La Sportiva Lumina Down Jacket Review
Ultralight insulation for backpackers and thru-hikers with 1000-fill power down
December 19th, 2025
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Our verdict
The La Sportiva Lumina down jacket is a very lightweight, packable, and surprisingly affordable 1000-fill down jacket. It comes in three different levels of warmth: 100, 200, and 300. The Lumina has the least down, with 75 grams of fill weight. The Lumina 200 has 125 grams of down, and the Lumina 300 has 175 grams of 1000-fill down. For this review, we tested both the Lumina 100 and Lumina 200.
The Lumina 100 has no hood and the least amount of down, so it is as light as possible while still being warm enough for summer and shoulder season trips. The Lumina 200 has slightly more down insulation, and therefore more warmth. The 200 also has a hood, which makes it warmer and more versatile. The Lumina 200 is ideal for people who run colder in the summer and shoulder season, as well as on winter trips.
We tested the Lumina 100 while thru-hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail in the summer and early fall. On that 1,250-mile trip, we saw temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to overnight lows of 25 degrees. The Lumina 100 weighs only 6.1 ounces, making it ideal for summer backpacking trips and thru-hikes.
We tested the Lumina 200 while hiking and backpacking in late fall conditions. The Lumina 200 has a hood and a higher down-fill weight, but it still weighs only 8.1 ounces, making it ideal for those who run a bit colder or for backpacking in colder climates or winter or late fall.
Whether you’re considering the 100, 200, or even the ultra-warm 300, the Lumina line from La Sportiva is an excellent overall down jacket that prioritizes weight savings and packability without sacrificing warmth, all at a relatively affordable price.
La Sportiva Lumina 100 Jacket
men's
Women's
La Sportiva Lumina 200 Hoody
men's
Women's
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La Sportiva Lumina Jacket Specs
Lumina 100 Jacket
Price: $289
Weight: 6.1 oz / 174 g (men's), 5.2 oz / 149 g (women's)
Fill power: 1000
Fill weight: 2.47 oz / 70 g, 1.7 oz / 50 g
Insulation type: Down
Shell material: PERTEX® QUANTUM: 100% Recycled Polyamide
Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets
Hood: No
Fit: Alpine/slim
Packability: included compression sack, smaller than a Nalgene
Sizes: XS-XL, we recommend you size up 1 to 2 sizes
Lumina 200 Hoody
Price: $379
Weight: 8.3 oz / 238 g (men's), 7.2 oz / 206 g (women's)
Fill power: 1000
Fill weight: 4.4 oz / 125 g, 3.6 oz / 103 g (women's)
Insulation type: Down
Shell material: PERTEX® QUANTUM: 100% Recycled Polyamide
Pockets: 2
Hood: Yes
Fit: Alpine/slim
Packability: included compression sack, slightly larger than a Nalgene
Sizes: XS-XL, we recommend you size up 1 to 2 sizes
Best for
The La Sportiva Lumina 100 down jacket is best for fast-moving hikers, alpine climbers, mountain trail runners, and backpackers and thru-hikers looking to save weight
The Lumina 200 is best for all those same people as the 100, but in colder climates or during winter or shoulder season hiking
The 200 is also great for shoulder-season backpacking, for any backpackers who want a hooded down jacket, for mountaineering, and for chilly belays
Comparison table
| DOWN JACKET | MSRP* | CATEGORY | ETHICALLY SOURCED DOWN | TOTAL WEIGHT (oz)* | FILL POWER | HYDRO PHOBIC DOWN? | NUMBER OF POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Sportiva Lumina 100 Jacket Men's Women's |
$289 | Lightweight | P.U.R.E. recycled down | 6.1 oz / 174 g (men's), 5.2 oz / 149 g (women's) | 1000 | Yes | 2 | XS-XL, we recommend you size up 1 to 2 sizes |
| La Sportiva Lumina 200 Hoody Men's Women's |
$379 | Lightweight | P.U.R.E. recycled down | 8.3 oz / 238 g (men's), 7.2 oz / 206 g (women's) | 1000 | Yes | 2 | XS-XL, we recommend you size up 1 to 2 sizes |
| La Sportiva Lumina 300 Hoody Men's Women's |
$439 | Lightweight | P.U.R.E. recycled down | 343 g / 12.3 oz (men's), 313 g / 11 oz (women's) | 1000 | Yes | 2 | XS-XL, we recommend you size up 1 to 2 sizes |
| Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Men's Women's |
$330/ 360 | Lightweight | RDS | 6.9/ 7.8 (women's), 8.8/ 10.7 (men's) | 800 | Yes | 2 | XS-XL (women's), S-XXL (men's) |
| Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody Men's Women's |
$420 | Ultralight | RDS | 6.2 (women's hoody), 6.7 (men's hoody) | 1000 | Yes | 2 | XS-XL (women's), S-XXL (men's) |
What we liked
Very warm for the weight
Affordable price for 1000-fill down
High-quality construction in Italy
Super light
Very packable
Good for layering and moving (if you size up)
What could be better
Ultralight shell isn’t the most durable
Tighter fit means you may need to size up
Not the most weather-resistant, but it’s a down jacket
How we tested
Sam tested the La Sportiva Lumina 100 down jacket while thru-hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail this summer, from Glacier National Park in Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park, Washington. Over the course of that 50-day thru-hike, he experienced temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. He wore the Lumina every night at camp and on chilly mornings while hiking. He layered it over a lightweight fleece midlayer and under a waterproof shell in wet weather. Since he was backpacking, he carried the jacket on his back when he wasn't wearing it.
After over 1,200 miles of wearing and carrying this jacket, it’s still going strong. He has since continued wearing it and carrying it while winter camping and adventuring in Colorado. While writing this review, he is wearing the Lumina 100 layered over a wool midlayer in his campervan. It’s currently 30 degrees outside and about 50 degrees inside the van. He hasn’t felt the need to switch on his heater even though the sun has been down for several hours.
Liz also tested the La Sportiva Lumina 200 in November and December while hiking, camping, and backpacking in the higher snow-covered peaks in California. She also wore it while camping in cold, wet conditions where the mountains got 1/3rd of their annual rainfall and snowfall in 72 hours. Later this December, she'll be testing it on a winter thru-hike.
Performance in the field
Warmth
The La Sportiva Lumina 100 down jacket weighs 6.1 ounces. It’s stuffed with high-quality 1000-fill down, which has the highest down-to-feather ratio of any type of down, making it the warmest by weight, too. So even though the Lumina is so light, it’s about as warm as 800-fill down jackets that weigh 10 ounces or more.
This is not a warm enough jacket for extreme cold when worn alone. It’s ideal for warmer climates, though, because it’s lightweight, packable, and warm enough to throw on after the sun sets or on a chilly mountain summit.
It does a good job of blocking the wind. It’s about as windproof as other down jackets without hoods.
Comfort and mobility
The Lumina fits tighter than some jackets from other brands. We recommend getting a size larger than you usually would buy, especially if you want to layer underneath. Sam and Liz both got one size larger than they usually would. And while one size up was enough, Liz feels she could have gone two sizes larger to make layering especially thick midlayers underneath easier. However, once you size up, it’s very comfortable and doesn’t restrict any movement.
Sam usually wears a men’s medium, but can often get away with wearing a size small. He has a medium Lumina and wouldn’t fit in a size small. In a size medium, he can move his shoulders and arms any which way, including climbing and biking. The medium is also loose-fitting enough to layer over a midlayer or fleece easily.
Weight and packability
The Lumina 100 weighs 6.1 ounces and packs down to about the size of a 1-liter Nalgene bottle. This is best for anyone prioritizing weight and packed size, from ultralight backpackers to alpine climbers.
The Lumina 200 weighs 8.3 ounces and also packs down small, slightly larger than a 1-liter Nalgene.
It comes with an ultralight stuff sack for compressing it, but we simply stuff it into our pack without the sack. You can also stuff it into its own hand pocket, though the pocket doesn’t zip shut when you’ve stuffed it in.
Weather resistance
The Lumina shell has a DWR coating that works surprisingly well. Liz wore her Lumina 200 in cold, wet conditions where the mountains in California got 1/3rd of their annual rainfall in 72 hours. She was pleasantly surprised by how well the DWR worked each night while setting up her tent in those conditions. Though DWR always works well with a new jacket, Sam still finds the water resistance of his Lumina 100 to be adequate, even after 1,200 trail miles. This is by no means a rain jacket, but light precipitation will bead up on the shell material.
It also does a good job of insulating when slightly damp. On long days hiking through constant rain, putting on the Lumina was the highlight of Sam’s day on the PNT. He would pitch his tent, strip off his soaking wet clothes, and put on the Lumina and his sleep tights, the only dry clothing he had. Even with no undershirt and damp skin, the Lumina kept Sam warm in chilly 40-degree temperatures.
It’s also very wind resistant. Sam regularly wore the Lumina 100 on top of peaks along the PNT to block the cold wind. Liz also tested the Lumina 200 in cold and windy conditions atop Mt. Baldy and several peaks in the area, finding it more wind-resistent than the Montbell Plasma 1000, another 1000-fill down jacket.
Breathability
We know, we know, the backpacking gods say you shouldn’t hike in your down puffy jacket. But we do it all the time. Every chilly morning on the PNT, Sam hiked in his Lumina 100. It’s not particularly breathable, but it’s no less breathable than other down jackets. For instance, Sam has also worn a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL for countless early morning miles. He finds the Lumina 100 and Ghost Whisperer UL comparable in terms of breathability. While neither is as breathable as a breathable midlayer, they’re each about as breathable as a windbreaker layered over a fleece.
If you’re choosing between the Lumina 100 and 200, the Lumina 200 will be warmer for static warmth. But the Lumina 100 is more suited for wearing while you’re working hard. Since it has less down, the Lumina 100 is more breathable than the Lumina 200.
Durability
This is an ultralight jacket, so it isn’t the most durable. However, after wearing it regularly for two months, Sam’s Lumina 100 has only one small hole. The shell fabric is relatively abrasion resistant. The jacket is well made, and after 1,200+ miles, no stitches have come undone.
The jacket also comes with a patch kit. It’s easy to repair any holes with these stick-on patches, or any others you might have lying around. The shell material on this jacket will get holes, but that’s common with ultralight puffy jackets. Even our heavier down jackets have holes. You shouldn’t expect the Lumina to stay pristine forever. If it did, then you maybe aren’t using it enough.
Learn more about down jacket care and maintenance in our How to Clean and Repair Down Jackets guide.
Versatility
The Lumina is excellent for hiking, climbing, and traveling. It’s light enough to throw in your bag just in case for any outdoor activity. It’s also casual looking enough to wear for everyday use as well.
If you value packability over all else, get the Lumina 100. If you want more warmth in a slightly less packable but still easy-to-carry option, get the Lumina 200. The Lumina 200 also has a hood, whereas the Lumina 100 does not. So if you want a hood, get the 200.
Features
Lightweight nylon shell
The outer material of the Lumina is a Pertex Quantum lightweight nylon shell.
100-series lightweight down insulation
The Lumina 100 has 70 grams of pure white down that’s RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified.
200-series higher-loft down insulation
The Lumina 200 has 125 grams of pure white down that’s also RDS certified.
Adjustable hood
The Lumina 200 has an adjustable hood that fits snugly and doesn't blow off in the wind. It feels like it has a lot more insulation than other hoods on down jackets we've tested. However, the snug fit means it didn't work over a helmet or with all hairstyles. The Lumina 100 does not have a hood.
Zippered hand pockets
The Lumina has harness- and hip belt-compatible zippered hand pockets. This means pocket openings are high enough that you can access them while wearing a harness.
internal stash pocket(s)
The Lumina does not have internal stash pockets.
Elastic or adjustable cuffs
The Lumina has elastic wrist cuffs.
Drawcord hem
The Lumina does not have a drawcord hem, but it has elastic on the front half of the waist hem.
Packable design
The Lumina is highly packable and comes with a compression sack.
Slim/athletic fit
The La Sportiva Lumina fits "alpine-style." That means, if you’re used to apparel sizing from American brands, you should get a size larger than you normally would.
Sustainability
The La Sportiva Lumina uses Responsible Down Certified down, which means the down comes from ducks or geese that are treated humanely, free from live-plucking, force-feeding, and unnecessary harm. The Lumina’s shell and lining materials are 100% recycled polyamide (polyester). Although we couldn't find this info on the website, we emailed the brand and they confirmed.
La Sportiva North America is certified climate neutral by The Change Climate Project. The La Sportiva Italian headquarters and factory uses 100% renewable energy, and when under-consuming energy, it puts energy back into the grid.
Similar products
La Sportiva Lumina 300
Weight: 12.3 oz (men’s), 11 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 1,000
Pockets: 2
Ethically Sourced Down? P.U.R.E. recycled down
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded jacket available? Yes
The Lumina 300 is similar to the Lumina 200, but with even more down insulation. The Lumina 300 has 175 grams of down, compared to the Lumina 200’s 125 grams.
La Sportiva Lumina 300
men's
Women's
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Weight: 8.8 oz (men’s medium) and 6.9 oz (women’s medium)
Fill Power: 800
Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Yes, Responsible Down Standard
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded version available? Yes
What we liked: Lightweight, feature rich for an ultralight-oriented jacket, packable
What we didn’t like: Not suitable outside of three-season conditions, but meets the needs of those sacrificing some warmth for weight savings
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer weighs about 8 ounces and uses 800-fill down. It costs slightly more than the Lumina 100 but less than the Lumina 200. The Ghost Whisperer is about as warm as the Lumina 100. It’s currently the winner of Best Ultralight in our Best Down Jackets guide.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2
Men's
Women's
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL
Weight: 6.7 oz (men’s), 6.2 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 1000
Pockets: 2
Ethically Sourced Down? RDS
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Hooded jacket available? Yes
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL uses 1000-fill down and weighs 6.7 ounces. It’s pretty comparable to the Lumina 100, except the UL Ghost Whisperer has a hood. However, the Ghost Whisperer UL costs a lot more than the Lumina 200. The Lumina 100 is nearly $200 less than the Ghost Whisperer UL.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL
Women's
Men's
Montbell Plasma 1000
Weight: 4.9 oz (men’s) and 4.2 oz (women’s)
Fill Power: 1000
Pockets: Two handwarmer pockets
Ethically Sourced Down? Not externally certified
Hydrophobic Down? No
Hooded jacket available? No, but available in Montbell’s warmer Alpine Down Parka
What we liked: Featherweight build, no frills and all function
What we didn’t like: May not be warm enough for colder seasons
The Montbell Plasma 1000 is very similar to the Lumina 100. Both of these jackets use 1000-fill down. At 4.9 ounces, the Plasma weighs even less than the Lumina 100, though. It’s not quite as warm, but neither of these jackets is all that warm. We consider this the Best for Thru-hiking in our Best Down Jackets guide.
Montbell Plasma 1000
Women's
Men's
Should you buy the La Sportiva Lumina jacket?
Buy if you want a down jacket with a high warmth-to-weight ratio that doesn’t cost a lot.
Skip if you’d prefer a synthetic insulation jacket that will perform better in wet conditions, or you don’t care as much about weight and would prefer a less expensive option or if you need more inclusive sizing.
Where to buy the La Sportiva Lumina jacket?
The La Sportiva Lumina down jacket are destined to become a popular jacket, so you have some options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Note: REI sells the 200 version, only for now.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
La Sportiva
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Additionally, there is one La Sportiva North America store in Boulder, Colorado. So if you happen to live in the Front Range, you can pop by and check sizing before.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, trail runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, the Colorado Trail twice, and the Pacific Northwest Trail, where he used the Lumina 100.
Sam has completed countless ultra-distance self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. You can read more about Sam on his author page, website, or Instagram.
