ProView – Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hooded Down Jacket

I haven’t done anything “epic” in the jacket yet. I haven’t bagged any new peaks, climbed any hard routes, or adventured to far off places. But this jacket is epic. Simply put I have been living in it non-stop since ordering it. Sweater weather is so 2019. Puffy season is where it’s at. To be one hundred percent real, this is my favorite coat I’ve ever owned. 

This fall I moved back into my car. Not for any epic reason, I just needed space. I’d been feeling cooped up and restless in SLC, and fall is the perfect time to catch the chilly end of camping season in the mountains, and the bearable crisp sunny days of the desert. Packing up my little CRV meant bringing only the best essentials. The Ghost Whisper UL is decisively my favorite thing to wear currently. It’s quickly becoming a staple as I bounce around the views of Utah, and my non glamorous moments of crashing in Walmart parking lots.

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Features

The first thing I noticed was how light the jacket was. It’s aptly-named “Ghost Whisper.” Airy and light as a feather, it’s still the warmest puffy I’ve ever owned. The pockets are large enough to fit a coffee flask or a book in (I’ve tested both). They also double as a stuff sack, which makes keeping my backpack organized that much easier. When zipped up all the way the hood is a snug fit around the face keeping your head warm on cold hikes. 

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Look/Fit

I’m 5’9″ with a full bust and I ordered a medium. It is a trim fit, but leaves plenty of room for a fleece and a base layer or two underneath. I’ve had no problems moving around and doing cartwheels in the jacket, but wish there was the tiniest bit more room in the shoulders. The elastic around the arm cuffs keeps it in place while making your morning cuppa joe. The “Golden Hour” color is bright and warm.

Durability/Weight

As a backpacking guide for adolescents I need reliable gear that leaves plenty of room for extra gear. The Ghost Whisper is perfect for my desert tramps. Warmth without weight is worth the price. Made from 1000-fill RDS- Certified down, it is wonderfully lightweight (6.17oz to be precise), without having to skimp on warmth or style. The denier ripstop fabric is one of my favorite features. I cannot say how many times I’ve ripped a down jacket just from a simple snag on a branch or rock. We’ve all had to slap on a piece of duct tape over the feathers fluffing out from a tear in the arm, etc. I’ve scrambled around plenty in this coat though and it’s held up. It’s a relief to feel like I’ve finally found a coat that can hold up against the rough and tumble ways of a backpacker. 

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Performance

This season of life on the road has meant that I could be experiencing all four seasons within the same week. Having the Ghost Whisper makes me feel ready for anything. I’ve worn it nonstop since I’ve gotten it and don’t plan on taking it off except for the occasional shower between campsites. And whenever I move back into an actual home I’ll still be wearing it nonstop. It is that good; it is in fact the best coat I’ve ever owned. 

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The Final Word

I can genuinely say that this is the best down jacket I’ve ever owned. It’s quickly become my ol reliable as I road trip around planning and dreaming up future trips. It’s coming with me backpacking, snowshoeing, desert romping, mountain trekking… anything you can imagine. Until then I’ll wear it all the time anyway, as a reminder that future badass adventures are going to be a thing again someday soon.

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