Insulated jacket comparisons

YMMV, but it works for me below +30F over just a base layer (I can dry my base layer through it fairly quickly), and down to +15F over base+mid. I've worn it at 0F over base+mid but I was moving around quickly making camp. I add a fleece hat and a puffy hood (Ray-Way Bomber Hat) since the pull-over doesn't have one.

Check out the micropuff jacket. It has a hood and clocks in around 21 oz. This seems to be a closer replacement than the pullover to the WT belay jacket.

Good idea to check out the jacket. I prefer a hood anyway. I re-checked my Belay last night, and it actually weighs only 26.5 ounces. So prudence would say to stay with what I have. But I don't know anyone named Prudence!

I can't find the micropuff jacket on the patagonia website. Did they replace it with something else?

I cant find it either. It seems that there are a few other items missing as well i.e. the das parka. They just updated the website with the spring 2007 line so it mightve gotten left out. I doubt its discontinued.

Here is the link on backcountry.com
http://www.backcountry.com/store/PAT0373/Patagonia-Micro-Puff-Jacket-Mens.html?id=cSWBrrz8

and a review
http://www.aai.cc/gc_gear_review/gearreview-dec06.asp

Try calling the outlet in Dillon (406-683-2580)they might have it.

Patagonia has a good-sized company store in downtown Portland, OR where you can view and try on its products.

907 Nw Irving St
Portland, OR 97207
p: (503) 525-2552

SEATTLE, WA Store:
2100 1St Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
p: (206) 622-9700

DILLON, MT Store:
2100 1St Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
p: (206) 622-9700

Check the Web Specials section on Patagonia.

They did have grey DAS parkas for $165 if people are interested.

Rod

Hi Kathleen,

My wife and I have a DAS Parka for winter hiking and skiing which is super warm – likely warmer than your WT belay jacket. However, when we're not in the coldest temps in the dead of winter, we use the Montbell Thermawrap Parka, 12 ounces, which is incredibly warm for the weight. If you are looking to cut weight from your kit, it's a safer bet than the Micropuff pullover, which doesn't have a hood. An insulated hood adds tons of warmth. And we find the Thermawrap Parka warm over layers for all but extremely cold conditions.

I used to have the old version (2 years ago) of the hooded Patagonia Micropuff Jacket, which was lighter at 16 ounces and had a thinner shell material than the current version which weighs 21 ounces. I returned the older one I bought because the shell material was too thin and had a terrible DWR – Patagonia manager from my store returned his as well. However, the current Micropuff jacket has a better shell material and DWR and if you are looking for something a little warmer than the Thermawrap Parka but lighter than your WT belay jacket, at 21 ounces it should do well.

Thanks for your input. I just looked at the Thermawrap Parka on the Montbell site. It definitely looks like a possibility, and, as you say, hoods count for a lot of warmth. I've just about blown through my tax return (a Contrail Tarptent!), but there is enough left for a splurge on a lighter, warm jacket.

kathleen, go to an EMS store and see if they have in stock their,'MYTH' pullover….the warmest 12ozs I have ever used! I chose it over the MUCH more expensive Pat'gucci Micro Puff because I found the static electricity of the M' Puff was'nt to my liking. The way i actually found the M' Puff and it's breathern, was when I was walking down an aisle in Ramsey Outdoors store and the static electricity became overwhelming. I stopped and found the source was the vest, jacket, and pants.

12ozs for $50 it's my 'go to jacket' when I stop on the trail for 2 years now.

Kathleen,

I would definitely, absolutely, go with a HOODED insulated jacket. Especially if you can get one at the same weight. Why would you pick up a 12 ounce pullover when you can get a 12 ounce hooded jacket for the same weight? Even if you have an insulated hat, having a built in hood adds a major margin of safety for cool to cold weather backpacking and hiking.

FYI I was going to list a brand new Small and a Large on eBay this Sunday evening (unisex men's sizing), if one of those is your size, for about 15% less than retail. Let me know if you are interested. I recommend if you plan to wear it over a shell and all, size up from your typical unisex men's size. If you will wear it under your shell, you can get your regular size. My wife and I sized up because we like to use them over our shells in camp and during rest stops. We also use them when traveling for a warm light jacket. Even sized up they work great for that.