Light weight, compressible, warm jacket

runningboar

runningboar

Joined
May 27, 2006
Messages
2,325
Looking for a warm, light or ultralight, synthetic, no down, compressable jacket, I have been looking at these 2.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0021117921183a.shtml

http://www.sailgb.com/p/snugpak_sleeka_elite_jacket/


What am looking for is a jacket that compresses fairly small but will retain loft and warmth even in the damp, that is why I do not want down. I don't want fleece either, I have several quality fleece jackets and they don't compress enough. I am not dead set on either of these jackets and if anyone has any other suggestions I am all ears.
 
Thermoloft


Definition:
DuPont's medium-loft synthetic insulation that combines solid-core polyester fibers with hollow Quallofil fibers; used most often in insulated outerwear, where high-loft fills are too bulky and low-loft fills aren't warm enough.
http://www.clothingwarehouse.com/002-7039.html
Thermoloft® Guide ParkaTough enough to stop the wind and repel wet weather, warm enough to keep you comfortable straight through the heart of winter. The shell is durable windproof 3-ply Supplex® nylon, treated with an extra layer of Teflon® coating. The lining is pure Thermoloft®, the marvelous man-made "down". This parka is lightweight and comfortable, while offering tremendous warmth. Plus, it has lots of other great features: two-way front zipper covered with a storm flap, double-needle lap seam construction, two outside pockets with flaps, two inside pockets and to top it off, a shock cord with barrel holders to cinch the waist. MADE IN AMERICA.

I have one something like this it is so warm I rarely zip up in temps 20 degrees or above and sometimes 0 and above this thing can be hot. I know nothing about the company just went looking for a coat like one I have don't like it look for yourself but it looks good to me.
 
Man would be nice if they rated them like sleeping bags!
I like both. Snugpak has a good name, people like the compressability in their sleeping bags.

The Cabela's model doesn't look shabby either.

What else is out there? anyone?
 
Ohoisin,
That looks like a very nice jacket and I am for sure going to research that insulation but I am really looking for a jacket that is as warm as possible and compresses to American football size or smaller. In a 12' kayak, or my daypack for that matter, space is at a premium and weight even more so. Thanks, Chris
 
then the insulation is likely your best best, as it retains heat even when wet, what you will need to find is a lightweight shell. tell you what I will check my coat out tonight and see how small I can pack it I am a size 3-4 x for comparison and let you knowthe diminsions.
 
runningboar said:
Looking for a warm, light or ultralight, synthetic, no down, compressable jacket, I have been looking at these 2.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0021117921183a.shtml

http://www.sailgb.com/p/snugpak_sleeka_elite_jacket/


What am looking for is a jacket that compresses fairly small but will retain loft and warmth even in the damp, that is why I do not want down. I don't want fleece either, I have several quality fleece jackets and they don't compress enough. I am not dead set on either of these jackets and if anyone has any other suggestions I am all ears.
Click to expand...


The Patagonia Micropuff has one of the best loft-to-weight ratios and they back their stuff 100%. The jacket, pull-over and vest all work great. If you really want insulation and compressibility, the Cocoon Pull Over from BackPackingLight.com is the deal.
 
www.sierratradingpost.com
I got a patagonia micro puff for 60 dollars!!! They go for 179 to 200. I love it!
To give a savings idea, I got:
Patagonia R2 fleece, 70 dollars.
Lowe alpine 3 in 1 waterproof/breathable jacket with zip in/out fleece insulation, 63 dollars! These go for around 250 or more.
Plus the micropuff.
Sierra trading post has awesome deals if you can find what you're looking for. I highly suggest you check them out.
 
My coat compresses easily to about a basket ball size without even the beifit of a sack to stuff it in and remove the air.

but th polarguard looks like good stuff.
 
Dupont Thermolite insulation works very well in the Bivvy Wear jacket and bibs that I got from Brigade QuarterMaster. They are very lightweight, compressible, and extremely efficient as a wind/warmth layer. The jacket weighs about 1 pound, stuffs down to the size of a small loaf of bread (maybe 5x5x10 inches), and has proven itself a very good layer in my use of it.
My review and others' comments on the Bivvy Wear garments:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236404
BQM page for Bivvy Wear jacket:
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4t.tam?&M5COPY.ctx=27831
T.W. Kempton (mfr of Bivvy Wear) homepage linked from here:
http://www.twkempton.co.uk/intro.asp

I also have a Cabela's hooded jacket with Dupont Thermolite insulation and it is my "go to" warmth layer when the temps dip toward freezing.

Runningboar, I have reservations with the Cabela's jacket you linked:

1. Front closure snaps instead of a zipper. The gaps between snaps can billow open and allow wind to sneak into the torso of the garment, stealing away body heat.

2. Sewn-through stitching throughout the garment (at least it looks like it to me) can create cold spots all along those stitching lines. The needle holes also offer entry points for wind to penetrate the skin of the fabric. The goal is to have a wind/warmth/rain garment's outer layer be as-seamless-as-possible to shed both wind and water.

3. The knit collar isn't tall or windproof enough to protect the back of your neck. A personal preference of mine is to have collars tall enough in back to cover over the lower half of my head and, hopefully, some of my lower ears too. As for material, I like a collar when it is pulled up to protect my neck to be polar fleece lining against my skin with nylon (higher thread count = better wind shedding) shell fabric.

(edit to add) Another item for consideration is Wiggy's Lamilite Sweater. I don't have one of these, but his gear's reputation for efficiency and durability is very good. I use his Superlight sleeping bag almost every night as a duvet on my bed. Very toasty!! :)
 
I prefer Polarguard 3D. Here is a Sierra Designs. Haven't used it, but it looks like a good deal.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,43662_Sierra-Designs-Packable-Jacket-Polarguard-3D-For-Men.html

The Patagonia Micropuff is a good one and Snugpak has an excellent reputation. As Rokjok mentioned that Cabela's jacket has a major problem with sewn through construction. The Bozeman Cocoon is excellent and priced accordingly but is designed for serious ultralight backpackers to be as light as possible and not as durable so you would need to exercise extra care with it.
 
Thanks for all the info, especially the tips on the cabelas jacket, what has been said makes a whole lot of sense and I believe I will look at something else. I am leaning towards the snugpak but with all the info yall have posted I have some research to do. Thanks, Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top