The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody is a legendary ultralight down jacket, trusted by thru-hikers, climbers, and minimalist backpackers for over a decade. Weighing just under 9 ounces (approx. 255g), it’s one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. With responsibly sourced 800-fill down, recycled fabrics, and a packable design, the Ghost Whisperer/2 is built for fast-and-light missions where every gram counts.
In this review, we’ll explore its materials, warmth, fit, durability, and real-world performance. Whether you’re layering for alpine ascents or stuffing it into a bikepacking kit, this jacket is designed to disappear in your pack — until you need it most.
Materials and Sustainability
Mountain Hardwear has reimagined the Ghost Whisperer with a strong focus on sustainability.
- Shell Fabric: Whisperer 10D x 10D ripstop nylon — ultralight, recycled, and bluesign® approved
- Insulation: 800-fill-power RDS-certified goose down, treated with Q.Shield™ hydrophobic coating
- Water Repellency: PFC-free DWR finish on the shell
- Eco Credentials: Uses recycled face and trim fabric; insulation is responsibly sourced and traceable
This jacket is part of Mountain Hardwear’s push toward lower-impact gear, making it a smart choice for environmentally conscious adventurers.
Weight and Packability
The Ghost Whisperer/2 is built for ultralight travel.
| Size | Weight | Packed Size |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Medium | 255g | ~1L (packs into hand pocket) |
| Women’s Medium | 220g | ~0.9L |
- Stuff Sack: Integrated into the right-hand pocket with a two-way zip
- Carabiner Loop: Internal clip loop for attaching to harness or pack
- Compression: Packs down to the size of a grapefruit — ideal for summit pushes or emergency warmth
Compared to competitors like the Arc’teryx Cerium SL or Montbell Plasma, the Ghost Whisperer/2 offers better warmth-to-weight while retaining full features like pockets and hem adjustment.
Warmth and Insulation
Despite its featherweight build, the Ghost Whisperer/2 delivers impressive warmth.
- Fill Weight: ~3 oz of 800-fill down
- Temperature Range: Comfortable down to ~0°C with a baselayer; suitable for shoulder-season and summer alpine use
- Draft Protection: Elastic hood and cuffs seal in heat; hem cinch prevents updrafts
- Down Distribution: Evenly baffled for consistent loft and thermal efficiency
It’s not a deep-winter belay jacket, but for active use or layering, it punches well above its weight class.
Fit and Comfort
The Ghost Whisperer/2 offers a relaxed alpine fit, designed to layer over base layers or under shells.
- Cut: Slightly boxy in the torso; articulated elbows and gusseted underarms for mobility
- Sizing: True to size, but consider sizing up if layering over bulkier midlayers
- Hood: Elastic-bound, non-adjustable — snug fit, but may lift in strong wind
- Cuffs and Hem: Elastic cuffs and low-profile hem cinch for dialled fit
While not as tailored as some athletic-cut jackets, the fit prioritises movement and layering flexibility.
Features and Functionality
Despite its minimalist ethos, the Ghost Whisperer/2 includes essential features:
- Hand Pockets: Two zippered pockets with soft lining; right pocket doubles as stuff sack
- Hood: Insulated, elastic-bound, helmet-compatible
- Hem Adjustment: Button-style cinch system for low-profile adjustment
- Packability: Stuffs into pocket with internal carabiner loop
- No Chest Pocket: A deliberate omission to save weight
These features make it a complete jacket for ultralight missions without unnecessary bulk.
Weather Resistance
While down jackets aren’t waterproof, the Ghost Whisperer/2 offers solid protection in light conditions.
- Shell Fabric: DWR-treated ripstop nylon sheds drizzle and snow
- Hydrophobic Down: Q.Shield™ treatment resists moisture and maintains loft longer than untreated down
- Wind Resistance: Effective in moderate wind; hood and hem seal well
- Limitations: Not suitable for heavy rain or prolonged exposure — pair with a shell in wet conditions
For dry alpine environments or shoulder-season hikes, it’s more than adequate.
Durability and Long-Term Use
Ultralight gear often sacrifices durability, but the Ghost Whisperer/2 holds up surprisingly well.
- Fabric Strength: 10D ripstop is thin but tightly woven; resists abrasion from packs and harnesses
- Zippers: Lightweight YKK zips — smooth but require gentle handling
- Feather Leakage: Minimal after extended use; seams hold up well
- Care Tips: Avoid prolonged compression; store unstuffed; carry repair tape for multi-day trips
It’s not bombproof, but with care, it’ll last for hundreds of trail miles.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight and highly packable
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Responsibly sourced and recycled materials
- Full-featured despite minimalist build
- Ideal for layering and active use
Cons:
- Hood lacks adjustment
- Slightly boxy fit in torso
- No chest pocket
- Not suitable for wet or extreme cold conditions
Ideal Use Cases
The Ghost Whisperer/2 is best suited for:
- Thru-hiking and fastpacking
- Alpine climbing and scrambling
- Bikepacking and ultralight travel
- Emergency layering in variable conditions
- Eco-conscious adventurers
It’s less ideal for:
- Deep winter or static use below freezing
- Wet climates without a shell
- Users needing tailored fit or extra features
Price and Value
| Retailer | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Mountain Hardwear UK | £300–£360 |
| OutdoorGB | £110–£250 |
| eBay UK | £179–£263 |
While premium-priced, the Ghost Whisperer/2 offers excellent value for serious users who prioritise weight, warmth, and sustainability.
Final Verdict
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody remains one of the best ultralight down jackets available. With its sub-9-ounce weight, responsibly sourced insulation, and thoughtful features, it’s a top-tier choice for fast-and-light missions where warmth and packability matter most.
While it’s not built for deep winter or heavy rain, it excels in its intended role — a minimalist, high-performance layer for serious outdoor pursuits. If you’re building a lightweight kit for backpacking, climbing, or alpine travel, the Ghost Whisperer/2 deserves a place in your pack.
