Ghost Whisperer vs REI Co-Op Down Jacket
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Ghost Whisperer vs REI Co-Op Down Jacket-
In this video I am comparing the REI Co-Op down jacket to the Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer. I am listing the pros and the cons of each jacket so that you have make an informed decision when purchasing your down jacket.
Ghost Whisperer 800 fill w/ hood: amzn.to/2Dy1sDj
Ghost Whisperer 800 fill w/out hood: amzn.to/2mB0mi6
REI Co-Op 650 fill: www.rei.com/pr...
REI Co-Op 850 fill: www.rei.com/pr...
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I agree, no need to pay for a brand name. I couldn't justify $300.00 for a jacket. I did end up buying the ghost whisper from Amazon, new, for $179.00 because it was not a popular color! Actually that's how I buy all my gear, unpopular colors! It saves at least $50.00 per item.:)
Nice! I got that ugly green color for $129 because it was a color that was on sale and then I found a 40% off coupon code.
Love it.
Always look in the "ugly bin" of discount gear.... the birds and squirrels don't mind my "fashion sense"
That's awesome!
Agreed. Never pay full price. Just buy the ugliest, brightest colors when they go on sale.
@Lindsey Bailes Then you are good to go!
I own a Ghost Whisperer and a REI Coop down jacket and I totally agree with all your points. Well, I do like longer sleeves so I can tuck my hands in. Anyway with the GW I try to be super gentle with it because it feels so fragile and costs a ton of money. With the REI I feel like I don't have to worry and can enjoy other things.
I always look at REI stuff before I choose a product, a lot of the time it is just as good.
i never buy jackets that fit too snug...a bit larger is best
for me especially for layering
Very interesting. I got the men's version, and I have wide shoulders and a bit of extra bulk around the shoulder area, and can at least report that the men's version does not seem to have that shoulder tightness issue. Hope that is helpful to someone.
I got my Patagonia down hooded sweater/jacket (800 fill) for about $100 last year on end of season clearance and unpopular color. Heavier weight than the GW but the fabric is more heavy duty and looks good for wearing it off the trail. (Who cares about a couple oz). I recommend it if you can get a good deal. (Full price is $280)
Great review, Franziska! I truly believe there are a lot of jackets out there that work just as well as the Ghost Whisperer. It just got so popular because a few respected hikers said it works well and everybody else jump on board. We are fortunate that there are so many choices when it comes to gear, but it can also overwhelm the average consumer who does not want to buy a bunch of versions to find what works best for them. So they go by what everybody else is using.
Exactly!
Just picked up a MED 650 2.0 fits great nice review
Thanks for watching.
@@HikeOregon I like the return policy at REI, I always talk it up, as we live at a moment in history where I don't think that will last. Like the tool exchange that Sears used to have. Some of this gear is so expensive, then they do 20% off and then I cant say no lol
Thanks for the comparison! I (Barbara) bought the Ghost Whisperer for $240 and have been planning on taking it back; however, I wasn't sure what to replace it with. My complaints are the loft has bunched up and caused areas with no loft and there are a lot of dark feathers which makes it look like the jacket has large black spots all over it. I have the orange jacket. And last but not least I have only used the jacket about 6 times and the stitching in the arms has come unraveled in 2 different places. I still stay warm when wearing it, but for the price I need more. I also agree completely with your analysis of the durability of the fabric. It feels very fragile. Thanks again!!
Thank you for telling us about your experience with the Ghost! It is great for others to read this as well!!
I think a lot of lightweight expensive gear is really being pushed by the ultralight community. I myself had been influenced to buy the expensive gear when I planned to thru hike the PCT. I was like wow it must be good, look at all the videos for it. I have learned over my 12 years of backpacking that it really comes down to what works best for you. Expensive isn't always better. That being said I got the ghost whisperer for $100 thru a special sale and love it.
I’ve worn my ghost whisper for men’s small for 7 years and since I’ve watched this video, I’ve notice my ghost whisper doesn’t fit correctly on me with finding out that the shoulders fitted tightly and thought it was design and meant to be tight and had tons of room. I, however purchased the REI magma 850 down fill small for 100.00 when it was on sale 2weeks ago and it fits me very well with the shoulders not tight while wearing it or while hiking with my pack. Now, I’ve been wearing my REI magma 850 down fill and given my ghost whisper to a friend of mine who needs a jacket. Overall, great video of the review!
That's cool that you gave your jacket to your friend. Happy Thanksgiving!
Rei for I
Great review! Especially for us on a tight budget.
I love my ghost whisperer. I wouldn't pay full price for it tho. I got mine on sale for $100. I don't have any problem with the fit... but for you, the REI one looks like it fits you better. Is it big enough for layering tho?
Nevermind... Just watched your winter clothing video 😂 I dig it
Yes, it is definitely big enough for layering. If I'm hiking in really cold weather, I generally layer a tank top, a thick long sleeve, the down jacket and then a wind layer on top of the down jacket.
I'm glad you did this review. 99% of the reviews on this jacket are men. I found an Arc'tyrex Atom LT on sale at an REI garage sale (otherwise, I could never afford something like that), fits perfect and I'm an east coaster, so I was more interested in a synthetic, but I seriously considered the Ghost Whisperer.
Thanks so much for watching, Rosa! You're right, I searched high and low for a review on this jacket from a woman! Couldn't find one.
Like my ghost whisper but would never pay the full price for it, overpriced in my opinion. I waited until rei was selling last years models and a color that they were discontinuing. I paid like $120ish I think. I like it personally but the orange color is not for everyone :)
Excellent review. Thanks for pointing out all the details and clearly explaining why you liked or didn't like certain things. It really helps with the decision making process since there is a lot of money we are talking about here.
Thank you so much for watching, Karen!
Perhaps give us an idea of your height, waist measurement, arm length, and shoulder width measurement. It might give someone who's a similar size, or close to it, a better idea of how the jackets are sized.
I know the video is old, but it just popped up on my feed. I bought a ghost wisperer jacket several years ago. The zipper failed within a year. It's an expensive jacket, it was warm, but the cheap zipper made it a cheap coat. What I learned from it, is this: Buy synthetic. You get the warmth and waterproof and be sure the zipper is strong enough to last.
Oh wow that sucks that it broke so quickly!!
@@HikeOregon Yeah, but there brand is no longer on any "to buy" list I have today. Had I purchased their items in the past and this was the only one to go bad, then I might try again with their brand. But it was my first and thus my last. I purchased a jacket from OROS for a much colder environment. Same thing happened with the zipper. A really warm coat but now it's useless for me. Again, it was my first time with them, thus, my last. Companies need to make sure they use quality in all things, not just some parts.
Thanks so much for the review. You helped me make the decision to go ahead and buy. I snagged it today on sale for 68 bucks.
Amazing deal! So glad I could help!
Thank you! This video was super helpful as I shop for a puffy!
I’m so glad to hear it was helpful.
Thanks for the review ...The REI Co-Op Down Jacket pits you perfect the Ghost looks really baggy.
The twe jacket it's so beautiful.
Thanks!
REI is always a good bet. Though I'm not a hat person and more of a hoodie person. Usually I just pack a sweater with a hoodie that I wear under that jacket. I guess it all depends on what time of year your hiking in as well. Do you always pack a hat for all of your trips?
Yes, if I am day hiking in the winter I pack a hat and a fleece headband. In the summer while I'm day hiking I don't carry a hat but I do carry a hat when I'm backpacking in the summer.
Right on
This review alone made me not want the ghost whisperer. One of my buggest pet peeves is something tight in the shoulders. I am sooo glad you pointed this out! Saved me time and money! Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this video 👍🏼
I recently picked up the REI Down Jacket 650 Fill and so far and loving it. I layer this with my REI Down vest if I need added warmth, but the jacket so far is awesome. I am going to pick up the REI Magma 850 down version, as so Far I like the REI Jacket. I originally had wanted to pickup the Ghost Whisperer as you stated, its the go to thru hiker jacket, but for the price, I'm not sure its worth it. REI does make a hooded 850 down jacket for men called the Stormhenge for $249 which is still cheaper than the Ghost Whisperer, but it comes in at 1lb 11oz for the weight vs 8oz for the Ghost Whisperer. Just my 2 cents
Yea the Stormhenge is not comparable to the Ghost because it's actually a two-layer jacket and it's crazy heavy! That is definitely NOT a thru-hiker jacket!
I agree with some of the comments that the Mountain Hardwear GW looks like a spacesuit but I actually quite like it. Thanks for the fantastic review and for demonstrating the hood with the jacket fully zipped up. I like to snuggle into my jackets like that and like to know what it will look like before a purchase. Defintely one to add to my collection. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for watching Sarah!! I’m so glad to hear it was helpful.
Great review! I’m looking to upgrade my jackets soon. For anyone looking online on the REI website, certain colors are on sale for $68.93 right now.
Yes that is a great deal!!!!!!!!!!
I was going to buy a mountain hardwear. Now I change my mind. Thank you.
What sleeping bags do you suggest? Looking for a warm, lightweight sleeping bag. I get cold easily. Would say average temp is 30-40 degrees when we are camping (mostly Arizona) Every once in a while down to 20s. Would love to sleep in just my sleeping bag and not have two jackets and two layers of pants to stay warm.
If you're looking to go lightweight when backpacking I suggest the Zpacks sleeping bag. They come in different warmth ratings, I would probably get a 20 degree bag. If you're not too concerned about weight, I highly recommend the REI Magma 17 bag. Both the Zpacks and the REI bag are down bags.
Hike Oregon thank you so much for the recommendations!!
Great Video! The thing I observe with the nuttiness about these type of coats is that they are not really a "jacket" at all. I see them as more of a layer. As you describe, they are paper thin. People get miffed, "oh, i got snagged...oh, I burned a hole". If it is cold enough to put this type of layer on it is also cold (and windy) enough for your shell over the top. As you say, it is kind of the thru-hiker culture to think it is cool to walk around with these on, like some wannabee space man. Also I refuse to call these types of coats as "puffy's" because that is just lame.
I definitely wear mine as a jacket all the time. I layer a long sleeve wool shirt underneath, but unless it's raining, my puffy is my primary jacket.
Great review. I have the REI brand as well. It’s amazing how warm it is
08:35 is largely how I feel about the Cerium LT hoody, I have “owned” (kept on a hanger) for almost a year. It is so light and warm (until maybe a bit above freezing) but I’m afraid that if I look at it wrong the down will leak out.
I feel like for most people, like 90%+, a synthetic jacket or two is everything they will ever need.
Great comparison. I agree with all your points. REI coop brand is a great value
I have a couple of jackets from Patagonia and they fit Great. Then I ordered a shirt from them and I don't have big arms and my arms would not fit through the arm holes. I had to send it back.
The reason mountain hardware doesn’t have seams at the shoulders like the REI is to provide more down in that area to prevent cold air penetration at the seam but that said the REI is a way better deal and will keep you just as warm my older mountain hardware is a little heavier but way better material if I was to buy again it would be the REI
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket in mens & womans on Sale today $49 (50%Off) 8-9-19... I remembered this video from a year ago and had to go back and watch again. I'm buying the REI Co-op 650 today!!...Thanks for the review Franziska!👍🇺🇸 UPDATE:8‐9‐19... Okay so I bought the jacket on clearance at $48.83 and I checked out the jacket that replaces this one. It's the REI Co‐op 650 down "2.0", not on sale at the moment, price 99.95. The difference are that the 2.0 has fewer horizontal Baffles sown in. I counted 10 baffles of the front, compared to older version 650 at 13 baffles. I personally feel that the fewer baffles help to keep the jacket warmer being that there are fewer stitches sown into the jacket to hold the down in place. Just my opinion and something that I have noticed compared to my Patagonia Down jacket that a bazillion Baffles sown into it, in the form of squares. The newer 2.0 jacket also has slanted hand pockets compared to the older versions vertical hand pockets. I also noticed that REI has sown the 2.0 jackets elastic cuffs smaller which is nice to help keep the warmth inside the jacket. Since I own a Patagonia jacket I'm going to compare two things to newer REI 650 2.0 Jacket vs my jacket. I wish the REI 2.0 Jacket had a draw string enclosure at the waist like my Patagonia jacket does. This is so nice when you're at camp standing around at night or in the morning not moving around much but it's cold and you want that extra feature to help trap the heat inside, rather then having a draft at the bottom with the REI 2.0. The second thing is even though REI has seemed to have sown the elastic cuffs a little smaller, there not as superior as the cuffs on the Patagonia jacket. The elastic band wraps around your wrist comfortably, keeping the draft out and the warmth in. Finally I feel the newer REI 2.0 650 Jacket is a nice jacket for $99 and would get the job done for a fall Backpacking/hiking jacket.
For winter weather I do recommend getting the 800 fill. The 650 is great for spring and fall hiking but a little chilly for winter.
@@HikeOregon ....Yes, the next purchase will be the 800 fill for winter time when I find it goes on sale. Cheers!🍻
Hiker..... really good video. Terrific comparison!! Thanks again for your honesty and willingness to share with us. Best wishes... ax
For the price of the ghost jacket....you can get a hat and nice gloves...better with the REI ...
Thank you sooooo much for this review. I was about to bite the bullet and order the Ghost Whisperer but I heard MANY complaints about the tightness at the shoulder area. So disappointing for a $350 jacket. Nobody's body is formed that way. Tiny, long stick arms and huge torso/bust. So cartoonish.
I'm glad you've heard multiple comments about the shoulders fitting tight. I hadn't heard anything about that and thought I was crazy or got a defect jacket. Because I don't have big shoulders at all. lol
Hike Oregon I really think the Ghost Whisperer is the most overrated jacket amongst hikers. For $350, that thing should fit you like a glove. I know there are all different body types, but I've never seen a woman with long stick arms with shoulders the size of their wrists and a big torso. This jacket was probably modeled on "Bender" from the cartoon Futurama. Mountain Hardwear put no thought into the fact that hikers layer their clothes. You are in a tank top and it's tight. What if you wanted to have a shirt and a hoodie. Shit out of luck I guess. Check out the reviews at Mountain Hardwear for this jacket. I read almost all of them and there were a few mentions on the shoulder tightness and now I saw your review. Thank you for this! I ended up buying a synthetic puffy jacket from Marmot for $200 at 13oz and it stuffs into its own pocket. Plenty of space at the shoulder area. I'm 5'1 and 110 lbs. It fits me like a glove. Went with synthetic because I am always cold and I'd like to be able to hike wearing the jacket and not worry about rain. If I'm ever in the market for a down puffy jacket, I'll probably go with a Marmot or Rei. Thanks!
Can a person. Rub back to back with them on as your sitting on a sofa back to back
I got the same REI one. $50 on sale, fits me perfect I'm 6'2 240 wide shoulders. I got the XXL Tall
Excellent!!!
Thanks for the review. I've been shooting down jackets and this helps. Peace!
850 fill isn't necessarily warmer than 650. In fact it probably is less warm as the fill is less dense. The only reason for higher fill weight, is to save weight.
The 850 fill jacket is much warmer than the 650 fill. In an 850 there are more feathers which creates more loft in the jacket. You can see it when I show the baffles on the jackets. More loft = more warmth.
Everybody loves the ghost whisperer but the price is nuts
Just purchased on sale for 179! Hopefully mine fits better than this...good review!
I’ve never seen it fit weirdly on a guy. I think you’ll be fine :)
Thanks for the review was thinking on getting one of these but I have big shoulders so I guess this would not be a good option for me!
If REI had the hood (in my opinion) it'd be better! But looks like the ghost doesn't have a comfortable enough fit for you!
I actually recently returned this jacket. I wore the REI jacket all winter and was always cold. Plus it leaked feathers like crazy! I am taking the hit on weight and opted for a synthetic fill jacket with hood :).
That's alot of money for a spacesuit. REI is a better fit.
I have the GW. I paid around $200. You are exactly right about the material being very thin and delicate. I also find it tough to zip up, requiring careful attention to keep from grabbing or tearing the fabric near the zipper. GW is very light, though.
I recently saw a review of a new synthetic jacket from Enlightened Equipment that weighs slightly less than the GW and is under $200.
I have all three of these and I definitely like the Enlightened Equipment best of all three and I think not having all the baffles makes it consistently insulated so feels warmer. Because it's synthetic I feel like I don't have to worry as much either so it's totally win win. It is what I'll be taking with me in a couple of months.
I would love to try that jacket!
The Ghost Whisperer sleeves are so long, you can make a down headband with them
Hahahaha right?! They’re pretty ridiculous!
I bought the Enlightened Equipment Torrid. Super warm super happy with it. Womens small is 6.4 oz. Mostly not sewn through. Sewn through areas are cold spots. Synthetic don't have to worry as much about getting wet. Price depends on denier choices, lots of colors. Can have with or without a hood. Mine was around 200 USD. It won't pack down as small as down but say if I smoosh it into a sleeve it will squeeze into about a third of the sleeve.... So pretty small.
I love my Marmot synthetic jacket. Keeps me much warmer than down here in the PNW.
@@HikeOregon yes I'm up in Poulsbo, WA....taking care of my mom but from Hawaii. I had a patagonia nano puff on a thru hike and the EE is much warmer and lighter. Things just keep on improving ☺
Forclaz/decathlon for the win.
You're my go-to for gear. Keep it up, pls. Thanks.
Aw thanks!
Thanks for the good advice. I’ve been wanting to upgrade from my heavy hooded sweatshirt, and this information is very helpful.
I'm so glad this was helpful!
That ghost whisperer is overrated. Seriously it’s like 350 bucks, forget it. If your rich as hell than yeah just buy that. But for normal people, the type that thru hike, just get over it.
Agreed! I got mine on super sale ($120) but after making this video promptly returned it.
I think that torrid apex by enlightened equipment
I think it would be a good one. I’m looking into it. They have a sale now. I think 10- 15 percent off
I've been looking into the Ghost Whisperer. Maybe not anymore. Nice review. Thanks.
I would still try both on if you can and see which one you like better. You can always find the Ghost in odd colors on sale on Amazon.
I just picked up an REI Magma 850 hooded jacket today for $109 during their current sale. Seems unbeatable. Totally comfortable and warm. I’ll throw my OR Helium II (got an unpopular color of that jacket on Amazon for $60 off the normal price!) over it and those two pieces combined will handle any weather I’ll get into this winter. Thanks for your review! It helped me make my decision.
Nice what a deal 👍🏼👍🏼
looking at that jacket myself. Do you find the 850 fill to be actually warmer than the 650? or do they just put in less down so that the loft and therefor warmth is the same. Just a slightly more efficient and costly way to get there.
@@moreybrown870 The 850 fill is warmer than the 650 fill. The 650 fill would be for temps down to like high-40's, the 850 is more of a winter jacket. But be ware, if you live in a moist climate, even the 850 fill doesn't feel very warm if it's in the 30's and moist like it is in Oregon.
Just bought the ghost whisperer and am returning it for the exact same reason! Thanks for making this video, was feeling silly for returning a jacket that everyone raves about.
I really wish it had fit me better. I absolutely loved that color. I now have a Marmot puffy as well as an Outdoor Vitals puffy that I absolutely love.
Hike Oregon What do you think of your marmot? I can’t decide what one to go for. I really like the look of the Arc’teryx Cerium LT, but it’s a bit heavier and a lot more expensive. I want one that’s slimmer fitting than the Ghost whisperer and lightweight for through hiking, but I also live in Oregon and with it raining all the time I’m a bit worried about having full down and it getting damp.
@@charlottelafollette621 I LOVE my synthetic Marmot coat. But it's not as compact and it's heavier than down, but being in Oregon synthetic is the only thing that keeps me warm during all the seasons.
great review. I have been using REI equipment for many years. top quality gear at good prices. REI also stands behind the products they sell. when are you starting your thru hike???Keep the great videos coming. You are doing a great job
Thanks for watching Jim!! I’m not doing a full thru hike. Just doing the Oregon section, starting the first week of July.
I cant wait to see you hike the Oregon section. I really enjoy your videos. you have good insight on hiking and I like the gear videos also. I really like when you post a new video.
Aw thank you so much Jim!!! ❤️
On a cold, windy day I don't think a hat will keep your neck warm.
The collar on the REI jacket goes to my chin. I can actually stick part of my chin inside it and pull a hat down and my neck is then completely covered.
Don't ever say 350 for a ghost whisperer. They can be had (especially in outlier sizes) for 130-180 if you look for a bargain.
Finally an honest review for an expensive down jacket.
I’m glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!
Bummer, looks like REI doesn’t offer the 850 fill anymore. I prefer their fabric over the ghost whisperer’s shiny trash bag look.
Yes they do. It’s called the Magma 850 Down Hoodie. It’s the hooded version of the jacket I am showing in the video.
Maybe it’s seasonal? I can find reviews of it online, but nothing on REI.com
Spoke to customer service and they said it was sold out and discontinued. Dang.
Ah shoot. I found women’s Magma jackets on REi.com
Saying you'll never sleep in your coat is frankly just wrong lol...Honestly, I like you and love your channel , but have you been out and had a cold front type night happen yet, ( like 10*C lower than your sleeping bag! And dropping!!) ???
When thru hiking you never know! I bought my down jacket a hair loose JUST so I can layer it on over my sleeping clothes and sleep in it if I need to! And I have! As a northern Canadian you get real cold and layer the GW under your rain layer or thermal rain layer, Also The longer sleeves have kept my hands warm as I hiked without gloves at times...also..you can always just roll or cuff it up anyways. I think if you shop, Like I did, the GW was 180$Cdn on sale from 340$, it's a great jacket for layers, not necessarily on its own. A good long sleeve wool layer under it and a weather shell or rain layer over it and it's seriously toasty! I also have the REI down jacket( 3 yr old model, bought online ) it's my car camping/emergency weather coat :) it's soft and fluffy and fits well too! And lives in my car for those crazy weather changes I get up here! But I'll take my hooded down layer GW with me on a thru hike anytime. I did a section of " THE GREAT TRAIL" from Edmonton Alberta up to Dawson in the Yukon two years ago with the GW...It saved me many times! But as they say, Hike your own Hike, I just wanted to stand up for my GW as it's saved my ass multiple times :) Ruby on the Trail
I have not been in conditions like that. I was talking about on my next backpacking trip I don’t plan on sleeping in my jacket. I have a 5 degree sleeping bag and I’m hiking in July and August in Oregon. No need to sleep in my puffy. I don’t think I’m brave enough or have the equipment to backpack in the conditions you were talking about.
Roll up your sleeves
Dang the REI option is no longer available.
It is. It just now has a hood. It’s the 850 Magma jacket. Currently on sale at REI. www.rei.com/product/157097/rei-co-op-magma-850-down-hoodie-20-womens
Omg thank you for this video. With your video + REI’s generous return policy (the closest store is 1.5hr drive away), I can finally press add to cart without any anxiety. 😂
You went with the REI jacket? It’s also currently on sale 😉
Yes. That’s how I found your video. I was hesitant like “this price is too good to be true, there must be a reason the GW is so much $$$$”. And, keep in mind, i have ZERO experience w/ down jackets. I learned what one was a few weeks ago. So, here’s me, a total noob, and your review helped a ton. Do you have a ballpark temperature range for the REI while wearing just a t-shirt underneath? i’m from a hot climate, so I have no skills with winter shopping. 😂
I generally hike with a wicking tank top, a wicking long sleeve (smartwool is awesome) and then the jacket. Did you get the 600 or 900 down fill? With my 600 fill I generally don’t go in temps colder than 42 degrees I’ve hiked in weather that was around 25 degrees. At that temp I was a bit cold because it is so damp here so 25 degrees in damp climate feels so much colder than 25 degrees in a dry climate.
Hike Oregon ah i see. I got the 650 down. With all that layering do people typically buy a size bigger? I just ordered my normal size. I hope it all works out. I appreciate your reply. I’ll have to look into wicking & merino wool shirts. For now, “dry-fit” sport shirts will have to do. I’m new to your channel. Looking forward to checking out your vids. Thx
Awesome! Thanks for subbing! May I ask where you live?
The REI 850 Magma weights 13.8 oz while the GH weights 8.8 oz. Room and weight are two big important factors for backpack hiker/traveler.
But if it doesn’t fit right it doesn’t really matter that it’s lighter weight. I now carry an entirely synthetic puffy that keeps me super warm in all kinds of wet conditions. Watch my Gear and Weight Shaming video and you’ll see that I do not opt for weight over functionality.
All insulated jackets (down or synthetic, seam or no seam) compress at the top of the shoulder...it's just physics. I think you're letting some form of ocd take over your rationality. The fact the arms are so long probably means you got a size too big...or you have shorter than average arms...or both (or it could be a knock-off).
None of my jackets are tight like that at the shoulders. This jacket just didn’t fit me right. I already got the smallest size.
Not the topic of the video, but what brand is the tank you're wearing? I've been looking for some basics and like the cut of yours a lot! Thanks in advance!!
Mossimo Tanks from Target 👍🏼👍🏼
I'm going to stick with my bear fur coat. Good comparison!
just goes to show it's almost always worth it to go into a store and try things on before pulling the trigger. this kind of jacket really needs to fit right, and it's pretty obvious the MH just isn't sitting right on you for whatever reason.
Unfortunately no stores in my area carry the Ghost. Luckily I was able to return it.
$350 for a jacket is way too much, IMHO
In what size u got the Rei jacket?
XS
I've a ghost whisperer and so does my wife. We're both Ls and have none of the fit problems that you have. The shoulders aren't tight and the arms are fine. A bit longer than average but I have long arms so it's great for me. We didn't pay retail for any of the 3 ghost whisperer that we own. The ghost whisperer is an ultra light jacket with a patented super light but still ripstop fabric. It's impossible to do that without compromise. You're missing the point about it when you talk about quality issues. It's a technical mountaineering jacket which is low profile to be worn as a highly packable mid layer under a hard shell or as an outer when it's dry. It's not meant to compete with the REI jacket. The see through fabric is technically amazing and its thinness has nothing to do with quality. MH do a nitrous jacket which is for more casual wear. This is the one most people should buy. The reason people are buying the ghost whisperer is that it looks cool and because its expensive (cachet) but in order to make it so light, they had to trade off durability. It can never be as durable as the stretch down, nitrous or the beefier expedition / guide models. Save yourself some cash and get an MH nitrous which is much closer to what you want, is more durable and also very light. I almost wish people would stop buying the GW expecting it to be an all purpose casual down. It was never meant to be that.
I actually ended up returning both of these jackets and getting a synthetic jacket from Marmot. It’s amazing and I love it SO much!!!
@@HikeOregon my brother is between sizes for Mountain Hardwear and Marmot fits him better. There's a lot to recommend about Marmot products and they tend not to have the compromises of some of the pure mountaineering brands. He swears by the Marmot Terrawatt jacket for weather arounda zero degrees C but warmer than - 10. It's equivalent to my mountain hardwear phantom, very comfortable and cheaper.
I got my 650 fill down REI jacket for $59 on their clearance last week! LOVE IT!
Wait,,damn I do!!!...getting older and out of shape ..
i love mtn hardwear and was surprised with the problems you had with their jacket.
I was surprised too. But after reading all the comments I am glad I returned it. I think it’s such a cult item that no one wants to speak badly about it. Lol
Bought Karrimor 750 fill goose down. Ordered as that, got 750 fill duck down :(( Not very warm. Don't know is because of duck vs goose or 750 fill is not good enough, but very disappointed. Looking something else, like Rei or some other product for 100 euros or less to be light an worm for winter. At least to hold for minus 5 Celsius.
You will need to get 850 goose down or higher for that kind of temperature. Unfortunately down jackets are expensive and you might have a hard time finding something for less than 100 euros. The cheapest jacket I found was $120 and that was because it was on sale.
Hike Oregon well 20 buck or euros it's not a big deal.. Even 50,but wont go over that. Found 800+ goose down on sale for 95 euros, but again Karrimor brand. Little skeptical only because of that, but will keep looking nevertheless. Thank you for the info. Cheers!
Look at the Mountain Hardwear website for sales. That’s where I got the Ghost Whisperer for $120.
Hike Oregon Will do, thanks for advice. Just hope they do deliveries to Europe for reasonable delivery prices :))
Thanks for the review. The REI and the GW are the 2 main jackets I've been looking at. The GW is sooo lite it makes it very attractive, but if you have to a bunch of repair tape to keep it going. I could see the 650 fit you really right. I tried that Jacket on at REI and it does have a nice fit. But I ended up getting the Magma 850 with hood for 109 bucks, couldn't turn it down. I'm awaiting its arrival. Its about 14 oz with hood so about 6 oz heavier with GW w/hood, but much more durable material supposedly. I thought in your video you mentioned you were getting the 850 magma version. Did you get it and if so, how'd you like it? Thanks for the helpful review.
I had the Magma but they didn’t make it with a hood (that’s they’re new model). I wore it all winter and was freezing cold on every hike. So I returned it and opted for a synthetic puffy since that makes most sense for me in Oregon winters where I’m constantly worried about my down getting wet. I absolutely love my Marmot synthetic coat with hood. Even though it’s more bulky and heavier it has proven to keep me warm and toasty in 30 degree temps with 25mph winds.
That's pretty awesome and glad you like your Marmot and thanks for the reply. I tried the hooded version 850 at REI and just standing in the store, I just about started sweating. Of course its not cold in there at all, so not a test, but...the 650 didn't seem to create much warmth at all and it wasn't hooded, (I think:)
Just so you know, I did get the 850 REI hoodie and have been using it for a couple of weeks, but not outdoors much. Its not as warm as I think it should be. The hood adds quite a bit of more warmth. But if I'm sitting still in 50 degree f even, I can feel just a little chill without the hood on. So on the fence with it and am still looking. Was kind of interested in the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie, but need to try it on for sizing, etc. So I might stick with the REI at least to test it this winter to see if I should keep it. The continuous mad hunt for the right lightweight, durable and warm jacket :)
@@barryfisher4734 I agree with you. The 850 was not as warm as I wanted it to be either. I live in the Pacific Northwest where it is always damp so the down just didn't keep me very warm while I was hiking. I was always chilled throughout the winter so at the end of this past winter I ended up returning the 850 and got a synthetic down coat by Marmot. I absolutely LOVE it and it keeps in insanely warm! It's water resistant, zero wind gets in, and I never have to worry about it getting wet and not functioning like with down. I think down is great if you live in a cold dry climate but it doesn't work well where I live.
the MHW is most beautiful and the Rei seem cheap on you.
I have returned both since the video :)
Gata have that hood.
I got the REI Magma for something like $140. It also fits me very nicely. I have no "man boobs". :D . I was looking for a hood, but oh well. Got a balaclava and that's my hood.
Good product video, I have been backpacking since the early '70's. and sometime in that time frame I discovered REI , and have found most of my backpacking/hiking needs with them.
Skilled people that understand all hikes and hikers are different. And by the way,,,I don't have boobs either....lol..
FYI REI co-op has a hooded version
If you're talking about the Stormhenge jacket, it is not comparable to the Ghost Whisperer at all because it is not the same style (it is actually a 2 layer jacket), nor is it lightweight.
Great review 👍
Thanks for watching Tom!
Hike Oregon have you used the rei jacket yet outside on a trek? Thanks
Yes, ti's amazing! I used the 650 fill on my last PCT section hike and I use the 800 fill all the time on day hikes here now that it's winter.
awesome. How do they do in rain? thanks
U try an xs?
The size I had was a Small.
Like others, have a MHW G W purchased at big discount. But having it on a six day pct hike w 2 days of rain, one day wet snow, I could tell the jacket was getting damp. So I bought an Enlightened Equip. Torrid APEX (synthetic) Jacket. Haven't tested the EE in damp weather yet. Good review, thxs!
Unfortunately the EE jacket hadn't come out yet when I bought these jackets.
Hike Oregon no worries.. I think it will work fine for me. Runs small sizing wise though.
Nice review.
Thanks for watching Michael!