Let me start by saying this jacket feels like wearing a cloud – if that cloud could barely handle a stiff breeze. The 700-fill down is gloriously lightweight, making it perfect for tossing in my backpack during unpredictable fall hikes. I’ve worn it on crisp 40°F mornings with just a flannel underneath, and it delivered cozy warmth... until the wind picked up. Then it might as well have been mesh.

The ‘water-resistant’ claim made me laugh when I got caught in drizzle last week. After two months, the DWR coating waved goodbye faster than a tourist in a haunted house. Now it drinks moisture like a sponge – complete with that lovely wet-dog aroma bonus.

Speaking of surprises, the pocket zippers are basically fabric shredders. Trying to access my gloves mid-ski lift? Might as well perform open-jacket surgery. And those ‘angel-wing’ sleeves? More like bat wings – they’re bizarrely wide while the torso fits snug.

Here’s the kicker though: at this price point, finding entire baffles empty of down (yes, multiple reviewers reported this) is unforgivable. My lower back section suspiciously lacks loft – not ideal when sitting on cold rocks during breaks.

Would I recommend it? Only if you treat jackets like museum pieces. For actual outdoor use? Save your cash or go Patagonia – their Down Sweater costs more but won’t disintegrate during basic existence.