Balaclava or parka/hoody

If you are already happy with your current torso/arms insulation, all you need is extra for your head. A down balaclava would probably satisfy that.

Another option is to replace your UL inner with a down parka. That is what I did personally. I had a down jacket, and I wanted more head insulation, so now I use a parka instead. The hood is always attached, so you don't have to worry about it slipping off your head. That is one problem I have found with UL down balaclavas – the fabric is so slippery, you need underarm straps to keep it securely on your head. You don't have to worry about that with a parka.

The slipperiness of the fabric is something that I hadn't thought of with a down balaclava! I guess my only concern with the down inner parka would be if it made the quilt too hot if it was above freezing.

What temps are a ballpark estimate for a fleece hood like the R1 and a windshirt?

I have the ul down inner parka I love it if i take any other head insulation for above 20% its just a real thin fleece benie

William, do you use the parka under a quilt?

My 3 season clothing list includes a merino hoodie baselayer, a hooded windshirt, and either a nano puff (no hood) or cocoon hoodie depending on anticipated temperatures. I just mix and match hoods rather than taking a designated balaclava.

Winter is a different story though. I love having a balaclava to shield my cheeks and nose from the frigid midwestern winds, day and night. A couple oz balaclava goes a long way towards warmth in those conditions

Yes I use a synthetic myog or a katabatic palasade quilt

Thanks William. I intend to use this under almost exactly what you have mentioned. A Palisade quilt and a spirit 45 quilt.

I still can't decide if I want to sell my down inner and purchase just the down inner parka or purchase the parka and an R1 hoody for warmer temps. I might just have to try all of them out and see which works best for me :)

Ike, what temps do you bring the cocoon hoody vs the nano puff?

I keep the noggin warm with a wool beanie and, if I need it, my windshirt hood. Since the windshirt is not very breathable it actually adds quite a bit of warmth. My only gripe about it is the fabric is noisy although I'm usually tired enough that it doesn't matter.

I had been considering a down balaclava as another option… Ben I'm glad you mentioned the point about slipperyness. Maybe I'll look into replacing my down sweater with a parka, sounds like a good idea.

Hey William,

What would you estimate your Palisade will go down to with the parka?

To the mid 20's (F) I use a fleece beanie that has a pull-down face mask for if I get real cold. Closer to 15 F and below I bring a down balaclava from the Down Works.

http://www.downworks.com/downworks/Balaclava.html

I have used that to -31 F.

Raymond,

Are those temps with a quilt?

No, I have only used the quilt down to 0 F. On the trip to Voyageurs NP I was in a sleeping bag, but brought the bala in case I could not stand the hood and as back-up for the light parka I brought along.

I think either does the trick and from what i can tell both options weigh about the same in their UL equivelants. I wear a merino hoody as my main base layer which I pair with a light down parka. I like this combo for its simplicity. I will say that if you go with the hooded route then you should make sure that the hood fits snuggly like a baclava.
If it gets warm I push my quilt down just above my waist and I still have a layer of insulation on my upper half. I think this venting option works well. Cooler but not too cool.

Hi Heath,
Once temps drop into the 30s, I like to have the puffy hood.
Below 20 F, I'm usually in full winter mode (heavier sleeping bag and more insulation layers).

Serge, do you consider the montbell down inner parka to have a balaclava style hood? I just noticed that Mintbell has a (new?) Frost Smoke Parka with 3.5 oz of down and Patagonia has a new model hoody with 3.5 oz oz as well that weighs 9 oz! Either of these might be an option. I like the idea of just pushing down the quilt if needed and using the parka for insulation

Thanks Ike. That's around the temps that I was thinking I would want to use the parka around camp. Now to decide if I want the inner with 2.5 oz down or the others with 3.5 :)

Keep in mind I'm a warm sleeper but I've taken the palisade down to 15% with a breathable bivy my montbell inner parka a fleece benie and just a baselayer and I was still comfy warm I would say it's a very conservative rating for the normal sleeper at least 5% warmer then stated

its attached so youll never lose it … well unless u misplace the parka …

and always available …

Heath,

I have used the Golite ultra 20 this summer, down to about 40 degrees just the merino wool hoodie was enough. Last weekend it hit low 30's (light frost in morning)and I added a fleece hat (Mountain Hardware Dome ?) There was a slight breeze all night but I felt like my head was fine.

There are deals now on the Montbell down inner parka, I just got one for $138.00 but plan to use it in colder weather. If I were you for temps above 20 I would just experiment with a balaclava and hat, you already have nice upper clothing.

I have really liked the quilt all summer.

Heath,

Have you tried sleeping with a balaclava?

I take a merino wool buff with me on trips but do not like to sleep with it on as I will wake up and feel like it is constricting my throat. I take my Katabatic down hood and use that on colder nights, or sometimes just my Black Rock beanie.

Eric, I think that what you describe should work for me with the merino hoody into the upper 40s. Were these temps for you in a tent or bivy?

William, I have never slept in a balaclava and I am curious as to whether or not I have the same problem. I hate the hoods on sleeping bags. I had been reading about the black rock beanies and wondered if that was a solution. I was then thinking of buying a merino and r1 hoody for different temps. How well does the black rock beanie stay on while sleeping? I had also considered a buff to use with my merino shirt while sleeping. I guess I need to try out sleeping in a balaclava before I can make a decision.

Heath,

This summer has been in a Tarptent Rainbow, pitched high, floor down, and usually with a door open. Trying to experiment to see what next lighter shelter will be.