I am looking for a mid layer jacket, something that can go under a hard/softshell or just worn by itself. In reading the archives here, in the past(1-2 years ago) down or Primaloft got the most votes. My question is this, now that Climashield has been out a little longer how does it compare to Primaloft? What about lamlite? Are they better, lighter, loftier, last longer in compression cycles etc. Any recommendation on a jacket to look at(high end, mid range and budget).
Jacket insulation question
- Thread starter redrum007
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Re: Jacket insulation question
There's a pretty good discussion on the subject & related info here.
Warm Packable Coat
There's a pretty good discussion on the subject & related info here.
Warm Packable Coat
Re: Jacket insulation question
I was looking for something lighter than wool, I read that thread on the "packable jacket" but since it was a couple of years old wanted to know if information has changed.
I was looking for something lighter than wool, I read that thread on the "packable jacket" but since it was a couple of years old wanted to know if information has changed.
Re: Jacket insulation question
Lamlite's temperature ratings are "rather optimistic", in their sleeping bags anyway. Ditto on how small their items compress, especially vs. Down. Though the ease of washing's a nice feature, as is their rapidity of drying out.
Lamlite's temperature ratings are "rather optimistic", in their sleeping bags anyway. Ditto on how small their items compress, especially vs. Down. Though the ease of washing's a nice feature, as is their rapidity of drying out.
Re: Jacket insulation question
I was lucky enough to snag one of the "softie" jackets the brits I work with are issued, (google snugpak sleeka) and I swear this thing is insulated with pure magic! It packs down into a stuff sack about twice the size of a nalgene bottle, and I bet if I took the time to fold it and roll it right I could get it smaller. I have been outside in just this jacket, a t-shirt, and fleece beanie for 30-45 minutes at a time in about 10 DEG Farenheit and been nice and toasty warm. I tried to find out what insulation they use, but all I could find was "softie". They are pricey to buy, and kind of ugly, but it's like wearing a heater.
I was lucky enough to snag one of the "softie" jackets the brits I work with are issued, (google snugpak sleeka) and I swear this thing is insulated with pure magic! It packs down into a stuff sack about twice the size of a nalgene bottle, and I bet if I took the time to fold it and roll it right I could get it smaller. I have been outside in just this jacket, a t-shirt, and fleece beanie for 30-45 minutes at a time in about 10 DEG Farenheit and been nice and toasty warm. I tried to find out what insulation they use, but all I could find was "softie". They are pricey to buy, and kind of ugly, but it's like wearing a heater.
Re: Jacket insulation question
Primaloft insulation works well and packs well, too.
The Premier Softie stuff found in the Sleeka Jackets is good also, but it doesn't pack down as well relative to the typical primaloft jacket due to the sheer amount of fill stuffed into a sleeka vs an ultralight jacket.
From personal experience, the Sleeka is extremely warm for it's weight. A typical ultralight primaloft jacket is about as warm as a mid weight fleece jacket but with a lot less weight.
Primaloft insulation works well and packs well, too.
The Premier Softie stuff found in the Sleeka Jackets is good also, but it doesn't pack down as well relative to the typical primaloft jacket due to the sheer amount of fill stuffed into a sleeka vs an ultralight jacket.
From personal experience, the Sleeka is extremely warm for it's weight. A typical ultralight primaloft jacket is about as warm as a mid weight fleece jacket but with a lot less weight.
Re: Jacket insulation question
Down can't be beat if precipitation is not an issue. Otherwise, wool, primaloft, climashield are all great choices. Wool is super durable and effective: should always be considered/tried.
Down can't be beat if precipitation is not an issue. Otherwise, wool, primaloft, climashield are all great choices. Wool is super durable and effective: should always be considered/tried.
Re: Jacket insulation question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chittnp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was lucky enough to snag one of the "softie" jackets the brits I work with are issued, (google snugpak sleeka) and I swear this thing is insulated with pure magic! It packs down into a stuff sack about twice the size of a nalgene bottle, and I bet if I took the time to fold it and roll it right I could get it smaller. I have been outside in just this jacket, a t-shirt, and fleece beanie for 30-45 minutes at a time in about 10 DEG Farenheit and been nice and toasty warm. I tried to find out what insulation they use, but all I could find was "softie". They are pricey to buy, and kind of ugly, but it's like wearing a heater.</div></div>
I found a few of these on Amazon and Egay. They are a little pricey but had a few options for both bibs and jackets. Are they very noisy and how snag resistant are they? Just wondering because I would be using it primarily for hunting. Thanks.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chittnp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was lucky enough to snag one of the "softie" jackets the brits I work with are issued, (google snugpak sleeka) and I swear this thing is insulated with pure magic! It packs down into a stuff sack about twice the size of a nalgene bottle, and I bet if I took the time to fold it and roll it right I could get it smaller. I have been outside in just this jacket, a t-shirt, and fleece beanie for 30-45 minutes at a time in about 10 DEG Farenheit and been nice and toasty warm. I tried to find out what insulation they use, but all I could find was "softie". They are pricey to buy, and kind of ugly, but it's like wearing a heater.</div></div>
I found a few of these on Amazon and Egay. They are a little pricey but had a few options for both bibs and jackets. Are they very noisy and how snag resistant are they? Just wondering because I would be using it primarily for hunting. Thanks.
Re: Jacket insulation question
Does the snuppack softie breath well? Would you say it was better than Wiggys?
Does the snuppack softie breath well? Would you say it was better than Wiggys?
Re: Jacket insulation question
I have been really impressed with the Arcteryx items I have bought. Great quality and true performance clothing.
I have MS and seem to not do well with cold weather. I bought a Fission SV year before last. And even in below freezing temps it excells in keeping me warm.
So check out Arcteryx and their LEAF line.
Cut
I have been really impressed with the Arcteryx items I have bought. Great quality and true performance clothing.
I have MS and seem to not do well with cold weather. I bought a Fission SV year before last. And even in below freezing temps it excells in keeping me warm.
So check out Arcteryx and their LEAF line.
Cut
Re: Jacket insulation question
I really cant speak as to how breathable the softie is, or how snag resistant. I got mine from a buddy who was leaving, and it's in good shape but not new, that being said, there are no snag marks on it or tears. the shell feels like just regular nylon, so if you are moving through brambles or heavy brush I would anticipate that it would snag, I would reccoment wearing a more durable shell over it if thats the case. I havent done alot of moving around where I would work up a sweat with it, so I dont know how breathable it is. If I was hunting with it, I would pack it in and put it on when I got to my spot. One thing this jacket isn't is a "performance" based jacket. Unless its in the teens or below, I wouldnt do too much running around in it, it's sole purpose is to keep you warm.
I really cant speak as to how breathable the softie is, or how snag resistant. I got mine from a buddy who was leaving, and it's in good shape but not new, that being said, there are no snag marks on it or tears. the shell feels like just regular nylon, so if you are moving through brambles or heavy brush I would anticipate that it would snag, I would reccoment wearing a more durable shell over it if thats the case. I havent done alot of moving around where I would work up a sweat with it, so I dont know how breathable it is. If I was hunting with it, I would pack it in and put it on when I got to my spot. One thing this jacket isn't is a "performance" based jacket. Unless its in the teens or below, I wouldnt do too much running around in it, it's sole purpose is to keep you warm.
Re: Jacket insulation question
I've got a Patagonia ultralight down jacket, it's warm by itself and crazy warm under a shell. It's my new go to jacket, people are amazed by it's weight or lack their of and it folds up nicely.
Link to jacket
I've got a Patagonia ultralight down jacket, it's warm by itself and crazy warm under a shell. It's my new go to jacket, people are amazed by it's weight or lack their of and it folds up nicely.
Link to jacket
Re: Jacket insulation question
Condor Alpha Micro Fleece. Condor makes some great stuff and they're priced great.
Condor Alpha Micro Fleece. Condor makes some great stuff and they're priced great.
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