 I looking for a jacket that will give warm when around camp but don't really understand the big differences between a windproof and a insulation jacket.
In the past I`ve used a Buffalo Mountain shirt but that has seen better days and I want to move away from this.
Would a Paramo Fuera smock give insulation like say a ME Polarloft Jacket.
Are these jackets similar/the same.
Main reason I`ve picked these two this because they are going cheap at the moment.
Or should I be looking are the Alpkit filo/filet or maybe a Montane Anti-Freeze
BW
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 The Paramo Fuera smock is more of a windproof garment than an insulating jacket.
I would go for either the Alpkit Filo (ace bit of kit) or something with Primaloft (or similar)as insulation, Montane Verso as an example
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 Hello,
I think of a windproof as a thin, single layer garment that will help to keep wind out when I'm on the move and my body is generating its own heat - the Fuera is my favourite, although lots of people like the thinner Montane versions - but if I want to be warm when I'm standing/sitting still, or sitting around in camp, then I need something that will trap a warm layer of air and hold it against my body. For that my personal choice is the Liv Down Smock (I tend to run cold, so it's not too warm for me in summer whereas it might be for some).
I don't know the ME Polarloft jacket personally, but on the web it looks like just the sort of thing that many people would find nice and warm for use around camp/at lunchtime etc during spring/summer/autumn. I've got something similar by Montane, and also a Rab Photon Hoodie which is a similar sort of thing.
Don't get the Fuera for sitting around camp: go for the other one, or something similar.
HTH :)
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Although new gear is nice, I hate having to work out what's best to buy :( :)
thanks
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 I got the Montane Hyper-lite in a sale, it's windproof, showerproof and has a bit of insulation too, for ex: http://www.hike-lite.co.uk/acatalog/Montane_Hydra_Lite_Old_Model.htmlI find it warm over a polartec 100 fleece and t-shirt. If work advertises the vacatant seniors post, and if I get it, then I'll be able to look at the Paramo gear. As to keeping warm around camp, drink hot beverages and eat hot food, walk around to keep the warm, if you need to, get into sleeping bag. Yup, I remember the lightweight advice on the topic.
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 Outdoormania appear to have a limited stock of the (discontinued) Montane Solo. Light, warm and absolutely brilliant wee jacket. Only downside is that they want over £80 for it.
Also, noticed a number of Montane Toasties on Ebay last night.
While I'm here, the Snugpak Sleeka might be worth having a look at. A tad on the heavy side but very warm.
HTH
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I have the Montane Solo jacket, and its really nice. The only thing I have against it is it doesn't have an insulating hood. I decided on this rather than a down jacket because I can put it on in the rain at lunch stops etc without worrying to much about it getting wet. The outer fabric is fairly water resistant anyway. BPL have the gilet version on sale for £50 at the moment. Also the Fuera is a superb windproof. BTW, why are you moving away from pile and pertex? (Montane's offering is about £60). I've never used it myself but have thought of trying it out.
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BTW, why are you moving away from pile and pertex? (Montane's offering is about £60). I've never used it myself but have thought of trying it out.
I`m not neccessary moving away from P&P but looking for alternatives, the buffalo is a brilliant bit of gear but its heavy (mine weighs about 800g) and its bulky.
I looking to lighten my winter weight and this is one area that needs looking at.
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My Montane is a solo too - a really great little jacket (except, as DandyMountainMan said above, for the absence of a decent hood).
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 I have a sprayway primaloft very like the Solo (called a Celcius I think -- girl's version of the Belay) and I absolutely adore it. Packs down to nothing and toasty warm. Also, sadly, lacking a hood.
Everyone should have one of these primaloft jackets! If they are going cheap then snap one up!
The RAB Belay has a hood.
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Er, I just realised you said Polarloft not Primaloft.
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Er, I just realised you said Polarloft not Primaloft.
Thats my problem too, can't tell my Polarloft from my Primaloft :)
What I`m really after is something that is lightweight,warm for Scotland possibly in May.
To be honest once I set up in camp, I`m normally straight into my bag but its nice to have something around the top half so I can cook and stuff.
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 A synthetic duvet filled with Primaloft One, or any of the other quality synthetic fills is ideal for sitting around camp. You just have to decide how warm you want it to be. This, like fleece, is governed by the thickness (or weight) of the synthetic wadding.
The lighter weight wadding (e.g. Primaloft One 60g) will give a useful 3-season sitting around jacket, but will also provide a useful 4-season top-up/stop layer for walks. It's roughly equivalent in warmth to a 300 weight fleece with windproof layer on top.
If you want something for standing around on winter belays, then a heavier weight than 60g is required (PL1 comes in 133g and 170g versions, too, IIRC). This, however, will be heavier, bulkier and more expensive, and not as versatile.
There's not too much to choose between the quality synthetics like Primaloft and Polarloft (ME's own name), although I'd go for Primaloft One for preference. The cheaper fills are heavier, don't compress as well, and probably won't last as long.
I've got an old Montane Solo with no hood at all, and it's great.
As others have said, a windproof layer is just that; windproof only, offering little or no insulation. It's intended to go over other insulation, such as fleece, to trap warm air.
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How waterproof is the Paramo Fuera smock?
I already have a Cascada Jacket would it give me the same protection? Or is it primarily a windproof like say the Montane Featherlite Smock.
BW
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"How waterproof is the Paramo Fuera smock?"
It's highly water resistant if washed in TX Direct but it'll eventually wet out in sustained rain. So aye, a bit like the Featherlite.
Dries quick tho' :o)
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 I have the berghaus primaloft smock and use it during the winter for stops etc and find it brilliant. Mine is the old design with the hood but that has no filling.
Its primaloft 1 60g and ideal. Bought on ebay last year for £35 - bargain.
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Just managed to pick up a Keela urban limit smock from TKMaxx for £25.
Its made from primaloft one and weighs about 23 oz.
Should do the job :)
BW
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Have you considered the Paramo Torres Smock? Windproof and insulating.
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