Generally, Kyle shares training and employment tips but we thought that you’d like to see another side of Defoor. He’s an avid outdoorsman and shares reviews of equipment he uses for work and play on his blog.
Not a lot of gear reviews lately here. I’ve been turning down more gear lately than normal. I’ve also been advising manufacturers from different industries why the things they send to me suck so bad, and believe me, some of the stuff I’ve seen recently really does.
With that said, I’ve had the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer for almost a year now. I wanted to get a lot of cold time in it before I made a call and I wanted to really work in it to see the durability, which I admit, I was concerned with at first.
The CEO of Mission Ready Equipment sent me the GW with the words- “you’re not gonna believe it”. That about sums it up. It’s almost unbelievably warm for what it is.
What it is is a 7oz (my scale, MH says 8) down jacket that will fit in your back pocket (yes it hangs out a little but not much) that has down in it that has been “infused” ( don’t ask me) to make it almost waterproof (I’m a toad man, so nothing is waterproof to me). I’ve been in rain with it and so far it lives up to the hype. The outside shell is a nylon that my only complaint is its shininess (I don’t think MH is too much about lo pro judging from the yellow zips on my Drystein), and of course it’s loud for hunting, but I simply wear a shirt over top and it’s golden.
Combined with above said rain shell it is comfortable with only a t-shirt down to low-mid thirties easily. I would venture to say the GW is as warm as a “normal” 600-800 fill down jacket but obviously without the weight, bulk, and inability to get wet and still perform.
It’s so damn small and “nothing” feeling that it takes some time with it and some nerve to take it as your only thermal piece. I’ve done that many times and it has yet to let me down. One day, I even did my normal range setup by carrying steel ipscs on my shoulder 200 yards for 40 mins wearing the GW and it didn’t tear. I mean you could rip it with something sharp if you weren’t careful but it’s as durable as any normal nylon type jacket.
For those that have ventured down the super light weight jacket road before, think of this as a Patagonia ultra light down shirt that is twice as warm and the same size, or very similar to a Montbell Alpine but more durable IMHO.
Highly recommended for anyone but especially for those who are of a minimalist mindset.
Find it here- www.missionreadyequipment.com/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-jacket-mens
V/R,
Kyle Defoor
“Trainer of Feeders”
Kyle Defoor is one of the world’s most committed and passionate shooting instructors. Literally growing up with a gun in hand he took his talents into the military where he was combat decorated as a SEAL assaulter and sniper. Kyle helped to create and define modern training while along the way personally teaching thousands of military personal and civilians from around the globe. His shooting prowess led to appearances on multiple TV shows including Shooting Gallery, Tactical Arms, and Tactical Impact, and guest appearances on History Channel. Kyle’s outdoor athletic lifestyle includes shooting, ultra running, stand-up paddle surfing and climbing. He now serves as the brand ambassador for Mission Ready Equipment and runs his own company which offers tactical training, wilderness navigation, TV and film consulting, and motivational speaking.
Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer some words of wisdom.
Nice review Kyle, I have been beating up my Patagonia ultra light the same way for awhile it has done well although I would like to see the water proof down they put in the belay parka become standard in all their down jackets.
Hah!
Never thought of putting a t-shirt on top of a LW jacket.