Proper sizing for down jacket? Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC MicroTherm?

amp768

2013-11-29 21:51:37 UTC

I am looking to buy a down jacket, specifically the women's Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC MicroTherm 2.0 (link below) and am torn as to whether I should learn towards a more snug (M) or more loose (L) fit. It's insulating but also stitched into a windproof/waterproof shell, so it would be my outermost layer. The M fits fine with just a single base layer underneath, and if I add anything else, I'm snug, but movement is pretty restricted (the jacket looks really bulged out in the sleeves and what not). The L is baggier and definitely accommodates a thicker fleece layer etc., but is a lot looser around the waist and I'm worried that would let too much cold air in (there are cinch cords, but they don't get crazy tight). I'm not very familiar with down jackets and am not sure if they generally work best with just a thin base layer so that your body is in closer contact with the insulating down, or if having baggier space to have some insulating air in there helps more?

If it helps to know, I would like to use it ideally for a combination of activities - hiking/camping, skiing, and just around town as a general winter coat.

Thanks and would much appreciate any input from those familiar with down jackets or especially this line of products!

http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=45103&&categoryId=28069&categoryName=JACKETS-AND-PARKAS&pCategoryId=103&pCategoryName=OUTERWEAR-JACKETS--BLAZERS&gpCategoryId=3&gpCategoryName=WOMEN&ggpCategoryId=1&ggpCategoryName=EB&catPath=~~categoryId=28069~~categoryName=JACKETS-AND-PARKAS~~pCategoryId=103~~pCategoryName=OUTERWEAR-JACKETS--BLAZERS~~gpCategoryId=3~~gpCategoryName=WOMEN~~ggpCategoryId=1~~ggpCategoryName=EB&viewAll=n&pg=1&cmPathInfo=null