[pct-l] down jacket? (Jim Cribari)
mntmn4jesus at aol.com
mntmn4jesus at aol.com
Mon May 31 17:21:31 CDT 2010
A down jacket is an indispensable part of my system for mountaineering so I wouldn't be caught without it any time of the year in any situation where I am hiking anywhere it is remotely possible to run into cold weather. I recently found one I really like (850 fill) that was very reasonably priced ($182 - 240) on sale. It served me well on Mt. Shasta at Helen Lake (10,400) yesterday at 4 in the morning in 10 degree weather with 20 MPH winds and it really helps me get a better night's rest as well. It might be a little heavy and bulky for the summer season (2lbs) so then I would get a lighter one for summer hiking. I have a Dynafit jacket that is 1lb with (600 fill) that was very convenient until I popped one of the sleeves on a branch while backcountry skiing. A friend is in the process of refilling and repairing if for me and that is what I plan to use for lower elevation and summer hiking.
For your convenience here is the link for the one I recently purchased. I love the way it fits, the way it zips up and the way the hood works, and most of all its simplicity, all indispensable features for extreme mountaineering conditions, but also quite nice for sleeping in as well Unfortunately they have apparently sold out of the one I purchased so their new model is $299. Knowing what I know about this jacket and how it has already performed for me in harsh conditions (just yesterday) it is well worth that price. I believe it competes with the other jackets that sell in the five to six hundred dollar range:
http://www.whittakermountaineering.com/cat/1045/insulation/first-ascent/mens-peak-xv-down-jacket
I agree with the writers that mentioned that you should always have another outer layer for rain and moisture, though this down jacket seems to shed water really well (always want to prevent a worst case scenario). I also agree with another writer that mention using products like Scotch Guard. I got mine at REI and tested my Gorex jacket (not my down jacket) in the shower for several minutes. My clothing was perfectly dry underneath. I plan on treating all of my clothing, tent, and sleeping bags again (including my down jacket) before I attempt to climb Rainer in July.
Would you ask Whittaker to give me a discount on my next purchase since I gave them free advertising? (Just kidding lol)
Jim
-----Original Message-----
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Subject: Pct-l Digest, Vol 29, Issue 137
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: down jacket? (Eric Lee)
2. Re: down jacket? (giniajim)
3. Down Jacket? (Ken Murray)
4. Light down jacket with hood (Ken Murray)
5. Clothing choices Yosemite Early August (giniajim)
6. Saw a scary picture... Need some reassurance... (Ken Murray)
7. Re: Clothing choices Yosemite Early August (Swope Christopher)
8. Re: down jacket? (Eric Lee)
9. Found: SPOT device (Swope Christopher)
10. Re: Clothing choices Yosemite Early August (giniajim)
11. Re: Found: SPOT device (dofdear aka Thumper)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 10:57:47 -0700
From: "Eric Lee" <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] down jacket?
To: "'Lisa Freathy'" <rainorshinecamper at yahoo.com>,
<pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BAY145-ds950196D7CF390489BFEC1BDEE0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Lisa wrote:
>
I am?considering purchasing a down jacket (different?from a down sweater??)
for?a thru hike next year. I am?planning on using this?for my camp?warm
layer?and for sleeping, not for when hiking necessarily. I get cold easily
and being cold makes me miserable. I love that?down is light weight, packs
down super small and keeps you very warm. I am concerned about it getting
wet,?not thrilled about the price tag and wonder if I need a camp jacket vs
finding something? that can be used?when hiking & in camp.
>
I think (don't quote me) that a down jacket has a front zipper while a down
sweater is a pull-over.
As Steel-Eye said, a down jacket is not a necessary piece of gear, as there
are various ways you can assemble your layers for warmth. That said, for me
my down jacket is a really, really nice piece of gear and I'm very glad I
have it. I use it in camp on cold mornings and evenings while I'm doing
chores, and maybe for the first 20 minutes of hiking while I warm up. Once
I'm warm and moving, I don't need to wear it even in below-freezing temps.
I also use it inside a loose stuff sack as a pillow at night or can use it
to supplement my 30 degree bag if necessary.
My down jacket is not built for rain and I wouldn't do anything that might
get it serious wet, but then I have other layers for that. If it's cold
enough that I need to wear the down jacket while hiking and it's also wet
and raining/sleeting/snowing, then I'm probably doing something wrong and
should hunker down in my tent and wait for better weather.
I have the Western Mountaineering Flight jacket and there are two things I
can about it with certainty: it's 10 ounces of pure luxurious warmth, and
it's embarrassingly expensive. If your budget can stand it, I highly
recommend it. If you can't afford it, then there are lots of other good
options too so don't worry about it.
Eric
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 14:10:06 -0400
From: "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] down jacket?
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <83D3E0A074F04EC88C070C0B458AC1E3 at HomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Are there light down jackets (not heavy parkas) with a hood? Thinking of a
"hoodie" for camp wear. That would be nice if such things are made.
----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Lee
To: 'Lisa Freathy' ; pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 1:57 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] down jacket?
Lisa wrote:
>
I am considering purchasing a down jacket (different from a down sweater??)
for a thru hike next year. I am planning on using this for my camp warm
layer and for sleeping, not for when hiking necessarily. I get cold easily
and being cold makes me miserable. I love that down is light weight, packs
down super small and keeps you very warm. I am concerned about it getting
wet, not thrilled about the price tag and wonder if I need a camp jacket vs
finding something that can be used when hiking & in camp.
>
I think (don't quote me) that a down jacket has a front zipper while a down
sweater is a pull-over.
As Steel-Eye said, a down jacket is not a necessary piece of gear, as there
are various ways you can assemble your layers for warmth. That said, for me
my down jacket is a really, really nice piece of gear and I'm very glad I
have it. I use it in camp on cold mornings and evenings while I'm doing
chores, and maybe for the first 20 minutes of hiking while I warm up. Once
I'm warm and moving, I don't need to wear it even in below-freezing temps.
I also use it inside a loose stuff sack as a pillow at night or can use it
to supplement my 30 degree bag if necessary.
My down jacket is not built for rain and I wouldn't do anything that might
get it serious wet, but then I have other layers for that. If it's cold
enough that I need to wear the down jacket while hiking and it's also wet
and raining/sleeting/snowing, then I'm probably doing something wrong and
should hunker down in my tent and wait for better weather.
I have the Western Mountaineering Flight jacket and there are two things I
can about it with certainty: it's 10 ounces of pure luxurious warmth, and
it's embarrassingly expensive. If your budget can stand it, I highly
recommend it. If you can't afford it, then there are lots of other good
options too so don't worry about it.
Eric
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 14:14:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Down Jacket?
To: "." <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<5960011.2101541275329648591.JavaMail.root at zmcs03l-pol-08.portal.webmd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I believe the main difference between a down sweater and jacket are the degree
of warmth.
Both have zippers. Pullovers are usually referred to as Anoraks.
It should be said that there is often tremendous variation of nomenclature by
manufacturers.
That all said, down is a wonderful garment. To really get a coat drenching wet
is actually quite hard, as I discovered the first time I tried to wash one!
Various manufacturers either use an outer layer of material that is quite water
resistant (you don't want waterproof, or it can't breath, and gore-tex doesn't
quite cut it), or may apply a water resistant chemical, such as Scotch-Guard,
which really resists rain absorbsion.
A down garment MAY be a real nice thing to have, depending upon your trail
habits, and it is definitely a "safety net" in terms of extending sleeping
temperature comfort.
I use them often, and really like them. I rarely, though, use them in the
Sierra after about June 1, as it is warm enough to avoid the need.
YMMV
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 14:20:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Light down jacket with hood
To: "." <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<386326195.2102241275330019911.JavaMail.root at zmcs03l-pol-08.portal.webmd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/garments/skaha_plus.htm
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 14:22:35 -0400
From: "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Clothing choices Yosemite Early August
To: "PCT-L" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <7E62E7EF039E46018020418E9DEA16A3 at HomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I'll be in the backcountry of Yosemite late July-early August. I'm debating
clothing choices. Here's where I am on my thought process:
I hike in athletic shorts, t-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat.
I'll carry a rain jacket (Packa).
I'm thinking that I'll want a mid-weight long-sleeved pull-over for evening
wear.
I've got a light weight wind pants but not sure I need to carry it or not.
Might be comfortable in the evening.
Light gloves?
Beanie hat or balaclava?
Any thoughts/suggestions?
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 14:32:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Saw a scary picture... Need some reassurance...
To: "." <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<879959122.2103801275330739824.JavaMail.root at zmcs03l-pol-08.portal.webmd.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
This was definitely off-trail.
The trail was in the canyon below the hiker, under snow. As some people do,
this fellow probably got tired of walking in the snow all day, or may have been
mid day, when one has a tendency to "punch through".
However, I congratulate you on the prep you are doing, both physically, and
research-wise. It sound like you will be very prepared, and will run into
little that you will not have anticipated. That's the way to do this, I think.
The great variable is the snowpack, and derived from that, the best time to
leave Kennedy Meadows. This has become something of a science, and you'll know
a lot about this by the time you go.
Keep up what you are doing, and you'll do fine.
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 11:41:29 -0700
From: Swope Christopher <sswwooppee at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Clothing choices Yosemite Early August
To: giniajim <jplynch at crosslink.net>
Cc: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <74C8BF54-74EA-465E-85A7-46F7E13242DF at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Don't forget your bearsuit.
It's an important layering item for when it's time to raid minivans
for ham sandwiches in the evening. Just be ready to mock charge any
rangers throwing firecrackers at you.
Sorry for the unserious response,
Swope
On May 31, 2010, at 11:22 AM, "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net> wrote:
> I'll be in the backcountry of Yosemite late July-early August. I'm
> debating clothing choices. Here's where I am on my thought process:
> I hike in athletic shorts, t-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat.
> I'll carry a rain jacket (Packa).
> I'm thinking that I'll want a mid-weight long-sleeved pull-over for
> evening wear.
> I've got a light weight wind pants but not sure I need to carry it
> or not. Might be comfortable in the evening.
> Light gloves?
> Beanie hat or balaclava?
>
> Any thoughts/suggestions?
>
>
>
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------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 11:53:45 -0700
From: "Eric Lee" <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] down jacket?
To: "'giniajim'" <jplynch at crosslink.net>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BAY145-ds214AAB51E1327761368FCABDEE0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Giniajim wrote:
>
Are there light down jackets (not heavy parkas) with a hood? Thinking of a
"hoodie" for camp wear. That would be nice if such things are made.
>
Western Mountaineering makes a Flash jacket that appears to have not quite
as much fill as the Flight but does have a hood.
Eric
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 11:58:38 -0700
From: Swope Christopher <sswwooppee at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Found: SPOT device
To: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <85737156-B762-4517-A0E8-F9BD2BE3B866 at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed; delsp=yes
I'm hanging here at the Pines Hotel in Wrightwood with Ben who has
asked me to post here that he found a SPOT device somewhere South of
Big Bear.
We think it's a version 2 it's in a little faux leather holster.
Unless someone responds otherwise soon (Ben and are are unlikely to be
hiking together for long) he'll dropping it off at the Saufley's, as
long as they're cool with that.
Swope
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 15:01:13 -0400
From: "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Clothing choices Yosemite Early August
To: "Swope Christopher" <sswwooppee at gmail.com>
Cc: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BCE949E8907C45C5933CBCA90A435BB4 at HomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Since I'll be past the roads, I decided not to bring it... :)
----- Original Message -----
From: Swope Christopher
To: giniajim
Cc: PCT-L
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Clothing choices Yosemite Early August
Don't forget your bearsuit.
It's an important layering item for when it's time to raid minivans
for ham sandwiches in the evening. Just be ready to mock charge any
rangers throwing firecrackers at you.
Sorry for the unserious response,
Swope
On May 31, 2010, at 11:22 AM, "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net> wrote:
> I'll be in the backcountry of Yosemite late July-early August. I'm
> debating clothing choices. Here's where I am on my thought process:
> I hike in athletic shorts, t-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat.
> I'll carry a rain jacket (Packa).
> I'm thinking that I'll want a mid-weight long-sleeved pull-over for
> evening wear.
> I've got a light weight wind pants but not sure I need to carry it
> or not. Might be comfortable in the evening.
> Light gloves?
> Beanie hat or balaclava?
>
> Any thoughts/suggestions?
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 12:25:44 -0700
From: "dofdear aka Thumper" <dofdear at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Found: SPOT device
To: <sswwooppee at gmail.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Cc: 'Postholer' <public at postholer.com>
Message-ID:
<!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAHlMMAabRt1OnagNNVbgO0nCgAAAEAAAAOj81gM0LL1NuK0CipMzzUwBAAAAAA==@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Swope,
Recommend you remove the battery and locate the ESN Number. If you send an
e-mail to Postholer he may be able to identify the owner if they have
registered their SPOT to their journal. I've included Postholer's email.
Cheers,
Dofdear aka Thumper
[pct-l] Found: SPOT device
I'm hanging here at the Pines Hotel in Wrightwood with Ben who has
asked me to post here that he found a SPOT device somewhere South of
Big Bear.
We think it's a version 2 it's in a little faux leather holster.
Unless someone responds otherwise soon (Ben and are are unlikely to be
hiking together for long) he'll dropping it off at the Saufley's, as
long as they're cool with that.
Swope
------------------------------
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