Backpackers.com — Shucks! This deal is over. We told you it would end, and here we are, at the end. Don’t worry though, we post more deals every week. See the current gear deals now. Feel free to read the article, though. It’s full of excellent content and reviews — you know you want to. Happy shopping!
We’ll be frank — these puffy, shiny, super stylized jackets are the most well-worn fad in backpacking. Outdoor insulation is no joke, and the cost of the ultralight, ultrawarm, fashion statement will leave you with little laughter, and an empty pocket. Good thing the outdoor community has deals every single day.
We’ve plucked another outdoor insulation sale via Steep and Cheap, and the savings are serious. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to pull the trigger on a brand-spankin’ new outdoor jacket, check out this sale. With down, synthetic, hooded, pull-over, ultralight and casual options, you’ll find anything you need.
We highlight two enduring classics and one new epic entry to the world of outdoor insulation below.
The sale ends February 14, 2016.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
Do you hear the mountains whispering? What do they say? Probably that this jacket rocks. The Ghost Whisperer from Mountain Hardwear is a time worn classic, used and reviewed by the best in the business.
With 800-fill Q.shield down (fancy term for semi-water-resistant down), the Ghost Whisperer has two pockets, stows into itself, and is the “world’s lightest full-featured down jacket.” At 7 oz, you won’t feel the weight of this coat, whether it’s on you or in your pack.
This jacket won one of GearJunkie‘s Top Gear Picks in 2013, FeedTheHabit‘s editor’s choice in 2013, and Gear of the Year in 2012 by National Geographic Adventure. If those accolades aren’t enough, here’s a nice video review:
Here are the full features:
- 75 g. Q.Shield™ Down 800-Fill resists heat-robbing moisture and retains maximum loft even when wet
- Low profile quilt pattern to create heat trapping down channels for extra warmth
- Single interior toggle hem for easy adjustment
- Soft, “Butter Jersey” cuffs have elastic binding to seal off cold and moisture
- Zips into its own pocket for compact storage
- Built-in secure loop for carabiner attachment to harness when stuffed
- Stowable in pocket
- Fabric Body: Whisperer 7D x 10D Ripstop
- Body Fabric Content: 100% Nylon
- 7 oz.
The Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket is heavily discounted at Steep and Cheap currently, and there are a number of models available — men’s and women’s, with and without a hood. But the best deal we found is the Cherrybomb men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket for $152.28, which is 52% off MSRP. At the time of writing, all sizes are available. Grab one now.
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody — Women’s
Ah, the Nano-Air. This coat (which we’ve highlighted on sale before) is a newer entry in the backpacking field, and boasts high breathability for active wearers. It’s also a solid matte color, stylish, and very warm.
Really built for those that don’t want to overheat during hikes (but need a warm layer), the Nano-Air Hoody is more of a technical coat. Two large hand-warmer pockets are placed higher up on the jacket than normal, leaving them accessible if you have a harness or backpack on. It also has two chest pockets, draw-string cinch at the waist, and a low-profile hood.
See Backcountry Edge’s review below:
Here are the full features:
- 20D nylon ripstop face fabric, mechanical stretch, DWR finish
- 50D nylon plain weave lining, mechanical stretch, DWR finish
- 60g FullRange polyester stretch insulation
- Slim fit
- Hood
- 2 chest pockets
- 2 hand pockets
- 12.4 oz
There are a few women’s models available during this Steep and Cheap sale. Our favorite is the French Red model, which is $161, or 46% off MSRP. At the time of writing, Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large are all available.
Patagonia Ultralight Hooded Down Jacket
What can we say, we like Patagonia. Everyone likes Patagonia. The brand is solid, environmentally responsible, and creates great clothes. The Ultralight Hooded Down Jacket competes directly with the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, and both are on super sale during this Steep and Cheap sale.
Here is a very in-depth video review of the Ultralight Hooded Down Jacket by ProLite Gear (an excellent gear reviewer you should check out!). Be warned, there are some graphic images in this video of the goose down plucking and feeding process — which Patagonia has deemed unnacceptable, so it’s down doesn’t come from that process.
Here are the full features:
- 15D Pertex Quantum (nylon ripstop)
- DWR finish
- 800-fill traceable down insulation
- Regular fit
- Single-pull adjustable hood
- Drawcord adjustable hem
- Zippered hand and chest pockets
- Stowable design (stuffsack included)
- 10.5 oz
The best deal on the Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody on Steep and Cheap is the Hunter Green model, which is 46% off retail, coming in at $187.92. A great price for an ultra jacket.
There you have it. Heavy discounts on the best in outdoor insulation. Be sure to search the full sale for many other brands, styles, and sizes.
The sale ends February 19, 2016.
All screenshots courtesy Steep and Cheap, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia
