Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Best light synthetic insulating piece?

Russ keep us posted. That hooded jacket looks awesome. Just haven't pulled the trigger.

I use and really like my REI Revelcloud.

Essentially the same as the Patagonia at a much cheaper price.

I find the north Face Redpoint jacket to be the warmest of the Primaloft jackets by a fair bit... of course it's heavier too using 100+ gram Primaloft rather than the lighter 60-ish gram stuff.

I just don't find the micro primaloft jackets to be of much value in the fall.

Based on the other layers I use (Arctic Shield outer layer and Smart Wool base layers), my GSX Core Jacket w/ScentLok (and pants) from Gander Mountain works best for me. For the way I hunt (actively stalking) for deer and elk, the GSX Adaptive Layering System just works well. The jacket and pants repel wind and rain. I don't know much about the ScentLok but it is part of the system and certainly doesn't detract from the package. While I can't say it is the best, the pants and jacket are very comfortable and are quiet and are reasonably priced.

Always interesting how things that work for one person don't for others. I seldom need anything warmer than a Mont-Bell Thermawrap unless its well below zero. When I do, I go for my Feathered Friends Helios jacket if I don't want a hood or my Rab Neutrino if I want a hood. Usually at those temperatures, keeping dry isn't as much of an issue (unless you fall into the creek like AL

True, in cold conditions, around 0*F and below, I much prefer a layer of 140-150 Merino, then, maybe a second layer of Merino and then a good down jacket, such as my Egge, a Swiss "expedition parka" that has kept me warm at -41*.

My current picks for down are the Chilco Sweater and Kokanee Parka from Westcomb and the Valandre jacket which is sold only in a "Kelly Green" shade and has some exciting features.

But, for most hunting in BC, PL is it and I layer mine to suit the weather.

Ed, when hunting I never wear an insulated jacket unless I stop to glass, so perhaps that's our difference.

The most I ever wear hunting (down to -30F) is a midweight zip Turtleneck, 100 Wt zip Turtleneck and light stretch jacket. Insulated jacket ONLY comes out for sitting and glassing, a mug-up, or in camp. Generally I'm just in the midweight t-neck or sometimes the stretch jacket.

When it's time to pull out quilted insulation, I typically want something far warmer than the usual micro-quilted jacket.

Here I am a -24*F in just those layers I described:

Montbell Thermawrap. IMHO, there's nothing not to like. Warm, light, packable. You can get with hood or without. And can often be found on sale or lightly used for well under $100.

Brad,

I go very similar to you, except I opt for a Micro or Lightweight Merino base layer followed by either a softshell or an ancient Moonstone Moonlite fleece. The Thermawrap comes out, like you only when inactive.

At 24F below, I'd probably be packing down, however.

Brad, pretty "nippy" temps., don't your ears get a mite friz with no covering?

I have both Montbell Thermawrap and Kuiu Spindrift. I like the Thermawrap better if worn as a midlayer, like the Spindrift better if I am wearing as an outer layer.

Ed,
I know it's different strokes, but for outright warmth, do you prefer the Helios or the Neutrino. (hoods aside) IIRC, they have the same fill.

JFK:
In my opinion, you just described the Integral Designs javket. Out of Calgary, no less. Last I knew, you could get it with or without a hood. Made from primaloft, this thing is light, warm, very compactable and will keep you warm if wet.. We take both the jacket & the pants on our sheep hunts into the Brooks Range in Aug. and siwash in them. They are also the emergency gear I carry in my car in winter should we have a breakdown. Expensive? Somewhat but well worth it IMHO. If you can't get it from ID, then I'm certain that Barney's in Anchorage has them. Good luck
Bear in Fairbanks

I'd say they are pretty close loft wist with the Neutrino having a slight edge.

On my search for the perfect insulation piece, I came across this. Since we all tout merino and I could drown in the amount I have, it caught my eye with 70 g of "merino wool insulation." Final weight of 15 oz.

http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Vests-Jackets/M-Wool-Aire-Sweater

Anyone have any experience?

Edit: In the video it claims to have 90% merino and 10% Ingeo fill. They have a heavier hooded version on a decent sale too.

I haven't tried the Ibex Aire yet but an curious. Ortovox has a similar product that I was suppose to have received a sample of, but haven't as of yet.

Great, thanks Ed!