Re: Warm Packable Coat
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtGoat</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtGoat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Are The North Face, Marmot, and Mountain Hardware still the top dogs when it comes to warm down coats or are there smaller custom outfits that can stuff alot of down in a small area????
Thanks
Pat </div></div>
Not even close. Take a look at Integral Designs Dolomitti.
http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=696&CFID=2141340&CFTOKEN=83054669 Used it for years in Alaska from -40 to around freezing.
If you want superior warmth for weight in down:
Western Mountaineering has no equal, period but they cost a shiny penny, made in the USA too.
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ind...ckets-and-Vests Feathered Friends is another high end down but I have not used them as much as WM. I know their bags have less down and less loft for a given rating when compared to WM. </div></div>
The Dolomitti is sort of what I had in mind until I saw that it was not down. Is Primaloft that good at insulating? My concern with down is that my layers will be wet from sweat and have the very real issue of transferring the water into the down which would then freeze. It would not dry out for a week of hunting so possibly Primaloft would be better if it insulates well even when "wet" (damp from perspiration).
Pat </div></div>
For clothing in the backcountry, I prefer a synthetic insulation. Do not want to get into an advertisement but Primaloft 1 is actually the only synth that rivals down for weight to warmth. The problem is, it requires a scrim to hold it, just like down has baffles adding more weight than downs baffles. Primaloft actually repels moisture, all other synth still absorb some moisture. I hate tests but in tests weighing dry synth and then soaking them in water, Primaloft gains virtually no weight by water, water does get trapped between the fibers. Every other synth will gain a good amount of water weight. It was designed for the military in the 80s and has not changed since while all other synth change year to year trying to emulate it. There is now Primaloft Sport or 2 that is made for footwear and other soft goods. It is heavier with less warmth.
The other problem Primaloft has, it does not feel and look as warm as it is. Laying my 20 primaloft bag next to a TNF, MH, you name the other manufacture, the Primaloft bag looks and feels less warmth, it is hard to grasp how warm for the weight it is.
Give Evan a ring at ID, he has a thick South African accent, he will stitch a Dolomitti up in camo if you ask. You can get long apex index, like me, I wear medium chest but require a large in the arms. Try that with any other manufacture.
By law, 550 down can contain up to 20% feathers. There is really no down much loftier than 850 because, once you get to 850 the actual weight of the down will start to compress on itself decreasing loft or staying around 850. It basically comes down to how the down is prepped. Many companies abuse down so it loses its natural oils and loft before sewing into a product.
I always let my body cool itself after working hard before donning heavier clothing. Wearing G-tex and its likes during hard exertion will cause flash off causing the body to cool and chill. This is where microfibers / soft shells have become very popular. The Scottish have been wearing soft shells forever and only recently have the rest of the world known or understood their concept.
When John Bachourd still owned WildThings, I talked to him quite often and we discussed many things. Once Titoune / Marie and John got a divorce. Yes John was stupid with his midlife crisis, I still used WT but last run of clothing I received was off in their pattern. The EP jacket is an exceptional jacket, not quite as warm as the Dolomitti but much lighter and less warm. WT Belay jacket maybe a little warmer than the Dolomitti but does not pack down as small and is heavier. WT Makalu was considered the warmest parka on the planet at one time. I had one.
If you worry about packing size, get an ID silnylon compression sack and stuff your Dolomitti down real small.
I rambled on but hope this helps.
) but am looking for something more compressible. Any suggestions.
