Articles (2020) - Page 100 of 144

Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW

Stretchy, grippy, warm gloves that weigh only 1.6 ounces per pair.

Overview

Looking for a pair of lightweight warm grippy gloves for backpacking? The Manzella Silkweight Windstopper glove packs a lot of performance into 1.6 ounces (size L). For outdoor aerobic activities down to about freezing, we found these gloves surprisingly warm and comfortable. Their dexterity is wonderful and their grippy palms hold a hiking pole so well our hands feel naked without them.

The Manzella Silkweight Windstopper glove topside and palm side.

The gloves are made of Gore Windstopper N2S fabric which is a three-layer construction that stretches to fit and breathes well. We found the gloves comfortable to wear while actively hiking in temperatures down to about freezing, and wear them the year-around in those conditions. As claimed, they are windproof and quite breathable, we rarely had sweaty hands while wearing them. However, their claim to be water-resistant is a bit optimistic. We found the water resistance to be minimal, and learned to avoid contact with water or snow so the gloves stay dry and warm.

Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The glove’s horizontal stretch provides a good fit, and its Control Trax laminate on the palm (visible in the first photo) reduces wear and grips a hiking pole very well.

These gloves have amazing dexterity. We could easily leave the gloves on while reaching in a pocket, or in a pack, or picking up something small.

Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The gloves’ nemesis is fingertip wear. We made it a point to avoid really abrasive surfaces like Utah sandstone, but the finger tips still wore from normal use. A durable cap of some type on the finger tips would really help to prolong the gloves’ lifespan.

Overall, we are very pleased with the design, materials, and performance of the Manzella Silkweight Windstopper glove. We just wish the finger tips were more durable so that part will last as long as the rest of the glove.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: Manzella Productions, Inc. (http://manzella.com/)
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Fabric: Gore Windstopper N2S
Features: Windproof, breathable, Control Trax Grip on palm side, elastic wrist band
Weight: Measured weight size Small 1.4 oz/pair (40 g), size L 1.6 oz/pair (45 g); manufacturer specification n/a.
MSRP: $30 US

MontBell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW

Designed for minimum weight and maximum functionality, but a little too small for big feet.

Overview

In our project on Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel (to be published soon), we were looking for the lightest gaiter we could find that also performed well over snowshoeing and snow hiking footwear. We found the lightest one in the Montbell Stretch Gaiter, but its fit depends on the shoe type and size.

Montbell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Montbell Stretch Gaiter is made of Schoeller Dynamic Extreme fabric and weighs only 1.3 ounces/pair for size Medium, shown over women’s size 6.5 trail runners.

The Montbell Stretch Gaiter, as the name implies, is very stretchy. Its Schoeller Dynamic Extreme fabric has a two-way stretch, but much more vertical stretch than horizontal. This stretch-woven fabric is durable, water-repellent, and very breathable.

These gaiters are designed to minimize weight and maximize functionality. There is no Velcro opening so they must be pulled on before putting on shoes. They have a metal lace hook attached to a webbing pinch loop to grab it. And they have a clever tightener (consisting of a simple Hypalon tab) on the underfoot shock cord stirrup. The shock cord even has a knob on it to grab for tightening.

Montbell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
Each gaiter has a clever tensioning system consisting of a simple Hypalon tab that the elastic cord runs through. Simply pull on the cord to tighten it. There is also a pinch loop on the lace hook to make it easier to grab.

We tested the gaiters over snowshoeing and snow hiking footwear. The size Medium gaiter fit over all of Janet’s footwear (size 6.5), easily covering the tops of her trail running shoes and taller boots (above photos). For Janet, the Montbell Stretch Gaiter was an easy choice for her favorite.

Montbell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
On Will, the Montbell Stretch Gaiter in size Large was a full stretch to cover the tops of his size 12 trail running shoes. They fit over Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR shoes, but tended to slip off the heel of New Balance 872 shoes (inset photo). They fit well over taller boots, but again it was a full stretch.

Although the season wasn’t quite right for hiking in shorts, we tried the Montbell Gaiters on over trail runners with summer weight socks and bare legs. The fit over our shoes was just fine, and the top binding was not too tight on our legs.

We found the gaiters to be very water-resistant. After each snow hike we weighed the gaiters and found they absorbed only 0.2 to 0.3 ounce of water, mostly in the top and bottom bindings.

Overall, the Montbell Stretch Gaiters are an excellent choice for ultralight hiking. They are exceptionally well designed and made of a high quality fabric. However, there appears to be a need for one more size a little larger to bit bigger shoes.

Specifications and Features

Manufacturer: Montbell (www.montbell.com)
Product: Stretch Gaiter
Sizes Available: M., L
Height: Size M is 6.5 in (16.5 cm) high, size L is 7 in (18 cm) high
Fabric: Schoeller Dynamic Extreme
Features: Lace hook with pinch loop, underfoot elastic cord with tightener
Weight: Measured weight size M 1.3 oz/pair (37 g), size L 1.5 oz/pair (43 g); manufacturer specification size L 1.5 oz/pair (43 g)
MSRP: $30 US

MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW

A synthetic-fill, full-zip jacket with highly breathable stretch panels and thumb-hole wrist sleeves

Overview

MontBell’s Ultralight Thermawrap Action Jacket combines the loft and wind resistence of synthetic fill with the higher breathability of stretch fleece side panels to produce a jacket better suited to high octane pursuits. This is a close fitting jacket best suited to above freezing temperatures or layering under heavier insulation. I tested the 10.2 ounce (size M) MontBell Action Jacket while mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and backpacking through the colder months in northern Arizona (>7000 feet elevations).

This jacket received a major improvement in 2006. Previous versions of the Action Jacket used a YKK Conceal main front zipper (and actually included an instruction card on how to use them). Conceal zippers are aesthetically pleasing, as the zipper teeth disappear when zipped up. However, these zippers were difficult to operate, especially while wearing gloves, and were a source of complaints from users. Specifically, they are difficult to get started when trying to connect the two separating parts.

In 2006, the Conceal zippers were replaced with smooth-operating, standard YKK coil zippers. Having used both types, the new coil zippers are much appreciated. The two hand-warmer pockets still have Conceal zippers, but since these are permanently together (non-separating) they don’t have the same problem as the previous main zipper.

The Thermawrap Action Jacket uses 50 gram/m2 Exceloft insulation. In my experience, MontBell’s propriety Exceloft insulation performs similarly to Polarguard or Primaloft in jackets of similar loft. The Action jacket takes a fair amount of rain or snow before wetting through (partial thanks to the DWR coating), maintains warmth when wet, and dries quickly. The 15-denier Ballistic nylon shell material held up well to light abuse; no rips or snags after 8 months of use.

The MontBell Thermawrap Action Jacket is a trim fit (author is 5’7″ and 160 pounds, size medium tested). It layers well over a single long-sleeve base layer, and easily layers underneath additional layers of insulation or a trim rain jacket. The side stretch panels provide this trim fitting garment with plenty of stretch and freedom of movement. The stretch fleece enhanced breathability as well; they extend down the sleeves nearly to the elbows.

MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
MontBell offsets the trim fit of their U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket with highly breathable, stretch fleece side panels (modeled by my daughter, Ivy Ham).

Another unique feature not often found in a synthetic fill jacket, MontBell added stretch fleece cuffs with thumb holes. The thumb holes are really handy on short running or cross-country ski trips. They keep my knuckles warm and can be removed (pushed up) without having to stow them. The stretch material does show wear over time. It tends to pill ball, and the inside seams on my jacket have started to fray a bit. This is cosmetic; pill balls can be pulled off, and I have carefully seared the edges inside the sleeves to prevent them from further fraying. My other concern is with the thumb hole’s size. They are a little tight for my size L hands, but not uncomfortably so.

MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
The stretch fleece sleeves have thumb holes and length enough to use them. The fleece started to pill ball slightly after extended use (modeled by my daughter, Elly Ham).

Draft control is handled by a non-adjustable lycra waist line. The main zipper blocks wind entry with an inside storm flap. The storm flap is protected with a strip of grosgrain to keep the zipper from snagging.

Features and Specifications

Model: MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket
Weight: 10.2 ounces (289 grams), size medium weighed
Fabric: 15-denier Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon shell fabric (with DWR), Powerstretch fleece, Exceloft propriety insulation
Features: Full zip, zippered hand warmer pockets, stretch fleece side panels and sleeve cuffs (with thumb holes), lycra hem, fleece lined collar
MSRP $150

Rocky Gore-Tex Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW

Creates a very versatile footwear system when worn in lightweight trail runners for snow or wet conditions.

Overview

Rocky Gore-Tex Socks, as the tagline goes, are “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry”, and they do. These socks were a pleasant surprise in our Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel project (to be published soon). For snow hiking and snowshoeing, we wore them over wool socks in lightweight, non-waterproof, highly breathable trail running shoes, and they worked!

Rocky Gore-Tex Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Rocky Gore-Tex Socks are a three-layer construction (face fabric, membrane, lining). All seams are taped. The fabric on the top of the foot has a horizontal stretch.

Normally, Gore-Tex shoes and boots have limited breathability because the Gore-Tex WP/B liner is buried under several layers of leather and/or fabric. Rather, the membrane tends to act more like a vapor barrier and hold moisture in. The result is damp socks and the shoes are slow to dry out.

However, we found that wearing Gore-Tex socks inside breathable mesh shoes isn’t anything like that – they breathe! The reason is apparently the combination of: 1) a strong humidity gradient from the inside out, 2) a pumping action created by walking, and 3) mesh shoes that allow the moisture to escape. Obviously, we’re pleased with these socks.

Rocky Gore-Tex Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The Rocky Gore-Tex Sock is designed to be worn over a hiking sock, and needs to be sized for a comfortable fit in that configuration. In this photo, the 11 inch high sock is worn over a wool sock plus a liner sock.

These socks are tailored for a trim fit and are left and right foot specific, which is labeled on each sock. There are two types of fabric on the outside, a durable tightly-woven nylon on the sides and bottom, and a horizontal stretch fabric on the front and top. Depending on sizing and the shape of your foot, the socks can be a bit snug to get on. On us, they were too tight in the instep area. Rocky cautions about jerking them or pulling too hard because it can damage the membrane, causing the socks to leak.

They are designed to be worn over a hiking sock, and come only in full men’s sizes. So it’s important to choose the right size. Men should order their normal shoe size, and for half sizes order the next larger size. Women should order 1 size smaller than their normal shoe size, and for half sizes order the next size larger.

Rocky Gore-Tex Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
We wore the Rocky Gore-Tex Socks in non-waterproof trail runners (shown without a gaiter for the photo) for snow hiking and snowshoeing in temperatures down to about 20 °F. Our shoes got thoroughly wet but we hardly knew it because our feet stayed dry and warm. When we weighed our socks at home, there was little or no moisture in them. We were impressed!

Because of the timing of our project, we were unable to test the Gore-Tex socks long-term or in wet hiking conditions, such as summer in the mountains. To provide some information on those factors, we consulted with our friend Don “Photon” Johnston, who has used Gore-Tex socks in mesh shoes for several years. Don’s response: “I only wear the Gore-Tex socks when the conditions warrant, particularly in the rain in my Salomon Tech Amphibians. They are useless if you can’t keep water from entering in the top because you will suspect they leak when they don’t. I have only used them in snow with mesh shoes on one trip and they were fine for the warmer end of winter conditions but at 10 °F you can’t be inactive or you will get cold toes. They are definitely a good three season combo. They do not breathe well enough for warm summer conditions so I can only use them in cooler conditions. That seems to work out ok because when it’s warm I can let my feet get wet. I wash them after each trip, and check periodically to see if they are still waterproof by filling them with water and kneading them. I have used these socks off and on for 5 years, and they are holding up well.”

Overall, we are pleased to find a product that really works, and we foresee these socks getting a lot of use.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: Rocky Outdoor Gear (www.rockyboots.com)
Product: Rocky Gore-Tex Sock (11-inch high sock tested)
Sizes: 5-14, men’s full sizes only; two lengths (11 in and 13 in tall)
Fabrics: Side and bottom are three-layer Goretex taslite, front and top of foot is three-layer Goretex stretch
Features: Three-layer Gore-Tex, tailored for a trim fit
Weight: Measured weight for size 11 is 2.7 oz/pair (77 g), size 5 is 2.3 oz/pair (65 g); manufacturer specification n/a
MSRP: $56.99 for the 11 in tall sock, $60.99 for the 13 in tall sock

Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 2: Testing the Theory

Can you run your backpacking stove inside your tent, or do you risk death by Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

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Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW

A tall trim-fitting Gore-Tex PacLite gaiter that covers the tops of low-cut trail runners and full-height boots equally well, but balks over bulky boots.

Overview

While we generally prefer a lightweight short gaiter for ultralight hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing, when the snow gets deep a taller lightweight gaiter is in order. The Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter, made of Gore-Tex PacLite fabric, fills that need very well.

Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Cascadia Gaiter weighs 6.9 ounces/pair (size L), which is 3.5 ounces lighter than OR’s popular Crocodile Gaiter.

The Cascadia Gaiter, in size Large is almost knee high and has a trim fit. It has a front full-height Velcro and snap closure to facilitate easy on and off. The bottom has an elastic band and underfoot Hypalon strap to secure it, and the top snugs with a webbing strap and buckle. Alternatively, once adjusted, the gaiter can easily be pulled on without messing with the Velcro and top closures.

We wore the Cascadia Gaiter while igloo building, snow hiking, snowshoeing, and snow camping. Will even wore them while ice fishing. They fit equally well over both low cut trail runners and full-height boots, and reliably sealed snow out. We also found that they stand up very well by themselves, rather than sliding down and bunching up

They add warmth in frigid weather, but don’t get too hot on warmer winter days. As expected, they are also very wind and waterproof.

We wore the Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter in a variety of conditions and activities where extra snow, wind, and cold protection was needed.

Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The only issue we encountered with the Cascadia Gaiter is the underfoot strap was barely long enough to go around a bulky boot such as the Kahtoola FlightBoot (shown) or a pak-type boot like the Baffin Outback. The strap made it, but it was a stretch.

Overall, we are impressed with the fit, quality, and versatility of the Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter.

Specifications and Features

Manufacturer: Outdoor Research (www.orgear.com)
Product: Cascadia Gaiter
Sizes Available: S, M., L, XL
Height: Size S is 15 in (38 cm) high, size L is 18 in (46 cm) high
Fabric: 75 denier Gore-Tex PacLite upper, 8 oz/yd² pack cloth at ankle
Features: Full length front Velcro closure with snap, lace hook, underfoot Hypalon strap and buckle, elasticized bottom opening, webbing strap and buckle top closure
Weight: Measured weight size S 6.0 oz/pair (170 g), size L 6.9 oz/pair (196 g); manufacturer specification size L 6.7 oz/pair (190 g)
MSRP: $49

MontBell Handy Scoop SPOTLITE REVIEW

A lightweight stainless steel trowel for digging cat holes in hard, rocky ground.

Overview

For years I objected to carrying a shovel for pit stops, relying on a tent stake and soft soil to dig out my deposit spot. Now that I frequently backpack with two daughters, and the three of us are on different schedules (ahem), I sometimes find the regularity of digging cat holes, with less than adequate tools, too much for my patience. MontBell’s Handy Scoop is a lightweight option constructed of sheet steel for better digging performance and durability. We gave it a thorough test in the dry, rocky, hard soils of the Arizona deserts and rocky canyons.

MontBell’s Handy Scoop weighs 1.4 ounces and measures 6-1/4 inches in length. Its thin profile doesn’t consume pack space. It is by no means a featherweight, but only titanium could yield the same performance at a lighter weight, and that might be a tad too pricy for the general market. Sure, it’s nice to pull out titanium cookware to impress your friends, but an expensive titanium potty trowel would not hold the same allure. (Tip: shave some weight by removing the strap and rubber coating off the handle).

The Handy Scoop exceeded my expectations for digging performance; and that’s saying something considering I’m a Soil Scientist by profession. The 1mm thick stainless steel used is very tough, able to chisel away at hard ground and pry out stones with negligible wear. The tip’s shape, being narrow and formed into a dull point, allows the little scoop to penetrate and maneuver around gravelly material. All in all, it does its job well, far exceeding the performance of cheap plastic trowels, which often weigh 2 ounces or more.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: MontBell
Weight: 1.4 oz (39 g)
Size (measured): 6.25 in x 1.6 in (15.9 cm x 4.1 cm)
Materials: 1 mm thick stainless steel
MSRP: $8.00

Igloo Building for Fun and Shelter, Part 2 – Using an Igloo as a Backcountry Shelter

Tips for igloo living and interior climate graphs to show you why you want to camp in an igloo.

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Baffin Outback Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW

Heavy-duty warmth and comfort, and good moisture management, for snow travel in frigid conditions.

Overview

In the footwear options we researched for the article: Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel we wanted to include the lightest pak-type boot we could find to see how it compares in warmth, moisture management, and utility compared to other options. We found the Baffin Outback.

Baffin Outback Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Baffin Outback incorporates advanced technologies to reduce weight while maintaining comfort, warmth, and durability. This boot is far different from a conventional pac-type boot with a reprocessed wool liner. The aggressive tread on a size 12 boot (right) is 5.25 inches wide – that’s almost a small snowshoe!

A pak-boot typically has a waterproof rubber lower section stitched to a highly water-resistant leather upper, and has a reprocessed wool removable liner for insulation. This construction is usually quite heavy, weighing 3 pounds or more per boot. The Outback weighs 34 ounces per boot, which is light by pak-boot standards, but still very heavy by our lightweight footwear standards. Thus, the questions that need to be addressed in this review are: 1) are the warmth, moisture management, and utility of the Outback boot worth the extra weight, and 2) under what conditions would we consider using such a boot?

First, a description of the Baffin Outback. The 8-inch tall Outback is comfort rated to -40 °C/-40 °F, and is a member of Baffin’s Conviction series (he Mountain is a taller boot of the same design), which incorporates advanced technologies to reduce weight while maintaining comfort, warmth, and durability. This boot is far different from a conventional pac-type boot with a reprocessed wool liner.

The boot’s shell has an expanded polyurethane outsole that has very small air bubbles entrapped in it for extra insulation. The upper is full-grain waterproof seam-sealed leather. The inside of the shell is lined with a thin layer of hollow fiber synthetic insulation with a fleece face. The removable liner has an open-cell foam core covered by a double layer metallic membrane, with a mesh facing on the outside and fleece lining on the inside.

Baffin Outback Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The Outback’s shell (left) is lined with a thin layer of synthetic insulation with a fleece face. The removable liner (right) has an open-cell foam core covered with a metallic membrane, and is fleece lined on the inside. The boot’s liner and tongue overlap to and enclose the leg (left).

I used the Outback while ice fishing, igloo building, snowshoeing, elk hunting, winter car camping, and snow camping and found it to be remarkably warm and versatile. Their traction is superb. Unlike many other pac-boots, the Outback is suitable for hiking, but it’s obviously heavy by our standards, so I only recommend it for hiking or snowshoeing in frigid conditions. I hiked in them in below zero temperatures in perfect comfort. The Outback excelled in the less strenuous activities listed above where heavy-duty insulation was needed to compensate for a lack of heat-generating activity.

Baffin Outback Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
I wore the Baffin Outback on a variety of snowshoes (Atlas Backcountry 24 shown), and had no problem fitting my size 12 in the bindings. It functioned perfectly on snowshoes and for snow camping.

I was curious to find out how well the liner wicks away moisture and how much moisture it holds, so I did a simple test by stuffing the liner with wet cotton towels and allowing it to stand for 4 hours. When I inspected it, I was surprised to find that the liner had wicked the moisture entirely through to the outside, where it was readily evaporating from the surface, and the liner itself held only 1.0 ounce of water.

While snow camping I had no problems with the boots accumulating a lot of moisture, even though I snowshoed in them all day. The liners and my socks felt slightly damp when I pulled them out in the evening. In camp, I wore dry wool socks enclosed in a vapor barrier sock inside the boots to ensure that my insulating socks stayed warm. The liners readily dried out inside my sleeping bag overnight.

To answer the questions I raised at the beginning, I found the Outback to be an appropriate footwear choice in really frigid temperatures. They kept my feet warm while snow hiking or snowshoeing during the day while staying mostly dry inside, and were easy to dry out overnight. They performed equally well for snow camping in frigid weather with no additional gear needed other than a dry insulating sock and vapor barrier sock.

Specifications and Features

Manufacturer: Baffin (www.baffin.com/)
Sizes: 7-13
Height: 8 in (20 cm)
Colors: Cement, Bark, Black
Materials and Features: Outsole is expanded polyurethane, upper is full grain leather, gusseted padded tongue, inside is lined with a thin synthetic insulation with a fleece face, removable liner has an open-cell core enclosed in a metallic membrane and fleece lining on the inside
Weight: Measured weight size 12 is 4 lb 4 oz/pair (1.95 kg), manufacturer specification oz ( kg) per pair, size
MSRP: $

Montane Prism Jacket REVIEW

The lightest hooded synthetic fill jacket on the market.

Introduction

The Montane Prism Jacket is the lightest hooded synthetic fill jacket on the market – just 12.9 ounces in a size large. If you are looking for lightweight synthetic insulation that you can wear while hiking, keep reading. There are few jackets targeted so nicely to that function. But if you are looking for a puffy insulation piece that will keep you toasty in the coldest of temperatures, look elsewhere. The key feature of the Prism is its very light, low loft, synthetic fill insulation – much lighter than insulation used in any of its major competing jackets. Montane has combined this insulation with a Pertex Microlight shell, a full zipper and enhanced breathability panels; all features designed to make this a jacket you can wear (in the right conditions) while hiking or climbing – without getting overheated. The Prism also includes an insulated hood, an unusual combination with a jacket focused on lightweight insulation – but a feature that adds significantly to the jacket’s versatility. Of course, the light insulation means the Prism has less loft and a lower loft to weight ratio than many other synthetic fill jackets. I took the Prism out on a series of cold weather trips to find out how it performed under diverse cool weather conditions. I wore it while hiking, sleeping and just hanging around camp; on some trips I rarely took it off. The photo at right was taken on a New Year’s Eve trip in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona.

What’s Good

The lightest hooded, synthetic fill jacket on the market
Hand warmer pockets are placed high enough to use with a waist belt
Insulated hood is comfortable and adds to overall warmth and versatility
Breathability panels, light insulation, full zipper and Pertex Microlight shell make this a breathable insulation piece that can be worn during aerobic activity

What’s Not So Good

Light weight comes at a price – low loft to weight ratio
Some stitching flaws in our sample

Specifications

Year/Model	2006 Montane Prism Jacket
Style	Hooded synthetic fill jacket (with full length zipper)
Insulation	0.78 oz/yd² (25 g/m²) Prism insulation
Measured Loft	0.25 in (0.64 cm) single layer loft
Weight	12.9 oz (366 g) as measured, size large, manufacturer’s specification 12 oz (340 g), size medium
Shell Fabric	Pertex Microlight outer shell (1.4 oz/yd², 45 g/m²), PEAQ Air breathability panels and inner shell
Features	Insulated hood with drawstring closure, beard guard, full length zipper, two zippered handwarmer pockets, hem draw cord, drop tail, breathability panels under armpits, reflective panels on shoulders
MSRP	$145 US (approximately), 75 Pounds, € 110

Performance

I spent a lot of time testing the Prism under stressful aerobic conditions. While it is easy to get overheated in any jacket if temperatures are too warm, the Prism is a good choice when hiking with temperatures up to about 50 degrees. Even when I am really pushing hard up a hill, I can stay cool and comfortable – although depending on conditions I may have to open the front zipper. On a windy and wet day, with 40 to 50 degree temperatures, I wore this jacket with just a silkweight Capilene t-shirt as a base layer, and was warm all day. During an aggressive 700 foot climb I opened up the jacket, but did not get overheated. When the wind really picked up, I pulled up the hood. The Prism really shines under these conditions – a single layer, less than 13 ounces, filled my insulation needs for the day. The Prism overlaps the functionality and performance of a softshell, at a similar overall weight, with less bulk in your pack, and includes the hood which is lacking in most softshells. I also used the Prism in colder conditions – slushy snow and rain just above freezing. The Prism does well in these conditions; I was warm, dry and comfortable all day – but I carried a waterproof shell and donned a vest when I rested. I also used the Prism as part of my sleep system on a couple of trips. The hood is very comfortable while sleeping and significantly adds to the overall versatility of this jacket. I had initially questioned the need for a hood on this jacket – why not eliminate it and knock off another ounce or two? But without the hood, the Prism would not be nearly so warm as part of your sleep system. The Prism jacket also serves well as emergency insulation for day trips or alpine climbs. Here the low bulk, light weight and hood make it an attractive choice.

Montane Prism Jacket REVIEW - 2
The Montane Prism has two zippered handwarmer pockets that are placed high enough for use while wearing a waist belt. The Enhanced Breathability Panels can be seen under the armpits.

The Prism insulation was designed by Montane to be light and indeed it is very light when compared with other leading lightweight synthetic fill jackets. At 0.78 oz/yd² (25 g/m²) the Prism insulation is half the weight of the insulation used in the very light MontBell Thermawrap series. Prism insulation fibers are treated to improve stability so that the insulation does not need to be quilted to a carrier fabric – saving weight and helping to maintain loft. The insulation is sewn to the garment lining to keep it near the body where it is most effective. Both the inside and outside of the hand warmer pockets are insulated. This reduces heat loss when the pockets are open, and adds very little weight or volume.

The Prism has a complete list of features, starting with its hood and drawcord. The hood can be cinched down easily, with pull cords on either side. The hood can be rolled up and secured with a Velcro tab when not in use, keeping it out of your way. Below the chin there is a comfortable beard guard. The Pertex Microlight shell is soft and nice to the touch – and also surprisingly durable. On one recent trip I spent a lot of time hiking in long grass and thorns. At first I was very careful with the shell material, holding each branch carefully so it didn’t drag across the shell fabric. But later I gave that up and plowed through bushes with little regard for the shell material. The shell showed not a single run, snag or cut. I was surprised and impressed. The shell is DWR treated and felt completely windproof on several windy days. Under the armpits are two panels, which Montane refers to as enhanced breathability panels. These panels use PEAQ Air as the outer shell, a lightweight nylon rip-stop that is more breathable than Pertex Microlight. At the rear shoulder of these panels is a small Scotchlite reflective panel. The interior lining is also PEAQ Air. The hand warmer pockets are placed high to make them usable while wearing a waist belt, and each has a full zipper. I could easily use the pockets for storage or to warm my hands while wearing a waist belt. I thought the relatively high pockets might be uncomfortable, but I find them comfortable even when I am not wearing a pack. Like most Montane garments the Prism has a significant drop tail; a nice feature if you are resting in bad weather. I find the Prism to be a little shorter in the torso than many other garments. If I ordered one again, I’d get an extra large for my 6’4” frame. The Prism stuffs easily into the right zipper pocket (only the right pocket has a double sided zipper pull). The cuffs have a simple elastic closure – but I would prefer a lighter and smaller elastic. There is a drawcord at the hem with a pull closure on either side. The drawcords operate easily, but I found little use for them in the conditions I encountered. The overall construction quality is good, but my sample has a couple of stitching flaws around one wrist causing some fabric to bunch up on the cuff.

Montane Prism Jacket REVIEW - 3
The Prism has an aggressive drop tail that helps to cover the rear. Note that this garment was slightly undersized for the author and a proper fit will provide better coverage than shown here.

As you would expect, the Prism suffers when used as a pure insulation piece. It is not the best choice for efficient insulation while resting with temperatures below freezing. And with its full set of features and light insulation it is clearly not designed for that role. But for cold weather activity, it fits nicely into a niche not occupied by many (if any) synthetic fill garments; the MontBell Thermawrap Action jacket is perhaps closest to the Montane Prism in overall design and target use. The Thermawrap Action jacket is about an ounce lighter, but does not have a hood.

The Prism is not currently available in the US – but with a little searching on the internet you should be able to find a European retailer who will ship one your way.

Montane Prism Jacket REVIEW - 4
The Prism stuffs nicely into the right pocket. The stuffed pocket can be zipped shut for convenient storage. The small volume of the stored jacket is attractive when considering this jacket as emergency insulation to be stored at the bottom of you pack.

What’s Unique

Very light insulation and breathability features such as the PEAQ panels make this jacket appropriate for high exertion levels – a function not supported as well in other synthetic fill jackets. At just under 13 ounces, this is the lightest synthetic fill jacket that includes an insulated hood.

Recommendations for Improvement

Without negatively impacting its performance, the Prism could be made lighter. The drawcords, zippers, zipper pulls and cuffs could all be simplified to make this jacket lighter, albeit somewhat less durable.

Macpac Epic 450 SF Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW

This waterproof sleeping bag functions like an insulated bivy sack – is it worth the extra weight and cost?

Overview

The Macpac Epic 450 SF has a lightweight highly water-resistant/breathable shell and lining, is fully seam taped, and has a short water-resistant zipper. It’s functionally an insulated bivy sack.

The 450 SF is the warmest of Macpac’s Epic series, containing 16 ounces (450 grams) of 750 fill-power down. Its European rating of +3 °C Comfort/-2 °C Limit of Comfort/-19 °C Extreme, is roughly equivalent to a 30 °F rating by US standards. I measured the weight of the bag at 31.2 ounces. (For clarification, the Macpac Epic series only uses the name “Epic”; it does not use the water-repellent Epic fabric by Nextec.)

Sleeping in the Macpac Epic 450 SF sleeping bag inside an igloo. I’m wearing extra clothing inside the bag in this photo. The temperature is 31 °F inside and 16 °F outside.

The outer shell fabric is Reflex LoftPro, which is a proprietary polyurethane laminate with a ripstop nylon face, weighing 2.2 oz/yd². It has a hydrostatic head pressure of 10,000 mm/14.2 psi and moisture vapor transpiration rate (MVTR) of 15,000 g/m²/24hours. The previous Pertex Endurance shell used on this bag is about the same weight but its waterproofness and breathability are significantly lower (2 oz/yd², hydrostatic head pressure 1,500 mm/2.1 psi, MVTR 9,000 g/m²/24h). Both fabrics have a thin PU membrane, which is hydrophilic and absorbs water. It works by absorbing water vapor, moving it through the membrane as a liquid, and evaporating it from the outside surface (which is a slow process). For comparison, air permeable eVENT fabric has a MVTR of 27,000 g/m²/24h.

Macpac uses a proprietary Stitch-Free construction technology to attach the bag’s outer shell to its inner lining via short box wall baffles. This unique seam taping technology preserves the integrity of the Reflex LoftPro shell, eliminating the possibility of leakage through stitched seams. The VapourLite lining has a DWR finish which causes water to bead up on the surface, but it is not waterproof.

Macpac Epic 450 SF Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The outer shell on the Macpac Epic 450 SF (left) is Reflex Loftpro (a proprietary polyurethane laminate with a ripstop nylon face) seam-taped to a VapourLite lining (a ripstop nylon taffeta with DWR). There is no stitching through the outer shell. The bag comes with a waterproof dry bag style stuff sack (right).

Macpac emphasizes that this bag is targeted to the adventure sports niche, where the intended use is minimalism – grabbing a few hours sleep under the stars and getting back on the trail. But it has potential to be more. For us lightweight and ultralight backpacker types, it means we can leave the bivy sack at home, because the Epic bag is functionally a bivy sack and sleeping bag combined.

Think about it – if you sleep under the stars, use a poncho-tarp or ultralight tarp for shelter, or sleep in a snow shelter – chances are you also take an ultralight bivy to protect your sleeping bag from condensation or spindrift. Alternatively, you can use a “waterproof” sleeping bag and leave the bivy at home. The weight savings are partly offset by the 30-denier Reflex LoftPro shell material, 30-denier VapourLite lining, and seam taping, which are heavier than the 20-denier Pertex Quantum (0.9 oz/yd²) shell and lining used on many ultralight bags. Overall, the water-resistant fabrics and construction add about 3.5 ounces to the weight of the bag.

Macpac Epic 450 SF Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
Since the Epic 450 SF is designed to be a minimalist lightweight highly water-resistant bag, its feature set is Spartan. It has a short (15 inch) contoured water-resistant zipper on the left side (left photo). Inside, there is a double pull drawcord that closes the hood snugly and evenly around the head and face (right photo), and the hood has a small brim.

The bag’s girth is also Spartan, with 58 inches at the shoulders, 48 inches at the hips, and 32 inches at the foot. The tight cut is for adventure racers who want to save space. The slender cut may be sufficient for a trim person or an adventure racer, but it doesn’t leave much extra room for the average person, and it’s definitely too tight for a large person. The size XL is simply 6 inches longer, but not any wider. That said, I (6 feet, 170 pounds) did reasonably well wearing extra clothing inside the Epic bag. The tighter fit was not my preference (I prefer about 62 inches of shoulder girth), but I successfully wore insulated clothing inside the bag both summer and winter and kept warm down to 22 °F. The trick was to turn over with the bag, not inside the bag.

I slept in the bag on eleven fall and winter backpacking trips in a variety of shelters – under the stars, under a poncho-tarp and tarp, inside single wall and double wall tents, and inside two igloos. The conditions included dry and pleasant, two early fall snowstorms in a single wall tent, a windy/rainy night under a poncho tarp, heavy tent condensation, and high humidity inside an igloo.

Is the bag truly waterproof? Well, almost. Water droplets roll off the shell, and there is no exposed stitching for the water to soak through. The lining also sheds water. In that regard it performed just like a bivy. I also found that very little water soaks through where pressure is applied, such as a puddle under the hips or sleeping on top of wet ground. That’s a situation that doesn’t happen very often, or can be avoided. In one early fall snowstorm I had wind-driven snow drifting inside a single wall tarptent, and I stayed dry and warm in the Epic bag.

However, when I slept inside a cold high humidity tent or igloo, the bag did absorb some moisture. I weighed the bag when I got home from two igloo camping trips and found that it had absorbed 2.5 ounces of moisture on the first trip and 2.2 ounces on the second trip. Thus I conclude that the bag is unlikely to leak directly through the shell, but it does tend to accumulate some moisture over time, especially in a high humidity environment. The source is probably body perspiration which is either absorbed by the polyurethane membrane or unable to pass through it under cold damp conditions. The amount of water absorbed is enough to reduce the bag’s loft and warmth. Macpac recommends (and I agree) that it is a good practice to turn the bag inside out and air it out every day on a longer trip.

The functionally waterproof Macpac Epic 450 SF sleeping bag provides an extra measure of dry butt insurance while sleeping under a minimalist spinnaker poncho tarp.

I found the Macpac Epic 450 SF to be about right for summertime backpacking in the Rocky Mountains, where nighttime temperatures can drop down to freezing . By wearing my camp clothes inside the bag, I was able to push it down into the 20’s F, which is enough for spring and fall backpacking. It’s also sufficient for sleeping in a snow shelter or hut where the nighttime temperature doesn’t go much below freezing.

Missing from this review (and for all sleeping bag reviews published here, for that matter) will be an assessment of whether or not the sleeping bag performs adequately at temperatures near its manufacturer-reported temperature rating. Click here for the complete Backpacking Light Position Statement on Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings.

Within the waterproof sleeping bag category, the Macpac Epic 450 SF is quite similar to the Exped Ibis WP bag. The Ibis has a Pertex Endurance shell and nearly identical insulation, but weighs 10.8 ounces more. However, the shoulder girth is 2 inches wider (1 inch more in size long), and it costs $30 less.

Comparing the Macpac Epic 450 SF (750 fill down, Reflex LoftPro shell) with the popular Marmot Hydrogen bag (850+ fill down, Pertex Quantum shell), the Macpac bag comes out approximately 10 ounces heavier and $91 more. The weight difference is due to the heavier shell fabric and lower fill power down in the Macpac bag. The cost difference ($91) is almost enough to buy a lightweight bivy, so that’s close to a wash. Personally, I would rather have the Marmot Hydrogen bag plus a lightweight bivy for my $400 because it provides more versatility. However, if Macpac were to go to 850+ fill power down in their Epic bags, the decision would be more difficult.

Given the narrow shoulder girth, I found the bag’s short water-resistant zipper a bit cumbersome to operate. Also, there is no foot ventilation, so ventilation is likely to be an issue in warmer, more humid climates. The nylon taffeta lining is quite supple and adequately downproof; with only an occasional feather coming through.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: Macpac (www.macpac.com/)
Year/Model: 2006 Macpac Epic 450 SF
Style: Water-resistant, zippered, hooded mummy bag
Insulation: 16 oz of 750 fill-power down
Construction: Fully seam taped waterproof/breathable shell, water-resistant lining, short box wall baffles, 6 inch insulation chambers
Loft: Measured double layer loft (several locations) averages 4 in; manufacturer specification not available
Temperature Rating: +3 °C Comfort/-2 °C Limit of Comfort/-19 °C Extreme, which is roughly equivalent to a 30 °F rating by US standards
Fabrics: The outer shell fabric is Reflex LoftPro (a proprietary PU laminate with nylon face, 2.2 oz/yd² (63 g/m²), hydrostatic head pressure 10,000 mm/14.2 psi, moisture vapor transpiration rate 15,000 g/m²/24hours; the lining is 30d VapourLite ripstop nylon taffeta with DWR
Features: 15 in water-resistant zipper with draft tube, double pull hood closure, small brim on hood, hang loop, waterproof dry bag style stuff sack
Weight: Measured weight 31.2 oz, manufacturer specification 29.9 oz; dry bag stuff sack is 2.2 oz
MSRP: $400 US

Macpac Interwool Mountain Warmth Baselayer SPOTLITE REVIEW

A winter weight hybrid baselayer with a wool layer next to skin and a polyester outer layer to wick moisture away.

Overview

The Macpac Interwool Mountain Warmth baselayer is a hybrid, consisting of a textured wool layer next to skin, a polyester outer layer to wick moisture away, and a Lycra component for stretch. As the name implies, it is designed for cool and cold weather high output activities. The long sleeved zip-top weighs 10.5 ounces in size Large.

Macpac Interwool Mountain Warmth Baselayer SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
On sunny above-freezing winter days, the Mountain Warmth top as an outer layer was comfortable while hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. (Photo by Rick Hagar)

Features include a 10-inch front zipper, raglan sleeves, hidden elastic thumb loops, stand up collar, underarm and side stretch panels, and a zippered pocket on the left cuff. The top is exceptionally well made using high quality fabrics, and fits well. The outside surface is smooth, so other clothing easily slides over it.

Macpac Interwool Mountain Warmth Baselayer SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
There is a concealed thumb hole inside the cuff (left) to assist with putting the top on, although it’s hardly needed. The small zippered pocket on the left cuff (right) is a curiosity. I am not sure what it is intended for, and I could not find a good use for it.

While the wool and Lycra content plus a zipper add a bit of weight to this garment, the weight is offset by its superb performance in cool and cold weather when worn as either a baselayer or outer layer. I wore it 43 days while testing it in a variety of activities and conditions. The result is that the Mountain Warmth top is now a part of my cool/cold weather clothing system, and I wear it so much that I have a hard time finding a chance to launder it (and it doesn’t develop any odors to remind me of the need)!

Macpac Interwool Mountain Warmth Baselayer SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The inside surface of the Macpac Mountain Warmth top is textured to trap more air for insulation. The left side is a stretch underarm panel; note the different fabric orientation to improve articulation.

On sunny winter days with temperatures above freezing, I was able to wear the top as an outer layer while actively hiking in temperatures down to freezing. On my fall outings I discovered its broad comfort range, feeling comfortable from freezing morning temperatures to afternoon temperatures up to about 60 °F. It was also remarkably dry, more so than a pure merino wool baselayer.

In sub-freezing temperatures, I layered over it as needed for warmth, but frequently wore just a wind shirt over it. On winter backpacking trips in the southern Utah canyon country and snow camping in igloos we built, I wore the Mountain Warmth baselayer during the entire trip, adding layers over it as needed.

I also found the Mountain Warmth top to be quite durable. I wore it while hiking through brush on many occasions, and it has picked up very few snags. It’s more durable than many polyester baselayers I have worn.

Overall, for cold weather outdoor activities and camping, the Macpac Mountain Warmth long sleeve zip top is a remarkable baselayer providing plenty of warmth, dryness, and comfort. It’s a superb top for aerobic activities in cold weather, by itself or with a breathable windshirt over it.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: Macpac (http://www.macpac.co.nz/)
Fabric: Interwool Stretch – 22% merino wool, 66% polyester, 12% Lycra; 180 g/m²
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Features:10-inch front zipper, raglan sleeves, hidden elastic thumb loops, high collar, underarm and side stretch panels, zippered pocket on left cuff
Weight: Measured weight size Large 10.5 oz (298 g); manufacturer specification 10 oz (283 g)
MSRP: $100 US

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW

A unique soft shell jacket with retractable insulation in the torso area.

Overview

What’s unique about the VersaLayer Ability Jacket is that it’s a soft shell jacket with retractable insulation in the torso area. Pulling on two blue cords inside the side pockets retracts the insulation; pulling on two red ones extends the insulation. A system of thin 100-pound test Spectra lines connected to each pull cord allows the insulation panel to slide back and forth.

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
Whala – you can adjust your temperature on the fly by pulling on two cords to extend or retract the insulation in the VersaLayer Ability Jacket. This jacket has a lot of style and features.

The insulation is a proprietary CoreWarmth® polyester panel only in the torso area. It’s encased in a 30-denier nylon shell to make it slide easily. There is no insulation in the upper back, shoulders, sleeves, and hood.

You are probably wondering about the reliability of the insulation retraction system, so I will address that first. As part of their testing and promotion, VersaLayer developed a machine to continuously pull the cords to extend and contract the insulation. They found that the system will handle 20,000 pulls before any failure occurs, and they rate it to withstand 12,000 continuous pulls before failure. The thin cord used in the retraction system is Western Filament SpectraÂ® braided line with a proprietary coating, which has never broken during their testing. So, it appears safe to assume that the retraction system is reliable.

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The manufacturer photo on the right shows the location of the retractable insulation system. Inside each side pocket (right) there is a blue cord to retract the insulation and a red cord to extend it.

The soft shell fabric used in the Ability Jacket is Schoeller FTC fabric engineered by Schoeller AG, which is a stretchwoven fabric claimed to be truly air permeable, breathable, water and wind resistant, and fast drying. This fabric contains 6% Spandex, which gives it good two-way stretch and good articulation, but also adds weight and retains moisture. The fabric is soft and durable and its hydrophilic/hydrophobic 3XDRY technology provides excellent moisture management. For a more detailed discussion of soft shell fabrics and their performance, read Alan Dixon and Ryan Jordan’s article on Soft Shells: The Real Story

The Ability Jacket has a trim cut and is intended to be worn over a baselayer. In size Large the jacket fit loose enough on me (6 feet, 170 pounds, 41 inch chest) that I could layer it over a down sweater (Montbell Alpine Light Down Jacket) without it being too tight (which is a good thing, which I will explain later). The sleeves are extra long, and the jacket has a dropped tail. There is a drawcord in the hem but it is hardly needed because of the trim fit.

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The Ability Jacket has a trim fit and is well designed and full-featured. It is designed to be worn over a baselayer and used for high output alpine activities. For me, the jacket was barely roomy enough to wear a thin insulated jacket under it for extra warmth when needed.

The feature set is extensive: fully lined, stow-away hood with drawcord adjustors in front and back, dropped tail with drawcord hem, full front two-way zip, adjustable Velcro cuffs, two large front Napoleon pockets, two zippered side pockets (that contain the pull cords), one inside drop pocket, and one inside zippered security pocket (six pockets total).

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW - 4
The Ability Jacket has two large Napoleon pockets (left) in the chest area. Inside (right), the jacket is fully lined and has a drop pocket with Velcro tab and a zippered security pocket.

VersaLayer Ability Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW - 5
With the hood stowed away (left), the collar stands up to chin height. The uninsulated hood (right) has three drawcord adjustors and a brim.

The manufacturer states that the Ability Jacket is “designed for high-output alpine activity”, and I agree. This is not an insulated jacket per se, rather think of it more as a soft shell jacket that has a torso warming feature. The Ability Jacket works best for active outdoor pursuits in cool and cold weather. While it is a warm jacket as long as I keep moving, the chill sets in when I am inactive.

On the trail, the Ability Jacket delivered very good breathability in true soft shell fashion – this baby breathes!. I found it quite comfortable to wear while actively hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, and igloo building in cold weather. The retractable insulation extended its comfort range, as long as I kept moving. On a steady ascent while breaking trail with skis or snowshoes, I found that I easily overheated in the Ability Jacket, especially in the sun due to the jacket’s black color. At a moderate pace in undulating terrain, especially in overcast conditions, it was remarkably comfortable and dry inside.

Its Schoeller stretchwoven soft shell fabric deflected a light wind quite well, but a more serious cold wind cut through it, requiring an insulating layer under it or a wind shirt or hard shell jacket layered over it to stay warm. The shell is also quite water-resistant (its DWR is claimed to withstand 80 washings), so it easily deflected light rain and snow.

While the insulation retraction system appears to work smoothly in VersaLayer’s promotional video, in practice it was never very clear whether the insulation was completely retracted or extended. When retracted, the insulation bunches up in the backside of the jacket, so it is really only the chest area that is affected when the insulation is drawn back. The retracted insulation on my backside did not create a noticeable lump, so it was comfortable under a backpack. Although the front pockets that contain the pull cords are located above a backpack’s hipbelt, I found that the retractable insulation system did not work very smoothly with a backpack on. It was better to take my pack off to make the change.

The insulating limitations of the Ability Jacket were more apparent when I stopped, or traveled downhill. Since it has no insulation in the upper back, shoulders, and sleeves these areas were the first to feel chilly when my metabolic heat output dropped or the wind picked up. At a lower activity level, the Ability Jacket worn over a baselayer is warm down to about freezing for me, but its warmth will vary with different users. Fortunately (for me) the size Large jacket I tested had enough room to layer over a thin insulated jacket, so the combination was warm. However, because of its trim fit, that may not be the case for many users.

Another disadvantage of the insulation retraction system is that the pull cords are concealed in the bottom of the side pockets. This makes it difficult to find and operate the cords if the pockets are full, so the upshot is that the pockets are not very usable for storage. It’s also a good situation for losing things from the pockets when pulling the cords. I would prefer to have the pull cords located outside of the pockets so they are more easily accessible and the pockets are more usable.

The main downside of the Ability Jacket is its weight. While other soft shell jackets weigh in the 15 to 20 ounce range, the VersaLayer Ability in size Large weighs slightly over 2 pounds! This is not a jacket I would take backpacking! Its best use is day tripping in aerobic cold weather pursuits, where its breathability and weather resistance are most useful and weight is a lesser concern. For cold weather, an adequate weather protection layering system would add an insulating jacket to wear under or over the Ability Jacket when aerobic activity stops, and a shell jacket to go over it in serious wind or wet weather. That adds up to a lot of weight. I would be happier with the versatility of a lightweight soft shell jacket, plus a thin synthetic insulated jacket, plus a wind shirt.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: VersaLayer (http://versalayer.com/)
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Shell: Schoeller 0X95 nylon soft shell fabric with 3XDry DWR finish
Insulation: CoreWarmth® 3.5 oz/yd² continuous filament polyester fiber encased in 30d nylon
Features: fully lined, Schoeller 0X95 two-way stretchwoven soft shell fabric with 3XDry finish, stow-away hood with drawcord adjustors in front and back, dropped tail with drawcord hem, full front two-way zip, adjustable Velcro cuffs, two large front Napoleon pockets, two zippered side pockets (that contain the pull cords), one inside drop pocket, and one inside zippered security pocket
Weight: Measured weight size Large 32.3 oz (916 g); manufacturer specification 28 oz (794 g)
MSRP: $349.95

2007 Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW

The Isotope is the current lightweight champ for backpacking rainwear – and it’s full-featured!

Overview

In our previous reports on the very lightweight Sierra Designs Isotope rainwear, there was initial excitement, then disappointment when we discovered that it wasn’t waterproof, then encouragement when we found that most of the flaws had been corrected. In this review we evaluate the finished product.

Simply put, the Sierra Designs Isotope is the lightest woven fabric waterproof/breathable jacket currently available, and the pant is not far behind. Actually the Isotope is lighter than most non-woven fabric rainwear. More amazing yet is that it’s full-featured, not Spartan as you might expect.

Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW - 1
The Sierra Designs Isotope jacket is the current lightweight champ, and it’s full-featured. The pant is slightly heavier than the 2007 GoLite Reed Pant, but it has a couple of extra features.

To be specific, the jacket and pants in size Large weigh 5.4 ounces and 5.6 ounces, respectively, for an even 11 ounces for the rainsuit. The pants are made of a slightly heavier Nanolite fabric than the jacket for greater durability. The jacket’s fabric weight is 1.17 oz/yd², while the pants are 1.77 oz/yd².

We can confidently say that the Isotope Jacket is the lightest rain jacket available today. The pant at 5.6 ounces is slightly heavier than the GoLite Reed Pant, which we previously measured at 4.4 ounces. However, the GoLite Reed Pant is being upgraded for 2007 with the addition of ankle zips, which will increase its weight to about 5 ounces. So the actual difference is small, and the Isotope Pant provides a couple of extra features (zip fly in men’s model, zippered rear pocket) for the extra weight.

Included in the 5.4 ounce weight for the jacket is an adjustable hood, full front zip with storm flap, two front zippered pockets, two inside drop pockets, full seam taping, and a hem drawcord. For the pants, the 5.6 ounce weight includes full seam taping, a zippered fly (men’s model), elastic waist drawcord, zippered rear pocket, and ankle zips with Velcro closures. Both men’s and women’s sizes are available

Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW - 2
The Isotope jacket is loaded with features: Front pockets (top left) are huge and will hold a lot of stuff (the jacket stuffs into the left pocket), inside drop pockets (top right) are also large and very useful, the full-height #3 YKK front zipper (bottom left) has a storm flap with four Velcro patch closures, and the hood (bottom right) has a front drawcord with one adjustor on the right side.

Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW - 3
The Isotope pant has 14-inch ankle zips with a Velcro tab closure. Will had no problem getting his size 12 clunkers through the pant legs.

On the utilitarian side, the Isotope jacket has a relaxed fit so it will easily layer over insulated clothing. The sleeves on the jacket are extra long, as are the legs on the pants. The hood fits well (especially with a billed cap), but has a drawcord adjustor on only one side which makes the hood feel like it is pulling to one side.

Considering its miniscule weight, the feature set of the Isotope is truly amazing. The zippered front pockets and inside drop pockets will hold a ton of stuff, which is really handy in camp. However they are not very useful on the trail because a backpack hipbelt wraps around all four pockets and limits their access. The full length #3 YKK front zipper is very effective for ventilation (it’s the only ventilation option when carrying a pack), but it’s fragile and won’t withstand rough use. To open the front zipper, it’s necessary to pull the four Velcro tabs open with the left hand while pulling the zipper with the right hand.

Sierra Designs’ Nanolite is a waterproof/breathable polyurethane coated nylon ripstop with DWR finish. The jacket is rated at 800 millimeter waterproofness while the pants are rated at 3000 millimeters. The higher rating for the pants means that they are very unlikely to leak when you sit on a wet surface.

Both jacket and pants have a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR = breathability) rating of 3000 g/m²/24 hours, which is at the higher end for a polyurethane membrane. The Nanolite fabric has the thinnest polyurethane membrane we have seen, which means that solid state diffusion through the membrane to the outer surface is faster.

So, what’s the catch? It could possibly be the jacket’s 800 millimeter waterproofness rating. That’s a little over 1 psi, which means that water under any more pressure than rainfall might go through it. Aestute readers will recall that Sierra Designs had some problems with previous versions of the Nanolite fabric not being waterproof, and a production flaw where the pockets were not seam taped. So, in this review of the “finished” version of the Isotope rainwear, it is important that we decisively determine that it is in fact waterproof.

In four months of field testing in normal rain and snow conditions, we didn’t detect any leakage at all. We further tested it by wearing the rainsuit over white cotton clothing in a warm shower at 30 psi – still no leakage. Finally, we rigged up a test to see if the jacket would leak under a simulated shoulder strap putting pressure on it in constantly wet conditions – no leakage again. So we conclude that the Isotope is in fact stormproof.

Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW - 4
Sierra Designs’ Nanolite fabric (left) is a very thin smooth polyurethane membrane bonded to a thin ripstop nylon face fabric with DWR. All seams are taped. In our test simulating a weighted wet shoulder strap (right), no water leaked through the Nanolite fabric after 6 hours. The test consisted of a pair of wet socks tightened over the fabric with a webbing strap. We added water every half hour to keep it wet.

Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW - 5
We wore the Isotope rainsuit in wind, rain, and snow in terrains ranging from desert to alpine. Overall, it gets high marks for wind- and waterproofness, and its breathability is as high as can be expected from its urethane membrane technology. (Photo by Rick Hagar.)

In use, we found that the Isotope’s breathability is decent but not exceptional. The breathability is simply constrained by the limitations of its hydrophilic monolithic membrane, which means that it’s not capable of transmitting moisture nearly as fast as it is produced under normal backpacking conditions. We found the jacket to be more comfortable and dryer inside when hiking slowly under overcast and cooler conditions, and wetter inside when hiking uphill while carrying a pack, especially under warmer conditions. Opening the front zipper helped a lot to exhaust excess moisture. Note that this scenario is typical of waterproof/breathable rainwear under backpacking conditions.

Since the Isotope is made of ripstop nylon it’s quite durable, but it’s definitely not bombproof. On the one hand, it’s much more durable than the non-woven polypropylene fabrics used in RainShield, DriDucks, and Frogg Toggs rainwear, but on the other hand you can’t go bashing through granite or multiflora rose with it either. It’s perfect for the average ultralight backpacker who takes reasonable care of his gear.

Overall, the Sierra Designs Isotope jacket and pants are the current champ for lightweight backpacking rainwear. Eleven ounces for a full-featured jacket and pants is amazing, and at that weight we will take the features and not bicker about how the manufacturer can shave a few more grams.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturer: Sierra Designs
Sizes: Men’s S to XXL, women’s XS to XL
Jacket Features: adjustable hood, full front zip with storm flap, two zippered side pockets, two inside drop pockets, full seam taping, hem drawcord
Pants Features: Full seam taping, a zippered fly (men’s model), elastic waist drawcord, zippered rear pocket, and ankle zips with Velcro closures
Weight: Measured jacket weight size Large 5.4 oz (153 g), manufacturer specification 5.4 oz (153 g); measured pant weight size Large 5.6 oz (159 g); manufacturer specification 4.8 oz (136 g)
MSRP: Jacket $90, pants $70

Igloo Building for Fun and Shelter, Part 1 – Technique

Igloo building is a fun wintertime activity to share with family, friends, or Scouts. Build a warming hut in your favorite skiing or snowshoeing area, construct an igloo for a backcountry base camp, or design your own hut system! The Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool does a lot of the work for you, but you’ll still need to master some essential techniques.

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Ultralight in the Icebox: Post-Trip Report

Andrew Skurka talks about his cold weather tenets and ultralight gear kit following a 385 mile, 19 day backpacking trip in northern Minnesota in the dead of winter.

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GoLite Jam² Backpack REVIEW

GoLite makes some significant improvements on an old favorite – without increasing the weight!

Introduction

GoLite has redesigned their entire pack line for 2007, replacing 28 previous packs with a new line consisting of 9 packs. And all but one (the Ion) are available in men’s and women’s specific sizes. The Jam² pack is the midsize model in their new Venture Series of frameless backpacks, and is an upgrade of the very popular Jam pack. What are the changes, and is the Jam² really better than its predecessor?

What’s Good

Large front pocket with water-resistant zipper
Slightly more volume than the Jam
3-liter hydration sleeve
Side compression straps connect to opposite side
Lightweight durable fabrics make it suitable for bushwhacking
Transfers weight to the hips very well

What’s Not So Good

Heavier than a silnylon or spinnaker pack with the same volume
Side compression straps do not connect in the middle to attach gear to the front of the pack

Specifications

Year/Model	GoLite 2007 Jam²
Style	Frameless, top loading, drawstring and rolldown closure with top compression strap
Volume	Size L tested 3200 ci (52 L)
Weight	1 lb 6.1 oz (627 g) measured weight, size L; manufacturer’s specification 1 lb 5 oz (595 g), size M
Sizes Available	Men’s M,L; Women’s S,M
Torso Fit Range	Men’s M fits 17.5 to 19.5 inch torsos, men’s L fits 19.5 to 21.5 inch torsos; women’s S fits 15.5 to 17.5 inch torsos, women’s M fits 17.5 to 19.5 inch torsos
Fabrics	210d Dyneema Gridstop polyurethane-coated nylon
Features	Large gusseted fabric front pocket with water-resistant zipper, two side stretch nylon/Spandex side pockets, two compression straps on each side that connect to the opposite side, 3-liter interior hydration sleeve, 9-inch extension collar, two bungee tool loops, Compaktor System for volume reduction, two ice axe loops, haul loop, sternum strap
Volume To Weight Ratio	144.8 ci/oz size M/L (based on 3200 ci and a measured weight of 22.1 oz)
Comfortable Load Carrying Capacity	20 lb estimated comfortable load for an average person carrying the pack all day
Carry Load to Pack Weight Ratio	14.5 (based on 20 lb and a measured weight of 1.38 lb)
MSRP	$100 US

Performance

There’s an old saying – don’t mess with success – and GoLite recognized that with the Jam when they consolidated their backpack line. They renamed it the Jam² and gave it a number of upgrades that make it even better than the original. And (just for us) they kept the weight the same – it still weighs 21 ounces in size Medium.

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 1
Manufacturer photos of the original Jam pack (left) and the new Jam² (right).

The more significant changes in the new Jam² pack are as follows:

250 cubic inches more volume (size M is now 3000 cubic inches)
Internal 3-liter hydration sleeve with two hose ports
Side compression straps have quick release buckles and are longer so will accommodate a rolled foam pad, and they will connect to the opposite side
Shoulder straps have an angled attachment, and are more contoured and padded with spacer mesh
Slightly taller and longer hipbelt wings
Side pockets are a durable stretch nylon/Spandex fabric and angled for easier access with the pack on
Bungee tool loops replace the Velcro loops
Water-resistant zipper on the front pocket
Compaktor System to reduce pack volume to 1300 cubic inches

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 2
Views of the Jam². The front of the pack (top left) is dominated by a huge fabric pocket with water-repellent zipper. Each side (top right) has two long compression straps and a stretch pocket. Shoulder straps have an angled attachment (bottom left). The top (bottom right) is a simple drawcord and roll-down closure with a compression strap.

Suspension System

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 3
The shoulder straps (left) on the Jam² are mounted at an angle at the top, and are more contoured and better ventilated than the previous Jam. There’s a removable 0.25-inch thick closed-cell foam pad behind the backpanel. The hipbelt (right) is a simple fabric wing and webbing belt.

The Jam² in size Large fit me (6 feet, 170 pounds) very well. It’s shaped to fit the contour of my back and is remarkably comfortable to carry with loads up to 20 pounds. Although I personally did not find the shoulder straps to be adequately padded to comfortably carry loads over 20 pounds, hikers with stronger shoulders might. With the pack stuffed full to create a virtual frame, I am impressed by how well the Jam² transfers weight to the hips. The simple fabric hipbelt wing and webbing belt are perfectly comfortable, without the need for extra padding.

Features and Utility

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 4
GoLite’s new Compaktor System is a novel idea to adjust pack volume. By connecting a pair of clips to loops at the bottom of the pack, the volume can be reduced to 1300 cubic inches. Remarkable!

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 5
Four side compression straps (top left) serve to further adjust pack volume and stabilize smaller loads (shown here with the Compaktor System hooked). Further, the side compression straps have quick release buckles and the straps are long enough to connect to the opposite side (top right). This creates a straight-jacket compression system that seriously compacts and stabilizes the pack. The long compression straps will accommodate attaching larger items to the side of the pack (bottom left), like a full-length RidgeRest pad. However, the gender on the buckles does not work out to connect in the middle (bottom right) to attach gear to the front of the pack. Reversing the gender of the buckles on one side would enable the connection.

The side pockets are a durable stretch nylon/Lycra fabric, and are angled for easier access to water bottles with the pack on. However, the compression straps immediately above the side pockets interfere with re-inserting a water bottle (see photo below). A simple solution is to unclip the compression strap.

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 6
The Jam² adds a 3-liter interior hydration sleeve with two hose ports (left). I personally prefer to use the hydration sleeve for my sleeping pad and carry a short 2-liter Platypus hydration system in a side pocket (right), which is more convenient to access than the interior sleeve.

Unlike other ultralight frameless backpacks, the Jam² is made of durable Dyneema Gridstop fabric and has durable pockets, which make it suitable for bushwhacking. It’s also very water-repellent (except for the side pockets), which I tested in rain and snow showers in the field. The large gusseted front pocket is advantageous over a mesh pocket because it keeps your gear dry, and has a full-width water-resistant zipper to provide easy access.

GoLite Jam2 Backpack REVIEW - 7
To find out how water-repellent the Jam² is, I tested it under the shower. The water-resistant zipper and PU coating on the inside of the fabric stopped most of the water, but the front pocket leaked a little through a gap between the two zipper pulls and the side seams leaked some. The latter can be eliminated by seam sealing. The fabric surface, shoulder straps, and webbing straps wetted, so the pack did gain a little weight.

What’s Unique

The Jam² is a 3200 ci pack weighing less than a pound and a half with a wonderful large gusseted front gear pocket that is highly water-resistant and easy to access. Also GoLite’s new Compaktor System is simple and elegant, and works very effectively in combination with its four side compression straps to reduce pack volume and stabilize smaller loads.

Recommendations for Improvement

Reverse the gender of the compression strap buckles on one side so they can be released and connected at the center with the straps on the other side. This would add utility by allowing larger gear items to be attached the front of the pack.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat

New manufacturer of tents with potential for lightweight backpacking, if they make the tents available with lighter fabrics.

Click here to view the article.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007)

New manufacturer of tents with potential for lightweight backpacking, if they make the tents available with lighter fabrics.

Overview

You likely have not heard of Catoma Outdoor. They are a small company in Montgomery, AL that started out making specialized tents for US Forest Service fire fighters. Responding to requests from customers, they came out with a line of lightweight tents for the domestic market that include the Worm, Twist, Limbo 1, and Limbo 2.

Catoma’s tents are currently made of 40d PU-coated ripstop nylon, with a mesh inner tent, and DAC FeatherLite poles. They are already light, but they begged the question: “Why not make them out of sil-nylon or sil-polyester so they would be really light?” The answer was – they’re working on it. For now, we wanted to give our readers a heads up on this new company and their innovative lightweight tent designs.

The Worm is a hooped bivy shelter that sets up at the drop of a hat. As shown in the attached short digital movie, all you have to do is take it out of its bag and release it. It has a peripheral thin fiberglass rod that makes it open up by itself. Coiling it back up involves a certain sequence of folds that the user needs to master (as shown in the video). The zippered entry door is a waterproof/breathable PU laminate. Each end has a canopy that can be tied out to expose a mesh panel for ventilation. The inside length is 82 inches, which means that a regular length sleeping bag will brush against the tent at both ends. Overall, it’s quite roomy inside for a bivy shelter. The trail weight is 2 pounds 5 ounces and MSRP is $155.

Download File

The Twist is basically a solo tent of the same self-opening design as the Worm, only it has a mesh inner tent and a fly supported by a single ridge pole. The pole and fly can be set up as a fast and light option. Trail weight is 2 pounds 14.5 ounces and the MSRP is $185.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007) - 1
The Catoma Twist double wall solo tent has a self-opening inner tent with mesh walls and a fly supported by a single ridge pole. There are vents at both ends of the fly.

The Limbo 1 as the name implies is a low 1-person double-wall tent. It has a side entry and vestibule. The floor measures 36 inches wide by 96 inches long, so it’s a great solo tent for a tall person. To minimize weight, it’s only 30 inches high. Trail weight is 2 pounds 15 ounces and MSRP is $219.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007) - 2
The Catoma Limbo 1 is a low (30 inches high) double wall solo tent with a side entry vestibule.

The Limbo 2 is a taller (40 inches) 2-person double-wall tent with end entry and vestibule. The floor measures 56 inches wide by 86 inches long, which is fairly roomy. Trail weight is 3 pounds 15 ounces and MSRP is $279.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007) - 3
The Catoma Limbo 2 is a double wall 2-person tent with an extended entry vestibule at the end.

The Catoma tents definitely have potential for lightweight backpacking. The present construction using 40d ripstop nylon is certainly durable, and the tents are solidly built. However, we are mainly thinking of the Catoma Tents in terms of their POTENTIAL if the weight can be brought down through the use of lighter fabrics.

Useful New Products From Sea To Summit

Several lightweight, well-designed, multi-purpose products to aid the lightweight backpacker, while reducing our environmental impacts.

Click here to view the article.

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Overview

Features and Specifications

Overview

Specifications and Features

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Features and Specifications

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Features and Specifications

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Features and Specifications

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Specifications and Features

Introduction

What’s Good

What’s Not So Good

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Performance

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Recommendations for Improvement

Overview

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Overview

Features and Specifications

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Features and Specifications

Overview

Features and Specifications

Introduction

What’s Good

What’s Not So Good

Specifications

Performance

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Features and Utility

What’s Unique

Recommendations for Improvement

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