 Alpkit Filo jacket, does anyone have one of this years new model. How have they found the materials used and the warmth of the jacket. Also how does the hood work. Well instead of asking loads of questions, I suppose I should just ask HOW DO YOU RATE IT! Thanks
|
 |
 Yeah, an extremely fine question that is, as I want to know that all too as well! I have been salivating over it the same on the Alpkit website but something is stopping me planning that buy right now too! More user info please!  Dispel please our doubting minds somebody!
|
| Edited: 17/02/08 16:56 |
 alpkit's previous jackets have been great. it's down. it's got a hood. it's £65!!! it's an absolute bargain! is there anything else to know?
|
|
 A real bargain but do you really need a jacket so warm??? (Kitmonsters please ignore.)
|
|
OK then I will! Get one that is, thanks Parky-love the great bearded look by the way! Makes you look very distinguised, thought you were bleedin Brian Blessed for a single minute there though! 
|
| Edited: 17/02/08 17:30 |
Yes J, it is really meant much more for non-strenuous outdoors activities anyway though isn't it? And for more sub-zero conditions more than general everyday outdoors usage here on the avarage hill, no? Certainly too warm I do agree for walking in for most normal occasions, much of the year here. Good to put on in camp though once the day's walkings over maybe!
|
| Edited: 17/02/08 17:36 |
Backpacking light doing the Golite Cummulus for £90. for extra 25 quid looks better quality for me!
|
|
NEED! NEED! WHO SAID THAT......
|
|
Cumulus looks good but, for me, if I need a down jacket I need a hood. Whoops......................................sorry Parky!
|
|
I know about the golite one but it does not have a hood, although its a lot lighter. My use for the jacket is as a warm over layer for the cold evenings when camping like we're having at the moment so I need a warm one myself. I already have a down gilet for the cooler weather along with a prism jacket so this is really for the winter only and at the price its value for money.
|
|
the fit is quite snug so you'll probably need at least a size larger to get it on over something else.
|
|
A very good point there Parky, I must remember to make a note of that or will just plain plum forget it at order time! My memory is like a sieve sometimes you see...now...what were we just talking about there, sorry?  
|
| Edited: 17/02/08 18:59 |
 I got a new Filo a couple of months ago and it is superb. I've carried it on a few walks and put it on during stops at altitude. Had it with me on a jaunt on Friday in spectacular conditons above Arrochar, only pulled it on for 15 minutes or so on each of the two summits I reached, where temp was well below zero, but its so light and packable carrying it isn't an issue. For me its a bargain at 65 quid, and at the price, I'm happy to wear it taking the dog a walk of a frosty morning, whereas I don't think I'd take the same attitude with a £200 Rab jacket. My missus had a try of it one night and said she didn't find it as cosy as her TNF down jacket, but I think thats because its too big for her and therefore had big air gaps. I find the hood is great and the fact it is removable is convenient too. I'm well pleased with it. Oh, and I just got my new Alpkit Gamma head-torch delivered yesterday. Unbelievable wee torch for £12.50! Another craking bargain.
|
|
 It was cold here on Thursday, ~4°C but witha biting wind so I wore my Filo. I soon wished I hadn't, it was far too warm even just walking slowly around, I had to keep unzipping to ventilate. Next day, a similar day, I wore my Millet Primaloft jacket, still warm but not uncomfortably so. I bought my Filo for wearing while erecting my tent, sitting around and cooking on a winter wild camp and I think that's just what I'll keep it for.
|
| Edited: 17/02/08 21:15 |
i have one, also a north face numptse down jacket and i find the alpkit one much better in fit and design.. long back, hood is great and is very simply removed. And it stuffs into one of my alpkit pipedream 600 stuff sacks easily! My friend was wearing one at base camp on everest last week, i think it was -20 at night but the filo helped alot! get one!!!!
|
|
 Been warm in mine at -9'c in the Cairngorms. A primaloft fleece and t-shirt underneath. I've washed mine in down waterproofing and sprayed the outer. Damage so far is that one pocket seam needs re-stitching (which I'll get round to). I can't remember the exact size of drysack it fitted into, but wasn't any bigger than my down sleeping bag. I've yet to try it on anything more than bimbling out from car. I've not got the hang of the hood yet, so it blows down on windy days. I've not tried it in the rain yet.
|
|
A Primaloft Fleece? What's that then?
|
|
 We have a Filo for review at the moment - good time for it as well - anyway, off the top of my head, it's not super warm, not as warm as my old Rab Glacier Guide for example, almost as if the down is packed more tightly in the baffles, but still good for sub-zero conditions if layered over another insulation layer. Cut is, as someone says, quite snug, so size up if you're going to layer it over other stuff. Cut is nice, very neat.
Bottom line with Alpkit is that because they source and sell direct and cut out the retail stage, they're able to price very competitively but still produce very good kit.
|
|
 Any idea how small the filo will pack down to jon?
|
|
I've just stuffed it into a mesh stuff bag and it forms a cylinder about 8 inches long by 6 inches in diameter, that's with the hood attached.
|
|
