The Peak Of Premium Insulation

The down jacket is a classic staple of every adventurers wardrobe, offering lightweight warmth that can be relied upon in almost all cold-weather conditions. For an Autumn trip to Tasmania and the iconic Overland Track, just as the temperature was starting to dip, Aussie adventurer Claire Mackay opted for the Peak 700. Read on for her gear review of this premium insulative jacket style.

Peak 700 Down Jacket

Whenever I head off on an adventure, comfort and protection both sit high at the top of the list of my priorities when it comes to my gear. Being a solo hiker, I obviously also want lightweight performance but this doesn't matter if I can't stay warm when the temperature drops. Having a quality down jacket that offers warmth without weight, a comfortable fit and looks smart to boot is the goal, and in the Mountain Designs Peak 700 down jacket for women, I think I found a style that ticks all those boxes.

Field Test

I tested the Mountain Designs women's Peak 700 down jacket on my recent trip to the Overland Track in Tasmania in Autumn. I wanted to find the perfect medium-sized jacket that was lightweight and had superior insulation for the cold alpine temperatures I would experience. I think I have found a winner. This premium product is great for general outdoor activities and travel, but was also well and truly up to the task for this epic 6-day trek. The Peak is light (only 413 grams), durable, warm, wind resistant and highly compressible. With a 700-loft rating, it traps body heat and provides excellent insulation. The two exterior pockets have great depth, and the internal chest pocket is great for storing slim electronic devices like mobile phones, especially in very cold temperatures. The shell material has a great quality finish and is very comfortable with a soft hand-feel. This jacket has now been added to my Mountain Designs jacket collection - which also includes the 40^th anniversary Pro Elite 800 expedition jacket, Resurge 700 vest and Flinders II waterproof shell jacket - which I cannot live without when it comes to adventure. As you'd expect these days, the down fill in this jacket is 100% RDS-certified, so it meets the voluntary global standard that safeguards the welfare of the animals. Overall, I would definitely recommend this product if you are looking for a superior, good quality jacket that will keep you warm on your next outdoor trip in the cold.

Watching the sunset over the mountains after arriving at New Pelion Hut (left), hanging out to say hello from the window of Kitchen Hut, a well-known emergency shelter located at the base of Cradle Mountain (centre), and taking the final steps of the Overland Track to arrive at the tourist centre at Lake St Clair after 6 days in the wilderness (right). (Images courtesy of Claire Mackay)

Photo Credits

All images supplied by Claire Mackay

• Instagram @clairelouise.mackay