How are the high-tech fabrics?

[Dat]

I've always been a loyalist to thick goosefeather jackets but some people are saying the high tech fabrics are just as good.

Anyone with first hand experience? There are so many brands and models - gore-tex, polartec, etc.. i'm lost....

 

[Kaido]

Thermal underwear works wonders - they sell it in form-fitting pants to go under your jeans and in long-sleeve undershirts :thumbsup:

 

[thegimp03]

I second the thermal underwear. I always wear it during skiing or while in extremely cold weather.

Gore-tex is a good brand for jackets/gloves. It suits most needs by protecting you from cold weather, wind, and rain.

You can pretty much spend as much as you want to on warm clothing...Marmot and Solstice jackets can be $500+. Some people think they're rip-offs but for the durability, quality, and warmth you get, they're worth it. I've worn a Solstice jacket during the winter for 5 years and it still feels like new.

 

[thehstrybean]

Originally posted by: Dat
I've always been a loyalist to thick goosefeather jackets but some people are saying the high tech fabrics are just as good.

Anyone with first hand experience? There are so many brands and models - gore-tex, polartec, etc.. i'm lost....

There is NO substitute to down. Down comes with a rating on the tag. The highest is 900 fill, but typically companies like Marmot, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear will use 850 because of the small difference. Down also has the advantage of being able to pack into a very small space. I pack my Marmot sleeping back (900 fill down) into a Nalgene bottle easily.

GoreTex is really expensive because to be called "GoreTex", companies have to use GT machines, thread, everything. Many companies have in-house materials that are just as good, if not better. Mountain Hardwear uses Conduit, Patagonia has H2No, and Marmot has PrecipPlus. All of these are just as good for the average person than GT and MUCH cheaper. I have a Mountain Hardwear G50, and it is made of fleece with a Conduit softshell sxterior. It blocks wind great and is water proof. Companies also usually put DWR, or Durable Water Repellent. This is also a plus because it beads up the water and makes it run off.

If you're cold, LAYER! Layering is THE KEY to staying warm. It's customary to use a Capilene (synthetic) or Wool (not your mom's wool, but new Marino wool. Marmot & Patagonia have the best. Check out SmartWool), then a zip layer (I recommend the Mountain Hardwear Ozone Zip T). Then a softshell (Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Patagonia, Mammut, and ArcTeryx all have good ones), then if needed, a wind shell / hardshell.

If you've got any more questions, feel free to PM me...

 

[akshatp]

Its Goretex Jerry! Goretex!

 

[Dat]

Ah thanks for the answers - lemme go do some shoppin tomorrow..