Re: Jacket help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I need some advise on jackets. I would like one that is pack able, warm and durable that won't break the bank. I would like to use it as a layer under a hard/soft shell or alone if its not pouring rain. I know down is warm and packs small but if it gets wet your screwed. I have heard Primaloft and climashield are warm when wet but not as warm as down or as pack able. So what do you suggest? </div></div>
Primaloft 1 is the gold standard for synthetic insulation. It has the same CLO rating as down; ounce for ounce same warmth, in fact it is slightly higher than down but so minute its does not really bare mention. Prima main draw back is it so small in diameter and slick that it requires a scrim to secure it into a garment meaning this adds weight. The scrims weight is negligible but pushes the weight higher than down. If you sew up two identical jackets with everything the same but one is down and the other Prima 1, only a postal scale could tell the difference. Prima is chemically changed to actually repel water, no other insulation has this property. Prima cannot absorb water while other synthetics can, its very minute but they can absorb water into the fiber.
Primaloft 2 or Sport has less CLO but but does not require the scrim.
There is a reason Prima 1 has not changed since 86 and every other new synthetic insulation compares itself to Prima, then changes again and compares, changes again, compares, repeat for 30+ years now.
I prefer WildThings and Integral Designs. Up on the scale for kit but kit for me was my life, it had to perform or I could not.
Down does drape around the body better than synthetics and is more comfortable over a wider temp rage than synthetics. So wearing a down jacket in warmer temps than synthetics means the body is more regulated core for outside temps. Stuff sacks tend to be smaller too, not by much though. But for clothing that is exposed to weather, been there and done that so I use nothing but Prima. Heard all the talk, never ever got my down wet so its a mute point. Could be but I have and have had friends in survival situations with down and synthetics. Synthetics only please.
Patagonia is good, Mountain Yardware, Marmot, and now a host of cheaper kit that all work.
Another option to consider is Marmots Driclim. Its bi-synthetic inner with a nylon soft shell and does superb as a base, mid and outer layer.