I have three Integral Design (originals) Pl jackets, one Mont-Bell U/L synthetic, due to Ed's recommendation and a Kifaru synthetic, actually, a British Snugpac.

I also have an outstanding Richard Egge doublr duvet and had other very highend down jackets.

I disagree, my Mont-Bell is into it's fifth year, worn a lot, just today in moderate BC rain-read a downpour for most other places- and I find these superior to down except in colder than 20*F temps.

For synthetics or shells and down, I now recommend,based on ownership and use WildThings and Westcomb over anything else I know of. Google these sites and see what you think.