New Synthetic Insulated Jacket

Richard

give a thought for the Patagonia Micropuff hoody. Hood, pockets ,and comes up big to go over everything.

I recently bought a Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (half-price at The Epicentre), but ended up selling it on as it as not as good as the new Rab Photon Jacket imo:

The Rab has 133g/m2 Primaloft in the body rather than 100.

It has a larger hood which is also far more adjustable than the Micro Puff's.

And the real decider - for some strange reason Patagonia has stitched the Primaloft to the outer fabric of the jacket rather than the liner, creating hundreds of stitch holes to let water through far quicker than it otherwise would.

I'd also pick the Rab over the Montanes just on the basis that they are only 40g/m2 or 60g/m2 fill, designed more for wearing whilst on the move rather than throwing on for stops/belays.

Richard,

How about the Sigma smock from PHD?  IME their DriShell is more wether resistant than either ME's DriLoft or RAB's Pertex Endurance (the way it has been stitched means there are minimal needle holes on the outer too),  the front pocket is huge and has a zippered inner pocket too, removable hood and very light.  I've used mine under a shell and over base layer to -15'C and below.

For sizes I usually find PHD slightly smaller than other sizes but you can ring these guys up, speak to the boss direct and they can tinker with sizes to get the right fit ect.  The only possible downside is the time taken to make it - expect 4 weks from order to delivery, but it is worth it.

James

I think the Montane Flux is a very good jacket. It weighs 575gm on not very accurate kitchen scales. Packs down into a 4L Alpkit stuffsac or a small OD sac.

However I find it very warm for active use unless the temperature is very low and/or you are exposed to harsh wind chill - when it is a great piece of kit.

Another option is the Haglofs barrier hood. I've got the barrier jacket and its superb imho. Here is a link to browse if your interested.

http://www.haglofs.com/en-US/products/clothing/layers/insulation/men/barrier_hood_en-us.aspx

Blacks are knocking out the Berghaus Ignite Hoody at £75.  100g PL1 in body, 60g in sleeves & hood.  I got mine in Basingstoke, where they still had quite a few left.  If you're XXL and can cope with blue/white, it's online.

It's a nicely cut jacket, with a hood that fits over a helmet* (Petzl Elios), but still fits over the head nicely.  It doesn't have the silly moulded plastic cuff adjusters, just good, old skool fabric flaps.

* I think... unless I'm geting confused with the monster Infinity...

Ok, and Im not taking the P##s I think the Bear grylls clima hoody is fantastic and for £50 very good value for money. I dont know what the specs are for it but at the same time I bought a patagonia ( heavier one than the Nano) and actually prefer the bear jacket.

Have a look you may be surprised

> with a hood that fits over a helmet* (Petzl Elios)

Checked: BH Ignite Hoody hood does fit over helmet.  Reviews on BH site are fair: pockets could do with being a little higher to clear harness/pack strap, it could do with a bigger internal pocket to take a water bottle.

The Flux is a good jacket, I used it in the Lakes last week as soft shell and the hood was very welcome but, it sbaout as warm as 300wt fleece

I have a Flux and its a great fit. I found the ME and Rab too short in the arm for my size.

 I'm 6'3" and 42 chest. I got bought an XL flux on internet so was nervous about size but i had spoke to Montane Technical support first and they designed the jacket sizes to be worn over kit as a belay jacket should be.

Once it arrived i wore a base layer, a 100 fleece and TNF Mountain Guide jacket (XL). I then got the flux on top of all that. Had no problem moving arms. It was a close fit but not tight and this would keep you warm whilst belaying. The arms are also long. I have arms that are long, hence this is important, so it was great to have a jacket were the arms are well below my wrists.

The jacket itself is very warm. Have not used it belaying neither has it been wet but i have every confidence in it. The tech support people know what they are talking about and understand what people want and why. They have included this in the design spec.

It packs down into its own pocket. The pockets are huge though but i agree with what the guy says above, without trying a stuff sac myself. The pockets are great when on. Two huge chest and two huge hand warmers. All above harness, so accessable all the time.

I also got it from backcountry.com. If you know anybody in the US? It was half price £63.

Richard W wrote (see)

I need for the Jacket to go over  layers as a belay type jacket, I am usually a large size in Rab Clothing, does anyone know what the fit of the Generator alpine is like?