This is the jacket you buy if you want the warmest insulation for the least weight. And 240g of 900fp down results in a seriously warm jacket. I tested this during a very cold journey in the Southern Cairngorms, and was toasty warm at all times when wearing it (even without a mid-layer). It feels like wearing a luxuriously soft sleeping bag.
Best for: lightweight winter backpacking
Stars: 4.5/5 | Price: £420 | Weight: 497g (men’s medium) | Pros: very warm for the weight, good hood, recycled fabrics | Cons: potentially fragile face fabric | Fill: 240g of 900fp European goose down, RDS-certified, with Nikwax PFC-free hydrophobic finish | Shell: 100% recycled Pertex Quantum 10D nylon ripstop with PFC-free DWR; 100% recycled nylon lining | Hood: stiffened peak, adjustment at sides | Cuffs: elasticated | Hem: drawcord with 2x adjusters | Pockets: 2x handwarmer, 1x outer | Sizes: S–XXL | Womens/Mens version: both
Baffles are a mix of stitch-through and box-wall, said to be offset for maximum efficiency – I noticed no problems with cold spots. However, the face fabric is only 10D, which means it’s less windproof and durable than thicker fabrics. I haven’t damaged it yet, but it feels fragile enough that I’d be wary of extended wear beneath a heavy pack. The down is hydrophobic and the face fabric’s DWR works when the jacket is new, so it’s fairly weather resistant as down jackets go. However, I’d want to layer a hardshell over the top to protect it. The hood is good, and has a decent peak, but there is no volume reducer and can only be adjusted at the sides, which means high winds can dislodge it. Fit is about average and it has good backside coverage. Another plus point: the lining and face fabric are 100% recycled.
The Mythic Ultra is perfect for multi-day backpacking in the coldest Scottish winter conditions. However, due to its thin face fabric, it should be treated with care if using it as a “big coat” for chucking on top of everything in a blizzard.
