What's the verdict on hydrophobic down?

NorthCascades

It's been several years now. A lot of jackets and slapping bags are available with DWR down, although curiously not from companies with the best reputations (Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineering). Has anybody in here used it, and if so what was your experience like?

cheriej2042

I just bought a new Rab jacket but won't be testing it until November. I have a Western Mount. sleeping bag (-25) but decided not to buy their jacket - I didn't like the sleeves or the hood and it was cut short. I thought I saw a jacket from Feathered Friends with hydrophobic down. I just don't want to be wearing 5 layers of clothes underneath a down jacket for dinner in the camp tent or sleeping. Hopefully my purchases will remedy that but we'll see how it does at altitude in Bhutan.

NorthCascades

Part of the reason to get a down puffy is so you don't have to bring a fleece and three wool base layers! 🙂

I bet Bhutan will be incredible. Post a trip report with photos when you get back?

cheriej2042

I will! Outside the cities we won’t see many people just the occasional yak herder. Hiking to Gangkhar Puensum.

NorthCascades

@cheriej2042 if you have a chance to get any (100%) yak clothing or a blanket while you're there, don't pass it up. My favorite sucks by far are yak, they're soft and warm as cashmere. You wouldn't think so, or at least I didn't, but the downy hairs are wonderfully soft. 🥰