Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review: Ultralight Down for Serious Adventures

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody - Women's

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.

SizeWeightPacked Size
Men’s Medium255g~1L (packs into hand pocket)
Women’s Medium220g~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

RetailerPrice (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.

Check Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer prices on Amazon