Favorite Warm Puffys?

I am looking to replace a Pata DAS Light that I have loved to death. Its synthetic and doesnt keep warm like it used to. Because of the degradation of synthetic over time, i am considering going down instead. Anyone have jackets in this approximate warmth range (say warmer than a nano air but less than a belay parka) they have had a good experience with? Layers I am considering:

- another DAS Light (not totally opposed to synthetic)

- Himali Accelorator 

- OR Coldfront Down Hoodie

- Mammut Taiss IN

- Mountain Hardware Phantom Alpine Down

- Patagonia Fitz Roy

- Rab Neutron 

Can't beat Eddie Bauer, especially during the holiday sales. 

Honestly I love my DAS light so much i think I’ll always keep getting them.

the Phantom and Fitz Roy are definitely a category higher in terms of size, weight and warmth. Great jackets but more equivalent to a DAS full if you asked me.

https://cumulus.equipment/us_en/clothing/men.html

Some of the best warmth to weight ratio in most market segments and pretty good value. I have a Neolite Endurance and Incredilite Endurance. The Incredilite Endurance is roughly the same pack size as a DAS Light and ~2oz heavier but way warmer - I also have an old DAS light probably on its last season of being loved to death.

Get Nerdy and compare the "Down Weight" to other jackets to guesstimate warmth and warmth to weight ratio.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/eltmdc/midweight_down_jacket_spreadsheet_belay_jacket/ is a huge resource although missing newer options. 

Danny V wrote:

https://cumulus.equipment/us_en/clothing/men.html

I have a Neolite Endurance and Incredilite Endurance. 

Dude, I've been eyeing the Neolite Endurance for a WHILE now. What color did you go with and how does it fit? Is the cut / sizing comparable to FF or Rab down belay jackets?

I love my himali! 

AlpineIce wrote:

Dude, I've been eyeing the Neolite Endurance for a WHILE now. What color did you go with and how does it fit? Is the cut / sizing comparable to FF or Rab down belay jackets?

I love it, I have the green one (only color available a few years ago). I haven't worn a Rab/FF Belay Jacket but it is definitely a belay jacket fit on me. I'm short (5'5") so it just covers my butt, dual zipper for belay purposes. I would say it is cut similar to my much lighter Rab jacket I have in terms of proportions, just bigger. If a size fits you in Rab I bet this would be a pretty good fit as well. I have worn it in single digit temps with just a baselayer below it and been toasty. Highly recommend if you are looking for a jacket in its class. 

These are two of the most useful documents I have used before, thought it worth sharing

Down jacket indicator, 2023
Winter down jacket indicator 

This link has woman’s specific ones

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/xs189v/womens_down_jacket_indicator_all_seasons_and_mens/

Owen Swavely wrote:

I love my himali! 

Plus if OP is an AAC member, Himali is 45% off on Expertvoice

Arcteryx Atom AR, now called Atom Heavyweight. Maybe a Proton Heavyweight, but I haven't used that one.

I love my Rab Mythic Ultra. Every time I put it on it makes me happy. 

Wal Mart.  Set me back $18.  As good as any other.

bernard wolfe wrote:

Wal Mart.  Set me back $18.  As good as any other.

I also have a noname brand puffy that has held up for many years and I love it still. 

$165, best deal on the webs for a brand new down jacket. Shipping took about two weeks from Japan. They are asian fit so they run smaller.

https://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=1101407

i have a marmot down guide puffy and love everything about it! got it on sale for 120$ or so

Jack Walter wrote:

I love my Rab Mythic Ultra. Every time I put it on it makes me happy. 

There is a bit of a dearth in the mid weight down belay jacket category.  The Rab mythic is awesome and definitely the warmest at the weight but pretty fragile.  (Has the down fill of much heavier jackets)

Since I’ve already got a MH phantom that is is more of the heavyweight category (at least in the lower 48) I went with a Rab electron pro. I was weighing ME Baltoro jacket as well.

Looking for a midweight down belay jacket with a  more durable shell.  

What are you using this for?  That’s a big question as the Uber lightweight $$$ models are not needed or good at cragging/daily wear needs.

@Jake S: what are you using it for/what features and performance do you want?

Many of the jackets above , including most you list , are way, way, way warmer and heavier than a DAS light. we are talking apples and melons here.

The key attributes of the DAS light are that it’s a light weight, synthetic jacket with a highly water and wind resistant shell, with minimal seams. So I’d say it’s features are :

• Not very insulated (very low loft). 
• very moisture resitant
• very wind resistant 
• lightweight 

So, in My mind it shines as a packable, inactive layer for either: 3 season use OR  as an one-and-done outer layer for ski touring or such, where you go from low speed, high effort, to high speed (wind) and low effort.

For that use, for me, I’d want to stick with synthetic. Down won’t save you much weight in such a thin jacket, and the whole reason for this jacket is to use it in wet conditions, including, layering it over wet clothing. Add to that the reduced breathabilty of the coated  Pertex Pro shell fabric, casing even more moisture build up. I would adres the durability by wearing it only for those times I truly need it, and not stuffing tightly it in my pack if I can avoid it.

Now if we are talking warmer, like something you’d use for inactive moments in winter, then I WOULD consider down, preferably with a Infinium(Windstopper) instead of Pertex Pro shell fabric. I feel that in these temps, there are more dry days, and more importantly: the benefit of size and weight of down really comes to the forefront.

Still, it’s important to realize that most of the these insulated jackets with more weatherproof shells, weigh as much as a [(similar level) insulated jacket + separate shell jacket] !

I am still waiting for Enlightened Equipment to make the “Torrid Belay jacket”: an EE Torrid with Windstopper outer shell, double zipper and longer cut.

My Rab Infinity is the nicest thing I've ever owned - insulation wise.

I’m a puffy slut and have way too many. Multiples in BD, Pata, NF, etc…. I just got a Rab Mythic and it has instantly become my favorite.  Packs down almost as small as my lightweight Patagonia but insulation is superior in my opinion.  Seems to be holding up well and not losing any feathers.   Very happy with it so far.

Rab positron.