[at-l] Vest vs. Jacket and Down vs. Synthetic

[icw@xxxxxxxxxxx (Clark Wright)]

First, I'd refer you to my other post - would just add to that my
personal observation that a down jacket is too much - both in terms of
bulk and warmth . . . more "thinner" layers [with full front zips] give
you the most flexibility.  Since I already owned it, and since it gives
more insulation per ounce, I took my 30-year old down vest on my 2001
hike instead of a fleece vest . . . since then, I've bought and used a
fleece vest and I am now positive that the down vest gives more bang for
the ounce, and compresses to near nothing . . . also, the down vest does
a nice job of serving as a pillow layer at night! :)

thru-thinker

Alyssa Rayman-Read wrote:

> Since I get cold easily and will be starting in
> Springer in mid-March, I am trying to make some tough
> decisions about layering.  I am hiking alone and want
> to have enough warmth protection to ensure I will
> never be unable to get warm.  So I have gotten
> competing advice about insulating layers.  I already
> have a light-weight Capilene thermal top and some
> polypro bottoms.  I am trying to decide which outer
> layers to buy:  down or synthetic vest or jacket plus
> rain/wind shell.  How many outet layers are enough?
> Can I get away with just the thermal top, vest, and
> shell or should I invest in a jacket?  Could I go with
> the vest if I also have a light fleece or another,
> heavier thermal to add a layer?
>
> Thanks again for your advice,
>
> Turtle
>
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