Hi all, Having played around with most approaches to layers over the years I'm now thinking of getting a new windproofish fleece to go under my ME Firefly shell. Both the ME Ultrafleece Mountain Jacket and the ME Windstopper Mountain Jacket have a similar design, but at £90 and £150 respectively (accepting this is Cotswold top retail) there's a clear price difference, mostly down to Gore Windstopper in the latter I guess. Anyone like to comment on both of their performance, warmth, comfort, windproofness, breathability and features before I fire off and pull on a couple in a store? Cheers all, Paul
Nick, ME has lots of similar titled garments and without being picky it's easy to get em mixed up! There is a Microtherm mountain jacket, which is a hooded version of the Microtherm jacket (pertex outer, microfleece inner) - I have the latter and really rate it but I'm looking at something with more warmth for winter, hence one of these fleece designs. If you want to know more about how I've found the Microtherm jacket though, email me off line. Cheers, Paul
Ultrafleece isn't as windproof as the Microtherm, so it won't be as warm in anything other than moderate or still conditions. If you add a windproof on top, it'll be warmer, as the fleece is thicker, but still not vastly so ~ 100 weight warmth. It's very durable and comfortable, though, and more windproof than standard Polartec, or even WindPro.
I haven't got a UF MJ, but I have an old Montane Dyno in Duratherm; like UF, but brushed, which adds to the windproofing. And that's very comfy and been used in preference to a Powershield jacket (I found it more windproof), in Scottish hills in late Feb (ice on tops). Admittedly, over a base and 100m... These days I'd take a windproof or Microtherm.
I see very little point in buying a windproof fleece (especially a membraned one) if you intend to wear it under a shell - you just have two not very breathable layers for sweat to get out of. Also heavier, stiffer, bulkier, more expensive... I'd be tempted to go for a technically-cut mid-weight fleece and a windproof shell, and leave the Firefly for all but the worst of the rain.
The only advantage Windstopper has is that it's quiet. A light windproof shell can flap about in the wind. Schoeller, being thicker, avoids this, but you'd be looking at another £100 just for the windproof(ish) shell)...
There are reported sightings of the Sprayway Lightspeed Powershield jacket in TK Maxx for £60. Not seen it, but should be warmer than a microtherm, breathable (assuming it's not a membrane version of Powershield), and with a durable face fabric with DWR. No hood, though...
currently trying to develop "the captain's log", which is intended to be a distillation of years of fondling and postings, so I can just point people at the website instead of having to regurgitate all the time...
But I've never been very good at collecting my thoughts and putting them on 'paper', so it's all a bit tricky...
I wouldn't bother layering Windstopper under anything, in fact in most UK conditions, I find Windstopper doesn't breathe well enough to justify its use.
I'd suggest that if you want an insulating layer to wear under a shell then a simple 100-weight microfleece'll do the job just fine, though even Paclite is significantly less breathable than most windproofs.
If you want something more protective on its own, then a Microtherm or similar will let you do without the shell until it really buckets down and will be more breathable than a waterproof shell over a fleece.
Alternatively, you could buy a microfleece and a simple, lightweight windshell, which will give you a range of options depending on the weather - baselayer/waterproof, baselayer/windproof, fleece/windproof, fleece/waterproof, fleece alone etc, etc.
I'm not sure there's a best solution, it depends a lot on personal preferences and physiology. Ultrafleece is good, but wearing it under a shell negates its main advantage which is a higher than average wind resistance.
I run pretty hot, so I often make do with just a base layer and, when it's cooler, a microfleece. However, this means that I have to resort to a waterproof in anything harder than light drizzle, which can be annoying and, you guessed it, hot. Having had the chance to borrow a Windstopper jacket last weekend, I now know that this definitely isn't the shell for me - it's way too hot - which is why I'm considering a Microtherm jacket.
I'd agree with the WindStopper / Microtherm comparison. The ME Windstopper jacket I have is too warm for most conditions and also seems to weigh a ton when wet - either through rainfall or condensation. My Microtherm on the otehr hand stays light and is usable in most condiation - even a light shower won't faze it. Used with a Paclite outer, and a variety of base layers, it seems to satisfy all my needs.
I never got to play with ultrafleece - it was discontinued and now I can't afford it, but if I had the money to spend again I'd steer well clear of windstopper fleece. I've found mine to be clammier than it is warm - I guess cos it doesn't breathe that well and it isn't that warm either. All it gets used for is as jacket if I drive to work in winter rather than cycle.
