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Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

rated 4 of 5 stars

The Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket has been discontinued. It was replaced by the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Jacket.

photo: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket down insulated jacket

Super lightweight, warm jacket that has served me well until recently. The company logo began to wear off, which did not affect its intended purpose, but then a couple of stitches broke loose too so I sent it in for warranty service. It was less than 3 years old and based on some unfavorable warranty reviews I wasn't sure what to expect.

Within three days of MH receiving the jacket I got an email telling me a credit of $320 was being issued to me. Within a week's time after that I received a new jacket plus a couple of other items since the jacket was on sale at a lower price than the $320.

Exemplary warranty/customer service was my experience,...and two young ladies I spoke with who deserve praise were Ashley and Chloe H. Thanks to the fellows whom I spoke with too,...just don't remember their names, but everyone was friendly, courteous, and helpful. Experienced absolutely no hassles.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight.
  • I'm 5'10" and weigh 165 lbs, the
  • Medium fits perfectly.
  • It's so light I almost forget that I have it on and yet warmer than I would've expected.

Cons

  • Expensive, and you must exercise care when wearing it
  • because the fabric is thin and stitching, although well
  • done, can be snagged.

At 5'10" and 165 the Medium is a very comfortable fit that really looks swell in terms of its cut. I have freedom of movement no matter what I'm doing while wearing it.

The breathability and water resistance seems fine as I've not experienced any issues with either of these features. In a light rainfall the moisture simply rolls off, and if I become to warm it packs into its own pocket/stuff sack and is easily hooked to my pack strap or belt using a mini carabiner (not included).

I can layer a Patagonia Capilene piece under this and stay warm at 32°F, and below, with no problem. Add a light rain jacket and I'm good for most weather conditions.

Yes, it's expensive but worth it in my opinion. On sale it's obviously an even better deal.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $320

High warmth-to-weight, uber lightweight, packs small.

Pros

  • High warmth-to-weight
  • Very lightweight
  • Packs small

Cons

  • 7D material has to be handled somewhat gently

This is a very nice, lightweight down jacket, perfect for throwing in a daypack or backpack for multi-day outings. It uses treated 800 down (Q.Shield), just under 3 oz of fill.

The weight of my size Men's Large is 6.9 oz, not many down jackets approach that weight. It packs very small, taking very little space—a very big plus if using a small pack.

I've had the jacket out in light rain and snow and the DWR is pretty decent, but I wouldn't want to push the moisture issue much with your insulating layer.

The 7D material is far from bombproof, which shouldn't be a big surprise for anyone.  I've used it extensively the last year and a half (and knock on wood) have yet to put a puncture/tear in it (I did get a spark off a fire that left a small hole—whoops!).  When used with a little caution (foregoing bushwhacking through brambles, etc) it should prove plenty durable.

Fit is good, I'm 5'11" 180 and the M's Large fits perfectly. Has a adjustable hem shock cord to seal in warmth. I had the hooded version, but it was misplaced or stolen :(, I bought the jacket version as I found a very good price on it. I would recommend the hooded version if you can get a good price, I simply prefer hooded garments.  I carry a 1 oz Black Rock down beanie w/ it and get by fine though.

I've owned several lightweight down jackets—Montbell Ex-Light, Patagonia Down Sweater—this one is the one I've held onto :)

Pic of my wife and I, this was my hooded one before it disappeared:

mike-janbigbelts.jpg

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $175

Light, packable, warm and beautifull jacket, but poor material .... buy it if you dont need a resistant jacket, otherwise look somewhere else.

Pros

  • Ridiculously lightweight
  • Packable
  • Beautiful

Cons

  • Bad quality of material

This jacket is spectacular. Ridiculously lightweight and packable, warm, beautiful colors, I chose the color electric blue. 

But after having it a week of normal use, failure began to be felt, maybe it's for the excessive use of lightweight materials, on the sleeves already started to notice wear and several seams is loosening. I can understand this to happen after prolonged heavy use, but not with just one week of city walking.

I was planing to take it to a MTB trip at the hills, but I'm definitely back with my old Arc'teryx Atom LT.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: u$d 200

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $99.00-$325.00
Reviewers Paid: $175.00-$320.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $129.95-$325.00

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