I want to get my dad a down jacket for his birthday since he's been wanting one for a while. The jackets I'm considering are the Kathmandu Heli and the MacPac Uber. I honestly have no idea which one to get since they're the same price currently and I can't see any major differences between them.
Is one better than the other, or are they essentially the same??
whichever is cheaper
Well if you believe the specs the Macpac has a little more fill (650 vs 600) and that fill is a little more down (90 vs 80). I haven't handled a Macpac product in years but I would expect their products to be superior based on past quality.
Just a quick note on this-
The 600 vs 650 you refer to isn't related to the amount of down, it's the down's loft rating.
Higher numbers mean a better warmth to weight ratio- if 2 jackets have the same amount of down in them the higher rated one will offer better insulation. Alternatively, higher rated down can make a jacket that is just as warm but lighter and less bulky.
Personally I'd go for Macpac. The above specs mean it's technically a better product and for.no solid reason I just like the brand better.
By weight, the Kathmandu has almost 50% more down than the MacPac, at least in size M according to the specs.
Good point. I wasn't aware of the specifics, just going off the generic info mentioned above.
From what I've read, Macpac > Kathmandu, but they are both at the lower end of the market.
What's at the higher end of the market?
Really? How sad. Thirty years ago macpac was the benchmark along with stuff like Mont.
canada goose?
I wasn't aware of this. Back in the 80s Macpac was THE top shelf brand that you wanted but in my case at least couldn't afford. Seems Super Retail bought the brand a couple of years ago and has been managed by Kathmandu so no doubt the quality is now average at best so I'd say it's now a brand to avoid which is sad. Happens to so many great brands. Bought for the established and respected name and then run into the ground by turning them into cheap junk to maximise profit for a short period.
If you read the comments on every deal that gets posted on here for Macpac it sounds like the quality is really good. Haven't bought or seen one myself so can't vouch for it but usually OB users get it right.
This really depends on how you define lower end.
Neither brand is particularly innovative, they don't invent new prpducts or develop new tech like The North Face, Arctryx, Salomon and other high end outdoor brands.
They don't really cater to extreme pursuits either
The focus for both has always been more on hiking, camping and travel. Macpac arguably has a bit of a mountaineering pedigree, but they wouldn't be a brand I'd look too for a serious expedition.
In my experience Macpac is solid, reliable gear at a sensible price. Kathmandu sits in the same space as ikea- they do most things acceptably if not well, they have the odd gem and a fair bitnof cheap and nasty.
I will pick Macpac over Kathmandu easily
Macpac is higher quality, their stuff lasts longer.
Macpac is better + cheaper
MacPac over Kathmandu, easily, in my experience.
Kathmandu jackets are a bit more stylish (IMO) but they have the nickname of Crapmandu.
Kathmandu, it even survived a 30km bike fall, the new jackets fit better than ever.
Macpac for sure
Both seem to be of the same quality, I'd say go with whichever suits your style.