I’m still using my old BPL/ BMW(Bozeman Mt. Works) Polar Guard(PG) (SP?) hooded “Parka” with a Pertex(I think) Endurance shell(it was the WPB version, heaviest), bought close to when you guys first started either selling or at least recommending them. Runs about 12-13 oz in my size XL. Still a favorite, but definitely showing it’s age. Also, I the 8 oz BMW pants ( but NOT WPB). In much better shape as they have been used much less often. Still work great!
I have been paying special attention to your insulated jacket recommendations from above. What I have long thought I would like is an exact replacement for my BMW Endurance Parka but with a slightly tougher shell and maybe slightly warmer.( I don’t remember the insulation weight in gm/m or oz/yd on my BMW). Yes, that might be heavier, but I have used this jacket far more for every day winter use than I ever have for backpacking, so some extra durability would give me more peace of mind. I have really babied that 12 oz hooded BMW, but have managed to keep it still usable. The wind proof and highly water resistant shell have really added to it’s usefulness, and it has proven breathable enough for me. In fact, I once ran a home test where I put it in the sink and poured a cup or 2 of water into the inside and let it sit few minutes, gently wrung it out, and put it on over a dry layer thin base layer(syn or Merino). Went for a brisk walk in the neighborhood, about 2+ miles, at about 30F, light rain/snow, windy. I stayed more than warm enough. I was amazed at the sleeves. The torso layer appeared to be bone dry by the time I got home- roughly 1/2 hr of hiking (no pack) at 3-4 MPH. But the water in the sleeves sank from shoulder to wrist area, and was still quite wet at the wrist by the end of the test. I had no gloves, and was just covering my hands with the jacket sleeves over my fist(or mostly covering my fist). I was amazed to realize that though the ends of the sleeves were still pretty soaked, my hands stayed warm enough as long as I kept them up inside the sleeves, and could notice a big difference if I uncovered my hands. So, is that what they call warm- or at least warmer- when wet? I have had more than one person- when arguing in favor of down(which I also use a lot) tell me over the years that there is no such thing. But main thing is that all but the sleeves appeared to be bone dry after just a couple of miles of brisk walking. I remain impressed!
So, that is what I am looking to replace, more or less. That Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody sure looks sweet, but big $, and I guess not wind proof or water resistant. The Nunatak Skaha Apex is maybe not quite as expensive, very close to the same weight as my old BMW, and the Robic Ripstop looks like it would accomplish about the same water/wind resistance. Maybe warmer than the BMW, even with the lightest insulation? I don’t know. Probably no more durable, but “we can offer more durable fabrics on a special order basis only. These include Epic and multi-cam.” Hmmm.
And then there is the Enlightened Equipment Torrid, at only $175 base, and an incredible 9.5 oz in XL. But only 2 oz/yd Climashield, less insulation then even the lightest Skaha. Or 10.9 if I opt for the more durable fabric. I do not know how that would compare to the warmth of my old BMW, with a similar type insulation(though maybe the old PG not quite as warm/weight?) but several ozs heavier. And I wonder how the wind and water resistance would compare to the Endurance fabric on my BMW? But it looks very promising!
Decisions, decisions, so much good stuff to choose from! Thanks for the reviews and advice, Ryan! And thanks in advance for any advice from any member!
Bill
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