Need a warm Jacket

“Well, I have lived in Virgina since I started backpacking and now I am getting ready to move to Pennsylvania. I have a few fleeces and a Lowe Alpine rain jacket. But since I decided I was going to go back packing in March and I will want to BP in PA in the fall and spring, I need a good jacket that will keep me warm. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks Sparky”

“I find that layers are the best way to go so if you get to hot you can take a layer off and when you get cold again add the layer back on.

As easy as 1,2,3.....”

“Steal it!

oops I mean borrow one”

“i got a mountain hardwear chugach for christmas. it is warm . like wearing your sleeping bag. synthetic fill (polargard 3d)which is good if wet. it even had it's own stuff sack. i have also seen some nice down jackets on sale. i'll have to see if i can find some links. primaloft is also a good fill if you want synthetic.”

“Down is good too. My real cold weather backpacking jacket is down and it's very warm.But if the temps do go below 20 I don't bring it.”

“Patagonia 4R Windbloc Jacket. Not much to it (12 oz), but its warmer than anything I've ever worn.”

“Get something made with Schoeller Dryskin. Soft shells are where it is at these days.”

“Just use a base layer like PolyPro or Capline. Then your insulation layer like fleece then if you need wind or rain gear just use a shell.
No need for a coat.”

“I agree with the "dude".
Base layer, fleece, and shell.
Works great for me.”

“Another vote for base layer, fleece (or down) vest/sweater, and shell. Even in cold weather, you'll find you are mixing and matching the above options as your activity level and the temp changes.”

“i agree, you're not gonna be cold when hiking anyway and if worse comes to worst, you can sit in your sleeping bag in camp, which you probably won't have to do w the layering system.”

“No need for a coat??? You guys are full of...well...fatty tissue. Some of us NEED something to keep us warm when we're NOT hiking. I have a MH Chugach jacket I keep at the top of my bag so when I stop, I can whip it out and put it on to keep from freezing while I rest. And mostly use it for around the camp use when I'm not working up a sweat.

No need for a coat, my a$$.”

“WD/etc.. layers -- base layer, fleece (or down) vest/sweater, and shell.. so far?.. been great!”

“I'm happy with layering. I hike year round and rarely need a heavy coat. A 300 wgt fleece hooded jacket does me just fine with a breathable parka in bad weather. In REALLY cold weather with little physical activity (incl breaks) I like down. My last down coat lasted 20 years.”

“Down?

Feathered Friends Helios or Volant


Fleece?

Sequel Skylight Chandelier


Don't forget the hat & gloves, *G*”

“I layer for the seasons, but use wool for my middle layers instead of fleece, wool wicks sweat away from you, fleece holds it in. I use a columbia jacket for my cool (not cold) outerlayer, it'd filled with thinsulate, and with a water repellent shell, it's an older one, ( I forget the model) but not too heavy.I don't like down because I always seem to hit wet conditions, and I don't mind trading a few ounces of weight for the comfort and assurance of being warm and dry”

“Wool lasts forever too! I have a wool sweater that I purchased about 15 yrs ago!”

“Wool is a great insulation layer but I can't use it myself cause it tears my skin up. I can't even wear socks that have very much wool.”

“Well, I weeded through all the inputs and thanks... I agree about the layers while hiking, I have done that before and that works out great. I was more concerned with around the camp and stoping for lunch which while I cooled down I just wanted to be comfortable. Since it is my b-day this month, my wife bought me a 6oo fill down jacket from REI that converts to a vest. It is called the "REI Convertable Down Parka" and I guess that they had them on sale and they ran out and had to call a store in Mass. and got a store mail out order.

I think that should keep me warm especially this March.. Right Beame66?

Thanks again... I knew I could count on this list for some good gouge!

Sparky”