sheltowee wrote:
I am looking for a packable jacket and pants for a warm layer when needed, I was looking at a 650 fill jacket at REI. Any suggestions?
I've been using a Montbell Down Jacket since 2010. They've renamed it since then but this looks exactly like the one I have: https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=25010&p_id=2301214&gen_cd=1
Mine packs down to almost nothing and weighs about eight ounces. Keep in mind, they're a Japanese company and they're XL is sized to fit a big Japanese guy; not a big American. I'm 6'2", 195 pounds, wear a 42R suit, and wear an XL in their jackets. If I were any bigger the sleeves would be too short but there's some room in the body. Definitely an "athletic" cut.
The material they use is very lightweight and probably pretty fragile but it works well under a tougher jacket like my Windcheater or a hardshell. Also, the material they use is glossy and mine (a dark blue) bears a close resemblance to a trash bag in person.