Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: The Best Ultralight Down Jacket

I discovered the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer while researching gear for my Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) solo backpacking thru-hike. That year, I was determined to go as light as possible. I slept under an HMG Dyneema tarp with a polycro ground sheet and carried a zPacks pack, going stoveless. Even my pot for cold soaking quinoa was a recycled plastic peanut butter jar. Every ounce mattered. I was even starting to count grams! After hours of research and trying on multiple down jackets, I was convinced that the Ghost Whisperer was the right choice for me. I had previously used a Patagonia Down Sweater, but this jacket had a different purpose, and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance after carrying it all the way from Canada to Mexico.

Key Features and Specifications

This down jacket is incredibly lightweight, with the large size weighing just 9 ounces and retailing for around $250. It boasts an impressive 800-fill down, providing excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and is made from durable 10D recycled ripstop nylon. The DWR coating adds water resistance, keeping it dry in light rain or snow.

I’m 6’5” and 185 pounds, and I’ve found the large size to be perfect for me. As a tall, thin-framed hiker, I appreciate the Ghost Whisperer’s fit. Unlike other tops and outerwear, as the size increases, the jacket doesn’t add extra bulk in the mid-section. Instead, it provides longer sleeves and a longer overall length, which I find ideal.

Comfort-wise, I barely notice I’m wearing the jacket. It’s incredibly light and unrestricted, with plush, soft fabric that’s breathable. The range of motion in my arms is great for various hiking, backpacking, and technical activities like scrambling, via ferrata routes, and rock climbing.

Portability

You know those times when you are at the trailhead and you aren’t quite sure if you’ll need the extra warmth during that hike? You don’t want to carry too much stuff that you won’t need, but you also want to be prepared for those unexpected situations. With the Ghost Whisperer, there’s no reason not to take it along. It packs anywhere in your pack, compresses very nicely, and weighs next to nothing. You won’t notice that it’s there until you need it. Perfect when the weather changes or as the sun goes down, the temperature drops.

Should You Buy One?

If you’re seeking an ultralight down jacket that offers exceptional warmth, freedom of movement, and packability, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s an ideal choice for long-distance hikers, backpackers, day hikers, and anyone who requires a “take anywhere” style jacket for added warmth. However, if you’re in need of a jacket for extreme weather conditions, you might want to consider a different option. When combined with my Smartwool base layer and when needed an outer shell, the Ghost Whisperer proved to be perfect in all the weather conditions encountered on the majority of my hikes.

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