Lightweight Warmth

[vancouvergnome]

Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on either a down or microfiber jacket(compressible)? I'm running a very lean bike setup so as you all know weight and space are paramount. Let me know what has worked for you.
Thanks
Safe Riding.

[12wheels]

Check out Montbell's line.   Their down jackets are really popular with the ultralight backpacking crowd.
http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?p=all&cat_id=70

I use a homemade copy of the U.L. Down inner jacket which weighs 8 oz and fits into a stuff sack smaller than a coke can.  It's a great camp jacket but too warm, 3 oz of 800 fill down, for hiking if the the temperature is above 40.

[vancouvergnome]

Thanks, I forgot to mention that it is a camp jacket I am looking for. I'll take a look.

Safe riding.

[cartographer]

I've been in love with my Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody (I think that's the full designation) since buying it last winter.  Light, slim and long, warm but breathable.  Most brands are too boxy in the torso for me, so it was nice to find something that fit well.  I prefer synthetic for something so thin, as the weight gain isn't much, but the ability to keep warm when damp is handy.

[alirawk]

I've been wearing the patagonia down sweater for years now through many sub-freezing joshua tree winters. They've put out a down hoody and it's pretty awesome. It's a slim fit and incredibly compressible. You can stuff it into it's own pocket and have a killer down pillow. There are actually two models of the hoody, a regular one (15.2 oz) and an ultralight version (9.3 oz). Combined with some sort of rain proof shell and a decent base layer, you're pretty much set. I've been eyeing these myself lately and found a few left overs from last years stock on sale on various websites, saving about a $100, but you it's orange colored (still can't figure out why they make these awful lime green and clementine orange colored clothes that are always left over at the end of the season). It's not a cheap option, but it's a incredibly warm, compressible, and a surprisingly durable piece of gear. I've down a lot scrambling around the rocks and even some climbing with just my down sweater and a cotton tee shirt at nights in jtree -- always felt great and not the slightest damage to the jacket. (full disclosure: I'm a native southern californian, i.e. a total marshmallow when it comes to the cold.)

[redtabby]

I just picked up a patagonia nanopuff hoodie.  I'm very impressed with the added warmth that the well fitting hood provides.  It compresses well, and weighs about 14oz for size L.   I haven't been able to give it a good cold weather trial yet, but had it on over a short-sleeved jersey in high winds (air temp high 40's) and was quite comfortable.  Along the lines of what alirawk was saying, I'm wearing an ibex short sleeved jersey, and carrying an ibex indie hoodie, the nanopuff, and an arcteryx paclite goretex anorak.  It's amazing how light this stuff is and how warm it can be.

[alirawk]

the nanopuff is awesome. I just saw this sale (http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/480/Mountain-Hardwear-Men-s---Boy-s) on mountain hardware down and synthetic jacket you might want to check out. I climbed mt whitney with one of their synthetic puffies and loved it. super light, surprisingly compressible, and quite comfortable.

[killbergj]

I'll throw a vote in for the First Ascent Downlight Sweater. FA is an Eddie Bauer 'brand' and their products are relatively new. I own the Downlight Sweater filled with 900 fill power down. Very lightweight, packs into it's own pocket and super versatile on a trip. I recently used mine bikepacking and wore it when setting up camp, I used it stuffed as a pillow one night, and worn as an extra warmth layer one other night. One of my favorite coats.

[bartspedden]

+1 nano puff
+1 montbell alpine light

The nano is a SERIOUS favorite of mine. A wool mid-weight and a nano is all I need for riding below freezing.  But for around camp like you were talking about, the down jacket would be my choice for sure.  BPL just did a big article on down jackets and the alpine light stacked up very well in comparison to many other jackets.  I've used the alpine light for 4-5 years now and it is a really warm jacket.

[Slim]

If it's just for camp and you are bringing a rain jacket too, then go down, it is the lightest. If you think you might leave a rainjacket behind or wear in while riding then synthetic might better.

Patagonia is only ok if it's the limited editoin version, the regulars are too heavy. It is also very expensive at regular price, so only get limited editon on sale.
Here are the ones from the BPL article:
    Brooks Range Alpini Mountain Anorak
    Crux Halo Top
    Crux Halo Jacket
    Feathered Friends Hyperion Jacket
    MontBell Ex Light Down Jacket
    MontBell UL Down Inner Jacket
    MontBell Alpine Light Down Jacket
    Mountain Hardware Nitrous Jacket
    Nunatak Skaha Down Sweater
    PHD Ultra Down Pullover
    PHD Minimus Down Pullover
    PHD Minimus Down Jacket
    Rab Microlight Jacket
    Sierra Designs Gnar Down Sweater
    Western Mountaineering Hooded Flash Jacket
    Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket

First ascent- affordable and offer tall sizes, still not that long and trim, not any different than a regular WM for example.

[afie]

Feathered friends also has a lighter jacket - Daybreak, that I think will be available with the Nanosphere material soon.

[alirawk]

mountaingear.com currently is running a sale on lots of their down jackets. some pretty good deals actually. worth looking into.

[LyndaW]

+1 for Mont-bell
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=73&p_id=2301161

I like the synthetic model so I can ride in it to warm up on brisk mornings. I don't like riding and sweating in down puffies as they lose their loft quickly.

[afie]

Lynda, do you know how does the synthetic Montbell jacket compares to their down offering in terms of packability (assuming they are the same warmth?)?

[LyndaW]

They have that info on their product pages under tech specs. I've found that info to overestimate packed size but I am buying small and xs sizes.

The synthetic one is [Compressed] φ4.5’’ x 8.4’’ (stuff sack included)

[afie]

Just bought a Montbell Thermawrap jacket and vest at their online sale. They also have their UL down jacket for $124 - a lot cheaper compared to the Feathered Friends Daybreak in Nano that I was considering.

[r.stephens]

Like killbergj, i'm a big fan of the eddie bauer "first ascent" line of clothing. it's really pro stuff, but you can often find it at serious discounts. the downlight sweater is super light but super warm.