Can't Decide, Insulated Jacket

[mts4602]

Micro puff
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/MoosejawMB/10023724x1012905_zm%3*%24product475%24&imgrefurl=http://www.trailspace.com/gear/patagonia/outerwear/jackets/insulated/&h=475&w=475&sz=79&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=RiRRwEpxHI9CGM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpatagonia%2BDown%2BSweater%2BJacket%2 6svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

U.L.Down Inner Jk
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301283

Alpine Light Down Jk
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301289

Also. I'm getting the Marmot Precip and I don't know what size to get. Usually I'm a small but it obviously has to be big enough to fit over everything right? Problem is I don't want to get a jacket that the sleeves hang down way past my hands.

[Appalachian Tater]

There has to be a store in Louisville that sells Marmot. It is best to try on your hiking clothes before buying. For instance, I think Mountain Hardwear stuff runs very small. But if you post your neck, sleeve, chest, and waist measurements and weight and height, maybe someone of similar size can advise you. The PreCip sleeves have both elastic and velcro at the wrist.

You might also consider the Patagonia down sweater if you can get it for about $100.

[Manach]

There has to be a store in Louisville that sells Marmot.

Four according to the Marmot dealer locator, including the Dick's in Oxmoor mall. But I shop there fairly often and I've never seen Marmot stuff there. Lots of North Face.

[Just a Hiker]

Four according to the Marmot dealer locator, including the Dick's in Oxmoor mall. But I shop there fairly often and I've never seen Marmot stuff there. Lots of North Face.


That Dick's in Louisville used to be a Galyans didn't it? That was a cool store, but I am sure Dick's messed it all up. There used to be a mom and pop outfitter in that area that was really good. I can't think of the name, but I know it was off of Shelbyville Road. Take care,


Jim

[soulrebel]

Puff vests are nice-however the jacket and the hoody are pretty bulky in micropuff.

The pata down sweater (really a jacket w/ zipper) is real nice. we have the old ones and my wife says it's here favorite and warmest jacket that she's ever owned. I like them, and at the time the money wasn't as tight as it is nowadays, :). Comes with a stuff sack and packs down to a large grapefruit.

we started with the vest and the jacket. Eventually i sent home my down sweater and my wife sent home her puff vest. for what it's worth imo the extra 4-6 ozs for the down sweater is twice as warm as the 6.5oz micropuff vest. the down makes a better pillow as well


They now have the hoody version with a pouch pocket in front, that probably doubles as the stuffs sack.

[Dirtygaiters]

Micro puff
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/MoosejawMB/10023724x1012905_zm%3*%24product475%24&imgrefurl=http://www.trailspace.com/gear/patagonia/outerwear/jackets/insulated/&h=475&w=475&sz=79&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=RiRRwEpxHI9CGM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpatagonia%2BDown%2BSweater%2BJacket%2 6svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

U.L.Down Inner Jk
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301283

Alpine Light Down Jk
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301289

Also. I'm getting the Marmot Precip and I don't know what size to get. Usually I'm a small but it obviously has to be big enough to fit over everything right? Problem is I don't want to get a jacket that the sleeves hang down way past my hands.

I also dislike sleeves that hang down way past my hands, unless it's a warm up jacket, in which case a little extra in the sleeve makes it easier to keep your hands warm.

Before recommending an insulated jacket, I'd ask what do you intend to use it for?

Do you want something to keep you warm around camp and when taking a break from hiking in very cold weather? Or are you looking for some insulation to wear while hiking in very cold conditions. Or are you looking for insulation that would work in consistently wet conditions?

Down is more compressible, but a down jacket just doesn't work if it's 35 degrees, sleeting, and you want to stay warm, even if you wear it under a rain jacket (BTW- the Precip is a POS- they wet out after a long enough rain and aren't very breathable so you get condensation inside them). If you don't usually find yourself hiking in 35 degree sleet, then perhaps a down jacket would be best. For instance, suppose the conditions are going to be below 32 degrees for most of the time, then any precipitation would be frozen and no danger to wetting out your down jacket.

If you go with the Montbell, I'd recommend you look at their hooded Alpine Light jacket. For not a lot of weight, you get a lot more warmth. Otherwise there are a lot of other options for a synthetic or a down jacket besides Patagonia and Montbell. Feathered Friends makes some great jackets that aren't too expensive, and Western Mountaineering makes probably the lightest down jackets out there.

[whitefoot_hp]

compare your options with an army jacket liner. basically a generic synthetic insulation layer. far cheaper but close in weight to those options.

[mts4602]

Yes we have a store that has marmot. Quest Outdoors does. I just haven't made it out there yet. Dicks sporting goods may carry marmot but I haven't seen the precip there before. I understand I just need to try one on.

Also, the army field liners sound awesome. I will have to go check some out.

[bigcranky]

The Alpine Light is a very, very nice jacket. I'd also look at the hooded version.

BTW, when it's 35-* and raining, I just wear my base layer and my rain shell. Hiking keeps me warm enough to still sweat inside the jacket (yes, a Precip).

[take-a-knee]

Down clothing is for high-altitude climbers (it doesn't rain at altitude because it is too cold) and mall rats. For those who do something in-between precipitation will come into play at some point and you'll regret it. You can keep a sleeping bag dry with a little effort, not so with clothing, you have to wear it for it to be of any use, and if you can't wear it, why the hell carry it.

[ChinMusic]

U.L.Down Inner Jk
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301283

Also. I'm getting the Marmot Precip and I don't know what size to get. Usually I'm a small but it obviously has to be big enough to fit over everything right? Problem is I don't want to get a jacket that the sleeves hang down way past my hands.
If you are considering the UL Down Inner Jk give the U.L. Thermawrap Parka a look. I liike synthetic for this use and the hood comes in handy.

I also have the Precip. Consider the Montbell Peak. I sweat like crazy in the Precip. The Peak gives me MUCH more comfort in warmer conditions.

[Smile]

I have to agree with CM, the Precip is sweaty, and the Montbell is a sweet choice. Montbell makes nice stuff. :)