Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer vs Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody

The Ghost Whisperer is the lighter, more packable jacket and the better pick for climbers and hikers who want warmth with almost no weight. The Fitz Roy Down Hoody is the burlier option: 800-fill down, a tougher 20-denier recycled shell and a helmet-compatible hood make it the better choice for cold belays and general winter use. Reviewers rate the Ghost Whisperer highly for compressibility and warmth but call it thin for extreme cold. The Fitz Roy carries more weight and bulk in exchange for more durability and a roomier alpine cut.

• Choose the Ghost Whisperer if you want the lightest possible down layer that stuffs into a tiny space for climbing, hiking or backcountry skiing.
• Choose the Fitz Roy Down Hoody if you want a tougher shell, a helmet-compatible hood and more warmth for cold days and winter belays.