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I'm looking for a mid-layer to wear somewhere windy and possibly wet but not incredibly cold - I think (Patagonia). So far the thing that seems to meet my needs is the Arcteryx Atom AR hoody, as it's windproof, synthetic, has a hood. As usual with Arcteryx, all that comes with a price. I also looked at a synthetic Rab hoody but it does seem to have a lot of stitching to let the wind and cold in. Any other good ideas? (or comments on my wishlist?)
Atom AR is quite warm, I had one as a backup / belay jacket. Sold it in the end. I also sold my Atom LT as I didn't like the power stretch panels on the side, let too much wind in.
I tend to use a windproof shell over thinner layers.
Alpkit have some better value layers, I use my Heiko a lot when walking. Not as nicely made as Arcteryx, but very little else is.
My layer scheme of choice is.
Thin thermal
Option 1: ME windproof shell (mild)
Option 2: Rab Vapourise top (cool)
Option 3: Vapourise + Alpkit Heiko (cooler)
If wet I add: Rab Kinetic Plus jacket / GTX shell
Option 3: All the above + Arcteryx Nuclei AR over the top (very cold)
Obviously all the above is still worn with shorts as trousers are a sign of weakness..
Have a look at Fjern stuff on Sportpursuit. They have a couple of things that might fit the bill.
hi, it's minus 18c here in Östersund today, and most people are wearing wooly jumpers under their coats.
When i go XC skiing after work I may wear a hoody, as it should have warmed up a little by then so should be fine. But yes a 200 quid mid layer plus 300 quid outer jacket may do the same job 🙂
Aah - yes - Alpkit - good call! Heiko hasn't a hood but Katabatic looks like a possibliity...
hi, it’s minus 18c here in Östersund today, and most people are wearing wooly jumpers under their coats.
When i go XC skiing after work ...
Yeah but you won't be standing around in the rain 🙁 Not jealous, oh no ..... 🙁
Patagonia
Not jealous, oh no ….. 🙁
right back at ya!
nah i just reckon that decathlon, alpkit etc are so so good for 99% of the situations we find ourselves in. But yes Patagonia may be different!
patagonia nano-air? bought my wife one for xmas and its really quite nice. if it wasnt a womens cut, i'd probably 'borrow' it....
Polartec Alpha is superb stuff for low bulk insulation. For example this top from Mountain Equipment is excellent
https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/2232/category/65/
Powerstretch stuff is also great for warmth - Rab do some nice tops made of it.
Personally I prefer my insulating and windproof layers to be separate garments - much more versatile that way.
Aah – yes – Alpkit – good call! Heiko hasn’t a hood but Katabatic looks like a possibliity…
I like their Apogee, but already have Arcteryx's Nuclei, so too much duplication. Not tried on the Katabatic, but I don't like too many hoods, so that would be a negative for me..
Edit: all on sale right now, so good time to buy...
Personally I prefer my insulating and windproof layers to be separate garments – much more versatile that way.
Yup. Me too. I'd have a synth gillet in there for sure.
I've got a Arc' Atom AR gillet, which is great as a core warming/ warmth boosting layer. it's a little windstoppery too, so scores over normal fleece.
"system" when ski touring is a baselayer, pertex windshirt (Rab Vapour-rise without the tricot lining - Pertex Equilibrium I think?), Atom gillet, hardshell (or softshell if it's not going to be awful - most of the time!), down jacket.
Up - windshirt, poss gillet. Down jacket goes on for stops if it's cold/windy enough.
Down - windshirt, poss gillet if it's cold, shell.
Does me for pretty much everything, warm valley to cold windy tops and back. Windshirt and shell together are warmer than you'd think, with an extra layer of air sandwiched. If you're stationary in the rain, you can stick the shell over the down
Seems like a lot, but none of it's bulky. Something might get left behind if it's warm. windshirt, gillet and shell might be plenty for stops up high if it's warm.
And obviously, all can be had anywhere between 2nd hand decathlon prices up to RRP Arc'Norrogonia money, with Sportpursuit and some patience being a nice middle ground for me.
Decathlon Simond range - bought a insulated jacket there and it has survived better than a arcteryx - warmer more robust.
Rab and Montane also brilliant stuff.
We have had alpkit for a good few tears, daughters swear by the synthetic options, durable and washed well.
I tend to like fleece still especially under a good windproof, warm and breathable. Get a good base layer and gilet and it is a old fashion good mix
As above no need to shell out for the mega bucks names when most stuff will work and survive.
Sports pursuit is a option as can be Tk mass but it is not and miss.
Oh get a buff .... Make a huge difference to warmth
aye, as per Howsyerdad above, when I was in Patagonia the other year (in March) I wore a lambswool jumper under a waterproof jacket. And a scarf and gloves 🙂
Jottnar do this:
https://www.jottnar.com/collections/mens-outdoor-clothing/products/elvar-mens-synthetic-insulated-jacket
@CZ - nice, but .... ££££ !!!