|
|
Post by hikerjer on Dec 28, 2015 21:46:35 GMT -8
Given the following conditions, which jacket would you take on an overnight backpacking trip or even a long day hike? Forecast is for 30 to 35 F with a good chance of precipitation - rain or wet snow. Down filled jacket, fleece jacket or synthetic fill (prima-loft, etc) jacket? This is assuming you have a good rain shell with you.
|
|
|
|
Post by dirthurts on Dec 29, 2015 4:51:23 GMT -8
I would go with a synthetic. If it rains, you'll be basically in the worst conditions for hypothermia possible (as cold as you can get and still be wet). The synthetic will still work if you get wet from rain, or have to hike in it and build up sweat. I've always found down is going to be clammy in those situations.
Of course, you could always take a fleece, and a down jacket. Keep the down packed away safe until you hit camp and layer the fleece and rain shell. It's more weight, but another option.
|
|
|
|
Post by cweston on Dec 29, 2015 6:34:43 GMT -8
I would probably go with dirthurts's second option: the fleece to wear on the trail under the shell, and the down jacket well-protected from moisture in the pack, for use in camp. Having a warm, dry jacket to wear in camp (or in an emergency) covers a multitude of sins.
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547 
|
Post by tigger on Dec 29, 2015 7:49:04 GMT -8
I'd wear the rain jacket while hiking and have the down jacket for under it at camp/stopping. That's what I've been doing for years now. My down jacket is much warmer than my fleece or synthetic layers and weighs much less/compresses down more. I've spent the night in wet synthetic layers and will never do that again...ever. Dry anything is better than wet anything except for maybe wool when you're moving.
|
|
|
|
Post by drilldaddyo on Dec 29, 2015 11:25:04 GMT -8
Hi Jer,
My go to jacket is a Mountain Hardwear Compressor jacket (no hood). I've had the jacket for what seems like forever and I love it. Generally I'm wearing lightweight long underwear and a mid layer like 100 weight polarfleece underneath. The shell goes over everything as needed.
I just checked the MH website and the Compressor jacket is no longer available. The Thermostatic or Switchflip look similar and in the same price range as the old Compressor jacket.
Hope this helps!
Randy |
|
|
|
Post by geophagous on Dec 30, 2015 23:33:52 GMT -8
I hike hot and can sweat up a storm in those temps wearing anything more than a light shirt and rain jacket. Stopping means cooling down fast however. I would opt for the down. I have never hiked in more than a thin shirt and rain jacket in temps above 30. Subfreezing a fleece would be added. I sweat like a pig and know that if I stay moving I will be plenty warm no matter the temp or weather.
The key is when stopping to immediately put on the warm jacket to maintain my toasty warm self.
|
|
|
|
Post by catsquirrel on Dec 31, 2015 17:42:31 GMT -8
So much depends on your personal fitness, it's a really difficult question. Like geophagus, I hike hot.
If I were faced with a 30 degree hike with rain, I'd wear polypropylene long johns on the bottom with a rain pant. Open the leg zips, depending on the rain.
On the top, I'd simply go with a REI Sahara t-shirt with open pit zips for my shell.
Have a down sweater in a waterproof stuff sack handy for stops/camp and layer the shell over it.
|
|
