It's a crazy, crazy world out there. Just when you think fast and light can't possibly get faster and lighter, along comes the Ghost Whisperer, Mountain Hardwear's ridiculously light seven ounce down jacket.
We tested the normal down version, but the version available now is filled with 850 power Q.Shield, MH's version of moisture-resistant down. We can't comment on Q.Shield, although we've tested the technology on other jackets and found it works as advertised.
The Ghost Whisperer is a minimalist's delight: features include two zippered handwarmer pockets, elastic cuffs, a hem pull-cord, and a full-length draft flap with zipper garage at the top. The 7D ripstop nylon shell is highly wind and water resistant, and after months of wear we can safely say it is fully downproof. That's no small thing; we see a lot of down jackets at GearFlogger, and it's common to see at least a little down leakage. With the Ghost Whisperer, not a speck. Ever.
The Ghost Whisperer sets a new standard for ultralight down jackets. The only quibble we have is the fit is a little tight around the upper torso. Maybe it's our massive superhero lat muscles (it's not our massive superhero lat muscles), and in any case it's only noticeable when reaching forward. As a layering piece or alone on shoulder-season days, you can't go wrong with the Ghost Whisperer.