Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Down Jacket - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides
Retail Price:
$299.95
$299.95
Used Value:
$179.97
$179.97
Sale Value:
$269.96
$269.96
The Mountain Hardwear Men's Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket won a number of awards in the industry when it was first released back in 2012, and it has since become the gold standard in ultralight down jackets. Part of the allure of the Ghost Whisperer (besides its ridiculously lightweight design) was Mountain Hardwear's resolve to keep the jacket fully loaded with the proverbial bells and whistles, instead of just chopping features in an attempt to keep the jacket light.
The Ghost Whisperer is ideal for climbing in the alpine, long-haul backpacking trips, and peak-bagging bids where packing light and moving fast is key to reaching your objective. While you might typically reserve your down jacket for dry and mild climates, the Ghost Whisperer isn't afraid to get a little wet thanks to its nylon outer with DWR treatment that can easily fight off light weather. As an added bonus the nylon outer boasts impressive durability for climbing missions, and is made entirely of recycled materials.
Mountain Hardwear was able to keep the weight of this jacket down by making it out of its superlight Whisperer fabric and packing it full of top-shelf 800-fill down that's highly compressible and boasts a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. This goose down also boasts Q.shield which allows it to maintain its loft even when wet. The low-profile quilting pattern further reduces weight and materials while enhancing the jacket's insulating properties by creating heat-trapping down channels. This low-profile design and active fit allows the jacket to be worn comfortably as a midlayer and helps prevent that puffed-up look many down jackets have. The jacket stuffs into one of its zippered hand pockets where it can then be clipped to a harness or backpack for quick access when you need convenient access to warmth on a chilly belay or cold summit.
Specifications
Brand:
Center Back Length:
27.5in
Claimed Weight:
8.3oz
Fit:
regular
Insulation:
800-fill goose down (90% down, 10% feathers), Q.shield
Length:
hip
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
10D x 10D recycled nylon, DWR coating
Pockets:
2 zippered hand
Recommended Use:
backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, backpacking, casual, hiking, ice climbing, mountaineering, sport climbing, trad climbing
Full Reviews
Super warm. Super comfortable. Worn it in super cold temps and stayed warm. Zippers catch really bad and are hard to operate and get jammed up. Seams coming apart and small holes all over the jacket within a few months of use. Super fragile and I can't hardly wear it to do anything unless I have a shell over it or it gets pin holes that leak feathers all over. Submitted for warranty claim and we will see how that goes.
Jake Jorgenson, backcountry.com
January 15, 2020
January 15, 2020
I put this thing through the wringer on a daily bases and it holds up to the challenge while still being ultralight. Great top layer. Its roomy enough to layer but snug enough to wear independently.
Tate Kirby, backcountry.com
March 12, 2019
March 12, 2019
Overall I like this jacket. It's roomy enough to layer and it's great that it packs down into it's own pocket. After about a year later the loft is quite compressed and I'm kind of disappointed for how much this jacket was. I do really like the sleeve cuffs with the elastic on the inside and not too tight, most puffy jackets aren't like this.
Damian M., backcountry.com
February 13, 2019
February 13, 2019
I bought this jacket as a gift for my Dad, and had to return it for a different jacket. The jacket itself is awesome and lightweight, but it did run slightly more "slim" fit on him compared to other brands like Patagonia & North Face. I returned for the Patagonia Micro Puff in an XL, and it fit him perfectly for comparison. Jacket also has a sheen to it (as shown in pictures), but something to keep in mind when buying.
Kate, backcountry.com
December 28, 2018
December 28, 2018
I bought this jacket about 3 years ago and this is a long term review combined with initial thoughts after purchase. First, it is warm-- but not that warm. I appreciate the small pack size but there is give and take. The first flaw I encountered was that when the pockets are unzipped the sleeves snag on the zippers. A lot. To the point where the stitching gets frayed very easily and I have to be very conscious about zipping the pockets every time I take my hands out. The second flaw was that the fill is not uniformly distributed throughout the quilting. If you hold it up to the light you can see straight through some areas and not through others. The biggest flaw, however, is the main zipper. It is NOT made to stand up to normal use. A heavier duty zipper is definitely a necessity on a jacket that costs this much. I've had to have repairs done on the zipper and today it actually just broke. Like really broke. So if this is a light duty jacket that you won't be using that much, fine. But if it's something you plan on using on a daily basis, do your research and get something with better pocket design and a better zipper. I would not recommend this product to a friend.
Brad W., backcountry.com
December 20, 2018
December 20, 2018
The hype on this jacket is 100% real! I can't say enough about it. I've used this jacket snowboarding, splitboarding, backpacking, and even for casual wear. Definitely, a must have.
Luke, backcountry.com
July 19, 2018
July 19, 2018
I first ordered this jacket in State Orange, and while it does say orange, the picture here seems to be a very red orange. However, when it came in it looked bright orange, which is not what I was expecting. I bought a Small and Medium so I could see how they fit and it seemed to run a little bit large since I very rarely end up with a small. I sent both back and ordered a small in Dark Compass blue. I looked at the pictures on BackCountry.com and compared to Amazon and they were totally different. I took a gamble and the jacket looked more like the picture on Amazon. I realize this jacket is hard to take a picture of due to the nature of the thin material. Still, no excuse for a half decent photographer. The actual jacket is awesome though. Way warmer than a 100 weight fleece, but weighs the same. The sleeve cuffs fit snug even on my skinny wrists but I could see them being fine for bigger wrists. The sleeves are long enough for my long arms, the pits don't go up too high like the Rab fit, the length of the jacket sits comfortably at my waist, zippers work great but remind me of a tent zipper because they're on the small side (kind of cool since it reminds me of camping/backpacking which is fitting for this type of jacket). TLDR: I love the jacket but hate the pictures on this site - poor color representation.
Joseph D., backcountry.com
March 22, 2018
March 22, 2018
After a full year of use, I can definitely say this piece lives up to the hype. I primarily use it backpacking, splitboarding, climbing, trail/adventure running and often bring it as an extra mid-layer when the temps are variable. It packs up to nothing, offers a crazy amount of warmth for such a light package and layers well. The material isn't the most durable (It is a 10D ripstop face fabric after all) but the craftsmanship is solid and it's held up well. Also, it is absolutely as shiny as it looks in the pics. Trim fit but still true to size.
Geoff Conner, backcountry.com
March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
This jacket is fairly amazing in a few regards, packs tiny, super warm, wind hardly penetrates, fits nice. Yet all those amazing qualities are overshadowed by the terrible construction quality. I bought this jacket a couple months ago and have used it for a total of about 20 days and already the stitching is coming out. While this may be covered under warranty itâs a pain to have to go through that process. For the price of this jacket, more attention should be given to creating a product that will last.
Matt H., backcountry.com
March 8, 2018
March 8, 2018
The weight of this jacket is incredible for the relative warmth it provides. This isn't a stand-alone down jacket that will allow you to go through a winter, but it's an incredible layering piece for your lightweight backcountry trips. I'm 6 foot and 140 lbs and the medium fits exactly as I want. I've worn this jacket, with a good layering system, down to 15 degrees and have been fine. My only complaint is the shell is super fragile, so off-trail hiking, especially in brush, should be done with caution.
Austin Beck, backcountry.com
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2018
The jacket is super lightweight and has kept me warm. Packs wonderfully. Easy to stow. My one issue is if the pockets are unzipped, they catch on the sleeves.
Brad W., backcountry.com
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2018
I've taken my Ghost Whisperer everywhere with me in the last couple years. From the High Sierras in Yosemite to all over the Pacific Northwest and the Cascades. It has never failed to keep me warm. It is unbelievably light and more durable than you might initially think. As a standalone piece, I am generally comfortable down to about 35F with little wind if I'm not moving at all. However, add either a windproof soft or hard shell jacket over it and I've been perfectly comfortable bumming around camp at 23F. On a sunset summit of Mt Baker, the temperature dropped to the 20s and the wind was absolutely howling. With a base layer, Ghost Whisperer, soft shell, and hard shell on, I was the only person in our 8-man party who was perfectly warm. Everyone else was jumping up and down freezing their butts off, and they all had giant bulky down parkas on. I wanted to stay on the summit longer! I'd describe the fit as "Alpine". I am a long and lanky 6'2" about 185lbs and the medium fits absolutely perfect. I almost always only have a base layer underneath, but I could put it over a light fleece or soft shell if needed. I have very long arms which is always a problem for me, but the sleeves are fantastically long on the Ghost Whisperer with a great elastic cuff to keep the wind out. All in all, the Ghost Whisperer is one of my favorite pieces. It's in my bag for any adventure above 20F. I have a more burly puffy for those winter nights on Rainier, but for everything else I grab my GW. It's simply the most versatile and useful down jacket out there. Don't hesitate to pick one up.
Scott G, backcountry.com
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2018
This is the best fitting, comfortable, & warm jacket I have ever owned!
Charles L., backcountry.com
February 17, 2018
February 17, 2018
I've had this jacket for about 12 months now. I wear it several times a week during the winter. It fits great, keeps me warm, and is lightweight. Additionally, I can roll this jacket up and fit it almost anywhere compact. My only concern with this jacket is the fact the stitching is has been unraveling for the last year. There are (2) location on the right arm that are slowly pulling themselves apart. EDIT: I noticed another loaction on the front that is unraveling as well :( I don't hike or do anything active in this jacket, I treat it like royalty. There are no rips, snags, or tears. Regardless, it's slowly coming apart. Considering the price of this jacket, I would NOT recommend it. I was hoping to keep this jacket for years, but who knows how much life it has left on the planet.
Benjamin T., backcountry.com
January 31, 2018
January 31, 2018
There is not much to say about the Ghost Whisperer that hasn't already been said in previous reviews. It's impressively light, warm and fabric is fragile. I'm 6'2", 190 lb., broad shoulders, wear a 40L suit jacket, 34" waist and ordered a large. Fits well with room to layer underneath when necessary. Breathes well, packs down small. Might want to wear something more substantial (i.e. Patagonia Grade VII Down Parka), for temps below 20º. I have used this jacket on a few trips in the Sierras and for chilly nights in the SF Bay Area. No real complaints other than the fragile nature of the outer shell. This is remedied by pairing with a hard shell jacket if you expect rough terrain or abrasion. Highly recommend. A+
Marc K., backcountry.com
January 7, 2018
January 7, 2018
Feedback from gift recipient: I've been looking for a lightweight down jacket and this one is great. The fit is "true to size", but it is definitely an "active" or "trim" fit. There's enough room for a base layer and a lightweight fleece underneath it and it fits great under a shell. I need a 36"sleeve and the sleeve length on the XL is perfect - it has plenty of length for me to stretch my arms. without riding up. I tried on several other jackets from MH and other manufacturers and this one fit me the best. I'll be using this mostly for insulation under various shells on cold days for downhill and cross country skiing. It packs small, which is great when I start to warm up and want to pack it away.
Jake Allison, backcountry.com
January 3, 2018
January 3, 2018
Sizing: I tend to sit between M/L sizing based on charts, but own almost everything in M to keep a trimmer cut. Former collegiate rugby player @ 5'10 195 I'm mostly shoulders and legs. Previous review mentioned a roomier cut, but tighter shoulders, yet the brand rep (see 3/9/17 3-star 'fit' review) mentioned fall '17 update to athletic fit. I went M and it fit, but like a sweater. Sized up to L and it fits great; just enough room for a sweater under or shells/layers over, and stylish fit. Enough room in the shoulder with full range of motion around the lats and remaining closer to the waist. Use: Will be other warmer/thicker in the same category, but you buy this for the lightness and versatility. Works great as outer for that temp just between sweater and full jacket or as a base when you may need to adjust layers during the day. Plenty warm, but will need something extra to combat wind/rain. So light it felt like I got a box with just airpacks on arrival. Packs easily into internal pocket for storage.
Simon Elkins, backcountry.com
December 30, 2017
December 30, 2017
I can't believe how warm this puffy keeps you for as lightweight and streamlined as it is. No frills here, just a jacket with two hand pockets and tons of warmth. Great for ultralight backpackers as it weighs next to nothing and packs down into its own pocket for easy, compact storage. I've been using it mostly as a midlayer under my shell for skiing this year but it works great on its own as well. The sizing is true. I could have gone with a small but I like a slightly looser fit so I went with the medium.
Jacob Stenberg, backcountry.com
December 22, 2017
December 22, 2017
Very light, super versatile. I take this backpacking and am comfortable walking around in 30 degrees. Also use it when i go skiing, significantly warmer than all of my synthetic layers. I wouldn't use this jacket to be sedentary in the 30's, you will be cold. Have worn jacket through brush and have had no snags/ rips. I have some down jackets were the feather quils are still on the down and it is pointy enough to pierce the shell, has not happened with this jacket
Ben W., backcountry.com
December 21, 2017
December 21, 2017
So I've been eyeing this jacket for about 3 years waiting for the right price and color. At the end I pulled the trigger because it was a little of both and I was headed to Alta, Norway, Tromso, and Saariselka. My gearhead recommended the RAB Neutrino over the Ghostwhisperer because we were going to be less active to view the Northern Lights (success!) so we'd need heavier down filling to maintain our warmth. However, I opted to layer on my Patagonia Synthetic down that was beat-up and not as effective as it used to be because packing the RAB for the other half of the trip was too much trouble. Nevertheless, my gearhead was right, the Ghostwhisperer fails at keeping you adequately warm if you're just standing still and I'm wearing Icebreaker base layer, a mid-weight, Patagonia, and then the down jacket in -15 Celsius. Overall, it's a great jacket for City Folks who travel underground a lot like NYC and they aren't exposed to the elements.
alexanderliu81, backcountry.com
December 18, 2017
December 18, 2017
