The Epiq Legacy: Kathmandu's Signature Puffer
The Epiq has long been Kathmandu's flagship down jacket, a go-to for thousands of adventurers and city-dwellers across the globe. Known for its reliable warmth, classic style, and accessible price point, it has become a staple in many winter wardrobes. The third iteration, the Epiq v3, continues this legacy while doubling down on a core pillar of the Kathmandu brand: sustainability. It aims to be the dependable, everyday puffer that you can feel good about wearing.
A Jacket with a Conscience: Sustainability at its Core
The most significant update in the Epiq v3 is its enhanced focus on eco-friendly materials. The entire outer shell is now crafted from 100% recycled polyester. This is a huge step forward, reducing reliance on virgin materials and giving plastic waste a new life. This complements the existing sustainable features, including the 100% RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified 600 fill power goose down. The RDS certification ensures the ethical treatment of the birds, meaning no force-feeding or live-plucking. When you buy the Epiq v3, you're not just getting a warm jacket; you're supporting a more sustainable and ethical production cycle.
Classic Design with Modern Refinements
The Epiq v3 retains its classic, baffled puffer look. The fit is generally described as regular, offering enough room to layer a fleece or thermal underneath without being overly baggy. However, some may find the cut slightly boxy compared to more athletic-fitting jackets. Key features have been thoughtfully integrated for comfort and practicality. The zipped hand pockets are lined with soft fleece, a small but welcome luxury on a cold day. An internal zipped pocket provides secure storage for a phone or wallet.
The hood is adjustable, allowing you to create a snug fit to seal out drafts, and the hem can also be cinched in for the same purpose. The elasticated cuffs are comfortable and effective at keeping the sleeves in place. One of the jacket's most praised features is its packability. It comes with a separate stuff sack and can be compressed into a compact size, making it an ideal companion for travel or for stashing in a daypack on a hike.
On the Trail and In the City: Warmth and Weather Performance
With 600 fill power down, the Epiq v3 provides a solid level of warmth suitable for a wide range of activities. It's perfect for chilly city commutes, weekend walks in the park, and as a key part of a layering system for hiking in the mountains. It excels in cool, dry conditions, where its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio shines.
In terms of weather resistance, the jacket's DWR finish does a commendable job of repelling light snow and drizzle. As one reviewer on Bergfreunde noted, it has a "good level of waterproof resistance" for typical winter use. However, it's crucial to remember that this is not a rain jacket. In sustained or heavy rain, the fabric will eventually wet out, and the down's insulating properties would be compromised. The outer fabric is designed to be lightweight, and while reasonably durable, a user question highlighted a common concern with down jackets: they can be prone to snagging on rough surfaces. For rugged backcountry use, pairing it with a durable outer shell would be wise.
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for everyday use.
- Made with 100% recycled fabrics and RDS certified down.
- Highly packable, includes a stuff sack for easy travel.
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish sheds light moisture.
- Adjustable hood and hem for a customized fit.
- Zipped hand pockets are fleece-lined for extra comfort.
- 600 fill power is not intended for extreme cold.
- Not fully waterproof; requires a shell in heavy rain.
- The fit can be slightly boxy for some body types.
- Outer fabric, while durable, can be susceptible to snags.
Our Verdict:
The Kathmandu Epiq Womens Down Jacket v3 is an exceptional everyday puffer that successfully builds on the legacy of its predecessors. Its biggest triumph is the wholehearted embrace of sustainability, with 100% recycled fabrics and RDS-certified down, making it a purchase you can feel good about. It delivers reliable warmth, thoughtful features like fleece-lined pockets, and excellent packability, making it incredibly versatile. While it may not be the most technical jacket for extreme conditions, it hits the perfect sweet spot for a huge range of users, from the daily commuter to the weekend hiker. It's a well-made, comfortable, and sustainable workhorse.
Who Should Buy This:
This jacket is highly recommended for anyone looking for a versatile, eco-friendly, and warm down jacket for everyday winter life and moderate outdoor adventures. It's an excellent choice for travel, hiking, and as a reliable go-to coat for the cold season.
