A jacket is one of the most important garments when traveling. That’s why I wasted way too much time trying to choose the perfect jacket. After a month long search, I decided to get the First Ascent MicroTherm Down Hoodie. First Ascent made by Eddie Bauer and is a bit more technical/mountaineering-ish. After using it for about 7 months, I decided to write a review of the First Ascent MicroTherm Down Hoodie.
Pros
- 800 Fill Power Goose Down
- Packable and compact Has a DWR (water resistant) Good price
- One Chest Pocket, Two Handwarmer Pockets
- Lightweight, Size Small Weighs Around 10 Ounces
- Doesn’t Look Puffy and Not Bulky
Cons
- Losing Loft in Chest Area
- Leeks really badly. Feathers Always On My Shirts
- Not very warm, as warm as a fleece, but a lot lighter
- Shell material is not very durable
- Not Many Features
I’ve worn the hoodie in Patagonia at 30-degree weather along with a fleece underneath and felt toasty. The hood is decent, but it can’t tighten. When I turn my head while wearing the hood, it doesn’t turn with my head, which is pretty annoying. I find the fit to be a bit too wide, but that really depends on your body.
It really feels like First Ascent sacrificed too many features in order to make the jacket lighter. I would rather have the jacket a bit heavier with more features.
The Verdict
This jacket is basically a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. It’s lightweight-ness compromises the durability of the shell, and the amount of down. There is only around 3 ounces of down in the entire jacket. Maybe I should have spent more money on a better jacket. The MicroTherm Down Hoodie is still a decent choice, and compared to other 800 fill down jackets, the price is really good. I would rate this jacket 3/5 stars and would only recommend the hoodie to people who don’t need too many features and want something really lightweight.
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You can find the First Ascent MicroTherm Down Hoodie here.
What are your thoughts? Leave your comment below.
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