Beat the Manaslu Trekking Climate: Which Down Jacket Should You Pack?

7 Jul 2024 Chandra Gurung

Do you know temperatures on the Manaslu Trek can drop by a whopping 20 °C within a single season?

When we first trekked in the Manaslu region, we were miserably underprepared for the temperature. Let’s just say we learned the hard way about the importance of down jackets! 

Having real-time information about Manaslu temperatures and weather conditions is very important. It is equally crucial to consult with local guides and understand the climate variations between Lower Manaslu and Upper Manaslu during your trek.

Today, we discuss the tips, choices, and suggestions for packing lightweight yet warm, right-down jackets. This will present firsthand experiences we gathered as a first-time Manaslu backpacker. 

Remember, packing a right-down jacket requires thorough research. 

Overview of Manaslu Temperature

Manaslu Trekking’s climate keeps dropping with the elevation. At lower elevations of 2000 m, the climate is hot and humid, with day temperatures of 15 °C to 30 °C and night temperatures of 2-8 °C. 

Likewise, at mid-elevations of 200 m-4000 m, the climate becomes cold at 5°C–15°C during the day, dropping to -2 to -6 °C. Following, at higher elevations above 4000 m, the temperature ranges from 0 °C to -10°C but can sometimes go below -10 °C  even reaching as low as -20 °C.

So, now we would brief about the down jackets and come to a conclusion about which kind is most preferable at what range of elevation to pack with the climate during Manaslu Trekking.

What are the requirements for a down jacket?

The down jacket is typically a modern hooded puffer jacket quilted and insulated with either duck or goose feathers. A jacket has many air pockets that allow warm air retention, defending the cold air from passing through. 

Air pockets are drawn in horizontal lines, with the fluffy down feathers keeping fill power. As a design of higher fill power increases loftiness, it creates more air pockets for a better warmth and weight ratio. It can drain the water with the use of materials such as hydrophobic down or durable water repellent (DWR) on down jackets.

Luckily, many Manaslu guides offer suitable down jackets for rent as part of their welcome services. If you’re not keen on investing in a down jacket for one trip, renting is a great alternative. We have already discussed the specifics of renting down jackets in a previous blog.

What are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing Down Jackets?

To make yourself adaptable to harsh temperatures ranging from 15°C to -20°C you should consider the following features when choosing the down jackets for Manaslu Trekking Climate:

1. Insulation Quality

Insulation for retaining heat and wind in the down jackets is generated from the design of fill power. Fill power helps the down jackets become fluffy. Higher fill power means better insulation quality; 600-800 fill power is scaled as good, while 800+ fill power is excellent.

As well as the down jackets made with goose feathers, they are considered to have better insulation quality than the duck feathers.

2. Outer Shell Material

You should prefer to choose those down jackets whose outer shell material is water-wind resistant and made with rip-stop nylon or polyester. These materials protect the down jackets from moisture and wear. 

Likely, you should not forget about whether your jacket’s outer shell material has a DWR coating and double zippers in down jackets to make it more durable and adjust to the weather.

3. Weight and Packability

As you would be trailing upward as well as for longer days in the Manaslu trekking, you need to make sure that your backpack is of lower weight with essential gear and personal items. So you need to buy down jackets that are well suited to the climate and are also lighter.

You can carry mid-weight down jackets if you are just climbing to mid-elevation and heavyweight down jackets for higher elevation. Equally important is to carry down jackets that are compressible and storeable in small packs. It helps you save space for other necessary items.

4. Fit and Comfort

Fit and comfort are the major things to be included while you are in the process of buying the down jacket. Make a way to buy those down jackets that fit your body with weather resistance features, leaving a little gap to allow movement of your body and hands. 

While trialing down jackets, choose a size where its edges touch the lower of the hips, leaving a little space between your body and jackets while zipping, and then swirl your hand right-left and move 360° anti-clockwise one reverse back. 

Moreover, have an additional preference for detachable hoods in jackets that cover your whole head, covering half of your forehead and ears. This choice allows you to walk freely and move comfortably, keeping you cozy during the Manaslu Trek.

5. Pockets and Storage Options

Besides, you can opt for the one with multiple pockets inside and outside of down jackets with a proper storage system with a double zipper. Inside the pockets, you can keep your mobile, maps, and necessary documents. As well as outer pockets on both sides to keep your hands warm or items you easily want to take out with ease. 

6. Durability

You must choose the down jackets that shoppers give the most warranty of years, with proper adjustable collars, detachable hoods, double zippers, multiple pockets, weather-resistance, flexibility, comfort, and durable stitches on the elbows and shoulders.

Types of Down Jackets

Down jackets differ according to the moderation of cold climate conditions, fill power, shell material, design, and weight. Here you can notice some of the types of down jackets and their major differences that are best fit in your backpack:

What are the best packable down jackets for trekking in Nepal? 

Following these steps can make the down jackets more handy and packable in your backpack, allowing other necessary gear and personal items to fit.

There is no doubt that there are many brands of down jackets found in Nepal for men and women for the Manaslu trekking climate. 

• Marmot
• The North Face
• Decathlon (Forclaz)
• Outdoor Research
• Uniqlo
• Wantdo
• Sherpa Adventure Gear
• Sonam Gear
• Shona’s Alpine
• Everest Hardwear
• Black Yak
• Red Panda
• Outdoor Gear Nepal

To challenge the climate of Manaslu Trekking, you need a solid down jacket. One that is the best suitable puffer down jacket in the town, with insulated layers. It shall address the changing temperature (even if it’s dropping uncertainly). It’s a must-watch factor if your down jacket can save you from cold as you gain elevation. 

But we would make it easy for you to choose by downsizing the best brands with plus size down jacket options well-suited for Manaslu trekking in Nepal for both men and women. You can choose among the options to buy according to the lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight puffer down jackets for men and women in Nepal. 

Lightweight  and Packable Down Jackets for Men and Women

Mid-weight  and Packable Down Jackets for Men and Women

Heavyweight  and Packable Down Jackets for Men and Women

How to Fold a Packable Down Jacket?

Down jackets of heavyweight are less compressible but can be compressed to some extent and don’t take up much space in a backpack. Along the way, lightweight down jackets and mid-weighted down jackets are more compressible compared to heavyweight down jackets.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to fold a packable down jacket and insert it in the stuff pack, taking up less space in your backpack.

Step 1: Lay down the jacket with the zipper off on a flat surface; it can be the floor of your room or bed.

Step 2: Place a bend of both shoulder parts at the front face of the jacket. Make an alignment with the side edge of the down jackets to the shoulders.

Step 3: Again, fold both arms using both hands, aligning at the middle point of the zipper.

Step 4: Pull and fold the hood of the down jacket at the front of those folded arms.

Step 5: Fold the entire jacket again in half and make the center point to the zipper line.

Step 6: Slowly start rolling from the hood to the bottom with both hands compressed as much as possible until the air thins out. It would take a round shape.

Step 7: Tighten it with the cotton elastic band so it does not lose its round shape or catch tightly 

with your hands.

Step 8: Insert and stuff inside the final rolled-down jackets in the stuff sack.

Step 9: Tighten the rope of the stuff sack to close.

Conclusion 

Your down jacket is an insulating layer you carry uphill; that seamlessly blends with the chill of Manaslu. It provides warmth against the cold breeze to keep your body moving. 

Choose the down jackets above 800 + fill power if you are traveling in the upper Manaslu region or 700 fill power for the lower Manaslu region. Most importantly, have a comfortable fit and packable down jacket in your backpack, ready to go with you. 

But do you have a trustworthy mountain guide yet? If you fall short of finding an expert in Manaslu navigation, the fun part is compromised. Make sure you hire someone straight from the roots of Manaslu, who has been there, seen everything, and can help you out throughout the trekking trail in Nepal.

Contact the Manaslu Guide if you are in a dilemma about which down jacket to choose and which would be best for the Manaslu trekking climate. Also, they will guide you to travel to every beautiful corner to explore the natural beauty and adventure of Manaslu Region.