Remember GoLite? Remember how they made awesome, lightweight jackets that were functional and well built? Remember how they suddenly went away? Well the founder of GoLite is back with a new company called My Trail Company. And this new iteration is making jackets that are just as good. Jackets like their 800-fill, Ultralight Down Jacket. My Trail sent me a sample for review and ever since temperatures got cold here in Utah, I’ve been wearing this jacket. So far I’m very impressed. More on that below but first the specs.
My Trail 800 Fill Ultralight Down Jacket
Features include:
- 20-Denier ripstop nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) shell.
- Polyester lining
- Internal media chest pocket with headphone guide loop
- Full length front zipper with internal storm flap to prevent drafts
- External zipper garage protects your skin
- 800 Fill ethically-sourced goose down
- Vertical side channels for improved body contact and range of motion
- Elastic cord hem adjustment
- Low profile elastic cuffs
- Zippered microfleece lined hand warmer pockets
- Reflective logo for safety
Jacket Test and Review
This is going to be a short review. Why? Because My Trail is making down jackets that go back to basics… and I mean that in a good way. This jacket that I tested is simple. No bells and whistles, no super-modern advanced technology. It’s just your basic down jacket. And that’s why I love it. The style is classic – horizontal baffles filled with feathers. My Trail is doing one thing different using vertical baffles on the sides. It looks cool and allows for better range-of motion.
Other usual features include two hand warmer pockets with cozy fleece, a draw-cord hem to keep the cold out, and internal chest pockets for media or an energy bar. But most important is this jacket is very warm. I’ve worn it in temperatures in the low 20s with just a T-shirt underneath and never got so much as a chill.
Water repellency is also very good. I got caught in an autumn rain storm while loading up my truck for a mountain biking trip. My hat and pants got soaked but the shell with DWR treatment kept my torso dry. Now I wasn’t the rain very long – maybe 15 minutes, but for wearing just this puffy and no shell over it, I was pleased with how dry I stayed.
At a mere 12oz, this jacket is also very light weight. It packs down small so there’s no excuse not to bring it along on any adventure, either as a go-to layer or to have in your pack as an emergency puffy. But the most impressive aspect is the price. Currently on mytrailco.com, this down piece is selling for only $114. Now, this jacket is every bit as well constructed and fully featured as a Patagonia or other high-end brand, but those will cost twice as much. Seriously, this jacket has impressed me and I’m very picky about what I wear in the mountains. It’s available for both men and women and they also have a hooded version.
The Verdict
From skiing, to backpacking, camping, or just around town, I think My Trail nailed the workhorse down jacket. It’s already become my go-to, despite the fact that I own down jackets from other, more expensive outdoor companies. And the price… you just won’t find this good of a puffy that will give you as much bang for your buck.
For this jacket and more, check them out at mytrailco.com