Winter Jacket

[mtnhiker]

I want to buy a jacket for winter hiking. I’m looking for something that will keep me nice and warm when it gets really cold and windy. I have a light liner and waterproof shell that has worked for me up to this point, but I am thinking of those really windy and cold days to come.

I’ve found these 2 jackets that I am considering. I like that they are reasonably priced, they are rated to keep you in warm in cold temps (-20 to -40). One is down and one is not. One is completely waterproof and one is not. I do have an unlined waterproof shell, so I could always wear that over the jacket to have the waterproof option. Both have hoods which is a must have.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=1&catalogId=1&categoryId=42450&productId=714754&catalog_id=TA&sc1=shopping_cart

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0...2983560181010#

For all you hikers that are much more experienced than me, what are the pros and cons of each option? Thanks in advance for your help.

[michaelb]

Honestly, I am not sure either work or are appropriate for winter hiking. Are you camping and going overnight? Most people get pretty hot hiking, even if the winter, even if the freezing cold. This is true even for women, although women may dress more warmly then men in the winter. So an uninsulated shell is good, with appropriate layers underneath. Fleece or wool for insulation when hiking over long underwear is good. A "puff jacket" or parka like the bean down coat is essential for winter camping and many of us carry something like that for emergency use (I have an old LLBean down coat sort of similar to the one you listed).

Synthetics or down is a tough call, with benefits of both. I have been wanting to get the patagonia micropuff jacket for several years, or something like it, to have something much lighter and synthetic instead of the heavy down coat.

[Judgeh]

My winter experience tells me an insulated jacket (ie:down) works wonderfully when I'm not working up a sweat such as when I'm lounging around a campfire and Wildernessphoto is busting a gut splitting wood or when I'm lounging around at home and my wife is busting a gut splitting wood.

For those times I have a Western Mountaineering Meltdown, a wonderful piece of lightweight construction that puts me next to heaven.

For hiking times, good old fashioned layering: fleece under an uninsulated weatherproof, hooded jacket is preferred. Except on the very coldest, snowiest and windiest of hikes I always end up removing stuff. That's what layering allows you to do.

[JJW]

mtnhiker,
H'mmmm out of those two choices.

You said you already have an unlined waterproof shell.

If the Landsend would fit under your shell that might work?

I think I would look at other layering set-ups.

Good Luck,
John

[oldsmores]

I have a non-waterproofed EMS down sweater that I carry in the daypack and put on under my shell for rest breaks, summit time, and back at the campsite. I never wear it while hiking - too warm.
So, I'd vote for the non-waterproofed jacket + shell combo.

[Hobbitling]

i have a parka with a removable fleece liner that can be zipped out and worn separately. i treat it as two layers. the fleece liner makes a good middle layer, and the outer shell is relatively weather proof. good layering solution.

[lumberzac]

To wear when you are actually hiking, I think both of those jackets will be way too warm. When I winter hike I generally wear a fleece half-zip pullover over a merino wool and synthetic blended mid-weight long underwear top over a long sleeve CoolMax shirt. Most of the time I end up taking the fleece off after an hour or so, unless it’s real cold (-10F - -20F or less). I also carry a windproof waterproof shell to put on when it’s windy, but it almost never gets worn. The shell is mainly just for the wind, while the other layers are for warmth.
For extended breaks or for sitting around camp, I have a Premaloft jacket that will fit over or under my waterproof shell.
Remember if you’re warm at the trailhead, you have too many layers on. Also while hiking, if you feel warm enough that you begin to sweat, it’s time to remove a layer.

[coolrobc]

I have to agree with most of the other posts. Go for layers if you're hiking.

Those jackets would be good if you're sitting still, but other than that I think they'd be too heavy for most hikes.

When I go steelheading I normally wear/bring 3-4 Layers. Under Armor, wool sweater, fleece, waterproof shell.

Unless it's below zero, or uncommonly windy; if I'm moving I normally only need the sweater, the rest is just for standing still in knee deep near freezing water.

Ultimately you're better off with layers, heat management will be much easier, much less chance of going hypothermic from sweating.

[michaelb]

If you are thinking LLbean or Landsend, I would consider this as a warm jacket you carry but don't wear:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=mountain-storm-primaloft-jacket&categoryId=44798&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3625&cat4=6248&shop_method=pp&feat=3625-tn

email them and ask the weight first though, and I wouldn't buy it if it is over 16 oz, since we could find you something lighter. Lands end weathersfield also looked interesting, but I don't know how technical that is and would want to know the weight before considering it to buy:

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0...N_WEATHERFIELD

If I had the money, the women's winter hiking jacket I want to buy for my partner is the ibex neve, on sale now, a wool nylon softshell. You would wear to hike, and use the uninsulated shell over it when above treeline, or when really cold and windy:

http://www.ibexwear.com/F06/View_Product.php?GarmentID=349&thePhoto=../Photos/F05/533_131.jpg&Category=&CategoryLine=

Basically, I think we are saying you can get buy wearing less jacket than you think for hiking (but carry warm mittens and a good hat and face shield).

[mtnhiker]

First off, thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice.

To answer some of the questions that have come up, I will be day hiking, not camping or going overnight. I do dress in layers as many of you have suggested, with wicking long underwear, fleece layer, outer shell, etc. I realize that these jackets may be too warm when hiking/snowshoeing up a mountain. I was thinking of when you stop at the summit or the way down where you tend to be exerting less. I was also thinking of the possibility of getting stuck or hurt on the mountain, for emergency situations. I was looking for something inexpensive (under $150) to fit that bill. Am I wrong in thinking it is needed to bring along one of these jackets for winter hikes?

I’ll spend some time getting more information on these options, weight, etc. And then will probably be back with more questions. In the meantime, any additional suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[TEG]

When you guys mention a waterproof shell, can good quality rain gear be considered? Or is that material too thin and not constructed for winter use? I was thinking about using my marmot precip upper and lower. I figured layering appropriately and using some gnarley gaitors might do the trick. Whattya think?

[oldsmores]

When you guys mention a waterproof shell, can good quality rain gear be considered? Or is that material too thin and not constructed for winter use? I was thinking about using my marmot precip upper and lower. I figured layering appropriately and using some gnarley gaitors might do the trick. Whattya think?

Absolutely. The shell layer is primarily to keep the insulating layers dry and to block the wind - not for its insulating qualities. Something that breathes is good. precips will work just fine.

[billandjudy]

Judy and I both wear this http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/out...hirt-Mens.html to hike in. The temperature dictates how many layers we wear underneath it, but we both have worn this w/ a thermal baselayer and a ploypro midlayer on days that were in the single digits. I sweat heavily and I have never found anything that breathes as well. For prolonged stops we use a light insulated jacket(TNF Redpoint) over the top--cold windy summits I add a wind and waterproof shell a TNF Mountain Parka--Judy likes a down puffy. If it's really cold or snowing hard I'll use the shell earlier.

[Mavs00]

I've found the key to winter hiking to be the base layer. It all starts there. Base, mid to heavy weight fleece and an outer shell (the last two years I've gone with an insulated soft shell). I pack a heavy weight down vest in my pack for summit times, but almost never use it (unless it real windy on the summit).

If you regulate your core correctly, you can hike pretty much go all day, not cold, not warm. Pack an extra base in case you screw up and wsweat the first one out, but other than that, it's pretty simple. I have a much harder time keeping my hands in check then my body.

[adk joe]

Layer layer layer! but for the cold nights around camp or around town I use mountain harwear's sub-zero sl down jacket. It's expensive, at $300+ but you get what you pay for.