The lightest, warmest insulation. Period. 800 fill power premium northern European goose down. The ripstop shell is soft to the touch, yet both water- and abrasion-resistant. Forty-six years ago, the ancestor of the Downlight was a favorite of Jim Whittaker when he became the first American to summit Everest. Now, Ed Viesturs wears this new generation. Ed also uses it as his outer layer in cold, dry conditions to save weight. Weighs just 9.17 oz.; packs into its own pocket. Machine wash. Precision layering.
"The first time I heard someone say 'sweater,' I thought of my third grade teacher. Then I realized how cool and warm a down sweater could be. Now when I think of 'sweater,' this is my first thought."
-Melissa Arnot
- 800 FILL POWER PREMIUM NORTHERN EUROPEAN GOOSE DOWN
- WATER-RESISTANT SHELL
- ABRASION-RESISTANT
- TWO POCKETS
- ELASTIC HEM
- STOWS EASILY
| Center Back Length | 23.5" |
| Garment Weight | 9.17 oz |
First Ascent Sizing - Women
| XSmall | Small | Medium | Large | XLarge | |||||||
| Bust | 33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41.5-43.5 | ||||||
| Waist | 25 | 26-27 | 28-29 | 30.5-32 | 33.5-35.5 | ||||||
| Hips | 35 | 36-37 | 38-39 | 40.5-42 | 43.5-45.5 | ||||||
| Inseam | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 |
- First Ascent is cut closer to the body for a great, active fit with no bunching or binding. It is built as a complete system. All pieces - outerwear, insulating layers and baselayer - are cut so the body and sleeve lengths of each successive layer are slightly longer than the one underneath.
11/12/09
I obviously haven't had this very long because it's a new product, but have taken it on every hike since I got it, because it really does pack down neatly and zips into its own pocket, and it's really lightweight. It puffs right back up and is super warm. It's not a big puffy, because it's a "sweater" meant to pack away, and that's exactly what I wanted---something to carry just in case or if a stopping place is a bit chilly. It also fits under the Igniter jacket without compressing either jacket's insulation. I chose it because I knew Eddie Bauer fits tend to be more shapped for women than some brands. I have a full range of motion with my arms, but don't have a bunch of spare garment around the middle. I am 5' 8" with a frame to match, and got the large. It fits as a mid-layer. The lava color is a bright red orange, and I like it.
Suzanne D.
10/29/09
I'm 5'3.5" and 130 pounds. I ordered a petite medium and I am very happy with the fit. The sleeves rest comfortably at my wrists but could be pulled down to my knuckles. The back of the top goes just short of half way down my butt with the front sitting where a low-rise style jean would. The jacket/sweater is clearly cut with the women's form in mind as I have enough room in the chest and a comfortably flattering waist. With the top on less than a minute I immediately felt its warming properties at work. Weighing the jacket for myself it came in at an almost not there 9 ounces! Out of curiosity I put my Marmot Precip (size s/p) jacket on over the sweater to see if this could be a complete, weatherproof system without causing the down to lose is heat-trapping loft. It worked great! I have not field tested this seemingly wonderful new piece of gear but by all accounts I am extremely pleased with my purchase.
Elisa Umpierre
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