Hi. I'm after a jacket to use on backpacking trips that I can put in my bag and use instead of a fleece. I'm considering either a buffalo shirt, a down jacket or one of the new synthetic jobs. I'd like something small and light that I can carry 'just in case' -any suggestions or advice?!?!

Also, can any of the 'vertically challenged' readers advise what make of walking trousers they use!?!? I am a classic 'small' size - 30 waist, 30 inside leg and 9 stone on a good day but I cannot find anything decent. I like the look of Rohan's Backpackers trousers but the smallest size are HUGE! (Lord knows where they get their sizing info from). I know you can get stuff altered but you end up with the knee reinforcements protecting your ankles!

Though I don't own one, many friends who have down jackets are never cold, and they generally seem to pack down to next to nothing (unless they have a high loft rating).

As for pertex-fleece (or pile) combinations, they are incredibly warm and brilliant for all uses. The warmer ones are fairly bulky (especially those with the hoods!!). Though the lighter weight ones (RAB Vapour Trail, Montane Light) all give exceptional warmth when moving about.

That would be the key, do you want something for when you're active on the hill or sat around at the end of the day in a tent or some such??

For the latter the down jacket would be best, for active use a lightweight pertex-fleece or pile combo would work best (heavier duty needed for winter?).

I am sure there are people out there with more advice to offer, but there is something there to consider.

mat if your after something light and packs down small avoid buffalo's or other p+p they are just too bulky and really designed to be worn next to the skin and keep you warm when wet (great for canoeing btw). A synthetic filled jacket (TNF redpoint or similar) would be your bets bet or if your feeling flush (or run a bit colder) then a lightweight down jacket (Rab neutrino) would be best. synthetic better in the wet but I've never had any probs with my down jacket yet.
On the trousers front your slightly bigger than me! So I know your problems. I have a pair of TNf pack pants (size medium!) which are great but can't get anymore but worth looking at TNF trousers. I have arcteryx and mammut soft shell (scholler) trousers which are expensive but the fit and fabric are excellent (and should last a life time). I found mtn equipment stuff just doesnt fit me, really its a case of trial and error.
HTH

Mat - I find that Berghaus trousers are sized up small and too short for me in the standard length and I'm only 5'3" - but then women do tend to have longer legs proportionally than men. They may be worth a shot.

I come out as sizes:
TNF - 6 (English 10 I think)
Rohan - small
Berghaus - 14 (!!!)

As you can see, each manufacturer hs their own ideosyncratic sizing system. Maybe one of the lads can elucidate as to whether Berghaus men's trousers are so well-out in their sizing?

I've got a Rab Photon Smock which has synthetic insulation, weights next to nothing, and is very warm for its weight.

It's easily warm enough for 3 season backpacking, but you might need something with feathers if you are planning to camp out in winter.

I've got a Montane Solo synthetic jacket which is nice and warm, wind- and water-resistant, very light and packs into its own pocket (no stuff-sack to lose!!!). Haven't had it long but I'm impressed with it so far. I got it from www.rockrun.com for £40 but they only had larger sizes which I'm guessing wouldn't suit you. Cotswolds also do them for £50 in their clearance section and have a better size selection.

I've got some Berghaus trousers, which fit quite well - sadly I cant remember the size! I'll check tonight if I remember.

FWIW, I'm a 31" waist with a 31" inside leg.

Usefull huh?

Depends what kind and weight of fleece you're trying to replace, and wht you really want it for.

100 weight: try microfibre/microfleece, such as Marmot DriClime, Montane Krypton smock, Berghaus Fury/Rage, ME Microtherm. TNF Bilayer, etc. Lightweight, compact, windproof, showerproof. I've used this skiing in -8C, over only a RhovylUp base layer. About the same static warmth as 100 weight fleece, but effectively warmer when active, due to the windproof layer.

200 weight: lightweight synthetic duvet; someone mentioned the Montane Solo which is good.

Down jackets aren't really a replacement for a fleece, IMHO, as I haven't seen too many lightweight ones. I think they'd all be _much_ warmer than a fleece.

I have the same probs with trousers.

I recently got some Craghoppers Nosquito zip offs. They are a 30/32 waist but are rated as a short length so they are perfect.

You don't normally find different leg lengths in outdoor clothing so I guess I was lucky. Try contacting the manufacturers to find a stockist that does smaller leg sizes.

I've got a North Face Optimus Redpoint primaloft jacket (£130 rrp) which I think is superb. I was looking at down jackets but didn't like the bulk. Its packs into its stow pocket, has a hood of same thickness as the jacket etc. Its not very good at all in the rain though - I could feel it within 10 mins of a not ridiculously heavy downpour in Scotland. It can fit under the likes of a Kimmlite paclite jacket at a push - they would probably be the two I'd take with me if I went travelling.

Another neat alternative to a fleece I loved the look of recently was a Mountain Equipment mountinlite(think thats the wrong name) jacket - microfleece type inner, soft shell style outer, very thin, and depending on the model has removable arms (rrp £80 I think but Mountain Supplies in Braemar has a small one for £64 at the weekend).

Darren - the ME jacket sounds like the Microtherm. That's a microfibre polyester windproof shell with DuPont Microtherm lining. It has zip-off sleeves. They also do a Microtherm Mountain jacket, which has a hood. Confusingly, they also do a Microlite jacket, which is a lightweight synthetic duvet jacket, also with zip-off sleeves. They claim the Microtherm and Microlite sleeves are interchangeable...

Thats the one!

An addition to my post - its only the male Optimus jacket that has a hood I think (and a two way zip) - the females has neither.

I think the microtherm mountain jacket has extra pockets etc as well.

Many thanks everyone for your replies - plenty of food for thought.

Ian, can't find Craghopper's Nosquito troiusers on their website. Where did you get the from?

Thanks again

Stumpy!

Mat,

I go them at an outdoor shop on the A590/91 road into Windemere not far from the M6 motorway. Its one right at the bottom of a hill next door to a Garage. I forget what its called, but you can't miss it.

i just bought a microtherm smock for wifey, nice bit of kit and only £35 (samples) from magic mountain (seconds are £30). As a synthetic lightweight thin duvet thing i picked up a jack wolfskin one with zip off arms etc, small packsize and very warm. bargain at £35 from outdoors. normal price about £60, even thats still cheap for what you get!

I don't know how much you want to pay? Anyway, I have a Rab Vector jacket, packs like down and is warm, light and waterproof. Can be a bit pricey, RRP £200, however I got mine for £140 at Ultimate Outdoors in Betws -y- Coed. Top shop.

I have read that they are not as waterproof as stated but mine has not leaked yet, and I get plenty of liquid sunshine, in North Wales.