Everything you ever needed to know about down jackets:

I have Montbell down clothing. At the time of purchase it was about the lightest and most economical I could find – I am also more than happy with the build quality and its durability (considering its extreme lightness) over the years. I carry a ‘Superior Down’  jacket and a vest, weighing approx 200 + 150 grams. I can see that I could have done better than this (now) but they were on sale (A140 + A$105) at Larry Adler (in Oz) at the time and are otherwise very hard to obtain here, so they were a bit of a ‘steal’ really.

My strategy is to use them in a layering system when it is very cold and to supplement my Montbell Spiral Stretch Ultralight Down Hugger sleeping bag (appprox 600 grams) by wearing the jacket on my top and the vest on my lower body (plus down socks) when it is below freezing. This reduces the temperature rating of my sleeping bag from -1C down to more like -10C without having to carry any extra weight. I also prefer a full-zip in both garments (even though it adds to the weight as compared with a pullover) because it helps with the layering. When you want to reduce the warmth it is just so easy to unzip.

I think 6-7 oz (180-200 grams) is enough in Australia for a down jacket (as long as you also have a vest!) as the heavier garments will mostly be far too hot (unless you are always up in the snow). I mostly camp out in the winter months in the mountains of Southern Victoria (as I am also a deer hunter). I have found the above arrangements fine over many years. We also own Montbell Down trousers. which only weigh a couple of hundred grams – lighter than most thermals! Della wears hers all the time in camp when it is cold (she feels it more than I do), and it is a blessing to her. I confess I only take mine when it is going to be like Antarctica, eg walking up to Everest.

I would recommend a winter mat though. For many years I used the Thermarest Neoair Womens – 340 grams (which I found adequate but not toasty) on cold nights. I now have an Exped Synmat HL Winter M – 430 grams which I find even better and more comfortable. At the moment I am using the pillow I cut down here (<50 grams) which cost me less than $10. It is the most comfortable pillow I have ever used and stays put really well too. I usually sleep in my Deer Hunter’s Tent (which I will soon be making a new, lighter, bigger model of) and carry the Ultralight Deer Hunter‘s equipment. Of course I always have a fire out the front which keeps me nice and warm until well after I have gone to bed.

I found the spreadsheet belowon a Google search so I cannot recognise the author’s careful work (or attest to its accuracy) but it gives a very good ground for comparison.

The cumulus range certainly is worth considering. Notice they also make very light sleeping bags: http://sleepingbags-cumulus.eu/