Splitboard.com Forums

I agree.

I own down and synthetic, from big and hooded, to light vests.

Is it goona rain, or be cooooold and dry? Over night or day trip? Needed, or just incase?
Is anyone gonna be taking pictures?

I mostly use a $20 down puffy vest I got from the EB outlet store. I like the old school michelin man look.

I am another fan of having several different options depending on the trip type , conditions, etc.

For most day trips in moderate Tahoe conditions, I carry the Patagonia Nanopuff. It has a pretty amazing amount of warmth for its compactness and weight----but I have certainly pushed it beyond it limits at times. It is an awesome midlayer when moderately active in cold conditions, using it as a warming layer during transitions, or hanging out in moderate conditions. Extended stops in cold to very cold conditions can leave me shivering. I have used the Patagonia Down sweater in similar conditions---it is a great layering piece that is warmer then the Nanopuff. However, the Nanopuff gives me the right amount of warmth most of the the time---and it has become my "go to" piece. The Arcteryx Atom LT looks like it has the same functionality as the Nanopuff but I jumped on the blaze orange Nanopuff when I was able to find it at a deep discount.

For hut trips, snow camping, or colder conditions, I carry an Arcteryx Atom SV (synthetic 100 gram coreloft, hooded). It is just the right jacket when things get a bit more frigid and I am not being active. It can be used as a layering piece but I found it to be too warm for that function in the moderate temps we get in Tahoe. It is quite warm, pretty light, and compacts reasonably well----but it doesn't compact nearly as well as the Nanopuff or other ultralight pieces.

I have gravitated towards synthetic pieces over the years---even though I have never had any problems with my down pieces. Maybe it is the idea that they are easier to care for. That said, when it is really cold, the giant Cloudveil down puffy comes out of hibernation.

I recently bought the cheapest one I could find.

Mountain Hardware hunkerdown

Western Mountaineering - Flight
Rab - Microlight Alpline
Montbell - UL
Arc'teryx - Solo (synthetic) I use this jacket when it's really wet or humid.

If you're patient I would suggest waiting for Sierra Design's new DriDown jackets. No joke and it's quite amazing to see it demonstrated in person.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOhqHdg254k

small one inch baffles are all rage right now

After trying on the Marmott, REI , Patagonia and North Face down(800) sweaters I sadly went with the NF sweater strictly due to the fact that it fit me the best.

I do like it though and it adds a TON of warmth with almost no weight under a hard shell

Arctery'x Atom Lt Hoody - lightweight midlayer
Acrtery'x Fission SL - storm layer for the independently wealthy

How long? Video only talks about application to bags.

My go to puffy is the Patagonia Micro Puff Vest. Plenty of warmth in a small, lightweight package. I like the versatility of synthetic for the highly variable weather of Northern Vermont.

I'm a bit more minimalist when it comes to layers, but that's also because I don't do really long tours and don't stop moving. Even on days when it's below 0 I'll wear just a midweight long underwear top underneath my shell (Burton AK Jussi Anorak), maybe I'll wear my R1 hoody if it's getting into the negative teens.

I don't usually skimp, especially on stuff that could save a life, but the equivalent of $50 got me a decent down jacket from Decathlon (a European sports superstore chain). Their kit has woked well for me in the past.
Temperatures in the North Western Alps tend to be pretty moderate so no need to go the full North Face, Patagonia or other bigger money routes - though their offerings tend to be a lot prettier.

I use both synthetic and Down, But I always have my montbell puffy pants and jacket in my touring pack