Which is warmer?

The strata jacket is definitely going to be the warmest, the power stretch in second but more breathable than the strata (maybe not what you want while biking fast through the wind.

I forgot to say: I only need it for sleeping, when it gets a bit colder.
Thus, the shell might be redundant.

If you are taking a windshirt, then I would take the Power Stretch. The windshirt will add good warmth to the merino top too.

Good question on the merino vs the Power Stretch. Factors to consider: thickness/loft, air permeability, wicking. I would test at home on a cool evening.

I agree that the Flex jacket would be warmest, but a windshirt plus the Power Stretch would be more versatile. IMHO, The 60g jackets are redundant if you are already carrying a mid layer and a windshirt, and they can be worn in several combinations. You might find the jacket too warm for sleep with no option to shed the shell.

Any Alpha insulated garment will be warmer than a merino top as it has two shells plus more loft. Whether it fits into your whole layering system is the question.

I agree with Mr. Dale. The powerstretch top would be my choice. It's lighter than the 260, probably just as warm, and will pack about the same size though. Powerstretch is very comfy to sleep in as well. That's subjective though since merino is comfy too.

Do what I told another guy to do about shelters. Narrow it down to two choices, assign each choice to the side of a coin, and flip the coin. While the coin is in the air, you'll realize which you want it to land on. :)

Christoph,

Merino Wool clo/oz .084
Polartec Power Stretch .143
Polartec Alpha clo/oz (avg) .325

So:
"What weight of polartec alpha do I need to outperform Merino?" = 59% of Merino weight
"What weight of powerstretch do I need to outperform Merino?" = 26% of Merino weight

Richard,

Did you happen to get those answers the wrong way round?

Dave

Thanks a lot Richard, I always appreciate your posts!
I think you confused the numbers though as mentioned in the previous post.

Do you have a list somewhere of these values for the common fabrics used? (e.g. powerstretch, powerdry, primaloft, down, merino wool, polartec alpha, and surely more I have missed…)
Would be very useful.

Thanks,
Christoph

Nisely charts– priceless! Check all the pages in the threads— there are jewels scattered here and there. When you’re done, you’ll have a Masters of Clothing Insulation :)

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?bo=watch&forum_thread_id=18950

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=9378

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=101420

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=87696

Richard should start a blog or something. He is a wealth of information but it can be hard to track down everything he has said.

I would buy a book authored by Richard in a heartbeat.

I agree – and it would be much better to collect this information somewhere central, instead of numerous threads and attachments :/

>Do you have a list somewhere of these values for the common fabrics used? (e.g. powerstretch, powerdry, primaloft, down, merino wool, polartec alpha, and surely more I have missed…)

Seconded. This would be a very, very useful list to have.

I agree – and it would be much better to collect this information somewhere central, instead of numerous threads and attachments :/

Seconded. This would be a very, very useful list to have.

ooh, ooh, yeah yeah!

Once upon a time, in response to much expressed interest, BPL added a WIKI feature. Sadly, very few members understood that WIKI is a community based enterprise. Much easier if someone does things than if I do them.

And so, the WIKI languished, was of little value and was eventually discarded.