View Full Version : What’s better than R1 & Micro Puff
Song Slinger
11-28-2014, 03:10
I currently have a Patagonia R1 & Mirco Puff. I’m a touring musician and frequently hike wherever I end up. My R1 and Micro puff keep me warm to around 30 degrees. I generally wear Capeline 1, 2 or a Smartwool 150 weight as my base layer.
Trying to keep the size down as I carry on my luggage. Weight (or price) is not a major concern.
Any suggestions for a warmer combo? Looking for something that can keep me warm down to single digits.
The Cleaner
11-28-2014, 08:31
Merino top + Micro puff + Marmot Tempo hooded softshell.
Are you wearing a shell with that? If not, adding a breathable shell and a warm balaclava should make a big difference to a properly layered combo of what you already own. A good balaclava is one of the best items for warmth you can carry.
Kerosene
11-28-2014, 10:11
I'd probably add a mid-layer so you can get a bit more flexibility as temps shift around.
You should also have some sort of wind-cutting layer, which I would go to in lieu of a breathable softshell like the Marmot Tempo (http://marmot.com/products/details/tempo-jacket) (which doesn't appear to have a hood by the way). You could use a lightweight hooded rain jacket like the Marmot SuperMica (http://marmot.com/products/details/super-mica-jacket-new) if you want to be prepared to walk in a downpour, but if you are focused on sub-freezing temps then a lightweight windshell might be the ticket. Montbell makes some highly compressible lightweight products such as the Dynamo Wind Park (http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2303113) and Wind Pants (http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2305123), an advantage being that their DWR coating will repel light, limited rain and the pants at least are light enough to stash in a pocket if you don't need them.
Song Slinger
11-28-2014, 11:28
For rain I have a Patagonia Torrent Shell.
A good balaclava would probably help out a lot. I have a wool Buff, but wind whips right through it. Any suggestions for a good balaclava?
Thank you for the suggestions so far. I'll take a look at the Marmot Tempo and Montebell items.
the R1 hoody is the best fleece for hiking
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-sonic-balaclava
has WindStopper. Otherwise, Search online "windproof balaclava".
Wise Old Owl
11-28-2014, 13:19
Well that answers it... beat me too it... balaclava or fleece turtle fur beanie:sun
what band do ya tour with?
The Cleaner
11-28-2014, 16:50
I've found that wearing any type of rain jacket unless it's extremely cold I tend to find condensation on the inside. This reduces the lifespan of a waterproof/breathable jacket by "sweating up" the garment. The Marmot Tempo I have is the hooded version and blocks wind very well and breathes well too. I also wear, in winter, Marmot Scree pants which are made from the same fabric as the jacket. Yes it's something extra to carry but I don't mind the extra weight for the winter months.