Are Expensive Down Jackets a Waste of Money?
In this video, I compare a cheap down jacket to an expensive one. You can get cheap down jackets starting from 50$, but expensive ones can cost several hundred dollars. I’ve been using both of them for quite a while now, so I wanted to share my own experience. To sum up, I think it isn’t worth it to invest in a super high-quality one unless you go hiking in winter very often. But if you do, then they’re definitely worth it.
▼ GEAR USED IN VIDEO (affiliate links)
Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Down Jacket ➜ (Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.com/products/forclaz-mt100-hooded-down-puffer-jacket-167571?variant=32494250360894)
Outdoor Vitals Novapro Down Jacket ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fnovapro)
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Shop hiking trail posters here ➜ https://trailgoals.com/ (10% discount code: oscarhikes)
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▼ OTHER GEAR I USE (affiliate links)
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultralight Backpack ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fcs40-ultralight-backpack)
Outdoor Vitals Fortius 2P Ultralight Tent ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Ffortius-2p-trekking-pole-backpacking-tent)
Outdoor Vitals Stormloft 0F Quilt ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fupdate-stormloft-0-30-f-down-topquilt-sleeping-bag)
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RJhVw9
)
Stoic Nykroppa Synthetic Camp Slippers ➜ (Bergfreunde: https://www.bergfreunde.eu/stoic-nykroppa-slippers/)
Smartwool Merino Wool Socks ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/4anHY3h)
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GJnnsm)
▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Insulation
02:50 – Materials
04:13 – Features
05:18 – Final Verdict
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@oscarhikes
▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
In some of our videos, we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking our affiliate links, we might get a small commission from the total purchase, at no additional cost for you. We participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program and other affiliate programs.
▼ MUSIC ATTRIBUTION
Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Cinematic HipHop 001 by Sascha Ende
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Cinematic HipHop 002 by Sascha Ende
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It looks like the MT100 is going for $99 US now.
Just received my Decathlon puffy jacket for prepping my 2025 PCT thru hike!
$$ usually means better quality down, and $$ means more warmth.
How well and unbiased Explanation given superb
I’d wear two of the cheaper one and still be cheaper than the expensive one
the women’s mt500 uses 850fp down ich makes it extremely competitive with the most expensive jackets out there. the main difference is the more robust fabric, which adds weight
Couldn’t you just treat your jacket with a product like Nikwax? That’s whatI do with my Decathlon jacket.
Or use 2 cheap down jackets?
If been using a $799NZD Macpac Phoenix Waterproof down jacket for a couple of months now, anddddd it’s one of my biggest regrets, at a certain point, your just paying extra for a tiny boost in quality. Would recommend paying anywhere from $200NZD TO $350NZD..
Will these down jackets be ok in the pacific northwest where its wet a lot if you put a quality shell over it?
❤from🇮🇪
👌🔥🤘❤️🍻💯
Buen vídeo! Muy instructivo!!! Los que vivimos en la España mediterránea y sólo nos acercamos al Pirineo en verano, lo tenemos claro: la de decathlon!
Just found your channel toda., great advice, obviously experienced and actually testing gear normal people can afford. 10/10 keep it up 🙂 👍
Can you also talk about pants you use in your hiking in the mountains?
Nice video though 🙏🏽
Thanks
Sorry, but the OV jacket fit is just atrocious 😂 Looks very similar to Patagonia down sweater. MT100 is the winner for my hiking needs. Slimmer fit, higher neck collar, better shaped minimal hood and tbh I really don’t think I need anything more warm than that.
Hey everyone! I wanted to let you know that together with my wife, we make these minimalistic hiking posters for various thru-hiking trails. You can check them out over here ➜ https://trailgoals.com/ (10% discount code: oscarhikes)
where did you get the MT100 for only $50?
what I’ve done in the past is to treat my puffy down jacket with Nikwax wash-in waterproofing, made especially for down. I think it’s a pretty good hack, but, honestly haven’t actually done a field test, as I’ve never soaked my down jacket before. but buying the nikwax double pack (cleaner and waterproofer) costs probably only at 20-25 USD, so it’s a considerably cheaper than buying a more expensive jacket.
You kinda need a canvas outer protection layer to help maintain the feathers in the rain. I have a really good quality down jacket without a canvas outer layer and one that has the canvas outer layer. The one without canvas couldn’t retain its warmth for more than 10 years. I’m on year 14 with the one with the canvas outer layer. In good quality down jackets, the thing that wears out most often is the zipper, which can be easily replaced. I still use my over 20yr old jacket, just in higher temperatures. Also, Sir Terry Pratchet have a great quote about the economics of buying good quality vs. Cheap things in his book Men at Arms.
I’ve used the decathlon for years, with a wool base layer and a fleece under and toggs rain jacket over, it can handle 10° F like a beast.
$48 my butt. Its $99
does anyone else get this effect where the decathlon keeps making a circular looking dent when it bends, looking like you have a gigantic belly button?
Bought too many cheap down jackets even some are not so cheap in Germany but doesn’t work at all 😩 at the end have to buy a good one
you have to compare the mt500 instead of the mt100.
you can also treat your mtX00 with nik wax and it also gets a compared water repellant down.
Just bought it, £60 here in the UK, love it, packs up so small and weighs very little. Cheers
Hey Oscar,
I’m looking to buy a Novapro here in Europe. Where did you get yours?
Have you tried any clothing items from 4F? I find many of them to be pretty nice quality. A bit more expensive than Decathlon, but much higher quality (haven’t tried down jackets yet though)
Bit unfair. The MT500 is a closer comparison.
Sunday, February 11th: There are times when you pay for quality and times when you pay for the name. We don’t always know. Happy Trails! Ross08