$60 Uniqlo Down Jacket vs. $400 Arc’teryx Down Jacket!

Can my cheapest down jacket compete with my most expensive? On the surface the affordable and insanely popular Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket checks every box for a great backpacking insulation layer: it's extremely light weight, packs down very small, and it's full of 100% RDS-certified down packed at 750 fill power into its baffles. At $60 (on sale) it could be the best value down jacket on the market for hiking and backpacking if it is genuinely warm and durable. Now, to be fair, the Uniqlo jacket is definitely not designed for hiking and backpacking, but I had to know what could justify the $340 price difference between this jacket, and the priciest technical backpacking and hiking coat in my closet - the $400 Arc'teryx Cerium Down Hoody. I took both jackets and headed to the mountains to find out just how these two jackets on either end of the price spectrum perform!

Intro: 00:00
$60 down jacket vs $400 down jacket: 1:04
Why I am comparing these two down jackets: 1:52
$60 down jacket vs $400 down jacket (con't): 2:37
Best down jacket options: 10:16
Conclusion: 11:21

Gear in this video -

Listen to my recent interview on Kyle Hates Hiking's podcast Trail Tales!

The Miranda Goes Outside crew:

Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Videographer and Editor: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Dog: Tucker

This video was edited by Katie Van Fleet and filmed by Rainer Golden!

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#downjacket #winter #backpacking #hiking #camping #naturelovers #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild

[MirandaGoesOutside]

I’ve seen a few questions about layering, other jacket suggestions, and down alternatives- so here ya go!

I’m wearing a base layer from Kari Traa and a SkyGOAT fleece hoodie (it’s my first official piece of cottage gear and I love it!) on top, and a base layer and my SheFly pants on the bottom.

Many of you have mentioned the Decathalon Forclaz! I learned about this jacket just a few days ago, when Rainer told me I probably should have compared my Cerium to that instead 🥲 Anyone who owns it - what do you think of it?

If you are looking for a good alternative to down for allergy, moral, or other reasons, check out the Thermoball collection from North Face, anything with Primaloft Gold, or Patagonia’s Nano Puff line!

[JamesSymmonds]

A note on the 10 year old jacket, just remember that ten years ago they might have been using a better process that they've since decided to sideline in the name of profits.

[Jarrych]

An important note would be to mention that this is also a good reason to get something designed for exercise or outdoor use, as that's a lot of the benefits being seen in the nicer jackets. The Uniqlo clearly isn't bad, especially for in and out of buildings or pedestrian commuting, but suffers for hiking and backpacking because it just isn't designed for it. Seems likely to be fine on a budget for moderate snowy cold, day hikes, shorter trips, etc, and when layered well, but it's just not going to be "best use."

[ae]

So true. Uniqlo jackets are warm - but only until they come in contact with water, snow, or wind. The fabric literally sucks liquid into itself. And in the wind, you can feel cold air come in at every place the needle punctured the fabric.

[wipis]

The city can be just as demanding in the cold as the hike. Yes a mountain peak will be much colder and windier. But the sort of hike you took could be very similar to the city. Cities can be very windy. More so than the forest. Trees break up wind while talk building focus them like a wind tunnel. When you hike you generate heat. In the city you might be sitting at a bus stop or waiting for a cab. I think a cheap Uniqlo will last a while if you take care of it. But you won't be very warm. Better to spend $100-$200 and be more comfortable.

[Khaleesi_Tess]

Loved this video! I felt like you did a good job of highlighting what made the arcteryx warmer, which is helpful to us viewers when we consider what to look for in a down jacket (regardless of which brand options we have). It also seemed like you and Reiner were just having a fun time together, and there were more signature Miranda jokes which I absolutely love!!! Can't wait to see more from you and your team as you take this new leap into independent videos 😁

[kbsTV]

I would be very interested to see how your opinions might change if you were to wear a wind proof layer outside the down. I wonder how much of the heat loss of the Uniqlo is the fact that it’s outer fabric is so thin.

[alangauld]

Down jackets last forever if you look after them. I bought mine in 1982 and it's still going strong. As for the DWR issue it's easy enough to use a spray to add DWR to the cheap jacket for less than $10. Not perfect, but enough for the snowball test I'm sure.

[kaitlin]

Loved the podcast episode that you and Kyle did! Great to hear some fun stories! & great video, too, Miranda!!

[Jermeister]

@8:27 YES!! Thank you for leaving in the Miranda Signature! 🤩❤️

[jimboshizz]

I've had the Uniqlo one for a while, and recently picked up a Marine Layer one which has become my go to. But for durability and a layer the Uniqlo is great (although all my experience has been city wear, not hiking wear)

[haoye]

I have a $400CAD Helly Hansen winter jacket for about 5 years now. I live in Northern Canada, it serves me great in winter No complain. I still wear it during summer time because the air flow design is great, i dont feel hot either. Best $400 I ever spent.

I might be bias, because i learnt from young age, the best way to dress for winter is to dress in layer.

[brandrunway]

Good point abiut wet dawn and sintetic inslutation. I have a military PrimaLoft jacket and it is so warm and handy!
Unfortunately, it doesn't work well in the city - it stands out in the crowd despite its olive color.

[ppahl]

After trying different down coats from layered down Eddie Bauer to a heavy Icelandic coat that had a crooked hood, I wear a small men's Aritzia down that I'm absolutely thrilled with re warmth, design, & cost. Am a small/med female, & a small men's Aritzia down coat is perfect.

[bmd]

Hugely informative. Keep in mind Arcteryx warranty is incredibly disappointing. After gently washing a T shirt only 5 times the reflective logo wore off. Refused to replace it. Originally said it was general wear and is acceptable. When pushed offered only a 20% discount on a new one. Declined the offer. Said finally they would repair it but I would have to pay postage.
Patagonia and TNF have either repaired or replaced worn gear. Postage paid.

[BackcountryExposure]

The Cerium is just classically awesome!

[nurseadrianern]

1 of best investments has been Icebreaker hoodie, long sleeve T and short sleeve T. Wore the long sleeve and hoodie in freezing temps n been fine- with gloves, hat n scarf of course

[busydadscooking]

I wear a Uniqlo down vest in the winter. Keeps me toasty indoors and the fit is much snugger than yours. Love it :D Zero water proofing. I suppose you could coat it yourself...

[hampuslindvall]

The forclaz mt100 from Decathlon is the best budget alternative I've found for your ghost whisperer. Highly recommended!

[chiefsilverback]

A glaring difference between the two, the Cerrium has a hood which adds a chunk to the cost because. Personally I’m a fan of Rab jackets and they have amazing hoods.