Are cheaper down jackets reliable?
As a thrifty person with only occasional needs for real cold weather gear, I'm tempted by the down jacket that Land's End sells for $70. Pretty simple design, 650 fill, seems like something that's pretty tough to screw up. Any experience with how this jacket stands up to some of the pricier down parkas from the more traditional gear makers? I'd be using it for an around the cp and belay over-jacket in the Sierras. Raymond Tarto Oakland, California
For that matter, you might also sniff around some of the Web-based clearance sites to see what you find. As a for instance, Sierra Trading Post was recently selling a cold weather down parka with a Gore Dryloft shell for $199$130 less than retail. REI-Outlet.com had a Moonstone down parka for $119 (alas, small only). Campmor had a decent-looking down sweater for a mere $49. And in a few places I'm seeing North Face Nuptse jackets, regularly $199, for as low as $150. So down needn't cost hundreds of dollars.
Here's to cheap warmth!
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