View Full Version : Base layer & down vest Recommendations
rjstew234
04-29-2014, 11:52
My girlfriend and I are planning to hike a 55 mile loop in GSNP over May 20-24. I'm looking to purchase some warmer clothing that is lighter for backpacking, especially since it can dip down to the 40's and 50's at night/early morning in GSNP in May. For cold weather I usually just pack a lambs wool sweater (10oz), a synthetic long sleeve running T (5oz) I and a Merrell down jacket (20oz). I've never worn the jacket since it's super warm, I pack it for more of insurance/peace of mind. The long sleeve T doesn't provide all that much insulation though, more for mosquitoes, so I need something in the middle.
Is it worth spending $50 for a long sleeve 100% merino wool base layer (7oz) like this:http://goo.gl/9eYimr
I used to have a blended 70% polyester/30% wool base layer I used for winter biking and skiing like this one, and felt it was warm enough, but lost it somewhere: http://goo.gl/k6fdcG is it worth spending the extra $27 for 100% wool or will this one do?
Finally, I was thinking about buying a lightweight down vest for this backpacking trip. I know Patagonia is overpriced, but I found the Men's Nano Puff Vest for $100, which is a really good deal and comparable to other down vests. I like that it's light (8.5oz and packs smaller than real down). How's it backpacking in a down vest? Probably would use it more around camp at night/in the morning vs actual hiking: http://goo.gl/CgNfLL
Many thanks in advance.
I wouldn't wear down while hiking. It's generally way too warm. I do use it during long breaks or at camp.
For a low in the 40's I usually leave the down puffy at home and just wear a fleece over a base layer (or two - maybe a cap1 and merino wool shirt). If it's windy I'll toss on the rain/wind jacket on top of the whole thing.
As far as vests go, I can't seem to get them to work for me, but that's a personal preference. If I'm cold enough for a layer, I want it on my arms too.
rjstew234
04-29-2014, 12:55
I wouldn't wear down while hiking. It's generally way too warm. I do use it during long breaks or at camp.
For a low in the 40's I usually leave the down puffy at home and just wear a fleece over a base layer (or two - maybe a cap1 and merino wool shirt). If it's windy I'll toss on the rain/wind jacket on top of the whole thing.
As far as vests go, I can't seem to get them to work for me, but that's a personal preference. If I'm cold enough for a layer, I want it on my arms too.
What fleece's do you recommend for backpacking? I always find them to be very bulky and heavy.
bigcranky
04-29-2014, 12:58
If you're bringing the down jacket as the final really warm layer for a cold night, then I wouldn't buy a down vest as well. I'd bring a light fleece pullover instead -- something in the Polartec 100 or Capilene 4 family. Heavier than a baselayer but not heavy. That'll likely be enough hanging around camp, plus it can be worn while hiking in the chill of an early morning. I don't find wool works well for this sort of mid-layer -- it's too heavy for its warmth compared to fleece or down. I do love 100% merino wool for base layers, always the light 150 g/m2 weight.
For spring and fall hiking, I bring those light merino base layers -- one short sleeve and one long sleeve top, plus long john bottoms and boxer briefs. Then I bring a microfleece as mentioned above, and my light down jacket. I'll bring a rain shell and either a rain kilt or pants, depending on the temps, and usually a very light wind shirt. Then I can mix and match any or all of the components to cover a range of conditions from sub-freezing to highs in the 80s.
The Smokies should be nice in May.
wookinpanub
04-29-2014, 12:59
I agree about not hiking in a down vest. It's a situation where its compressibility is its liability. Down warmth comes from its loft. When backpacking your straps and back panel will be compressing the down to a point where much of its warmth is lost. They are great for camp use, but I don't typically backpack with one.
What fleece's do you recommend for backpacking? I always find them to be very bulky and heavy.
I have a $10 one from C9 one from Target that rather like. I have an off-brand grid fleece hoody from Sierra Trading Post that I like too.
What fleece's do you recommend for backpacking? I always find them to be very bulky and heavy.
This...
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43526?feat=windstopper%20fleece-SR0&page=outdoor-research-windstopper-ear-band&attrValue_0=Black&productId=744942
and this... (I own two)
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/62188?feat=wind%20challenger%20fleece-SR0&page=wind-challenger-fleece-vest
Wayne
...and Polartec Aircore 100 fleece at Land's End. I own 3 shirts. Warm & lighter than my other fleece garments.
Wayne
I've been looking at the same type of set up. .. Base layer and rain/wind jacket if its cold while hiking. Add the vest for down time. .... Borah Gear makes one that is 3.6oz size med. $100. .. I tried this set up with my golite vest and works good. I just need a lighter and more compress able one, like maybe the borah one.
Surridge
05-01-2014, 14:10
Any one have recommendations for a light base layer with a hood and thumb holes? Thanks
bigcranky
05-01-2014, 19:16
Any one have recommendations for a light base layer with a hood and thumb holes? Thanks
Those can be hard to find. This Ibex hoody seems very nice (http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Long-Sleeve/M-Hooded-Indie), but it's heavier than I would want for a base layer, except maybe in the deepest winter. Most of the hoodies I've seen are more mid-layers or expedition base layers. I have a Capilene 4 pullover that's great as a mid-layer, and it comes in a hoodie (http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-capilene-4-baselayer-expedition-weight-quarter-zip-hoody?p=43666-0). Looks like some running companies might make what you want, maybe like this Nike hoodie (http://www.prodirectrunning.com/products/nike-womens-slim-sculpt-hoody-baselayer-womens-running-clothing-sunburstanthracite-54250.aspx).
It's all personal choice, but I would take a light down jacket rather than a vest. And I am a big merino wool fan. Two merino wool base layer tops (1 for sleeping and for an extra layer if really cold), with a wind shirt, a down jacket for camp, and a real rain layer, gives me a lot of layers to combine for different conditions.