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CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1006
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 02:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey all I am looking for a heavy Fleece jacket that I can put in my Marmot Shell. I have heard the new Marmot jackets you are able to put in other brand's fleece. So I am not sure what to get. I heard mountain hardwear had good fleece, and i don't want patagonia since i have about all of theirs.

Thanks for your help.

Chris
 

Luke Tolson (Luke4696)
Member
Username: Luke4696

Post Number: 236
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 02:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hey Chris,
Have you checked out REI? They are supposed to be the largest outdoor retailer on the net, wouldn't be a bad place to start.
Luke
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1007
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 02:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

yes i know of pretty much all of those site. But they have just price alone. I want some suggestions that people have on different brands.
 

Luke Tolson (Luke4696)
Member
Username: Luke4696

Post Number: 237
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 02:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

ah, sorry that is what I can't offer. Maybe they have a tech/help line, can't hurt to try.
-Luke
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1008
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 03:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Luke I do buy a lot from them, hell I use the REI Visa card all the time. People always ask me what REI is. I don't think they have a line like that however but i will look at it.
 

Luke Tolson (Luke4696)
Member
Username: Luke4696

Post Number: 238
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 03:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just a thought, was reading an article in some business publication about how they are the number one online retailer, though for customer support you can't beat a local shop. That place is pretty sweet. Ever try "Bass Pro Shops"?
-Luke
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1010
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 03:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

They are good, but when I do call patagonia they are always more friendlier. When my dad calls to order anything or what not he is on the phone for a half an hour just talking to them. But REI still does a stand up job.
 

Christopher Boese (Christopher)
Member
Username: Christopher

Post Number: 191
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 04:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Also try sierratradingpost.com and campmor.com. No tech advice there, but prices are often amazing, and what they sell is all good brands. As to brands, I like Helly-Hansen, Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot. You shouldn't have to pay much for fleece - I've never paid more than $50 for a good jacket.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1011
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 04:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

chris i know all those places i have bought stuff from them and many others. The amount I think I would be spending is around $200 or something around that.
 

Andy Thoma (Andythoma)
Senior Member
Username: Andythoma

Post Number: 458
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 06:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

The Marmot jacket works by having an extra zipper on the inside. Basically it is opposite of the fleece then it zips in the jacket, you then use your original shell to zip up. I would recogmend getting a wind stopper fleece jacket. I do lots of winter hiking and backpacking and a good layer system of a windstopper fleece with a water replency finish and a waterproof seam sealed shell is a great combination. My susgestion is go with a marmot wind stopper fleece jacket. It will zip right in and should have snaps on the slieves. The snaps keep the slieves in so when you get out of the jacket they stay in the jacket making it easier to get in and out. I personally use for climbing and mountaineering a North Face fountainhead XCR goretex parka, for it's light packable weight and stuff-ablity plus it full lenght parka coverage. I combine it with either a north face Pamir gore windstopper fleece jacket or a Nuptse down. Matching brand names means my pit vents and pockets are easily compatible. http://www.thenorthface.com/index_flash.html
For Hardcore cold I use a Mountain Hardware Sub Zero Parka, Waterproof down, mmmm warm ... http://www.mountainhardware.com/www/action/catalog/DisplayStyle?id=543

For skiing I use a Old North Face Mountain Guide Jacket and use a 200 wt fleece Marmot jacket if it is cold. For backcountry ski touring I use the Marmot 200 wt or the NorthFace Pamir. Basically skiing gets you hot, so having a jacket system will end up being to much, staying dry will keep you warm, sweating will kill you. Having more jackets that are compatible with one another will give you lots of options for dry bluebird days or blowing sleet and freezing rain. Which brand? Well I worked at rei and the North Face Guy gave me the best deals, so now I'm a North Face fan :-) Actually if I did it again I'd probably go with Marmot for there strong designs and their fabrics, plus you can get it anywhere and get it replaced in a hurry if need be, or I really like Arteryx stuff for there innovative designs and climber/expedition quality and durablity. (http://www.arcteryx.com/index_lo.html)
I do like NorthFace stuff too and have been quite happy with it, just when I got my stuff Arteryx and Marmot was having problems meeting supply demands, so availiblity helped me make my choice. Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Arteryx
are all good, try them on and walk around the store with them, pretend to ski/board/climb/have sex in, what ever you plan on doing with your gear, then deside what fits best together with you and your needs.
 

Christopher Boese (Christopher)
Member
Username: Christopher

Post Number: 192
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 06:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well, if you want a zip-in fleece layer, then your options are limited and your price will be higher. Like Andy, I just mix and match with whatever fleece vest or jacket and whatever shell seems right for the conditions. So I have some of each, but none extremely sophisticated. I agree that Windstopper fleece is perfect for all but the warmest conditions.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1012
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 07:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks guys, and Andy I will try that whole having sex, but they might frown upon that in the store. :-) I will also wear this as stand alone, but i just want a wicked warm fleece. Like I had said I can't get my patagonia to fit in. The only thing is that I really don't know where I can go to try them on. I am in cincinnati for school and I dont' know any stores that have these products. But I will try to find some.
 

Alan Yim (Alan)
Senior Member
Username: Alan

Post Number: 791
Registered: 09-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 09:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I second Andy's plug on Arc'teryx. I have a pair of their ice climbing pants that I use for skiing and winter mountaineering stuff and they're awesome! They're a bit pricier, North Face prices or higher but in my opinion, worth every penny. I tried a variety of different companies (Columbia, North Face, Sierra Designs) for pants and Arc'teryx fit like a glove. I know you're asking about fleece jackets but I'm just giving a plug on Arc'teryx's general quality. I also have one of their climbing harnesses and love that too.

I also agree with Andy's "layering" thing. Get a good shell (I use a Sierra Designs ice climbing shell) and then layer a fleece jacket and fleece vest and a good undershirt (ie. mock neck/turtle neck polyster blend) and you'll be set. Definitely stay away from anything cotton and you'll be fine. But I say keep each garment relatively thin and layer them in. You'll be way warmer with all the air pockets you create between each layer than one "do-it-all" jacket where the one air pocket will lose a lot of the heat as soon as you open a crack in it. Plus if you get warm, you can strip one layer off like a fleece vest and stuff it away. You can make those things fit in really small spaces. For fleece and all other layers I generally go with Mountain Equipment Co-op wear (http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp) as I've noticed they have pretty good quality and they're quite affordable but not sure if this is available to the US or not.
 

jay caragay (Jcaragay)
Member
Username: Jcaragay

Post Number: 152
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 10:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

CALM-
Have you taken a look at the Mountain Hard Wear Windstopper Gore Tech Jackets? They kick ass! I've been using mine since about 1997 on the trails, hiking, camping, off-roading and standing around all day on movie sets in the cold. They're relatively thin and they repel water - a plus.

If you layer correctly, these jackets are the perfect middle layer under your shell. And the all black tech jacket is very stylish with a tux shirt and tie. I like the Patagonia Capilene as an underlayer, a shirt, the tech jacket and then shell. Keeps me warm under most situations.

The tech jackets are great and while they are a bit pricey at $200, I've had mine for years and have never regretted the cost.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1013
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 08, 2003 - 11:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Jay I have the Mountian hardwear alchemy jacket. It is a ski jacket and is warm. I want this to be able to zip into my shell mostly for when i walk to class. And it is just more convient to have it already zipped in there. The $200 price is not too bad. But I do layer all the time mostly when i am outside for long periods of time.
 

michael burt (Mikeyb)
Senior Member
Username: Mikeyb

Post Number: 562
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 12:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

i would be carefull assuming that you can zip in *any* other brand of fleece into the jacket...not all zippers are built alike and i would be impressed if someone built a zipper that will work with any and all nonmatched zippers.

for what it is worth...

besides that, i like jagged edge, moonstone, mountain hardware, north face (especially for the fit), and arcteryx...the last is great, but be prepared to pay for their greatness...sierra designs seems to fit a little small for the listed size. wind stopper is a great product, but if you use it as a zip in for your jacket, it can get a little warm. i have several wind stopper pieces, but i tend to wear them as stand alones

good luck...
 

jay caragay (Jcaragay)
Member
Username: Jcaragay

Post Number: 154
Registered: 02-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 07:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

CALM-
I'm not too familiar with all the current specs of MHW gear. Have you tried contacting MHW to see what pieces they have to achieve your desires? I've dealt with their customer service a couple of times and they've always been fast to respond and quite helpful
 

Andy Thoma (Andythoma)
Senior Member
Username: Andythoma

Post Number: 459
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 10:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

For walking to class, cleaning snow off the disco,etc., nothing is better than a down insultated parka. Length keeps you warm, shell keeps you dry, check out the Odin parka from Marmot.
http://www.marmot.com

I use a mountain hardware version of that jacket just for those cold days walking outside, shoveling the walk, ice climbing belay. Layers are great till you need to go inside and then stay for a while, then you sweat your ass off. I don't think Mountain Hardware makes my parka anymore, but if they do check them out, mine is first rate quality.
 

Andy Thoma (Andythoma)
Senior Member
Username: Andythoma

Post Number: 460
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 10:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

By the way Mountain Coop is REI, but in Canada. They do make good stuff, and I own a few REI pieces, but its like buying AB sliders, they work and look good, but EE's, RTE's or RedRockRovers are still nicer.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1014
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 10:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Andy I have a parka like jacket a Patagonia Das Parka and I really don't like them that much. They are just too bulky for me and i get way too warm in them. I wish I had a disco to take the snow off :-(. I don't really buy REI jackets, but I buy other products from them, but not the REI brand a lot.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1016
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 01:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

This is the Mountain Hardwear Jacket I have that is awesome: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2861109060&category=15677
 

Greg Hirst (Gregh)
Senior Member
Username: Gregh

Post Number: 333
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 01:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have that same MHW Alchemy jacket. Here in California I don't think I'll get much use of it but I really like it.
 

SSV (Susannah)
Senior Member
Username: Susannah

Post Number: 534
Registered: 06-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 06:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Mountain Hardwear Gore Tech Windstopper all the way!! When I worked at an Outdoor Outfitters, I bought mine and loved it so much...my (now husband) boyfriend wanted one too! They are fantastic. Warm but without bulk. I also have a MTN HW gore tex shell and they are perfect together.

Warning though, zippers are probably NOT compatible between brands. However, I layer without zipping them together, so you could always do that. I could tell you quite a bit about the different brands but that might take all day.....:-)
 

Brian Dickens (Bri)
Senior Member
Username: Bri

Post Number: 739
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 06:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Northface and Mountain Hardware are my choices for high quality (lifetime) stuff. Pricey though. See if you can find a Northface outlet, they are around here is CO and in CA. Tough to find deals on Mountain Hardware. I do not like there jackets, but it is a personal thing.

Becareful not to by something too light or too little. You might think you need heavy weight fleece and expedition gear, but I have wron this at about 20 below and stayed very warm without moving (except hands, feet and any exposed skin).

Northface has a variety of weights in the shell and a variety of fleece weights. I have an expedition weight 3 ply goretex shell, a 2 ply mountain light shell and one heavy weight NF fleece. However other brands also zip into mine.

If you need something less expensive, will not use it that much and/or are price sensitive try columbia.
 

Brian Dickens (Bri)
Senior Member
Username: Bri

Post Number: 740
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 07:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Oh yeah I agree. Windstopper rocks. I have gloves, hat and light jacket. Don't have to buy MHW necessrily, just the material kicks.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1017
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 07:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

So I am thinking that most believe to go with Mountain Hardwear or Arc'teryx. I will try to find a place that sells these near me. Just wish I could find a close store. Anyone in the Cincinnati area know of any stores that sell these brands? I don't really want to get a north face one. I have the Denali vest, and I really don't like it (but it was free so i won't complain). And price really is not a factor at all, well just not something over 300, but i don't know any that expensive.

And about the ability to zip in, I have heard from a few people that you can do this. But they may be wrong.

And I would have to get the windblocker/stopper. Some of my Patagonia stuff has that, and it is great.

Thanks for your input, keep it coming.
 

Jacquelyne Davis (Jmdavis)
New Member
Username: Jmdavis

Post Number: 35
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 11:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

If you intend to use the fleece/ gore jacket combination during very active pursuits, then STAY AWAY from windstopper. I say this because windstopper is a laminate, or a simple version of PTFE (polytetrafloroethylene). This, combined with a jacket that also uses PTFE/Goretex, will not breathe the way they were designed to. Essentially, any micro-porous material has its limitations as to how fast it can expell any excess moisture (perspiration). If you are say, ice fishing (?) or hunting, or doing something that does not require alot of movement, then wearing two layers of the PTFE membrane will be fine, Windstopper products included. However, as soon as you start to get active is where the problem lies. (I've seen this happen way too often in the high country while skinning, skiing, backpacking, hiking, etc., people complaining that they were wet on the inside, thus cold, because they were wearing a laminated fleece product under a laminated jacket). When you layer properly, you are basically creating a tiny microclimate in between your base layers and your outer shell. The heat inside this microclimate causes the pores in the PTFE to open, allowing your perspiration to escape. This does not happen effeciently once you add another layer of gore/PTFE underneath the already existing one, therefore resulting in a build up of moisture that can't escape fast enough. Which also explains why many people who hike while wearing Gore, upon stopping, get clammy or cold. Once you stop moving, those tiny little pores start to close, slowing the whole process. Goretex really works fine while one keeps a steady movement, but even then, it still can have its limitations. If you perspire alot, then you will notice PTFE can only expell moisture so fast; you still may get clammy.

Now, as far as the Windstopper products themselves, I think they are great-to an extent. They are perfect for those windy days, but that is really what they were made for- to block the wind. That does not necessarily make them warm. Take into consideration your metabolism. Are you generally a warm person, or are you always cold? What works for one person may not work for the other. Warmth is so relative.

The Alchemy Jacket from MHI is a fine jacket, and durable due to the trango laminate. Very abrasion resistant. (It's what some people would call a "softshell", however in my book a softshell does not have a laminate- softshells are meant to be worn when conditions are ideally dry...an entirely different thread, and possibly a different forum). Anyhow, the Alchemy was designed to be worn on it's own, not to be layered with another shell, which would be overkill.

It sounds like what you need is a Malden product called Windpro. Windpro is a tightly woven fleece that blocks about 80% of the wind, yet still breathes because it is not laminated. It is far superior to the original 200 weight or 300 weight fleece in terms of layering because it offers great warmth while keeping the bulk factor down to a minimum. However, I still feel 200 wt and 300 wt fleece have their place in the world of layering, it's just that the wind blows right through them when worn alone. I do believe Marmot and MHI both have their Windpro versions (Mountain Hardwear's version is called the Ozone Jacket), but as far as the zip-in feature, you may have a hard time with that. I would advise to bring your shell with you wherever you shop so that you can make sure the zippers match up. More than likely, the zipper on your jacket is a YKK #2, a common zipper size that was used for many zip-in jackets. Just be sure though. Marmot's line in particular is tricky. They have many jackets in their ski line that were designed with the zip-in feature. But they also sell many fleece jackets wherein the zipper is not compatible.

In my personal opinion, it is much easier to shed layers without having to undo the zippers and snaps that are in the cuffs, etc. especially when exposed to the elements. It's much more convenient to just take it off quickly, with no hassles. You'll find many of the higher end products from Marmot and MHI and NONE of the products from Arc'Teryx come with a zip in feature because it just adds too much weight to the end result. Companies like Columbia and Helly Hansen often have the zip-in feature, fleece jacket included, because it adds value to their products, and they are value-oriented companies. Downhill resort skiers or students walking to class aren't as concerned with weight savings, nor are they constantly shedding layers as those who pursue more stop and go activities. But again, that's just my personal opinion as far as the zip-in feature.

I prefer to use Marmot's DriClime Windshirt instead of fleece as a mid-layer. With nylon on the outside, it slides easily into my shell. It's thinner and longer cut, so that I can tuck it into my ski pants on the powder days. It's warm and it wicks wonderfully due to the driclime interior. And truly hold its own as a standalone piece when hiking, or just tooling around town. It packs really small, and I don't have to worry about it pilling, unlike fleece. And for $99, it's such a deal. EMS has their own version for even less...

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Jacquelyne





 

Andy Thoma (Andythoma)
Senior Member
Username: Andythoma

Post Number: 462
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2003 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I totally agree about zip in, liners. Unless the manufacturer specifically says this jacket will zip into this model fleece, take your jacket to the store and try it. A good point was made about windstopper fleece and combining it with an outershell. The windstopper won't breath as well as a regular fleece. If weight is a concern, (carry a 65 lbs winter pack and it will concern you) weight, packablity, ultility and durablity are your key deciding factors. For what you want to do with your jacket, get a 300 or 400wt (call expedition weight) fleece jacket and zip it in. Since your not shedding or adding layers in a hurry zipping and snaping in wouldn't be a problem. But Jacquelyne has a good point, if your in a hurry and time means exposure, stay away from fussy and slow products. Patagona makes nice stuff, but they use those small fine zippers, try zipping up with heavy shell gloves, liner gloves, and silk wt gloves on and you'll hate patagonia. Best thing is to think of a windstopper fleece as another shell. Use it if the outside is dry and layer under it. They are great for activity, I ski or snowshoe in mine all the time. But if you use them with an othershell, either get an expedition weight fleece for that use or vent the windstopper fleece under the goretex shell. Unfortuntly no one jacket/shell will do it all, diversify your gear and make sure all can combine with each other. Check fit to, if you gear up and can't move, or put your arms down, the gear isn't worth our money.
 

michael burt (Mikeyb)
Senior Member
Username: Mikeyb

Post Number: 563
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 03:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

damn, jacquelyne...you seem to know your gear! welcome aboard (a few posts late!)

mike
 

Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4)
Senior Member
Username: Rover4x4

Post Number: 479
Registered: 02-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 01:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I got the MHW winstopper its a pretty bitching coat at stopping the wind but isnt very warm. If I was going to use something with a gore tex outer shell I would buy something that had alotta loft or was fluffy since it will trap more air and more warmth however it has been my experience that coast like this do a shitty job at stopping wind... I havent ever gotten "sweaty" while wearing my windstopper or had moisture problems etc. Iam a big fan of Mountain Hardwear since they stand be hind thier products and thier warranty repair dept. is so courteous and helpful. FWIW

 

Jack Parker (Jack)
Member
Username: Jack

Post Number: 230
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 02:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

The real key to laying is what you wear next to your body. You can buy all the high-dollar "Xtreme":-) outerwear in the world, and it will not work at all if you're wearing any cotton, or moisture retaining fabric next to your skin.

Patagonia, North Face, REI, etc. all make various weights and blends of high-tech fabric base layers which would make a Columbia shell worn over an Old Navy fleece out-perform a MHW/TNF zip-in system worn with a cotton base layer.

 

John Roche (Jroc)
Member
Username: Jroc

Post Number: 194
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 05:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

How much does Marmot's Driclime windshirt rock??? My favorite garment I've ever bought! I've worn my windshirt with either a down vest or down jacket over it and been toasty, while others have had several layers on and been freezing. At MAR I wore it to sleep in, along with a fleece hat, in my Cat's Meow Mummy bag. Talk about toasty!

As far as Windstopper fleece, I'm not a fan. I use fleece as an insulating layer and it's been my experience that it just isn't as warm with windstopper as without. Learning how to layer is key and I agree, cotton sucks!
 

Jacquelyne Davis (Jmdavis)
New Member
Username: Jmdavis

Post Number: 37
Registered: 06-2003
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 10:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Yeah, wet cotton kills, unless you are a fireman. I also have plenty to say in regards to base layering, but the subject at hand was about mid-layers. However, Jack summed it up pretty well.

As a side note, Patagonia's baselayer (I call it stinkalene) works but I cannot bear with the smell even after a day on the trail...Marmot & MHI have an antibacterial agent woven into their undies that prevent the stink pretty well. In any case, I wear wool as a baselayer, preferably Icebreaker or Devold, sometimes Ibex. Smartwool is okay, but there is something to be said in regards to their lack of durability.

Cheers,
Jacquelyne
 

Phillip Perkinson (Rover4x4)
Senior Member
Username: Rover4x4

Post Number: 480
Registered: 02-2003
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

hmm... never had any funk problems with capaline, hell enough time in the woods and we all eventually smell. how long does the anti funk weave last in the Marmot and whatever MHI is? Cotton... it aint so bad.
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1021
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 11:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Jacquelyne now that you say that aboue the patagonia capaline, all my silkweights do smell real bad. Man patagonia should work on that...
 

eduardo (Jmonsrvr)
New Member
Username: Jmonsrvr

Post Number: 36
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 01:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

chris where do you live where are you using the fleece most of the time and what kind of activities will you be doing where you plan on wearing your fleece...these are the questions you should ask yourself. if your just like most folks who just by fleece for everyday warmth then you'll be stoked with pretty much anything...
 

Andy Thoma (Andythoma)
Senior Member
Username: Andythoma

Post Number: 466
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 01:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Just go "commando" and you don't have to worry about the smell of your underwear. :-) Actually for short day hikes cotton is fine, hell after a long hike I can't wait to get back into cotton and out of "stinkalene" (lol). But if your in any conditions where being wet, because your cotton won't dry from your body heat or ambient conditions, you could be headed for big trouble. In moab in summer, cotton isn't going to be a problem. But take it to The White Mountains in New Hampshire and it's going to be a potential big liabilty.
 

Brian Dickens (Bri)
Senior Member
Username: Bri

Post Number: 746
Registered: 08-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 06:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am exactly the opposite Jacquelyne. I would rather use a base layer that does its job and smell than have something that did not work well. Capilene is OK, but it is a bit abrasive. I like polypro better and it stenches less others. I cannot handle wool lext to my body and in my book it does not wick well.

These days I pretty much do not wear anything natural when doing anything active at all. 100% synthetic is the way to go. I also typically take a bit of soap. Those undies that smell, smell a lot less if you wash them and they dry quick too.
 

SSV (Susannah)
Senior Member
Username: Susannah

Post Number: 548
Registered: 06-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 09:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

From Fleece Jackets to stinky underwear...you gotta love D-web!

John R,
I'm amazed that you were so warm in that sleeping get-up. My husband wore fleece pants and two l/s shirts with a fleece liner inside his Cat's Meow! And he was completely tucked into the hood, etc. He said he got hot at first and then cold....probably from sweat, but he needed the layers.
 

Alan Yim (Alan)
Senior Member
Username: Alan

Post Number: 805
Registered: 09-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 09:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I usually sleep in just my boxers in my sleeping bag when I camp. If you wear too much clothing, your body stops shivering and that's when you start to feel cold. If you wear less, you'll find that you're actually quite warm. You're a bit cold when you first get in but the bag quickly warms up and it usually stays warm through the entire night. It's quite common to see people wear a lot of clothing to bed thinking it's going to keep them warm but in reality you will feel colder later in the night because your body stopped generating its own heat and if you sweat, it makes things worse.

Just a tip I picked up from backcountry camping with some guides.
 

Jack Parker (Jack)
Member
Username: Jack

Post Number: 231
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 09:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I like the Malden Mills Polartec base layers, the Powerdry and PowerStretch are excellent. They are comfortable, durable and do their job well. http://www.polartec.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php?id=209

Malden's web site does a nice job of explaining the benefits of a good layering system, and also the popular brands that use their fleece. And to get back to the original post, they explain the features/benefits of various fabrics, based upon the intended use (winter, sailing, running, etc.)
http://www.polartec.com/products/winter.php

It was 13 degrees when I went out at 8:00am just now, - I could use some fleece!
 

CALM (Gumarcel)
Senior Member
Username: Gumarcel

Post Number: 1022
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

eduardo-I live in Cincinnati, Oh while at school and Indidnapolis, IN when not at school. I really use if mostly to keep warm and such. I do go biking in the winter and similar things. I have learned a lot about layering and I do it often. Having to work outside last winter in the freezing cold at night valeting I learned how to layer well. :-) Well with that I wear a Patagonia L/S silkweight, move on to a Patagonia EW Fleece, or I might have another silkweight in there, then my jacket. It keeps me pretty warm.

Alan that is exactly what I do when i go camping, you may be warm in the begining then wake up soaked. Thats no fun.

I had been looking around and was suggested that I try to Mountain Hardwear Tech Trilogy Jacket. Anyone own that, have any thoughts?

Thanks everyone for your help, you guys are great, keep more ideas coming in.

Chris
 

Christopher Boese (Christopher)
Member
Username: Christopher

Post Number: 199
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 10:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

As Alan says, don't wear much in your sleeping bag. But put on a dry pair of socks! I've never been as cold as I was one night when I forgot to do this in 15-degree weather. I had all the right gear - Walrus mountaineering tent, -15 degree bag, antibacterial base layer, etc. And a pair of damp socks I'd forgotten to change after being out on snowshoes all day. I shivered all night.
 

Alan Yim (Alan)
Senior Member
Username: Alan

Post Number: 815
Registered: 09-2002
Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 10:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

LOL...ya for sure, don't wear damp socks. If you can, put on a pair of dry wool socks (that's if it's only going to be really cold that night) and you'll be toasty warm. You might look a little silly if you have to pee in the middle of the night and you're running around the woods in wooly socks and boxers...but that's better than wooly socks and leopard skin speedos. :-)

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