Which synthetic insulated jacket to ask Father Christmas?

Siew Lai

26/11/2003 at 09:00

Hi!

Hope you can suggest which synthetic insulated jacket I should ask Santa to bring for Christmas. I gather that down jacket is a no, no for the British (London to be specific) winter.

I am a petite gal who needs a jacket that I can wear walking from my house to the tube station, sit in the slow tube journey to my destined station before walking to my office. I feel the British cold terribly since I am originally from more sunnier (tropical) climate.

Hope you can oblige with my rather boring request. Thanks.

John Corteen

26/11/2003 at 15:07

I've heard good things about Snugpacs synthetic stuff. I don't own any of their products as I use down usually. The temperature difference between standing on a railway platform and the heat of a rush hour train is quite considerable, I am also a London commuter and I'm sure the drivers have the heat on as high as possible for a laugh.

Here's the website:
http://www.snugpak.com/civilian/clothing.php4

pac man 2

26/11/2003 at 15:22

Karrimor do some nice street style waterproof jackets (2 shops in Covent Garden) I think the Tarakan Jacket they do looks very cool and understated. Otherwise one of Lowe Alpine eVENT jackets as it’s the most breathable fabric and cheaper than Gore-tex

quote: I gather that down jacket is a no, no

Yes very much a no no.

pac man 2

26/11/2003 at 15:28

Siew Lai depending on how bad you feel the cold the thinking about it the Tarakan Jacket might not have enough insulation! Covent Garden has loads of outdoor shops, so worth knowing...

Parky Again

26/11/2003 at 17:58

for exactly the same thing i have a Buffalo mountain coat - sort of 3/4 length. nice and warm for the outside (didn't even notice the blzzard raging with horizontal snow last year). waterproof enough. windproof. nice and breathable so on the train i can just get extra warm. it don't look sexy! crap choice of colours though - black erm black erm black erm nato green (i think). get the hood as well.
would recommend you stay well clear of goretex and other similar types - these convert me into a mobile sauna on the tube.

you SIT on the tube - you lucky, lucky person you

Parky Again

26/11/2003 at 17:59

oh! and you can just chuck it in the washing machine as well....comes out almost dry after a spin.

brandon lee

26/11/2003 at 21:41

The Snugpak sleeka jacket is probably as warm as you can get but I can't say that it is very fashionable for London. I have one for sale (reversible black and olive green) for 65 quid (original 85). Its a small size but quite spacious for fitting work clothes under. email me if you are interested.

brandonleetb@hotmail.com

Siew Lai

26/11/2003 at 22:10

Brandon,

Saw a picture of the Snugpak sleeka jacket. I'm afraid it's not quite my cup of tea. Thanks for the offer anyway.

Been doing some reading. A primaloft filled jacket sounds like a good alternative. Any recommendations from anybody?

brandon lee

26/11/2003 at 22:21

ok. I've just got a montane solo jacket and that is pretty good. CCC outdoor also has a mountain equipment parka that is waterproof and insulated for 99 quid. Good luck!

Paul Mitchinson

27/11/2003 at 15:20

I can also recommend the Montane solo jacket. They also make a bivvy jacket which is warmer still. Check the website

Alastair Dent

27/11/2003 at 16:53

I have a Montane epic, and it is pretty good for what you describe. One weekness is that the neck can't be tightened to keep heat in. 65 quid from ccc outdoors

Siew Lai

27/11/2003 at 20:35

I had a look at the Montane jackets on their website. Actually, I quite like them until I saw the sizing charts. Small is still way too big for me. I guess these jackets are not meant for petite ladies. What a pity.

Dan G

01/12/2003 at 10:04

How about a thick, windproof fleece? Mountain Hardwear do some lovely ones

Siew Lai

01/12/2003 at 11:06

Actually, a relative of mine is going to California for Christmas. I am thinking of asking her to buy me the Patagonia Puffball jacket. Anyone has any experiences with this jacket be it good or bad?

Thanks in advance.

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