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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: benzebu on 10:49:48, 18/03/21

Title: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: benzebu on 10:49:48, 18/03/21
Hello,
My parka has finally died and I am after something to replace it. I would like to get something warm as I walk my dogs and often that means long breaks standing in the same place with freezing conditions. I also need something to keep me dry, living in Scotland, rain is very familiar. However it does not need to be 12h waterproof resistant. Also, I do not mind if it is heavy as far as it is warm (enough for the temp range -5 - 0 degrees).
I am ruling out down for several reasons and I was wondering if someone could help me with the required synthetic filling. Is 60g/m2 enough or no less than 120g/m2?

Some options that I am considering:

* Fjallraven Skogso Padded Jacket
* Montbell Thermawrap Guide
* The North Face Mens Chakal Jacket
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:44:57, 18/03/21
Can I suggest that you have a look at www.outdoorgearlab.com, they have done testing on the sort of jacket you seem to be after. Their criteria of what to look for when choosing can be useful sometimes.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: benzebu on 13:57:57, 18/03/21
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll take a look.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: Mel on 17:30:47, 18/03/21
I have a Rohan Hilltop jacket which does everything you're looking for.  No idea about spec but it's insulated (synthetic), waterproof, windproof, lots of pockets and longer length to keep more of you warm when standing around.  In the depths of winter it's my "winter duvet" jacket when I'm stood watching the birds on the wetlands near me.  It's not the lightest of jackets but you said that's not an issue for you.







Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: weston.front on 17:37:04, 18/03/21
If you want a warm waterproof you might want to consider something from Paramo.  Their waterproofs are too warm for most people who are really active, but for standing around could be ideal.  I know I use one for a very short cycle / walk commute and find it ideal.  On its own it would not give you the zero to minus five comfort you are looking for but your could apply inner layers to suit the temperature.


I'll leave it to someone more expert to guide you on the level of insulation in g / m2 which is appropriate vs. the external temperature and level of activity.


Whilst warm, Paramo waterproofs transport sweat away from the wearer extremely well and are soft and warm to the skin so are always very comfortable.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: Eyelet on 22:16:32, 19/03/21
The question you are asking is not quite as straightforward to answer as you might think. 

Since we don’t know how much you feel the cold, nor how quickly you warm up when walking, nor what you plan to wear underneath, it is hard to be specific about g/m2 for insulation for example.  Wind chill is another factor: -5 can feel like -15 in a strong wind and we don’t know whether you go out in such conditions.

A single waterproof and very warm jacket is not very flexible relative to the prevailing conditions - we used to call them “cooking jackets” as you got very hot very quickly if you were active, with very limited options for venting to dump heat!
 
Layering may be a better option since you can add or remove thinner layers. A fleece jacket with a gilet or other insulated mid-layer on top, under a waterproof jacket gives you several options depending on how warm you need to be on a given day and more usability when out in the spring and autumn. Wearing several thinner layers is my preferred approach.

I would suggest that 60g/m2 synthetic insulation will not be warm enough for standing around and you should go with at least 100 g/m2 in the body of a jacket. IMHO Paramo waterproofs will not be warm enough without an insulated midlayer underneath.

The Skogsö is very different to the other jackets as it is not waterproof unless you regularly wax the jacket fabric. The Thermawrap Guide uses an ultralight shell which may mean you have to take more care with it. The TNF Chakal Jacket is really a skiing jacket but may not be best designed to cope with Scottish downpours? Both these last two have 120g/m2 and should be warm enough for standing around depending on what you are wearing underneath.
 
The Berghaus Stormcloud Insulated Waterproof Jacket may also be worth a look and has some positive reviews.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:46:55, 19/03/21
+1 for Eyelet's comments on layering.


Much better in my opinion to tackle warmth (insulation) and waterproofing separately, a fleece or padded jacket for warmth, and a light but waterproof outer layer, which can also be used in warmer weather.


If you are determined to go for an insulated and waterproof jacket, why not take a look at sailing jackets? Something like this, perhaps?
https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2021-gill-mens-navigator-sailing-jacket-in86j-blue-p-34872.html (https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/2021-gill-mens-navigator-sailing-jacket-in86j-blue-p-34872.html)
I owned something similar when I lived in Orkney, great for short walks in winter, but too hot most of the time, to be honest.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:28:16, 20/03/21
I like to be warm and I try to be minimal as well. My go-to garments are my cheap synthetic Alpkit 'warm' jacket with my windproof over the top. When it's really cold I just add another layer. It's not my jacket that makes the difference, it's the windproof!

I have two windproofs, a Rab Vital for when I'm hiking (a bit more space if I need to layer a bit more) and a cheap £15 one from Decathlon, closer fitting (I wear two layers underneath, my Brynge string vest, and my thin merino) and I use this one when at home. Both work equally as well.

Maybe its because I live in the South but it's never cold enough here to warrant the outlay on a dedicated winter jacket.
Title: Re: Warm and dry winter jacket
Post by: Casual Ambler on 12:31:34, 20/03/21
Look for the craghoppers pember insulated jacket review on outdoorsmagic

This should sort you out.   O0


A quick Google finds it at £100-120