Synthetic jackets – how do they really perform in wet conditions?

"Doug,
Hiking with me would be a real let down for you. I'm actually a 30 year old voluptuous woman with a sexual addiction. There is no way we could put in enough miles to satisfy you."

I'm heartbroken. And mildly aroused…..

Honestly, i think the best solution would be some Evazote foam with micro perforations to allow breathability/moisture transfer. Sew it in fabric with an end open that has velcro or zipper to close/open it up, so you could take the foam out to wash the fabric or the foam when it gets nasty (and it will).

The fabric that goes on the outside should be moderately to highly water resistant, and the fabric inside should be more breathable–heck a fishnet or mesh material might work.

This would be the best possible material for providing reliable warmth in cool to cold and wet combo conditions.

The only problem is bulk. If it's more of a vest garment, not a big deal. A top part of a quilt, yeah, that would suck–very bulky. However, if i was doing a winter type expedition where i would be out for a long time, and especially if i was using a pulk, i would bring a quilt like this in an instant. If it was cold enough, i would forgo the micro perforations, highly water resistant outer fabric (any light fabric would do, nylon better because it's not as stanky as other synthetics), and then sew a silnylon sleeve onto the bottom but with a partial side zipper for venting if and when needed.

This would be truly reliable warmth in all and any "oh shite" conditions.

Justin
I saw an athlete do something similar on the TJAR (Trans Japan Alpine Race, 415Km of running and climbing, crossing Japan). He used parts of a z-lite to sit/sleep in and to stuff in front and back of his coat.

Very interesting Ito Jakuchu, i wonder how it well it worked or didn't work for him? For something very active like that, i would definitely want a lot of perforations in the foam.

Just to come full circle back to my OP,
I ordered both the Nuclei (only comes in hoody) and Nanopuff jacket and tried them on side by side at home.
The Nuclei hoody is lighter than the Nanopuff jacket, even with a hood. But it has more loft, and feels warmer.
Of course, this is brand new and bone dry, but it's all I have to go on.
And since I prefer the "climber" fit of the Nuclei, I went with that.

Justin, I think it was more for emergencies. All of them go SUL of course. Everything you take in, you have to carry the whole race.

He had two or three panels up front, that connected with some line to three or two panels on the back. He stuck his head in between and put it under his rain shell. Perhaps they were z-lite sit panels because it was very small. No holes if I remember correctly, but he would not have all his torso covered. Leaving space at top, bottom and sides.
Don't know if it was ever used while active. But still nice double use system.

I'm not at my computer and it was a long time ago, but if I find a picture I will post it.

Thank you, i would be interested in seeing it if you do find it.

I actually found it in a magazine. This was not during the TJAR, but he shows the same system.

Ralph – I definitely think specs are great, but trying things on sometimes you are really surprised how something feels. It might be the fit, the way air does or does not go in and out.

I tried this North Face Japan 900FP box baffle jacket on, no hoody, quite short fit and everything. But it feels warmer on me than a Montbell JP Permafrost parka (which is not as warm as the Montbell US parka, but still). The sleeves and neck feel really warm, and all the gaps between me and the jacket just seem to disappear. Super warm, but if you look at it you wouldn't think so.