The Ghost Whisperer jacket by Mountain Hardwear has been a favorite for seven years. We were intrigued by the Ghost Whisperer/2, which was released last year. We spent the time to find out!
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket has been a favorite among ultralight hikers since its debut in 2013. Its warmth-to-weight ratio in lightweight puffy jackets is almost unbeatable. In 2020, the brand released a new version: The Ghost Whisperer/2.
This review will cover the legacy features of the new model and those that have been added or removed. You’ll have everything you need to make an informed decision about whether or not the Ghost Whisperer/2 is worth the high price.
BEFORE YOU BUY A ULTRALIGHT DOWN PUFFY, HERE ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER.
For most hikers, a lightweight puffy is essential. It’s easier to choose one that is both lightweight and portable. A lightweight puffy will keep you safe and comfortable in any weather conditions, even if it adds weight to your pack. You’ll have a fluffy pillow to use as a minimum.
A puffy is so common in hiking that it is one of the three pillars of the Trail Wardrobe Trinity: a suitable base layer, rain shell, and lightweight puffy. These tops can be used in many climates and temperatures.
WHY DO YOU CONSIDER MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR’S GHOST WHISPERER/2
Let’s look at the top categories you should consider when shopping for an ultralight puffy. The Ghost Whisperer/2 is a reliable and versatile choice for outdoor activities.
Warmth
The Ghost Whisperer/2 is made up of approximately 3 ounces 800 fill-power down. It contains 90% goose down and 10% goose eggs. The down is Allied RDS certified, which means it is ethically sourced. It can also be traceable. You can expect to keep warm to 0degC ( 32degF).
Weather Resistance
The 100% recycled nylon shell has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent ( DWR ) finish. The Ghost Whisperer/2 can withstand light rains and humid mornings.
What happens if the weather is wetter? When water penetrates through the fabric’s face fabric? The goose-down insulation is protected as well. Every feather is treated individually with a DWR coating. This feature is new and improved over its predecessor. The Hyper-Dry Down ( HDD) allows users to remain dry even in more extreme conditions.
It’s best not to get your down puffy too wet. This can cause it to take longer to dry, leading to feather clumps and reduced loft. Layer your down puffy under a waterproof rain shell for warmth in cold and wet conditions.
Fit
The jacket is slim. and The fit is a bit snug, as with most Mountain Hardwear garments. If you are used to wearing an L from another brand, it might be a good idea to go up to an XL. If you are an XS size, you might consider going up to an S.
The arms of the Ghost Whisperer/2 are slightly longer than those of its counterparts. This allows for free movement without worrying about straining or tears. One complaint is that the shoulder area can feel a little narrow.
Features
The Ghost Whisperer/2, an ultralight puffy is sparse in terms of features. The basics are still covered. You have two large zippered hand pockets that provide ample storage. and The wrists are protected from the cold by soft elastic sleeves.
To make the hood more form-fitting, it is also rimmed in soft elastic. The raised collar is another nice feature. When fully zipped, the collar protects your neck and keeps cold drafts out.
The drop-hem protects against back drafts. A discrete pull tab allows you to adjust the jacket to a more snug fit so that it doesn’t ride up when climbing steep hills or scrambling down big walls.
The Ghost Whisperer doesn’t have adjustable tabs around its hood. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the jacket’s main function is to be lightweight. An inside pocket is another feature that could be a deal-breaker. Although it’s not essential, some people prefer it.