Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater vs Microtherm Down Shirt

I've been wearing the Microtherm Vest a lot lately. I live in Seattle, and we haven't had lows below mid 40's yet, but I stay pretty warm wearing that and my Icebreaker Body Fit 200 underneath. The Microtherm is nice because it has stretch panels where you sweat the most/move the most so you won't get too hot if you're wearing it while walking around, but it will be too hot to wear while active. Its plenty warm under a shell if you're just sitting around. Can't really go wrong with either. If I could find last year's models that are on sale in store (they do extra % off clearance here), I'd pick up the microtherm.

If you want a down garment get one with "waterproofing" like the Dri-Down treatment. Down treated this way greatly resists wetting, whether from perspiration or rain and wet snow.

Just GOOGLE "Waterproof Down".

BTW, I got the Eddie Bauer Down Sweater 2 years ago and love it. It's the one in my avatar.

BC MicroTherm™ Down Jacket this looks like an awesome jacket. BC MicroTherm™ Down Jacket
Its a microtherm, but with 20,000/20,000 waterproof breathable layer for the outer shell.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=40146&&categoryId=449&categoryName=OUTERWEAR–JACKETS&pCategoryId=27480&pCategoryName=MENS-CLEARANCE-OVERSTOCK-OUTLET&gpCategoryId=22854&gpCategoryName=CLEARANCE&ggpCategoryId=1&ggpCategoryName=EB&catPath=~~categoryId=449~~categoryName=OUTERWEAR–JACKETS~~pCategoryId=27480~~pCategoryName=MENS-CLEARANCE-OVERSTOCK-OUTLET~~gpCategoryId=22854~~gpCategoryName=CLEARANCE~~ggpCategoryId=1~~ggpCategoryName=EB&viewAll=n&pg=1

@Andrew, yeah that jacket looks pretty rad. Though ever since switching to layering years ago I've always thought all in one jackets, or at least in the context of outdoor activities, were less versatile than a shell, with an insulating layer beneath. Some people like my father however, hate layering as if it's a conspiracy amongst clothing makers to get you to buy more pieces "because everyone refuses to just make a warm jacket like they used to."

I'm going to keep my eyes open for a waterproofed-down jacket that fits, but my biggest problem is with fit. Although my torso is (when I'm a bit more trim, admittedly) usually a size L, my arms are longer than every standard size XL offered by companies. So I can't really size up to another "regular" length jacket without the torso being stupidly-billowy, hence my relief and decision to go with the EB stuff (XLT being my size of choice). But I'll keep my eyes pealed for something hydrophobic!

I have the Microtherm. I like it a lot. It seems to fit a pretty reasonable temperature range and packs down small. It's been in the 50s here and I've been wearing it quite comfortably. I don't think I could go a lot lower though, maybe mid 40s.

This thread disappeared. Bumping so it shows up again.

I have a new with tags Eddie Bauer downlight sweater size XLT for sale if anyone is interested.

Your for-sale is kind of the reason I'm trying to decide. If I go with the heavier one I would buy yours in a second since I need an XLT and it's a good color. However for everyday versatility the lighter model is hanging in there. Wish I could decide!

@Steve: I tend to run hot, very hot, so I think, or at least I'm hypothesizing, that a mid weight wool base, the Microtherm, and my WPB shell (which is a fairly thick shell not some ultralight affair) would be enough. Plus it wouldn't be overkill for standard central Texas winter with just a tshirt or single layer of cotton underneath during casual wear.