RAB Infinity vs OR Incandescent

I used a Rab Infinity this winter. It is incredibly warm–the loft just blows my mind. I have the women's and I can see how it might not work for someone with a long torso. But I have a short torso and a high waist, so it's a nice cut for me (I'm 5'5" too). The hood is one of the best insulated hoods I've ever used. I have not used it with a climbing helmet, but there should be plenty of space–it's quite tall while still feeling snug around the face. Really seals out the wind nicely. The hood on this jacket is what convinced me to try winter camping with a quilt instead of a mummy bag! Also, the DWR on the shell fabric is very good. I've gotten caught out in a couple of slushy icy rains in this jacket (doing errands around town) and have never had the insulation fail on me.

Note: I haven't used the OR Incandescent, but OR makes some very high quality products, and their warranty is one of the best.

I agree with Kate…I used my infinity this winter and I have to say it is, by far, the warmest jacket I've ever used. It is humorously puffy. As in no one can take you seriously while wearing this coat, and just forget about it if you are wearing the hood. I was walking with my mom into a target, pulled up the hood against the blowing Chicago wind, and my mom promptly peed her pants she was laughing so hard.

But I was toasty in there.

I also have an Infinity (Endurance version). Specs alone make it lighter and warmer (more fill and at a higher fill power).

I'm 5'8 with a long torso and the men's small covers my back and some of the upper part of my hips. It also sits below the top of my hips in the front.

Edit: looking at photos my Endurance version may be slightly longer than the standard Infinity

OR replaced this guys down jacket after his dog ate it … no experience with either jacket … but i do have experience with OR's stellar warranty … buying OR is a riskless endeavor other than some lost shipping ;)

http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2232898

del

I've been very happy with my infinity. Its quite warm for the weight and it packs down small. The hood is minimalist perfection. Somehow it fits great with or without a helmut, with no adjustments. Less stuff to fiddle with is a plus in my book, esp when wearing gloves. Its cut pretty short, so it doesn't interfere with the belay loop on your harness. At 14.5 oz in a M, its light enough that for frigid days I combine it with light synthetic puffy for added versatility. Combing it with your atom LT, you'd still be under what most belay jackets weigh. I'm 6'2, 175 lb and the medium fits well, if a little snug.

The sleeves are long on the RAB and I can slide them down over most of my hand, if I want to. If I make a loose fist, the sleeve covers my hand. I like to be able to do that sometimes. Otherwise, the sleeve stays out of the way.

The hood is very puffy. I don't recall if the hood is supposed to be helmet compatible or not. There is a lot of room between the outer shell and my head. But that room is all full of down.

The lycra around the hood doesn't fit very tight to my face. I image a helmet could get up under there. I don't wear helmets but if RAB says one will fit, seems there should be room.

I have a large and it is 16 oz. Back is 28". My chest is 41" but I have room for a 3 oz. synthetic vest.