MuchosPixels

Honestly, I have some polarmax polypro long underwear (double layer) that has worked great and cost about half of what capilene costs. Also, I checked Marshall's and found even some Mountain Hardwear baselayers at a very low price so its also worth a look.

Hi, It should not be too snug around the torso because it will feel somewhat restrictive if you start being active with your hands (climbing, camp duties). Also, some jackets are cut extremely short, yes, good if you are wearing and using a climbing harness but bad for warmth when you are not and they ride up above your waist easily. Example, Montbell jackets are cut EXTREMELY short in the order of about 26.75" back length in size L and XL (measured). I like longer jackets/parkas with a double zipper to solve the harness issue but still get warmth lower down my body. Here are some examples: I am 6-2 190lb Basic setup: Patagonia Capilene 1, Marmot Powerstretch Fleece size L, First Ascent Frontpoint Jacket size L long, CAMP Helmet, Mountain Hardwear Navigation size L (softshell) Pants First Ascent Igniter size L regular: Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Jacket size L: (no hood, a tad short for my taste) Outdoor Research Superplume Parka size L:

Goldenchild, FF explained perfectly the meaning of down quality and fill. What do you want the jacket for? The jackets you linked are designed basically to be used as mid layers or light outer layer use. One doesnt have a hood which is good for day trips, camp life and city use but not as a main, last line of defense against the cold jacket. Feathered Friends makes some superb jackets with good selection of models for a wide variety of conditons and uses. I basically own 3 insulating jackets, a bomber all conditions stops any weather Down Parka, Outdoor Research Superplume Parka, 320g of 800 down fill, insulated hood, 2 draft tubes and a nice weather resistant Pertex fabric. bomber jacket, would trust it up to 6k-7000M easy, can go over everything. The other, a First Ascent Igniter synthetic (100g Primaloft 1) jacket which is awesome when conditions are not that extreme. Can be used as midlayer in very cold conditions (it isnt too thick). Really good outer layer also over shell but awesome by itself over base/mid layers. Basically windproof. Has a very nice hood. What I take in 15F and warmer weather. For city/town use I have a MH Sub Zero jacket, no hood. Nice, cheap, good quality "beater" jacket. A lighter down sweater is also a good alternative for this and also camp or midlayer use if conditions are not extreme.

Hi Steph, I feel your pain. I broke my femur about 7 1/2 years ago (hit by a car while training on my MTB on the road). It was a very painful recovery but in a few months (about 5) I had gained a lot of strength thanks to the help of a trainer and lots of careful work on the gym. Very light to no weights at first and lots of exercises using cords and plain old gravity. I mostly worked my core and upper body at first, that helped in making me feel better. After about a year I was in better shape than when I had the accident. Years after I still get some discomfort if I dont keep in shape so It motivates me get outside, work out (im not a gym person) and just be active. I do a LOT of cycling and helps a lot in keeping my legs feeling great. But, need to do some other exercises to help with lateral movement strength (cycling helps zero there) and also running performance (cycling works out slightly different muscles). The key is to have some balance, eventually. I wish you a full recovery!

Hi, I have the FA Igniter and its an awesome jacket with nice details perfect for climbing. Its very warm, I mainly use it as an over everything layer when stopping or at camp. Its great for the summit. Its basically windproof. Doesnt breathe well enough IMHO to be used as a midlayer unless its extremely cold. It fits me very well with minimal layers or even over the shell with fleece and baselayer under. The fabric is pretty light so care must be taken not to snag or damage it (its quite typical of jackets of this type including the patagonia micro puff). The hood its awesome, easily fits over any helmet (its big) and the chin is lined with thin fleece (very nice), the Patagonia Micro Puff doesnt have those two features (hood is smaller, no fleece lining in chin area) but its as warm. Id say that if you are not going to be encountering temps under about 10-15F this is the only jacket you need along with light baselayers, a powerstretch fleece pullover and a shell.