Any tough down jackets or a good substitute

This is a stupid question and I’ve made peace with that but it needs to be asked. Are there any down jackets or “puff” jackets specifically that are durable and can stand up to basic outdoor activities? I’ve got the patagonia micro, the macro, and the OR Helium and each jacket has no less than 20+ holes and rips in it patched up with tenacious tape. They looks unbelievably haggard, at first I didn’t care but it’s getting frustrating. I know puffs aren’t supposed to be able to withstand real rough conditions but if I accidentally brush against a bush or something it rips a 2 inch hole immediately. I need to figure out a better option, ideally there’s a puff that’s made out of ripstop or something that I don’t know about? Or any recommendations for something to put over the puff maybe? I don’t know, I appreciate any advice about it. Thanks in advance 

**and yes I know Patagonia can typically repair these items, but I sent this in to get patched up a few months ago (and a few rips less) and they basically laughed at me and sent it back and said you’re on your own sorry. So that seems to not be an option 

Puffies are not practical just fashion.

For colder days, the Eddie Bauer Peak XV is covered in Cordura. Or look into their BC series ie BC Downlight jacket. 

I’ll look into those, thanks! My OR jacket has a super tough fabric on the shoulders and halfway down the top of the arms which is great but the rest of it is as fragile as the usual down jackets. I’d be happy to sacrifice some weight to get something that just won’t rip easily 

Tanner James wrote:

Or any recommendations for something to put over the puff maybe?

How about another jacket? 

1) Wear something tough over your puffy

2) Fjällräven make a number of lightweight down jackets covered with polycotton on the face. $$$, but very tough. The Greenland No. Down Jacket is a good example. 

One of the more durable puffies I’ve had from Patagonia is the Stretch Nano Storm.  It is stretchy enough that it doesn’t just tear when it gets caught on a branch or rubbed against rock. It is the sort of jacket I don’t mind throwing in the dirt at the crag.  I don’t believe the jacket has been in the lineup for a few years though.  I think the most similar jacket is the Tuff puff which is in the flyfishing line from Patagonia.

Years back there were some good insulated snowboard jackets that were really burly (and heavy)  but again they haven’t been around for awhile.

Generally all the “climbing” puffies have really lightweight fabrics so I’d recommend looking elsewhere if you want something burlier.  Might be worth a walk through somewhere like a Cabelas. 

(disclosure; I’m a Patagonia athlete)

If you’re ok with adding weight Carhart. Extremly warm, extremely durable, extremely heavy.

That being said my current Carhart jacket is on its 8th year of construction and has held up great. 

I handled a Kuhl Spyfire a little while ago and the fabric seemed relatively burly for an 800-fill jacket.

All of these options you're massively sacraficing weight so the question becomes if your willing to compromise for a heavy uncompressible jacket why bother with down at all. Synthetic jackets wether it's stretchy active insulation or a seamless shell like on the rab xenon are both significantly more durable than a down jacket. Open your world up to a synthetic jacket with minimal baffles and you'll be much happier. 

ZT G wrote:

If you’re ok with adding weight Carhart. Extremly warm, extremely durable, extremely heavy.

That being said my current Carhart jacket is on its 8th year of construction and has held up great. 

Carhartt makes a new hard face line thats waterproof as well. Great stuff.

Arcteryx Proton LT hoody.  Not down, but the shell fabric is very durable and has a great feel.  Maybe the most versatile layer I've ever owned.  Mine has one little nick after years of use in every activity including skiing trees (aggressively).

Newt Riverman wrote:

Carhartt makes a new hard face line thats waterproof as well. Great stuff.

I’ll have to check it out, all I’ve used is the classic brown canvas, but I’m sure it’s great. They make awesome products 

BD Vision Down has a decently tough outer fabric. I am clearly not as hard on my puffies as you are though.

Mountian Hardware

If you need insulation for bushwhacking, you really might not need a puffy at all.  Fleece is pretty hard to destroy, not to mention cheap by comparison.  Or just throw a shell on over the puffy.  Or put an old, oversized cotton work shirt over the more delicate layer.  You won't look as cool (or maybe you'll look cooler), but you won't be destroying your nice layers as fast.   

The rab kinder pullover is super durable, no hood though so bring a hat. It’s my go to for cragging and around town use

- Pile fleece (R1, R1 tech face, or equivalent)

- Active insulation with included soft shell outer layer (Proton FL/LT or equivalent)

- lightweight insulation with a separate shell (Down Sweater + Houdini or equivalent)

For the past 12+ years I have been using & abusing a Vapor jacket from Western Mountaineering. The shell is slightly thicker than normal, and also laminated to a Gore windstopper layer. The combo makes for a much burlier shell that you find on most puffies. The shell protects against wind (obviously lol) and light rain, yet is still breathable. Despite the Gore windstopper layer, the jacket remains fairly packable. This jacket has been very durable for me.

The down is premium 850+ fp euro goose down. It is still warm & fluffy even after over a decade of abuse & probably 10+ washings. A size medium has 140g of down fill, and total jacket weight is 16oz. I am a big weenie in the cold, and this jacket has kept me nice & toasty.

A downside is that it is expensive (current retail is $465) but IMHO is worth it. Also it does not have a hood. This is a positive for me, but I realize it will be a negative for some.

Also I value that is is an American company, and all products are made here in the USA or in Canada.

This jacket has been a workhorse for me for the last 12+years. I wouldn't try to climb a off-width in Vedauwoo in it, but it will survive most activities without a hundred duct-taped pin-holes.

I hope that helps. Cheers!

The Rab Cubit has a little bit of a tougher outer fabric than the (pretty much) UL down sweaters you've been using - and it's stretchy. It's not UL itself, but it's realistic to bring on a long day, even though it's more of a casual piece, when compared to some of the other fairly crazy tech jackets they offer. 

https://rab.equipment/us/cubit-stretch-down-hoody

How's that saying go, "Light, Cheap, Durable... you get to pick two"