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11 votes
Accepted

Why are zip-in (fleece + hardshell) jackets so rare?

I used to work at Eastern Mountain Sports (a New-England, USA, based chain of outdoor goods). Granted, I haven't worked there in over 15 years, but I know what you are talking about. It was very ...
Van's user avatar
  • 991
9 votes
Accepted

Using a Snow jacket for non snow conditions?

I'd like to challenge a premise of your question: I noticed that snow jackets tend to be cheaper than soft shell jackets and that they are waterproof and wind resistant, so I was wondering what ...
imsodin's user avatar
  • 21.8k
8 votes

What type of jacket can I wear to prevent my back from getting sweaty while also wearing a backpack?

A schoeller softshell would be best for breathability and wicking moisture. It doesn't seem to matter how much I sweat in my schoeller gear, it drys incredibly fast, but what you gain in breathability ...
ShemSeger's user avatar
  • 53.7k
8 votes

Using a Snow jacket for non snow conditions?

It would probably work and some of it will just depend on your preferences. Possible issues may include, Too much insulation causing you to overheat and sweat and become uncomfortable, doubly so if ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
7 votes

What jacket should I choose for winter trekking?

Down has worked well for me. My experience includes fall hiking at medium altitudes (10,000 to 12,000 feet), hence snow on the ground and snow falling. I've always had a down jacket with a water ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 24.3k
7 votes
Accepted

Use normal urban jacket for skiing/snowboard

As for most outdoor activities, you can certainly get by with non-specialized clothing for skiing and snowboarding. As @imsodin points out in the comments, a ski resort is (compared to a lot of ...
Pont's user avatar
  • 3,762
7 votes

What type of jacket can I wear to prevent my back from getting sweaty while also wearing a backpack?

There are jackets out there similar to what you're asking for---you do need to poke around for them a bit. Most jackets made for hiking and climbing tend to be cut from one material in order to have a ...
erfink's user avatar
  • 4,242
6 votes

Using a Snow jacket for non snow conditions?

Snow jackets come in a lot of different variations. Insulation - from shell to full down insulation Water Resistance - From light to full Breath-ability - From light to full Note that ...
Jon P's user avatar
  • 210
6 votes

What type of jacket can I wear to prevent my back from getting sweaty while also wearing a backpack?

Yes there is. First, without going into specific products I can say that I've ditched the idea of shell jackets. And by shell-jackets I'm talking about jackets made out of materials like Gore-Tex. No ...
Jani Hyytiäinen's user avatar
6 votes
Accepted

When should I carry both a wind jacket and hard shell?

When wind is guaranteed but rain is unlikely you might decide the extra weight is worth it. But good layering with a hard shell that is breathable and has underarm zips can be quite comfortable while ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 27k
4 votes

Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing

Before getting into the main body of my answer, it should be noted that according to the company's guidelines a water-repellent product (DWR) should be reapplied "about every 5th washing cycle." ...
Ken Graham's user avatar
  • 9,609
4 votes

Outer Layer Recommendation Question

What you certainly need: Water proof - well that's a must as your top outer layer. Make sure to not simply get something water resistant (like some soft shells), but pick a jacket that offers some ...
fgysin's user avatar
  • 13.4k
4 votes
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How can you judge the warmth of a synthetic/down insulated jacket?

Let's start with some general technical info, and then we'll get to the specific questions. One way to judge the warmth of a down/synthetic "down" jacket is the type and amount (by weight) ...
noah's user avatar
  • 4,073
3 votes
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Is it possible to partially change color of down jacket?

It looks like the answer is no, The biggest problem you face in dyeing a coat is that it probably has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This is a coating that is applied to the outside of the ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
3 votes

What jacket should I choose for winter trekking?

My experience is in the UK. Your problem isn't the -5, it's the 0. Once the temperature freezes and stays there, all the humidity drops out of the air. Above or close to zero, you've got general ...
Graham's user avatar
  • 2,249
3 votes

Down is escaping my jacket, especially over a wool sweater

Down will inevitably pierce through thin fabrics (an thicker ones too, just less frequently). It's in the nature of quills to do so and even if very fine, there are quills nonetheless. The lighter the ...
Gabriel's user avatar
  • 5,065
3 votes

How to repair a jacket whose pocket zip has detached from shell?

Sew it back on and tape the seam. Stitching GoreTEX is the same as stitching any other material, the difference is you want to use Tenara thread, and you waterproof the seams on the inside of the ...
ShemSeger's user avatar
  • 53.7k
3 votes

How to repair a jacket whose pocket zip has detached from shell?

I have found that many drycleaning/laundry agencies (where you drop off your clothes and pick them up later, not laundromats) will do small repairs/alterations.
Sherwood Botsford's user avatar
2 votes

Primaloft vs Advanced Skin Warm

Well, both are synthetic fibre fill. They are likely to be very similar, but there isn't a lot of technical info on composition and performances for those materials. Even on the manufacturer's website,...
Gabriel's user avatar
  • 5,065
2 votes
Accepted

Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing

I recommend you try Gear Aid MiraZyme. It is formulated specifically to remove odors and it is safe for your waterproofing. It does not require you to wash your garmet harshly; instead you dip your ...
Mr.Wizard's user avatar
  • 9,526
2 votes

I didn't apply enough DWR treatment to my jacket, can I just add more?

I believe that I would try one or two inconspicuous spots where it appears to be wetting the exterior. Those spots may be resistant to your treatment for some reason. Try a spray waterproofing locally ...
David Reichard's user avatar
2 votes

Synthetic insulated belay jacket vs thicker mid layers or down

If I stop to take a break in cold dry windy weather, I am perfectly happy tossing a big puffy belay jacket on top of my shell if I can get out of the wind. If I cannot get out of the wind, I will ...
StrongBad's user avatar
  • 10.7k
2 votes
Accepted

Outer Layer Recommendation Question

Definitely make certain it’s lightweight and waterproof. Protecting your down jacket from wet weather is essential. Wet down will not keep you warm. Armpit vents make it breathable and are helpful ...
M.Mat's user avatar
  • 365
2 votes

Which Ultralight & Compact Jackets are suitable for Winters (minus 10-15 deg. Celsius)?

Wind blocking is important in cold weather. A very small breeze on skin whisks away your warm air. On the flip side, keeping a thin layer of air stationary next to you works very well. I have an old ...
Sherwood Botsford's user avatar
2 votes

Which Ultralight & Compact Jackets are suitable for Winters (minus 10-15 deg. Celsius)?

Question was edited to add the criteria of maximum 2 layers of something light. This invalidates the initial answers, but I am leaving this because I still think it is the proper solution to outdoor ...
Loduwijk's user avatar
  • 3,574
1 vote

Which Ultralight & Compact Jackets are suitable for Winters (minus 10-15 deg. Celsius)?

The question as you asked it is unanswerable - you supplied cold and (potentially) humid - no mention of wind or duration for outside; 10 min is very different to 1 hour, which is very very different ...
bob1's user avatar
  • 11.3k
1 vote

Synthetic insulated belay jacket vs thicker mid layers or down

In winter I will often wear a Paramo waterproof jacket (I live in the UK). If it is near to freezing or colder, then I also wear a light fleece top or jacket underneath. When stopped for any reason, I ...
Paul Lydon's user avatar
  • 6,005
1 vote

Using a Snow jacket for non snow conditions?

I have been using a ski jacket for mild winter weather use this last winter. Our temperatures are not much lower than yours. I was comfy when not very active, during cycling (in which most of the ...
Willeke's user avatar
  • 4,740
1 vote

Why are zip-in (fleece + hardshell) jackets so rare?

They are a hassle to use. On every trip I've been on, I've adjusted layers a dozen times a day. The last thing I want to do is to take apart my liner from my shell. It's much better to have ...
Sherwood Botsford's user avatar

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