Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I'm going on a 50-day canoe trip in Nunavut, CA, and I needed a down jacket because even in summer it can get chilly up there. I found this one and immediately fell in love. It's SUPER lightweight and extremely warm. It's also very shiny, which is cool!
I had the choice between a jacket with seams that didn't go all the way through, and this one, which does. Jackets with seams that do go all the way through are more breathable, but less resistant to wind. I decided that when it did get windy on my trip, I'd just put on my rain jacket.
It's a very simple design which I like. There are two zippered pockets on the outside with a warm lining, two non-zipper pockets on the inside, and the jacket has a nice medium height collar lined with the same pocket fabric.
There's one con though. The lining for the collar and pockets is quite bulky. If there was no lining, I could probably pack this into a 3-cup container. BUT it's still very packable.
I very rarely buy brand new camping gear, so this was exciting. In fact, it's become my new winter jacket! Living in Minnesota in the winter is tough stuff, but this jacket is even tougher!

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

This jacket is a great deal for the price. I got it during the recent 2 day outlet sale and with the additional discount was only [$] so I think it is a steal! I wore it for a two day backpacking trip this weekend in the Angeles National forest. It was in the high 30's with fog and the jacket kept me toasty warm in camp. The outer shell works well. It did not get damp with the fog. I would sleep in it if I needed the additional warmth. It is just that comfy. I would say the size chart is spot on. I got the Women's XL in black and it fits perfectly. I am 5'10" and 180lbs. I would say it is a trim fit. Not too tight but enough room to add a light fleece if needed. I wore just my baselayer underneath and it was very comfy both in temp and fit. I have long arms and the sleeves are long enough for me so I am happy. The center back length of the jacket is good too. It doesn't ride up my back when bending over and squatting doing camp chores. On the XL the center back is about 27". The XL weighs in at exactly 13oz. The black fabric is not as shiny as the photo. It does not look like a trash bag. So I would wear it around town it looks so good. The soft fleecy collar and liner inside the pockets it a nice bonus. All in all I am very happy with the purchase.

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I purchased this "sweater" (which I use exclusively as a jacket) prior to traveling to Norway in early April, when the average temperature was around 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit and the weather ranged from sunny to drizzly. The sweater easily can be collapsed/folded up to fit into a suitcase for travel, which was very convenient. It became an invaluable item during my vacation -- on cold days, I could wear layers underneath it, while on warmer days, it worked well with just a t-shirt below.

I love how the sweater has a sci-fi look to it (extremely shiny quilted fabric), and how it's fashionable enough to be worn for just walking around in a trendy European city. What was odd is that without wearing the sweater much, or washing it, the reflective "brand name" affixed to the bottom of the sweater torso and sleeve peeled off after just a few days. Additionally, the fit of the jacket is strange -- tight around the waist but much too roomy for me in the bust.

I've continued to wear the jacket in Seattle throughout the spring and early (cooler) summer months. It was worth the money and I keep getting compliments about its unusual fabric.

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

Quick throw on sweater. Looks almost like a leather jacket when I wear with my black boots. Love it! Very versatile. Must run a little small since the XL fit me well. Usually am a large or medium depending on style.

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

Jacket is nicely made, warm and light weight. Blue color is lovely. And I like the longer length in body and arms that fit my slim athletic build body better than lots of other better known brands. The shoulder area is a bit boxy but it doesn't bother me that much. However, the inner pockets of this jacket are a bit strange and bulky, make it's hard to compress the jacket really small, which is a big bummer for a down sweater.

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

After reading the reviews, I really like and am glad I got this. I no longer will buy down from a store if it doesn't have a lifetime guarantee. This goes great on a cool day or under my parka for a REALLY cold day, it's light and very breathable. However, it's already losing it's down. Is that just always to be expected? That was the reason I wanted a new jacket! Oh well, I love it and will probably just buy more light-colored clothes so the down doesn't show as much :0)

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I love this jacket on cold or windy days. When it's raining, which is often in the Northwest, I wear it under a waterproof rainjacket. I think it's a bit delicate so I would not wear it, for example, bushwhacking. I have received numerous unsolicited compliments (I have it in green.) I would buy another tomorrow except that would be a bit excessive.

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I love how packable this jacket is! It's roomy enough to layer and is quite toasty with just a t-shirt on 40-50 degree days. I love the length-just covers the butt. Stylish enough to go out to the bars in the winter, instead of freezing your tatas off to look cute in a tank top!

Cons: It's not windproof-due to the seams. And not waterproof-but you can just put your rain jacket over it!

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I did a lot of research and shopping around before purchasing this jacket. I was worried that it wouldn't be warm enough in the Utah winters to keep this cold-blooded girl warm, but I'm happy to report I was wrong! I've never been cold in this jacket, and on milder days (temps in upper 40s) I've gotten too warm. I usually wear a small and this small fits perfectly. The sleeves fit snuggly on my wrists so I don't get drafts there, nor around the neck area. Like other comments, the shoulders are slightly boxy, but not bad. I don't mind because it gives a little extra room for layering. I take no issue with the pockets and don't find them to be bulky, but haven't had to pack this down for travel, either. I've worn this jacket every day since it arrived! :)

Comments about Cordillera Athena 800 Down Sweater - Women's - Special Buy:

I've been looking for a 800 fill down jacket, this is the best buy out there. You can't beat the price, every other place you are looking to spend $250.00 and above. The color blue is beautiful. I bought a medium, I'm on the larger side in the chest 36DD & it fits perfectly. It's light enough to wear by itself or with a fleece under it..