Comments on: Friended By Feathers — Volant Jacket by Feathered Friends

By: Jonathan Shefftz

Jonathan Shefftz — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:25:27 +0000

Thread bump!
Bought a Brooks-Range Alpini Mountain Anorak Hoody. Just what I’ve been missing all these years: minimal feature set with lightweight fabric, yet doesn’t skimp on the down (which is of course super high fill power). So many other lightweight hoody models like this just don’t have much insulation. Nice for layering, but not a great emergency layer or camping setup. (On many such jackets, just adding a mere three oz to the garment weight would *double* the insulation.)
The Alpini was recently modified for a more generous cut (prior version was cut shorter), and the innovative side zippers are now two-way, with two-position snaps at the bottom (instead of the previous velcro). Although the front zipper is not full-length, combined with the side zippers, the hoody actually offers more versatility (especially access to any layers underneath) than just a full-length zipper in front.
Hood is massive, with lots of insulation.
Actual weight in size medium is 15.5 oz which is forgivable given that when I’ve tried it on indoors and zipped everything up completely, I immediately became uncomfortably warm. This thing is a furnace!

By: Eddie Espinosa

Eddie Espinosa — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:08:57 +0000

RE: Event fabric

“..but during multi day use when the down is constantly absorbing moisture, I believe it makes it more difficult to dry the jacket by hanging it in the wind/sun.”

One thing I’ve done in the past when drying out an Event jacket or bag on a sunny day is turn it inside out, exposing the very breathable (and black) nylon taffeta. That also puts the accumulated moisture closer to the suns rays

By: Jill Blavich

Jill Blavich — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:29:54 +0000

With my allergies I have to be choosy on what type of products I buy. I wonder if I could ues one of these. They sound incredible with how much warming material is in them.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:32:50 +0000

I love Feathered Friends. Making superior items seems their priority more so than advertising or trying to be trendy.

I have used the Hummingbird sleeping bag, a Helios jacket, and even a down comforter at home.

Somewhere on their website they mention that their biggest complaint is that their clothing is “too warm”. This is something to take seriously. Most people go on trips that wouldn’t be called expeditions and they probably aren’t going to need midweight items like the Volant, especially if they intend to wear them while active.

Event vs. Epic? I’d go with Event if you are planning to be wearing the jacket for days at a time on a serious expedition. Event is waterproof and will keep perspiration moisture out of the down. Pretty much all of feathered friends clothing is intended for temperatures below which there will be rainfall, so don’t pick Event looking for rainproof. Epic is fairly water resistant so long as you don’t try to put your sleeping bag in a puddle. For a few days at a time with the jacket only being worn when cold, epic is the way to go.

The FF staff has always been very cordial and knowledgeable on the phone. They will take time to help you figure out what you will really need in terms of product line and materials.

I really admire the company for having an old-school ethos. You will pay a little more, but their stuff is built for the long haul. Their items will last decades and may potentially be heirlooms (cared for down has much more longevity than synthetic fill). Another small company oriented to (expensive) but longevity/quality are Dan McHale’s custom built backpacks.

By: Marcus

Marcus — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:39:09 +0000

A bit late to this one, but I’m wondering A) what size jacket you got for Lisa and B) what size Lisa typically is, recognizing that that’s dangerous territory to get into

I’ve got a deal on a size small Volant that might work for my wife, but it sounds like it might be a bit snug.