Hey y'all, in the market for an insulating layer. I have been scouring the internet and I am overwhelmed by the whole process. I still have several months till I depart (March 19th), but I am trying to budget and get and test out gear beforehand. So here is the deal, I have it narrowed down to 3 choices, however, I am open to suggestions.
1) Mountain Hardware Super/SD stretchdown hooded: this is the only jacket I have been able to try on out of the three so far, I immediately liked the fit and feel of the jacket, but I haven't read much about the 2018 version and am a bit worried about warmth. Weight is not a deal breaker, although it is considerably heavy.
https://www.rei.com/product/136797/m...ed-jacket-mens
2) Rab Microlight Alpine hooded: I have heard good things about Rab (outdoorgearlab.com) and other reviews and it seems like a solid buy, but I haven't been able to get my hands on one and actually see how it feels.
https://www.rei.com/product/137621/r...wn-jacket-mens
3) Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka: I've heard good things all around about Montbell products, but like the Rab, I haven't been able to test it out.
https://www.montbell.us/products/dis...01261&gen_cd=1
My main considerations are warmth, durability, and price.
This jacket will be used for an AT thru-hike.
Additionally, I do have an REI gift-card ($100) which would make the Mountain Hardware & Rab 100 dollars cheaper than usual.
Any recommendations or general input is welcome, thanks!