Best alternative to down jacket?

Land's End Primaloft jacket is super cheap and very warm. Mine weighs just over 16 oz.This is the comparable jacket they have now:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/WindPointJacket~206743_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::KDE&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000043&origin=index

And their 700 fp down jacket is a super warm deal, too:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/SnowPack700DownJacket~212019_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::PZQ&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000043&origin=index

The best deal on their site is the down vest for $15.00!

http://www.landsend.com/pp/DownVest~208868_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::UQW&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008&origin=index

Hope this helps.

Bigfoot

The Mont Bell Thermawrap and Patagonia Nano Puff have a thin layer of polyester fill and hover around 283-311g (10-11oz)

The Patagonia Micro Puff vests and jackets are another step up in loft (and weight). There are many jackets similar to the Micro Puff and are in the 500-600g (19-20oz) range, most using some version of Primaloft insulation.

It's pretty easy to layer up for the temperature range you gave and end up with a more versatile selection of clothing vs a big thick jacket. I'm thinking base layer/100w fleece or Power Stretch/Nano Puff/rain shell. In a perfect UL world, you should be comfortable at the lowest temperature expected with all your layers at work.

Wind chill is a real factor to consider, requiring more protection.

I think it really comes down to the thinner Thermawrap/Nano Puff style garments vs. the thicker Micro Puff type garments with a 300g/10oz trade off. I'm assuming there would be other layers like 100w fleece or Power Stretch and base layer. Good stuff for sleeping in those temps too.

Long base layer bottoms, good socks, wind/rain pants, gloves, hat and other accessories make a real difference in comfort at those temps as well. I think having warm hands, head and feet really change your perception of cold.

Ultimately, you can set up camp and cook in a short period of time and just climb in your sleeping bag to hang out. You may end up using the warm layer for rest stops as much or more than actual camp time. I have no problem staying warm going uphill with light layers in near freezing weather, but I chill fast when I stop and it's time to throw another layer on— classic "belay jacket" stuff.

For simple chores down is much better for me as long as i dont get it wet … Way warmer

ive got an arteryx atom primaloft hoody that i use for high output activities … But my montbell ex is way lighter and warmer

for synthetic and serious winter conditions i recommend a pat or OR belay jacket which u put over all yr shells when stopped

again if you wont get it wet down works bettrr

(Hope it's ok to use this thread.)

Thanks Matthew,

I have now ordered the down jacket and the down west you linked to above. The Land's End down jacket look very similar to the much more expensive Rab Microlight jacket (see review here on BPL).

Ole

Many thanks all for the replies – its given me some new directions to consider!

@Dale: I do like the idea of layering up to accomplish the same thing. However, my pack (35ltr ish) was pretty maxed when using this system: At camp I had a T-shirt, a couple of base layers (merino), a heavy fleece and my waterproof, gloves and hat, and I was just about warm enough. (Was hovering around -3 Celsius).

Point accepted about getting into your bag as soon as possible: that does represent the best insulation you carry so it makes sense to utilise it as soon as possible.

I'm now considering this actually:

http://www.rab.uk.com/clothing/primaloft/generator_pull-on—85/

Its nice and light (a lot lighter than the fleece) and I'll bet it'll be a lot warmer as well, though no figures are given.

I don't need any insulation to keep warm while hiking at -5° C. I just use a single thick insulation layer to suit the low end of temps and vent for warmer situations. So for camp in that temperature range I'd wear a down jacket and insulated pants like the BPL puffy pants. Both weigh about the same or less than long underwear. I'd rather put that weight into the single puffy layer. I guess long underwear can be nice if you want to sleep in clean clothes.

I might feel differently at -20° C, but I cannot say since I've never experienced that kind of cold.

"Primaloft" is not my choice for backpacking B/C it loses its loft too quickly.

Climashield insulation in jackets would be my 1st choice.

works fine … just like syn bags you can need a new one every few years

the DAS … the premier belay jacket for ice climbing and alpine is primaloft

I think they used climashield in some older version. would be interesting why they changed to primaloft

Aerogel

I agree that Primaloft works just fine. In fact, I used a 4-year-old 35-degree primaloft bag for a couple nights earlier in Sept in the White Mountains on nights that were reported to be below 35 degrees. I was fine (warm) in light socks, long base layer, and a baklava. I haven't had an problems with my Primaloft jacket either, but that's just my experience.

Personally, for that temperature range and that type of activity, I would go with down. I'm curious as to why you aren't leaning towards down. Is it the cost, or the moisture management?

I should mention that I really like my synthetic puffy jacket. I own a Cocoon Hoody, that is really warm for the weight. For backpacking trips, it is my only insulating layer (I wear a synthetic T-Shirt underneath). This means I hike in it a lot. I also use it around camp, but it is never that cold where I camp. I find it to be an outstanding garment for the temperatures I usually encounter (a bit above freezing) and activity (sweating). I don't have to worry that much about keeping it dry.

I also wear it inside my down sleeping bag (if I carry my lighter bag and I'm stretching the envelope). For your conditions and activity, this is the only advantage I can see with a synthetic jacket. It is nice to have a synthetic layer along with down. Still, like I said in opening paragraph, for your needs, I would go with down (if you can afford it).