UKC

What is the warmest down jacket for women . I have been looking at the womens selection in my local shop and they just don't look as warm as the mens and i am wondering whether to get my girlfriend a mans jacket instead of a womans fit. its a present so a womans advise would be appreciated, Thanks.

In reply to Alan Pierce:

My wife has gone through a variety of down jackets over the years from Rab, Alpkit etc but has recently bought one of these - http://www.ellis-brigham.com/products/patagonia/womens-hi-loft-down-sweater... - and has been very impressed with its fit, particularly around the collar which has been a problem area with some of her other jackets. She has also tried men's jackets in the past but found them particularly drafty, so not a recommended alternative.

The other good thing about Patagonia down jackets is that they're one of the few companies that has an animal welfare policy for its down products ( http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=37607 )

In reply to Alan Pierce:

I'd go with a women's fit every time - I sold my "unisex" jacket and bought a women's fit one as soon as manufacturers started making them - but I'm pretty slim, and a small men's jacket is way too big round the chest which means it gets draughts blowing through it taking away all the nice warm air (and it's also too long in the arms). I am rather fussy

I haven't actually looked at what's available recently, but my impression was that most jackets were made in both men's and women's fit these days - apart perhaps from the most technical one at the top of the range. However, that doesn't mean they're always stocked in the shops - it might be worth a look at manufacturer's websites, along with those of some of the big outdoor chains and smaller specialist outdoor shops.

In reply to Alan Pierce:

Bought a friend a ME Cho-Oyu, basically Women's version of the Annapurna. Can't speak for the comparison but it was well received. There are a few around at clearance prices at the moment.

Andrew,

In reply to Alan Pierce:

ME, as do pretty much all manufacturers, have a pretty decent range of women¡¦s jackets.
http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/womens-outdoor-clothing?class=72
I¡¦ve mention ME as my wife really rates the cut, take your pick for whatever use.
(To appease Stuart S, ME also set up the Down Codex which tracks where the down comes from)