A complex series of thoughts and my own experience with various materials in no particular order:
-- I detest synthetics. All I've ever owned (and that's a lot from when I was 14 and began backpacking in earnest and when I wised up at 35. Wow, 16 years of stupidity) hold scents through washings (and that's before my disability and ultra sensitivity to -- and we're talking stink, not just soap perfume and such). They are just plain bulky for their warmth and they do not move well with me. Blech. That said, I've never tried primaloft, so I'm no help to you there. I do know folks who swear by the stuff, Wiggy's being one of them and his gear is for high altitude alpining. Synthetics melt, wool doesn't (though it singes if held to the fire). Sparks from a campfire have turned may a fleece garment of mine into pox-marked swiss cheese as parts got turned back into milk-bottle-plastic. Never had that problem with wool. -- Layers are best. As you no doubt know, there is a dramatic difference between sitting in camp and moving on a bike in what you need to wear. The more you understand what works for you the better you will be prepared. My waist up layers are these: -- wool t-shirt -- thicker wool long-johns. -- Cotton Chambrey shirt (great by itself as a sun shirt, or over the t- or long john as a wind breaker when colder -- when riding, that system works down to the 40's if no rain.) -- Wooly Warm Sargent's Sweater (generally only worn in camp or on a lingering stop) -- Down vest (from Feathered Friends, their warmest vest). I have only warn this in camp. The feeling of radiant eat that it gives is amazing and unparalleled by any synthetics I've ever worn. -- For any temps below 20˚F, I'll take a Filson's bomber jacket as a final insulating layer. -- Rain jacket. the Pricy but perfect ventile. Fantastic layer over just my t-shirt, some of it, or all of it and I can wear it riding or at camp equally well. I put it on based on temp and wind and of course precipitation. -- merino wool neck gaiter from Buff. -- billed Possum hat (two layers thick) -- Tilley cotton sun hat. -- wool lined leather gloves. The flexibility of these layers gives me a temp range of 100˚F+ down to 0˚F or below if needed at minimal space (it all fits in my large SaddleSack). The disadvantage of down is it loses most (all?) insulating capacity if it gets wet. Thus, the key is to keep it from getting wet. That's why it's a poor layer to ride in (it's also generally too warm for riding in but you'll be sweating in it, but it's perfect for stops or around camp. Definitely have a good rain jacket for over it if needed -- though I only wear mine at 25˚F or lower, so it's snow at that point. Long descent ahead? Down may be perfect, though unless you know the descent I still prefer will because there are always unexpected hills to climb along the way. -- Given the (warmth) weight of the garments you are considering, I'd personally suggest neither and turn you toward a Wooly Warm sweater. I love the Sargent's version for the elbow patches and my reality of living on the ground, which involves elbow abuse. A bit more bulk and weight? Likely. But for me it's well worth it. -- It really boils down to what is the temperature range and sun/rain/snow/wind range you need to be ready for. In my case camping in the Colorado mountains, it's 90˚F to 20˚F in summer, colder Spring and Fall, and I don't camp in winter, with the possibility of any weather within 5 minutes of each other. -- I've learned the hard way that skimping on clothing is a bad way to go. Figure out the best garments for the widest range of your activity and weather needs, then find a way to pay for them (paying referring to money, weight and bulk). My down vest is compact and nearly no weight, but is seldom used above 20˚F. The rest of my layers are used all the time year round and are heavier/bulkier than their synthetic counterparts, but I am much happier in them and have a much better experience because of that. -- As ever, your milage may vary. See your doctor before doing anything if you are that type of person. And other obvious "not my fault if you take my advice" disclaimers. Grin. With abandon, Patrick On Monday, October 21, 2013 9:21:37 PM UTC-6, hsmitham wrote: > > Need the collective wisdom of the Bunch here. > > Need to update my S240 wardrobe as I plan on doing more high altitude > camping...which of these do I go with? > > This one is PrimaLoft synthetic insulation but apparently doesn't lose > insulation capability even when wet and dries quickly. > > > http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/76777?page=ascent-packaway-jacket&nav=p1d-hp# > > > Next is this Down coat which has a water repellant treatment. > > http://www.rei.com/product/853044/marmot-ajax-down-jacket-mens > > For me the variables are packs small, very good insulating (I get cold > real easy) capability, and budget you'll notice that both of these are not > too expensive, the PrimaLoft the least of the two. Thanks for looking and > helping a chilly Brother. > > ~Hugh > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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