Splitboard.com Forums

Curious about what we're carrying for insulation.

Feel free to reply outside poll with Brand, Make, typical weather where you live (warmer, wet or colder, dry climes)

been pretty happy with my FirstAscent microtherm down shirt - random googling found this review: http://www.thegearcaster.com/the_gearca ... eview.html - super crazy lightweight (and packs down to next to nothing)! They have a "sweater" version of it too, which is warmer (but also bulkier).

I'm using a MEC brand "uplink" jacket. Got it for a great price on clearance...things I love about the jacket: Super light, packs into its own pocket/stuff sack to a perfect little pillow, good skinning layer/not too warm. I use it as a base layer under my riding shell, and have gone out in -32c and below a few times and just simply never took off the shell. Wouldn't say I would have wanted more insulation for even those kind of temps. It cuts wind very well by itself too - but not hugely breathable.

I think down is awesome, and there are probably far "better" jackets out there, but for the price, the features and insulation level (i'd say its low compared to most, the jacket looks like a patagonia that got deflated) it works for me just fine. Plus with the primaloft i can just fire the thing straight in the wash with some other clothes - no need for any type of special treatment.

I have a Patagonia Nano-puff pullover which stuffs down to next to nothing. It lives in my pack as an extra layer in case of emergencies or a drastic change in the weather, because the thing is incredibly warm under a shell. I'm in Seattle, so temps are generally pretty mild, I've worn it up in BC during an Arctic front where it was -15C and been plenty comfortable with just a long-sleeved thermal under it and a shell over the top.

North Face Summit Series 800 Fill


http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-thunder-jacket_2.html

I love my Burton BK Insulator. I've never had another lightweight puffy to compare it to though. Its so warm that I can only wear it on the coldest days.
http://www.burton.com/mens-fleece-bk-in ... lt,pd.html

A friend of mine has the Patagonia Down Shirt. He likes it and it looks sweet. Packs down to nothing. Definitely not as warm at the BK though.

Stoic Down Luft scored off of SAC. Interior BC. Somedays wish I had a hood.

Cold days or overnights: RAB Infinity Endurance (down)
Warmer days or short trips: Backpacking Light Cocoon Hoody (synth)

Mountain Designs Klien Jacket



Dosent get too cold here in OZ, -20 degC

Pertex Quantum© 15D lightweight nylon
Fabric is breathable plus water, wind & snow resistant
Down fill weight 130g
Garment weight 500g Filled with a 90/10 Hungarian goose down, loft 800
Stitched through construction to stabilise the down

Ems primaloft titan. good with a Dan merino base and shell from about -15 up to 30 with minor activity, then it sweats, for me anyway. Dries very quick. Good quality at a good price.

Pataguuch down sweater, and micro-puff hoody. Both awesome, but the hoody is more versatile.

I have 2.
An OR down sweater and a Go-lite 800 down jacket. The Go-lite is the full deal. Hood and very puffy. But it is so light and stuffs to nothing. I have been choosing it a lot over the OR. The material is so thin it is almost see through. I put it on over my jacket for transitions, or digging pits, or just taking a break. If I get cold, I stay cold. Throwing it on over my shell is quick and easy. It keeps me cozy. When I am on the move I stuff it back in the pack.

I always thought they were for city dwelling douche bags. But last year our Avalanche class teacher pointed out why they were awesome. He was right. I won't tour without one of them. Even if it is warm out. You never know.

own and use several...all depends on the trip objective, location, weather, etc...

down parka - Mountain Hardware Subzero SL

mid-weight down hoody- Western Mountaineering Flash XR

mid-weight synthetic jacket - Marmot T6

light-weight synthetic pullover - Patagonia Nanopuff

all have their time and place, there is no 'one size fits all' IMHO