The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 is a premium ultralight down jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to prioritize weight savings without sacrificing warmth. Weighing in at a mere 7.8 ounces (based on women’s medium with hood), it's astonishingly lightweight and compresses down to the size of a small water bottle.
Product Overview
✅ Featherlight weight
✅ Exceptional warmth
✅ Packability
✅ Hoody option
✅ Versatile design
❌ Price
❌ Durability
❌ Fragile zippers
❌ Not suitable for extreme cold
KEY SPECS
- Fabric: Whisperer 10D x 10D Ripstop. Solids: 100% Recycled Nylon; Prints: 100% Nylon
- Insulation: 800-fill RDS®-certified Down
- Approximate Weight: 8.8 oz / 249 g (men's medium); 7.8 oz / 221 g (women’s medium)
Let me start off by saying - I love the Ghost Whisperer 2. Three years in and three thru-hikes later, it has weathered the storm quite literally. From summiting Mount Whitney on the John Muir Trail to cold fall nights in Washington on the Pacific Crest Trail, if there’s even the slightest possibility of cold weather during my outdoor activities, this jacket is a no-brainer to add to my pack.
This ultralight jacket is insulated with 800-fill-power responsibly sourced down, offering exceptional warmth while still compressing down to the size of a small water bottle.
To see reviews on other ultralight sleeping pads, see our post on the best down jackets for thru-hiking.
Performance Test Results
What We Tested:
How We Tested:
I have had the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 for 3 years, and it has been my go-to jacket. Whether I’m on a thru-hike, (it’s been with me on the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Colorado Trail), summiting 14ers (it’s been on Mount Whitney twice!), or wearing it under a shell while skiing in the winter, it has been well worth the investment in the long run.
The outer fabric is prone to snags on branches, and I’ve gotten a few holes over the years. But they have been easily repaired with a patch kit resulting in no noticeable differences in the warmth.
WEIGHT TO WARMTH RATIO
The Ghost Whisperer 2's standout feature is undoubtedly its weight. When it first arrived in the mail, it was so light I almost didn’t believe there was anything in the package. It's the kind of jacket that you toss into your pack without a second thought because it's barely there, making it an excellent choice for backpackers, thru-hikers, and day hikers alike.
Despite its feathery weight, the Ghost Whisperer 2 doesn't skimp on warmth. The 800-fill-power-down insulation traps heat effectively, and I found it comfortable in temperatures down to the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-4 to -6 degrees Celsius) when layered over a light fleece or base layer. Plus, it's an excellent mid-layer for winter activities and a dependable outer layer in milder conditions. I practically lived in this jacket last winter when I was a ski instructor in Colorado.
The jacket's 800-fill-power-down insulation effectively traps heat; it is lightweight and comfortable.
VERSATILITY
This jacket seamlessly transitions from outdoor adventures to everyday life. Its minimalist design means it doesn't look out of place off the trail, meaning this jacket is basically my uniform in the winter and fall even when I’m not hiking. Plus it comes in a variety of great colors. Whether you’re into more neutral colors (like black or navy), or you want to add a pop of color (like yellow or orange), the Ghost Whisperer 2 has a color for you.
It’s a great all-around jacket that you can wear from trail to town.
PACKABILITY
The Ghost Whisperer 2's packability is a game-changer. It’s extremely compressible and stuffs into its own pocket, creating a compact package that will evenly fit into any pack. While the self-storage pocket is a cool feature, it’s become pretty standard on most lightweight jackets in this category, so it’s not much of a differentiator.
I actually prefer storing it outside of its pocket by stuffing it in the nooks and crannies at the top of my pack. I find that this is a more efficient use of space and makes it easier to access if I’m stopping for lunch on a chilly peak or mountain pass.
The jacket can be tucked into its own pocket, which can fit perfectly inside any pack.
PRICE
The biggest drawback of the Ghost Whisperer 2 is its price. It falls into the higher price range for down jackets, and I had to think long and hard about making this purchase. However, if you're serious about shaving weight from your gear and prioritize warmth in a lightweight package, the investment can be justified. And if you take care of it, it’s a jacket that will last you for years to come.
The Ghost Whisperer 2 retails at $360 which is more expensive than most down jackets.
If you still can’t justify the cost though, this jacket does often go on sale throughout the year. I actually bought mine during a Black Friday sale for 30% off. Alternatively, you can often find previously loved Ghost Whisperers on backpacking groups on Facebook.
Given that this jacket has gone through thousands of miles in the backcountry, and still feels just as warm as the day I got it, I’d say it’s been well worth the investment for me. Here’s to the next several thousand miles with it!
650-Calorie Fuel
