Returned a Fall 2013 model First Ascent Microtherm hoody recently due to its leaking down everywhere-seams, face material, even the stretch material under the arms had down sticking out of them(or just stuck in them?). This leaves me searching for a replacement.
Aside from being a tad tight and getting down on everything under or over it, the Microtherm was ideal for my uses. I run very warm, and it was comfortable standing around in the 20s over a baselayer, and at 0-10F with Capilene 1 or 3 top and 1/4 zip fleece. It had just enough room to layer over a baselayer with a thin fleece, and was fitted enough to layer under a rain jacket, and even my OR Ferrosi hoody, when I wanted. Also combined well with my Katabatic Palisade quilt to keep me warm down to 0F.
It really checked all the boxes, so I want something as similar as possible.
Temps lower than the teens are unusual in AL and TN's winters at low elevation, or places I've gone out West in spring or fall, so I do not feel a need for a warmer jacket.
Weight is not a huge issue, but the Microtherm was ~12oz, and something the same weight or less, and with about the same fill/loft, would be great.
I want zippered handwarmer pockets, and a close fitting hood(not helmet-compatible).
Inside pockets/sleeves for my filter and fuel in camp, which the Microtherm also had, are a plus.
On to the issue of fit.
I'm 5'7", and my sleeve length in a dress shirt is 32/33. Anything smaller than a 17 1/2" neck is choking me, while my chest hovers around 46", and I've been fitted as high as 48". I wear 33" waist jeans, but have some belly that sits above the waistline, so am not exactly svelte through the lower torso, either.
It was surprising that the Microtherm size L fit me, and it had no extra room through the chest, so I have concerns about any of the slim or other "athletic"(?) cut jackets. From my point of view, they usually have very long sleeves and torso length in relation to the chest size. Sizing up to a XL would solve the chest issue, but make those even worse.
-My first choice was the MontBell Alpine Light Parka. Relatively inexpensive, close on the weight, shared features like the inside pockets, plus the addition of hood and hem adjustments make this seem like the natural choice. Reviews commenting on this and other Montbell jackets being sized a bit small, and tight through the arms, told me to keep looking. Small sizing, tight arms and I won't mix well…
-I tried on the Arc'teryx Cerium LT hoody in size L over a t-shirt, and while it was very close fitting in all respects, whatever they do with the arms allowed me to move pretty freely once the jacket was actually on. It also seemed outrageously warm for its <10oz weight. The sleeves weren't bad with the elastic cuffs, and the body wasn't too long, but I am definitely pushing the limit on chest size, and some more room would be welcome. Perhaps I should look at the Thorium.
-Western Mountaineering's Flash XR has most of the features I want, but also a very high price tag. >$100 jump from the Cerium on sale. Their sizing for a Large says 40-44" chest, and 33" sleeves, so on paper it looks like a great choice. Don't suppose I can find one of those to try on, and for $250 instead of $350…
-Had hopes for the Feather Friends Daybreak hoody, but they list a 41" chest for the Large, 2" smaller than even the Arc'teryx at 43.
-Patagonia…the UL down hoody is sized down and trim(reviews say it fits a whole size smaller), while the heavier down "sweater" hoody is an option, but has a huge hood that I don't want. Not down, but I've been casting glances at the Nano Puff hoody.
Looking for more options, and comments on the fit of similar jackets(particularly from muscular or stocky people!).
Thanks!
btw, I also have a 800 fill Merrell Thermadore that is very similar to a Patagonia Down Sweater and works fine, but has no hood. It weighs 15oz.
Another option I'd considered was getting a Goosefeet down hood from Zpacks that could be used with the quilt at freezing or below, with or without the jacket. I found having the hood on the Microtherm really convenient, though, especially when it got windy.
