AT 3-Season Jacket

imported
#1

As a curiosity, I would like to know whether people favor thin down, thin synthetic, or fleece jackets for three season wear on the AT.

A count is what I’m looking (how many wear what kind) and what drew you to your choice.

Thanks, Conan

Conan

#2

I tend to prefer a synthetic insulated jacket. My version through most of the hiking season (May to September) is a super-light version (1.8oz Primaloft One and Momentum 90) based on Thru-hiker’s
Kinsman Pullover Kit (mine has a lighter full zipper and a slightly different drawstring hem.) It’s highly efficient if you use Primaloft One instead of the Sport that comes with the standard kit and the Momentum shell cuts wind much better than fleece, all for only 8oz. With a wind-water shell over it it’s good for me down to about 25* as my upper insulation layer. For the bridge seasons I have a slightly heavier version in Climashield XP (2.5oz) that will get me down to the mid-teens the same way.

I used to prefer fleece, but with the new synthetics like Primaloft and Climashield the extra weight of fleece over an insulated jacket isn’t justified. They shed water just as well, are just as durable, have the added advantage of their own shell, and pack a lot smaller to boot. If you’re not kit inclined (or sewing inclined, anyway) try a Micropuff or other similar jacket for the same kind of performance (though slightly heavier.)

Strategic

#3

I started on April 23(springer) and finished Sept 27… I didn’t bring a jacket. I used a warm weather Under Armor… It was perfect and I’d do it again… I never hiked in it( other then the Whites) so it would be dry to sleep in.

BB

#4

I think I’ll contribute to my own poll.

My current preference for three season wear is a thin fiberfill jacket. For example, I have a North Face Cerro Torre Jacket purchased a few years ago, which has Polarguard 3D. The bottom line is this: the jacket’s shell acts as a windbreaker, moisture is not an issue, and the jacket is warm–much warmer than any thickness of fleece, and the jacket can be worn either over or under other layers.

My favorite synthetic insulation is the original Primaloft. Its incredibly warm for its weight and has a very luxurious feel. Also, because of the way the material is hung in jackts, without being “sewn through”, you get the maximum warmth from the insulation because it is essentially “baffled.”

Conan

Conan

Conan

#5

Past two attempts at AT, used fleece. This time going with a synthetic insulation. Following same logic as Strategic-lighter, warmer (in wind) and packs smaller.

Limestone