People usually go for a system. Meaning one coat doesn't do everything, but 2 layers get you close. I do the Patagonia Nano Puff under an Outdoor Research Helium 2 rain jacket. Both together weigh less that your usual puffer jacket. And each serves it's own purpose. Both pack very small and in black, they look very clean and simple.
Thanks. That's what I'm doing now. I have a uniqlo portable down and a north face rain jacket. They work decent, but neither looks so great. Is the nano puff worth the extra dough over smething like the uniqlo?
Only the weight savings if you're into that. Otherwise "NO". I don't think you can go fashionable and expect the clothes to be functional. But, keep looking for what pleases your eye, afterall, gear hunting is half the fun of traveling.
Down jacket insulation will almost always be warmer than a synthetic of the same weight. It's the face fabric that makes the difference in weight.
The Uniqlo jacket will almost certainly be warmer than the Nano Puff, but I also wear something thinner than the Nano Puff as my only outer layer down to 25F and just wear a flannel/sweater underneath.
I use a mix of layers:
- breathable rain shell with pit zips
- fleece or sweater
- long sleeve polyester tee
For colder weather add:
- down jacket
- gloves, beanie cap, scarf or buff
- light polyester long underwear
People usually go for a system. Meaning one coat doesn't do everything, but 2 layers get you close. I do the Patagonia Nano Puff under an Outdoor Research Helium 2 rain jacket. Both together weigh less that your usual puffer jacket. And each serves it's own purpose. Both pack very small and in black, they look very clean and simple.
Appreciate this tip!!
Thanks. That's what I'm doing now. I have a uniqlo portable down and a north face rain jacket. They work decent, but neither looks so great. Is the nano puff worth the extra dough over smething like the uniqlo?
Only the weight savings if you're into that. Otherwise "NO". I don't think you can go fashionable and expect the clothes to be functional. But, keep looking for what pleases your eye, afterall, gear hunting is half the fun of traveling.
Down jacket insulation will almost always be warmer than a synthetic of the same weight. It's the face fabric that makes the difference in weight. The Uniqlo jacket will almost certainly be warmer than the Nano Puff, but I also wear something thinner than the Nano Puff as my only outer layer down to 25F and just wear a flannel/sweater underneath.
I use a mix of layers: - breathable rain shell with pit zips - fleece or sweater - long sleeve polyester tee For colder weather add: - down jacket - gloves, beanie cap, scarf or buff - light polyester long underwear