Recommendation for best CM down jacket?

[Gus]

Heading to the high desert with temps in the 40-50’s during the day and 20’s late nights. I’m not camping so I don’t need a heavy down parka. Any suggestions for your favorite fitting and most comfortable brands and models would be appreciated.

 

[emptym]

I have one from Muji that I love. Lightweight, navy, hooded, goes down to my hips, and is made of a super soft, supple, matte microfiber. I don't know if they carry it regularly though. Arcteryx and Patagonia seem to make the nicest outdoorsy stuff. Herno and Aspesi have more upscale and urban versions. But if I wanted a down jacket for about the same price as those brands, I'd get something custom from Luke's Ultralight, Feathered Friends, or Western Mountaineering -- all made in the US.

 

[Gus]

Any particular model of Arcteryx? I've tried Patagonia, but their "Regular Fit" (that they use on almost all of their jackets now) is just too boxy on me.

 

[emptym]

Good point on Patagonia's boxiness. I think Arcteryx is a bit more slim. I'd get the model that has the thickness you prefer, and a hood or not. A down jacket should be sized to fit a sweater, imo. LL Bean had medium talls that may fit well. The one thing I don't like about most down jackets is their smooth fabrics that shine and make a rustling noise. That's one reason I like the Muji. it has a slightly brushed finish that's matte and silent. Iirc, some of the European brands, like Aigle used to make down jackets with softer fabrics. But oftentimes a soft fabric will be thick and not so compressible. I also prefer jackets with a snap flap over the zipper, both for function and looks. The one thing the Muji could improve on is interior pockets. I love ones big enough to hold a book. The outdoors brands usually have those, but keeping water bottles from freezing is the intended purpose.

 

[Paul902]

I've got a nice fitting thin down layer by Mont Bell, that is not boxy. It moves well, and is versatile. I use it primarily fly fishing for steelhead in the winter as an extra layer. Arcteryx is also a great fit. They have a mountaineering focus so arms are typically nice and long with good articulation. Excellent quality. I don't have any down pieces from them.

These are both "outdoor gear" types, not classic menswear, so perhaps some of the brands emptym suggested would be more what you are looking for.

 

[bry2000]

Not sure what you mean by a CM parka. Isaia, Zegna, LP, Cucinelli, etc all produce parkas that I would consider CM. The LP Icer is a classic, for example.

If you are open to other ideas:
Descente All Terrain
Yves Salomon
Arc'teryx Veilance
Moorer
Snow Peak

 

[emptym]

A nice Western Mountaineering jacket on sale by SF member @Fueco :
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WESTERN-MO...276701?hash=item2cd2bebd5d:g:EKsAAOSw5Oxa11hx

 

[Gus]

I ended up with this Mountain Hardware https://www.mountainhardwear.com/me...ated&dwvar_1560901_variationColor=492#start=3

It has a nice trim(almost tailored!) fit, in black, and with a very good stand up collar (several other brands collars roll sort of funny). The arms and torso are nice and long.