Walking Forum
Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 17:45:11, 25/08/17
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I am toying with the idea of buying a Alpkit Heiko jacket to be a mid-layer between my baselayer and my outer waterproof jacket. If you have one I'd be greatful for your views about it.
Alpkit are running an offer at the moment, 15% off of everything, from their shops and on line. Only applies to full price purchases. You just put in the code AUGUST17, I've tried it and it works!
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This might be worth a read if you haven't already seen it https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=8708 (https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=8708)
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Thanks for the info. I thought about it again and then decided to buy one, I ordered it this morning, plus 15% off. I considered a more expensive down jacket but then I thought, how warm do I want, or need to be? If this was the 60s and I was living in Kent again, then yes I would have bought a down version, or perhaps the best synthetic one that was available, but as we have had 20-30years here in the south of mild winters (except for one or two short really cold periods) I concluded a second choice jacket is all that I need. Could be wrong of course, this winter might become the coldest on record?
I've also reached that time in life where I have so much 'hiking' clothing it now offers me so much more mix and match possibilities.
The only garment which I want to replace, but not now is my Marmot Precip, which has a damaged hood, the waterproofing in this area no longer works and when it rains I get a wet back. After the experience of so many types of clothing I am now of a confident view that, except for my outer waterproof jacket, I will no longer buy anything with a hood! All I need is a good hat or two. I would also that say after extensive use I do not think Marmot can truthfully say the Precip 'breathes', if it does it must be just very minimal. From the day I bought it he one thing I have always disliked is how clammy it can get against bare skin.
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Bit late to the party but I have a Heiko and it's great for what it is. Love the fact it packs up small, incredibly lightweight and the lack of hood means you can wear it more easily under a waterproof. I think the outer fabric will last pretty well too. Packs a good bit of warmth too and the blue is a nice colour! Marmot Precip is I think 2.5l hence the clammy feel and lesser 'breathability' than a 3 layer jacket. If you can get a good deal then neoshell is without doubt (relatively) highly breathable. But due to the nature of the fabric it is inevitably heavier weight than the Precip. Hope the Heiko works well for you!
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I decided to buy it, it came within two days and I used it over the weekend. I agree Zero, with everything you wrote. I bought the black one and I like the way its cut, my wife said it seems to have a slimming effect on the torso. Not sure if I can take this seriously but a compliment is a compliment!
I have not bought it for pure warmth but to compliment my existing clothing for the autumn and winter, it will help me to come up with varied layering possibilities. Its also a jacket that I can wear down the pub I think, easy to wear, lightweight and not garish. Which is another reason why I did not go for the full warmth model, as I'm only 5' 6", when I try on the bulkier down jackets I tend to look like the Michelin man.