a SkyGOAT fleece hoodie (it’s my first official piece of cottage gear and I love it!) on top, and a base layer and my SheFly pants on the bottom.
Many of you have mentioned the Decathalon Forclaz! I learned about this jacket just a few days ago, when Rainer told me I probably should have compared my Cerium to that instead 🥲 Anyone who owns it - what do you think of it?
If you are looking for a good alternative to down for allergy, moral, or other reasons, check out the Thermoball collection from North Face, anything with Primaloft Gold, or Patagonia’s Nano Puff line!
I have the Forclaz, great jacket for the price (but not really tested it while hicking tbh). Had the early version of the thermoball: great but began to lose "fluffines" after a while
Can't say I've tried an arcteryx down jacket but the decathlon mt100 is definitely amazing value. It's kept me warm in the -5C region and it's very light and packable!
Another benefit of it being reasonably priced is that I don't feel like I need to baby it versus a more expensive down jacket.
Overall I'm plenty happy with it, and I think it would make for a more interesting comparison to your Cerium!
I just hiked in the whites wearing the decathlon forclaz vest (and slept in it). I was too hot hiking and it was 21f.
I’ve owned the Forclaz for 3 years now and it’s a great jacket for little money. It’s kept me warm up to about -5 degrees Celsius (23 Fahrenheit). With a thermal base layer it even held until -10/14
Thanks! 😊
The Decathlon Trek 100 is $90 and it’s amazing. Even if it isn’t “on par” with its $400 alternative, I’m willing to bet the gap is much smaller in heat and quality. It has 800fp and a nice tapered design for minimizing air gaps, still pretty light (10.2 oz for a medium men’s).
Just chiming in here, this jacket is indeed awesome.
Got my Trek 100 last year....love it.
I've heard about that one from Dan Becker. It really seems like the best cheap puffy !
I like Decathlon!
Ditto! Love my Trek 100 down jacket
The Uniqlo jacket is great up to late fall. If you're wearing it in winter, you will need to layer up or add a shell. However, for $60, it's a great purchase.
I love the fact that we got a new channel with the same Miranda. Often times when people go out on their own, their entire persona changes to something vastly different. The fact that Miranda has maintained the same personality and style throughout both channels warrants high praise to REI for allowing her lots of creativity and to Miranda for being genuinely Miranda no matter what.
A note on the 10 year old jacket, just remember that ten years ago they might have been using a better process that they've since decided to sideline in the name of profits.
Mountain Hardwear kind of did the same thing with the GW. I've got one I bought about 6 or 7 years ago, and I bought a hooded one a year later and the hooded one was a much tighter fit than the previous one. And they were labeled as the same size. Bought a GW vest in XXL as well and same deal, barely fit me. The first jacket I bought, still fits, though I'm a bit more rotund than when I bought it. ☺
A note on the 10 year old jacket, just remember that ten years ago they might have been using a lesser process that they've since decided to upgrade in the name of improvement.
@@jessegpresley Looking at the 10 year old Uniqlo jacket and the newer one, I'm going to go with what I said over what you said. The 10 year old one actually has design that looks like current higher end down sweaters. The newer one looks like a sewing pattern you'd give a home ec student for one of their first projects.
good point! but additionally to that it is definitely another model of down jacket and might have been a pricier one than the one miranda bought now. uniqlo has lots of down jackets.
The thing is, Uniqlo changed their Ultralight Jackets fit 1 or 2 years ago, and NOW it’s shorter and has a boxier fit (and it sucks). The older Ultralight Jacket works as an insulated layer. I bought it for 40-45 EUR, and technically it does the same work as Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Jacket that costs approx 300 EUR
Congrats on the first episode of the new era!! It really is your show now. So excited for you & the crew.
The Uniqlo jackets that first came out were SO WARM. 10F and comfy. I sadly lost it and the newer ones have less fill and a bit breezy. Still great for the price.
The newer ones come in multiple lofts! You can get a lighter version or one that’s loftier with more warmth and wider baffles.
To me it's also how well it holds up after a few washes. I had cheaper items that actually seemed good quality at first but after wearing for a month or washing (according to instructions, like I would also wash the more expensive ones) they would fall apart so there's that
I was completely happy sitting on the couch with my blanket, drinking coffee and then I watched your video. Now I must go outside and do a winter hike. Absolutely didn’t need another jacket. I did need the inspiration to get my butt going. Thanks for the video!
I have the Uniqlo down jacket and love it for layering. I use a thin waterproof-windproof The North Face jacket over it and together they create a great pair for hiking, skiing and much more. It does add extra weight for backpacking but I'm not an ultralighter and the money I saved were worth the few extra ounces on my back :)
Plus you get more versatility from the combo option. This is exactly what I was wondering as she did this review. (Many thanks). I'm from Oz and we just don't have access to a lot of options AND I just can't justify a heavy expenditure on a jacket I will get VERY little use from. So I may just get stuck with the Uniqlo option cos would rather spend more on waterproofing (I can always layer up)
That’s what I do as well!
Same! Esp since I live in a desert area, I can't justify expensive gear just for when I go traveling in winter. So I got a total of 5 light layers including Uniqlo ultralight vest and heattech base. Layers = warmer so this setup works well. And I get to wear more of my favorite things.
"This is my show gosh darn" is back! I'm so excited for this
An important note would be to mention that this is also a good reason to get something designed for exercise or outdoor use, as that's a lot of the benefits being seen in the nicer jackets. The Uniqlo clearly isn't bad, especially for in and out of buildings or pedestrian commuting, but suffers for hiking and backpacking because it just isn't designed for it. Seems likely to be fine on a budget for moderate snowy cold, day hikes, shorter trips, etc, and when layered well, but it's just not going to be "best use."
OK...but you missed a key point on the Arcteryx Cerium Jackets (or vests)...on top of the shoulders and in the pit area Arcteryx uses synthetic fill. This allows the Arcteryx to release vapor in those high sweat areas without compromising warmth. Also having synthetic in the shoulder area means that there is no concern about the loft under the backpack shoulder straps. So, besides the fit there are a lot of reasons to go with Arcteryx; it's just a better technical jacket. Of course if you want the absolute lightest weight to warmth ratio...get a MontBell Plasma 1000.
Arcteryx advantage: testing in real world conditions.
I think the cerium outer fabric is too fragile to wear whilst wearing anything other than a very small light pack.i own the cerium sv and would only put it on when I stop to warmup
@@waichungsham1578 I used the Cerium SL Vest in Northern Florida on the Florida Trail and had no issues with it. If you're not hiking through brambles the fabric is plenty good enough. Besides...it seems to me that most hikers love new gear all the time anyways, so why not use and abuse what you have...the next new shiny thing is just around the corner.
I’ve had my Uniqlo ultra light down for several years and it’s held up great. Mine has the thinner baffles unlike the one you tried. Mine is also more form fitting so there’s no drafts. I’ve worn a base layer, merino wool T, zip up fleece and my Uniqlo down and have comfortable in the low 30s
I've had the Uniqlo one for a while, and recently picked up a Marine Layer one which has become my go to. But for durability and a layer the Uniqlo is great (although all my experience has been city wear, not hiking wear)
I own the REI 650. For the price you really can't beat it. My best friend has a ghost whisperer and although I find myself liking his jacket a little more, I think about the price difference and it makes me appreciate how well my REI jacket does for only a $100. I've owned it for a couple of years now and its still going strong!
look out for sales! i have purchased 3 GWs over the years (2 for gifts, one for myself), and never paid more than $150.
58 seconds in and already got the giggles… so excited to see what’s to come for you and the team!
I enjoy watching your gear reviews. Your crew also deserves praise. Keep up the good work!
Loved the podcast episode that you and Kyle did! Great to hear some fun stories! & great video, too, Miranda!!
Love the Arcteryx Cerium. Been wearing it for about 50 days a year every year for the past 6 years. Still as good as new.
Awww, I feel one thing to mention is these Uniqlo jackets are not made for wind, rain, snow, any element really. Usually I find it really effective to put as a mid layer with a windbreaker type outside. It’s cute enough to wear around if you have to while traveling. I’ve had mine for like 8yrs now. I bring it for long plane rides in case the AC is set too low, to vacation as packable emergency warmth etc. it has came in clutch a few times for that. But I would never trust it for camping or the outdoors as the main warmth keeper… maybe for like a fall hike, maybe. These are made for the city for sure~
I agree with everything you said - except the "made for the city" part. Cities get drizzle, snow, and wind - at least mine does. And Uniqlo jackets are lousy in those conditions. The shell is prone to tears and snags too. Uniqlo is more of a "sitting in the car" jacket. Or a "my house is cold" jacket. Unless you have pets. You don't want to be wearing one of those jackets around a pet. It would be ripped to shreds.
A big thing for a puffer is knowing what details to look for.
Make sure it at least has elastic to cinch up the cuffs and bottom so you don't lose so much heat.
Getting one with a hood helps with that as well, so that when your body heat stovepipes upward it circulates around your head rather than instantly dispersing.
So excited for your channel! Also very happy to hear that you were able to keep your intro audio lol I love hearing you say “this is my show, gosh darn!”
Loved this video! I felt like you did a good job of highlighting what made the arcteryx warmer, which is helpful to us viewers when we consider what to look for in a down jacket (regardless of which brand options we have). It also seemed like you and Reiner were just having a fun time together, and there were more signature Miranda jokes which I absolutely love!!! Can't wait to see more from you and your team as you take this new leap into independent videos 😁
Great first episode of your new channel! Love having more of Rainer in the video as his sense of humor works so well with yours. Excited for what is to come!
Can you guys do a whole down “puffy” jacket show down, comparing multiple brands? And different steps between down levels?
This is so timely because I am going on REI's Catskill overnight backpacking in February and I have been circling around the jackets for at least 2 weeks now and contemplating whether I should just use the jacket I always wear. This video is helpful. I do have the Uniqlo vest which I had for 5 years and plan on taking because it does keep me very warm; standing 30+ mins for NYC transportation in the cold is a good test. 🤣
Oh my gosh I hope you have so much fun!! I’m actually looking at getting the Uniqlo vest - it seems like an awesome layer!! And yeah, that bitter NYC wind cuts deep 🥶
Thanks, @@MirandaGoesOutside Those winds do indeed. I think you will really like the vest. It comes with a baggy to put the vest in so that's helpful when trying to be space conscious. Have an awesome day!!
@@MirandaGoesOutside i have been thinking about getting one of their vests too! but i dont know if i should choose a thicker or thinner one or what is actually important in a down vest. if you choose the correct one, please let us know which one to get! :)
I absolutely loved this video. Good job Miranda! I love how you compared to one of the most expensive, and I loved how you had an REI option as well as the famous Ghost Whisperer. That’s a great start to being an independent blogger. I personally bought that Arc’teryx last winter in anticipation that I would need it for my backpacking needs in the summer. My backpacking season was so warm I didn’t get to put the Arc’teryx properly to the test, but it does fit better, and feel both more durable and warmer than any of the less expensive down jackets I’ve bought in the past. So, my cheap options are for “every day” wear around (easily replaceable), and my Arc’teryx is reserved for those times that I need an ultralight jacket that performs extremely well. Thank you for making this informative video.
So happy to see this!!
I bought my Uniqlo down about 7-8 years ago and it’s still going strong. I’ve hiked in it a few times and found it was too warm when hiking and sufficient when resting, but never in snowy cold weather. It’s been fine for fall and early spring hikes. I mostly wear it around the city. Also my jacket looks more like Frank’s. It is shiny, not boxy, with smaller rows of stitching.
I have the REI 650 jacket and it is fantastic! It packs into the pocket via a double sided zipper, and although it can be smashed even smaller, it still packs down to the size of your spread out hand. And it is shockingly warm! I always keep it in my pack as a backup if my main system gets wet, or as a jacket to give to someone I'm hiking with if they get cold, or as "yet another layer" I can put on if I get into a rough situation and need to stay warm. If you've never had a down puffy jacket, the warmth will surprise you! It is completely unbearably hot to wear inside a building. I find it too hot to wear while moving swiftly, even down to 20F. If I'm hiking with kids or it's even colder than that, then the down jacket comes out and is perfect.
A glaring difference between the two, the Cerrium has a hood which adds a chunk to the cost because. Personally I’m a fan of Rab jackets and they have amazing hoods.
I have had this one for a couple of years now and this year got a Decathlon Trek 100 for 45€ and I gotta say, it's a huge upgrade for hiking and I would highly recommend going for the Decathlon one over the Uniqlo one.
I love how informative your videos are!!! Keep slayin!!!!
One thing about the Ghost Whisperer is it's more form fitting than it used to be. A bonus too is that Mountain Hardware puts the GW on sale at the end of the season, so you can get one for like half price.
That’s what I did! Last seasons color, for much cheaper!
What was the total cost at half price?
@@edgarmiranda5270 Somewhere around $170 pre tax.
I’ve just found your videos today and I’m totally hooked. Love your down to earth personality and authentic self. Looking forward to more
Loving the new channel and continued content!! ❤️
I have a Uniqlo down jacket and have used it for around 7 years and it hasn't failed me. I will say it's definitely water repellant and not waterproof. It didn't last on a hike with nonstop drizzle in the PNW and got pretty soaked. But if you use it with a rain shell on top it's perfect! It keeps me pretty warm and protects well against wind. I take it on me for hikes even though it's not advertised for that kind of activity.
I will say though that the design of my older one is a lot different than the one Miranda was testing. Not as boxy, it has a more form-fitting design (but still roomy enough) and has elastic at the hems of the sleeves and torso rather than the pull to adjust like her version did. It also is not as short as hers. I like using my Uniqlo down for hikes because it's so packable, warm, and comfortable. It's not perfect, but if you use it with a system it's great
Ooooo!!! I love that we still get to listen to the same tune 🎶 🎵!!
Not winter but… I used the Uniqlo as my sole jacket for a huge chunk of travelling in colder climates in 2022 (until I got home end Nov) which includes some hiking in sometimes rainy conditions. Definitely colder than I’d have liked to be and the down migrated from the shoulders to my wrists many times. But I survived haha.
Missed you! So happy when you popped up!
good video and discussion points. I had a great cheaper (50-80) puff jacket from an Eddie Bauer outlet that I used for the last 3 years in Colorado. with a simple base layer or vest for super super cold days, it was my go-to for winter hiking in Colorado. I miss that jacket...just moved and it got damaged in the move
My Arc'teryx hooded down jacket was still $250 at a half price sale years ago. I splurged. It's my go to jacket every cold day to the point of wearing it out. It goes under a Burton GoreTex shell for extreme cold and running the snowblower. It's super light. It regains loft after washing. It has polar fleece instead of down on the top of the shoulders and ends of the sleeves - the spots where down would get wet and lose loft. I can't imagine what a new one costs now, or if they even make this model, but it's been great.
I have a Uniqlo ultralight down jacket that I bought 10 yrs ago and it fits tightly (maybe just the sizing). I use it exclusively as a city jacket because it does indeed have cold spots. But it has style points!
So happy about hearing that it's your show gosh darn again
Waited all week for this! 🎉
I love my Uniqlo down jacket and wear it around town and it is cute! ☺ I'm usually wearing it as a fashion piece, often with a warm sweater underneath the Uniqlo down jacket though the other day I wore a thin long sleeve and the Uniqlo down jacket and was pretty warm while around the house and in town. When I go hiking or backpacking, I use my Cotopaxi fuego down jacket and has been a lifesaver during cooler weather just because it offers more protection from the elements and don't want to damage my Uniqlo jacket.
@8:27 YES!! Thank you for leaving in the Miranda Signature! 🤩❤️
Thank you for the review. I also believe that down jacket's functionality correlates to its retail price, besides that I also pay attention to its down to feather ratio and what type of down they use. I was interested in the Uniqlo jacket but haven't bought it. I guess it would be warm enough for me because the temperature where I live is always above 0 celsius. I have one great down coat literally from 15 years ago when I lived in a much colder place where it goes to minus 20 in winter, which I still love but hardly have any chance to wear it. It's of great quality tho, and I feel like it could live to next decades.
Haha, yesterday I skied at Snoqualmie wearing my 9 yo Uniqlo down jacket similar to the one you tested. But I wore it under my Arc’teryx shell. Perfect combination for chilling outdoor activities.
There wasn’t any mention of this in the video that i recall, but both are responsible sourced down so that’s a plus 👍 I was curious if that’s how the Uniqlo was less expensive but that’s not the case. I have the REI 650 and I love it, I also recently go the REI Magma Down which is 850 fill power and that would be closer to the Arcteryx, normal price was $250 I think but it was on sale for $130 recently, heck of a steal if you can still find them! I assume they are discontinuing this years design and will come out with a new one next year. Anyways, great video! Love the snowball test!
My all-time favorite and warmest down vest is a $20 vest from either Costco or Sam's Club that I bought bc I liked the color. It's 10-12yo, and I reach for it before I reach for my Arc'teryx vests all the time. Also, something about throwing on a $20 vest as opposed to a $200 vest is easier to contemplate when doing stuff in cold, crummy weather. That said, you can pry my Arc'teryx down jacket from my warm, dead body. For me, there is no other down jacket.
Down jackets last forever if you look after them. I bought mine in 1982 and it's still going strong. As for the DWR issue it's easy enough to use a spray to add DWR to the cheap jacket for less than $10. Not perfect, but enough for the snowball test I'm sure.
Totally happy with my Decathlon down jacket. 59€ ( Germany ) and running it for 3 years now.
A new video!! Super excited!!
I was like, how does this channel only have 67k subscribers!? And then I see it's only like the second video. Totally makes sense. Love your personality and the info. Love that your on your own now. Go girl!
I have an UA encompass hybrid. Great jacket, found it 2nd hand, perfect for the crazy winter we're having in the Midwest.
I'm another Decathlon Trek 100 user and I love it. I've been using it for a couple years. I've taken it on multiple camping trips, worn it in winter weather around town, took it on my hike of the first couple pct sections last year and I'm taking it on my pct thru hike this year. The existence of this jacket is a clear demonstration that $400 for a lightweight down puffy is price gouging. I bought the Trek 100 for $80 and it was originally sold for $60.
I’m from south Florida and recently moved to Colorado; whenever I would visit Colorado in past I would be freezing due to using brand like Uniqlo or Zara puffer jackets thinking “big jacket should keep me warm” 100% wrong. Not till I found Patagonia/arcteryx I’m not warmer/dryer than ever and will never have to purchase another jacket again due to their ironclad warranty. 100% worth spending the money for a lifetime jacket
I bought a uniqlo ul down puffy for my grn mtn 4 day bkpking trip last Oct. Temp ~30-40F + wind chill + drizzle. Wanted a UL but didn't want to wear my brand new arc'teryx puffy on trail. Can confirm it wasn't as warm as my arc'teryx puffy, but it's so amazingly light. Works good with a windbreaker, but very bad under a poncho. Like shown in vid, try not to get it wet.
I think it's a good idea to consider that many stores, Uniqlo included, reduce their quality over time so I'm sure that 10 year old jacket really is great but I suspect if you bought it today, the quality would be noticeably lower. I've read reviews on Uniqlo where they talked about how an item used to be great but when they purchased a new one, the quality was not as good as the older one.
I found a $60 down jacket at Costco. I treated it with waterproofing (both down and shell) and now I have an $80 down jacket that still doesn’t perform like my 10 year old synthetic Columbia!😂
That said, I bought it as a stuffable layer for my daily commute during spring and fall. I often leave the house and it’s 0C and by the afternoon well into sweater only territory!
I just ordered a Ghost Whisperer last night. Mountain Hardwear has a few colors on sale for 60% off on their website, so I grabbed one.
Layering is a big thing, knowing when to shed a layer when getting too warm and adding layers when cooling down. Much of this depends on the type of activity. Ventilation is also important.
I have a synthetic fill Carhartt 'Rain Defender' jacket (used to be called the Gilliam jacket). The warmth is great. The long back is ideal for those pesky, uh, cold cheeks... And it is treated with a DWR that resists snowballs. :) Maybe a synthetic fill jacket comparison video would be good too. I am sure your idea board is full of video ideas! :)
Thank you I am looking at the Ghost Whisper to purchase…. Enjoy your journey in life and keep shining
Okay I have a cerium and I think the biggest thing for me on the arcteryx is the fit. It really fits the shape of my body really well and it allows for a full range of motion. For example, when you lifted your arms with the uniqlo jacket the bottom of the jacket raised up. On my cerium I can raise my arms above my head and the bottom of the jacket doesnt even move. I think it is the high arm holes that do this but either way there has been a lot of thought in all their products to preserve range of motion. I think because they are a more climbing focused brand. But uniqlo in general is awesome pretty much every tshirt I own is uniqlo!
Yes!! Like it doesn’t budge, AT ALL. Uniqlo baselayers are surprisingly good!
@@MirandaGoesOutside maybe you should test a whole outfit cheap vs expensive?
Good point abiut wet dawn and sintetic inslutation. I have a military PrimaLoft jacket and it is so warm and handy!
Unfortunately, it doesn't work well in the city - it stands out in the crowd despite its olive color.
I bought the uniqlo down vest earlier this season and I looove the short boxy fit for my personal aesthetic and body shape but yeah it's not the warmest for like... keeping warm lol
This is super helpful because I'm looking for an inexpensive packable jacket for business trips to and from different climates. So the $60 sounds like a good airport option for me
Hi I use uniqlo jacket when flying internationally, the come in handy when it gets too cold in the plane or airport.
Nice vid 🙂 I will add that the arcteryx jacket have synthetic insulation in place that are most prone to moisture like armpit shoulder and the last arm baffle.
I have one of the Uniqlo jackets, and as a VERY occasional hiker it's awesome. But I think it might come down to fit. Some of us might need a boxy fit to accommodate a slightly "boxy" body.
As someone else recommended for a cheap, more purpose-built jacket I would look at Decathlon's offerings.
The Cerium is just classically awesome!
I love my Uniqlo jacket for city and/or travel use because it’s not too warm. Like I’m comfortable wearing it outside then also while walking through the train station or wherever. It wouldn’t be a great hiking jacket for me, partly because the arms are a little short. I also like the Uniqlo down vest for adding a smidge of warmth where a full jacket would be overkill.
I would be very interested to see how your opinions might change if you were to wear a wind proof layer outside the down. I wonder how much of the heat loss of the Uniqlo is the fact that it’s outer fabric is so thin.
Yaaaassssss girl! Thank you so much for testing woman's clothes!! I'm crossing fingers that next up will be winter pants!
Decathon forclaz 100 or trek 100 is a duck down jacket that cost 80$cad and 50$ in sale, for the price and weight it's an amazing jacket
Happy to see you back and free !
I just got the womens decathlon trek forclaz on sale for $60 from Walmart and loveeee it. I plan on bringing it on my AT thru hike in 2024.
Great video! I would love to see vlog-style videos in the future
For city quick trip use it may be worth it. But I'd want something more water resistant and a wee warmer. Currently using as an every day a Paradox 650 down jacket I got at Costco and it's been great for 5 years, but on like a -15C with blowing snow, and just miserable it isn't cutting it. I take the parka. Same if I know I'll be driving in bad weather. I want a jacket that would keep me warm if I had to be stuck in my car all night because of highway accidents or something. Which happens here. On fall trips I take the down jacket and a rain jacket and later up that way I can stay dry and warm and its been a winning combo as both pack small, and I ALWAYS need both at some point during the 7-10 days.
Loved that video !! So interesting ! Thanks xx
I did the 12 day mount Everest basecamp trek(5364m / 17598ft) in my 4 year old Uniqlo down jacket (different model, less boxy) and I was perfectly fine. If you walk in snow the whole day, get the Arc'teryx, otherwise just get the Uniqlo one for 15% of the price.
You might want to take a look at the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie ( $180 ). It weighs 7 ounces, and you can compress it down to a softball without worrying about ruining its ( warm ) synthetic fill. Last April , it kept me warm ( worn over a REI Sahara Sun Hoodie ) in 20-degree Temps with 40 MPH winds throwing freezing rain and snow on me.
I have an inexpensive light weight down jacket that I intended to use for backpacking. I live in Florida. Last June I went hiking in Yellow between 6-8 thousand feet. The jacket didn't keep me warm enough at all, so maybe I can still use it when it is cold in Florida. Thanks for this review.
First hiking jacket I bought was Millet Track Hoodie soft shell. It cost around 130 dollars at that time. Then someone advised me to buy the Decathlon Trek 100 (which is similar to the Arcteryx in specs) for winter hikes so I did. It cost around 60 dollars. First time I wore it I took it to a -15 C snow climb but I wore the soft shell first. I switched to the down jacket at the peak, and didn't notice any difference in heating properties. A few times I took it with me as a backup for the soft shell. I planned to wear it under the soft shell in these cases, but I ended up never using it. From that moment on, the Trek 100 is in its pocket in my wardrobe. Soft shell is so much better. It can withstand some light rain, it has 3 pockets, all pockets are vents, it can be worn in autumn and winter. I also use it for skiing. So a thumb down for down jackets from me. I recently bought a 10k mm hard shell from Black Diamond. A much better option for a backup than a down jacket.
I forgot to add that the soft shell is around 600 grams, whereas the Trek 100 is 290 g. But I'm no ultralighter so I don't care about that.
I ended up with an Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Hooded Jacket in Large-Tall, I'm about 5'11. I love that the jacket covers my bum and actually goes 1/2 way down my thigh. It also has fairly long sleeves and a tight fitting hood. It's a little loose around the bottom, but the cords to tighten that up are difficult to work with but manageable. It's about 11oz in this size. Water proofing isn't the best, but i did get it for 90 Cad on sale, about 67 USD. Overall I like it for the price.
For anyone shopping for jackets, REI also makes an 850 fill down jacket for ~$200 ish. I got one on sale for less than that too. Just something to think about!
I have both the men's & women's version. Great jackets, very warm & comfortable. Good quality for the price, especially if you snag them on sale!
Yeah, would love to see a comparison with the REI one
1 of best investments has been Icebreaker hoodie, long sleeve T and short sleeve T. Wore the long sleeve and hoodie in freezing temps n been fine- with gloves, hat n scarf of course
Thanks for a great and informative video.
Fun video as usual. Thank you! I also recommend looking at Decathlon.
I have the Uniqlo ultralight parkas and I take them on only trip. I’ve also found them used on resale sites and I try to keep extras in the cars because of their versatility. I’ve worn them on camping and backpacking trips but they do need to be used with the understanding that if you are seeking a lot of warmth, they would just be part of a layer. If it happens to get cold when camping, I’ll add it to my sleeping bag for that little extra warmth. If you want only one super-warm high-end piece, I can understand using the Arc’teryx; however, having the Uniqlo’s around and as an inexpensive option makes for great utility. I won’t stress if I get a hot ember on it or if there is a tear. I would however, get very upset if I damaged an expensive coat like Arc’teryx.
The website “32 degrees” has a 650 fill down jacket that’s 39 dollars when it’s on sale and they have sales all the time. I’ve never seen it at full price. I’ve had mine for several months now and I’ve tested it out in temperatures well below freezing and it’s worked very well for me. I just checked and it’s still on sale! they have five colors to choose from as well.
I have fallen deep in love with my new Outdoor Vitals novapro jacket, that's just $250. It is a bit heavier at around 13 Oz, but it has a hood and has 850 fill hyperdry down that is responsibly sourced and a small percentage of synthetic loftec that helps stabilizes the loft when wet. The coolest part of it, though, is they created a special fabric that has prewoven fill panels which then allows the jacket to only have seams on the sides and down the arms where the coat is generally stitched together--so no tiny airholes all over (they claim 10,000 less stitch holes). Hands down, it is the best coat I've ever owned.
I bought a Uniqlo jacket puffer second hand, honestly it saved my life when I got stranded. However! I am a woman and the one I have a mens (which is longer) which is a huge plus! If I go on a hike I do layer up as well and I'm ready to go!
I love the energy!
So true. Uniqlo jackets are warm - but only until they come in contact with water, snow, or wind. The fabric literally sucks liquid into itself. And in the wind, you can feel cold air come in at every place the needle punctured the fabric.
I have two puffy's a Columbia 650 Down and an AmazonBasic's packable down jacket, and I love both of them.
I've been using Eddie Bauer Cirrus Lites as my puffy for a couple years (I bought two of them). I think I paid like 50 bucks a piece on sale? Super light, warm, compressible and functional as a trail jacket or a town jacket.
It's obvious that the old Uniqlo was of higher quality than the one you tested. What I like about my (older) Uniqlo is that it's not actually that warm. I get hot easily, especially when moving (and in winter I'm generally moving when outdoors), so I've found that it keeps my warm but not too hot in everything from skiing in 20F to hiking in 55F. If there's rain, then I trade it out for a light rain jacket, if there's snow, then I put a light rain jacket over it.
Still depends on where/when u use it. Uniqlo is a great down jacket for hikes where the peak weather is anywhere between 12 to -2 C. So summer hikes, or hiking in SE Asia for example. In the place where Miranda went, we're gonna need a sturdier jacket.
I like Uniqlo down jackets (I have the vest, the collarless long, collarless shirt, and ultralight parka), and I specifically like to use them for messy, dirty, potentially damaging situations where I wouldn’t want to subject my expensive down jacket to the risk. I ripped a hole in my short one (bought for a Grand Canyon trip, which means campfires and dirt/grease) and the price made it easier to shrug and just patch it. Embers from fires are a big damage risk for down due to the melt factor on nylon, so I prefer to use my cheap coat when lounging by the fire. I also like a collarless coat in many situations so I can wear a scarf, and most of the technical down comes up quite high on the neck or has a hood.