Down Parka

Anyone have experience with the Ghost Whisperer/2™ Hoody jacket? Wanting to replace my BD Belay Parka with something more packable to reduce pack volume. As this is my outermost layer, I'm concerned about sizing (I also don't own any other MH outerwear). For reference, the BD Belay Parka in S fits over everything comfortably.

Thanks!

I find that it fits on the tighter size compared to my Patagonia Nano Puff. However, the material seems much lighter and less durable. I wouldn’t expect it to last long as your outermost later while climbing. It would be great if you’re only wearing it for belaying though. 

Hmm, good info. Not what I was hoping for, though. Guess I'll keep looking.

I owned the original Ghost Whisperer and primarily used it for bikepacking because it was so light and packable. Warmth-to-weight ratio was killer but it wasn't warm enough to be an alpine winter belay parka. More akin to the Patagonia Hooded Down Sweater.

I wore a medium and I'm a soft 5'10a" 145lbs. 

Pertex Quantum is a surprisingly durable material, however. 

Between a 170g 850fp and a 300g 750fp - both pertex and a 220g 750fp gore-tex windstopper for my other choices. All 3 are essentially the same price, fit, and construction. Primarily will see use in the presidentials and cascades, for now. Some technical objectives.

Dude, the Ghost Whisperer is def not a "parka," so if you were looking to replace an actual belay jacket with the GW, you're going to freeze. 

Consider the Rab Mythic Ultra, Feathered Friends Hooded Helios, Cumulus Neolite Endurance to save weight and volume.

Ghost whisperer definitely not a belay jacket, you would hate life

The MH Phantom is probably what you are looking for. For fit, I think it’s a pretty large fit, but it’s also mean to go over everything.

The Ghost Whisperer is really more of an insulated later to wear while doing the activity. I also sometimes pack 2x of them and layer them to make a “belay parka” in alpine settings. 

Appreciate the replies. Anyone have thoughts on the Montane offers I referenced a few posts up with FP/fill weight? MH Phantom was also one I was looking at, wondering which will be the most durable, packable, and warm (obviously there are tradeoffs).

AlpineIce wrote:

Dude, the Ghost Whisperer is def not a "parka," so if you were looking to replace an actual belay jacket with the GW, you're going to freeze. 

Consider the Rab Mythic Ultra, Feathered Friends Hooded Helios, Cumulus Neolite Endurance to save weight and volume.

Thanks for the Cumulus recommendation, hadn't heard of them before. How's the durability?

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/125451062/favorite-warm-puffys#ForumMessage-125453525

This is the most recent parka thread.

You might want to say what conditions/seasons you’re buying this for to get proper recommendations. 

Down jacket spreadsheet

Winter jacket spreadsheet

B C wrote:

Thanks for the Cumulus recommendation, hadn't heard of them before. How's the durability?

Here's the thing with "durability" - higher denier fabrics add weight, limit packability and absorb water.

It's a balancing act between durability, overall weight and packability.  Understanding down's susceptibility to moisture, coupled with he fragile fabrics needed to make the jacket light and packable it critical.

The Cumulus Neolite Endurance gets phenomenal reviews for the overall jacket weight / down fill weight combination. I would've ordered one already, but I'm just not a fan of their current color options.

If you like the fit of your BD belay parka why wouldn't you go to their down parka, the Vision? More packable, pretty durable fabric, nice and warm

WHAM . wrote:

If you like the fit of your BD belay parka why wouldn't you go to their down parka, the Vision? More packable, pretty durable fabric, nice and warm

I like trying new things. Otherwise, I'll never know if there's something I like better :)

Currently looking at the Himali Altitude and the Cumulus Neolite Endurance.

Has anyone been able to compare the two?