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Post by filipeteixeira on Feb 2, 2016 3:15:38 GMT -8
Hey backpackers,
I need some advice regarding insulated jackets. I'm currently searching for a mid layer I can use also as an outer layer when backpacking in the north of Sweden during summer. Temperatures may vary between 20 C and 3 C, so sometimes using a rain jacket is not a solution as I tend to overheat with them.
I've been looking at several solutions, such as:
Patagonia R1 Hoody (for fleeces) Arc'teryx Atom AR Hoody (for insulated jackets)
My question is, in your opinion, which one would be able to resist the abrasion of a backpack, or should I go for another solution. I also have some soft shells but they are bulky, heavy and not always the best choice. I'm open to other suggestions.
Thanks
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Feb 2, 2016 3:36:28 GMT -8
I'm a fan of the basic 3 layer system - A wicking base layer, insulating layer if needed and then a shell (wind and waterproof). While hiking, I never would go beyond a wicking layer and shell (with pitzips) in those temps. I would not consider an insulating layer - too warm. At camp, maybe but not while moving. If anything, I would add a second wicking layer or light Zip-T so I could moderate my temps and skip the shell assuming it wasn't raining. I am not a fan of insulated jackets except for down (packs smallest and best insulation) - once again, only used at camp.
The goal is not to sweat and you're exercising. You're gonna perspire once you start moving.
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Post by cweston on Feb 2, 2016 4:07:34 GMT -8
I agree with tigger on the basic three layer system. (With the insulating layer going on only at camp in those conditions). In that temp range, I would also carry a very light unlined nylon wind shirt. I find that I can hike in that over a base layer in cool temps--it adds maybe 10-15 degrees F of comfort level to a base layer, can be worn in light rain, and breathes much better than a rain shell.
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Post by filipeteixeira on Feb 2, 2016 4:32:40 GMT -8
Hey, thanks for the replies. Last time I've hiked with a merino base layer, and my light rain jacket, and I was sweating like a maniac. I've ended up replacing it by a puff jacket, which worked well but I was constantly afraid of destroying it with branches and/or backpack. That's why I'm searching for something in between, but I'm a bit lost with what. Any suggestions are welcome . Thanks once again.
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Post by dabrador on Feb 2, 2016 6:23:00 GMT -8
Also agree with the 3 layer system. My most versatile piece, and what you call an 'in-between' product, is my Marmot DriClime Windshirt. I've used it as both an insulating/mid layer and also as an outer layer. It's fairly windproof and breathes surprisingly well due to the mesh pit vents. I've used it across a wide temperature range and it holds up well to a pack.
Hope that helps.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 2, 2016 10:37:28 GMT -8
I'm confused, because if you are overheating with a merino base layer and a rain shell, then anything insulated is going to make it worse, no? I hike in a shirt like this. If it's raining I put a shell over it, and probably sweat. Otherwise, I seldom need much else until I stop, at which point I pile on whatever layers are needed to keep warm, much as Tigger describes. I wouldn't wear a down, or even fleece, under a backpack unless I really needed too, both because I would surely overheat and because I don't think it would be good for them.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Feb 2, 2016 11:13:09 GMT -8
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 2, 2016 11:36:30 GMT -8
With layers in the rain if you're too warm you can shed the insulating layer (or two) and stay dry and not overheated : if that's all wrapped in one jacket you're choice is hot soaked in sweat or chilled soaked in rain....
Layers are superior: just has to be the right layers.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Feb 2, 2016 11:45:57 GMT -8
Pit zips rule.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 2, 2016 12:02:24 GMT -8
I 've used down, synthetic and fleece mid-layers over the years. Each has it's pros and cons, of course. But for what you're describing, I think I'd go with the three layer system as mentioned by many but I'd make the mid-layer a good fleece for two reasons. One, it breathes pretty well and second, I feel it's far better in the wet - absorbs less water and dries faster. Of course, the downside is weight and bulk and it's not wind proof.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Feb 2, 2016 16:43:23 GMT -8
I'm not familiar with the Arcteryx you mention, but after you've been moving for 15 minutes or so the Patagonia R1 scan get pretty warm - far too warm for 20C, at least for me. It's a great bit of clothing, but pretty warm. You could roll up the sleeves or unzip the front a bit if needed.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Feb 2, 2016 17:23:34 GMT -8
Agree, it's all about layers - Suggest 4: Long sleeve hiking shirt, Fleece layer, Down vest layer - warms the core, Hooded waterproof shell layer with zips - (IMHO, get one size larger as to fit comfortably over all).
Mix and match as needed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2016 4:34:06 GMT -8
When I go hiking, I bring along the ability to layer. I wear glasses, I go with the method that if my glasses fog up then I have on to many cloths. 20c (68f), I'd be only wearing a shirt. I prefer a long sleeve shirt for the added sun protection. Of late, I been really liking the REI Co Op T shirts. As the temp drops I could add a light or mid weight layer to the Co Op t-shrt, I might put on head wear and or gloves and even a jacket of some type, as needed. I keep the layers so that my eye glasses do not fog when I am moving.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Feb 3, 2016 5:19:21 GMT -8
That temperature range is 100% t-shirt weather.
...In Canada, anyways.
I would opt for a thin base layer with emphasis on wicking over warmth (think HH Dry baselayers). Top that with a lightweight poly fleece layer. Finish with a rain/wind shell. I would hike in the base layer (be it long or short sleeved), apply the fleece when I'm at rest and it's nippy, and only ever break out the shell if it rains or I'm blasted with unbearable wind. So that would align me with the 3-layer folk.
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Post by filipeteixeira on Feb 3, 2016 8:44:12 GMT -8
Thanks for all the replies. I think I wasn't clear enough with my explanation.
Usually I hike only with my merino shirt. But once the temperatures drop below 10 C, then I tend to put on an extra layer. The rain jacket is perfect, but I'm still yet to find one that doesn't make me get soaked as I sweat quite a lot. I used to hike with a lightweight puffy jacket, but with the backpack and even with some small branches, the jacket started to fray. As it was a light jacket, I didn't have problems with overheating.
The shirt would be indeed a good option and I also tried them but if it gets cold without rain, they are not good. That's why I was thinking about the R1 or the Arc'teryx. The problem is that those materials look super thin, and it looks as if they are going to get destroyed after a couple of days. Mainly with a backpack on my shoulders.
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