crazybrit

> Go Lite 6 month night parka! > super warm and super cheap How small does it pack down? I'd heard the Go-Lite was pretty bulky. IIRC Polarguard compresses less than Primaloft which of course is less compressible than down. Regarding previous persons comment about "consider synthetic". Of course, assuming I can get similar warmth in a package which compresses down at least close to what down would. \ For my usage (80%1 day), warmth is #1, weight/compressibility is #2, resisting lots of water is #3 priority.

Yeah I was concerned about internal condensation/EPIC. The woman at FF didn't really seem to understand what I was saying. Of course I think I'm looking at 70% single day use, 20% 2-3 days and very little > 3 day winter trips. I guess there is always the option of going with an eVent laminate for the Volant. IIRC eVent is heavier, less waterresistant but more breathable than EPIC. The Patagonia "Down Parka" looks good too but I'm guessing the shell will be more like EPIC. I guess it would be possible to take the specs for MEC, Mt Hardware, FF etc and compare the fill weight/fill-type. Trying to compare shell fabrics as well. I'll have probablty purchased cars in less time :-)

I'm looking for a new winter insulated jacket. For winter climbs. Probably Hood/Adams (i.e upto 12k' - not Rainier). Right now I have a Paragonia Puffball. Not warm enough. My layering system while I'm active/moving is: Moonstone Cirque (Scholler) softshell jacket Lowe Alpine midweight polypro base shirt Mammut Champ pants REI lightweight polypro long underwear Works great but when I stop, the puffball just doesn't cut it. Need something with more warmth. I tried on the Feathered Friends Volant (w/ 800 fill upgrade) and Epic shell when I was in Seattle this week. Seemed nice but it's always hard to tell in the store and if i'm going to drop $260+ on one, I want to do some research. So .... I'm curious what others recommend. Does anyone have any comparative experience of several jackets or point me to reviews (couldn't find anything online which included the Volant). Just saying I have brand XXX and it's great by itself doesn't help me much :-) Also what about the next model up in the FF line, the Frontpoint? Overkill for what I need?? I liked the thicker collar, zipper windproofing and extra length of the Frontpoint over the Volant. Of course, none of this comes for free. Just in terms of packability it was about 25% bigger than the Volant. Leightweight and packability is what I like about the Puffball. I don't want to be thinking do I really want to carry this sucker each time I pack for a climb. I guess it all goes back to "how much warmth" do I need. In the end I'm assuming that weight/amount of fill and fill rating (650, 700 or 800) pretty much dictates the performance of a jacket warmth wise (for purposes of comparison)? Most everyone seems to be into lightweight shells so I wonder how much difference this makes. Clearly issue for breathability/water-resistance. Also, Hood or option to add would be nice. Tony