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Looking for a cosy down jacket for apres biking, walking and general loafing about in. Looking for something showerproof if possible and with a hood. Like the look of the alpkit one but no stock til november. I welcome your advice!
down = not that great if wet. You use em under a hardshell if it's raining.
If you want one jacket that is shower proof and snug, a pile based montane, buffalo or snugpak jacket would be better.
Buffalo are great and they are made in Sheffield. They are the original pile "soft-shell" system... They do a range suited to cycling.
Pile jackets act a bit like wetsuits, so a lot of wearers will use them without hardshells....as the reasoning goes they are more breathable than hardshells....if you get sweaty you potentially get cold....so they reduce that whilst keeping you warm when wet......the "wet and warm" school of thought.
Lots of squaddies use them.
I have this [url= http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/clothing/insulation/vega_jacket---410/ ]One[/url] which is showerproof
Got a Montane prism - primaloft, good in rain. Works well for me. Buy direct and they are cheaper plus donation does to Mountain rescue.
down = not that great if wet. You use em under a hardshell if it's raining.If you want one jacket that is shower proof and snug, a pile based montane, buffalo or snugpak jacket would be better.
Buffalo are great and they are made in Sheffield. They are the original pile "soft-shell" system... They do a range suited to cycling.
Pile jackets act a bit like wetsuits, so a lot of wearers will use them without hardshells....as the reasoning goes they are more breathable than hardshells....if you get sweaty you potentially get cold....so they reduce that whilst keeping you warm when wet......the "wet and warm" school of thought.
Lots of squaddies use them.
Short version - are you sure you want down? Depending on the kind of walking, you may get sweaty (down doesn't 'breathe' as well as synthetics, apparently).
Picked up a second hand alpkit one, superb jacket, very warm. Very pleased and I'd suggest worth the wait.
Hmm thanks for the advice so far, walking is really just out with the dog nothing strenuous. Don't reckon I need down, that Montane looks pretty tasty. Is it quite long in the body cos I am tall with a long upper body. Not freaky tho!
Should be OK - slim fitting
Not freaky tho!
Yes you are....
Well maybe sometimes!
Hmm thanks for the advice so far, walking is really just out with the dog nothing strenuous. Don't reckon I need down, that Montane looks pretty tasty. Is it quite long in the body cos I am tall with a long upper body. Not freaky tho!
Certain Buffalo models such as the "Special Six" are. If the one you want is not long enough, they will do you custom one offs.
I have a TNF Nuptse which gets little use as it too warm 99% of the time, and it's not shower proof. Paramo jacket gets much more use.
I just picked up a Rab infinity ( I think it's called that) in the Cotswolds outdoor sale half price. Beautifully warm and lite but not really waterproof. I have a pataonia synthetic insulated hard shell which is great in really crappy weather with a down sweater underneath
BTW I live in Scandinavia hence the apparent overkill!
montane prism +1 my fav jacket gets worn soo much more than my others, sold my rab down jacket after buying it..
RAB !
I use my buffalo active shirt a damn sight more than my down jacket.
Use my down vest the most though- under a shell of course
Down jackets just too warm most of year
I see trail rat is the only other person with taste in this thread. 
Can vouch for Buffalo pile jackets for warmth but the crotch strap buckle is just so badly thought out.
The active doesnt have a crotch strap.
Think my actives being retired to work duties ( work offshore)
Need to get a newun !
Rab! And as waterproof as you need. If its lashing down you need full waterproof anyway. Winter climbed in mine, now clean bike in it after ride, it's tatty and bruised but still one of my favourite bits of kit!
Montane Prism x8 out of 12 outdoor instructors at my place, and 2x of us have Patagonia equivalent....
down doesn't 'breathe' as well as synthetics, apparently
I don't agree with that - I used to play tennis in winter with my Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket on with no problems.
Saw a comment on a forum about primaloft longevity which I thought was funny - the guy said it was a primaloft jacket, but now it was just prima.
I don't agree with that - I used to play tennis in winter with my Mountain Equipment Lightline down jacket on with no problems.
I believe it's actually down+hardshell systems don't breathe as well as say......a pile smock