WM Flash Jacket w/ hood

imported
#1

Temperature ratings on insulated jackets seem to be a thing of the past.

I expect temperatures no lower than +5*F on the trail in January and February, starting at Springer Mountain.

Can anyone who has used one, tell me whether a Western Mountaineering Flash Jacket (down, with hood, 9 ounces, $260.00); with a T-shirt and long sleeve microfleece pullover underneath; can handle +5*F in Georgia in January and February?

As a side questions, would a MontBell Thermawrap Jacket with hood (synthetic fill, with hood, 14 ounces, $175.00) be an adequate substitute and also be able to handle +5*F?

To me, the hood is the key.

Thanks.

Nunam Iqua

#2

I’m thinking neither jacket would be adequate under the conditions I described. But, I’d like to hear what others say.

Any comments about other lightweight jackets that might work in January and February would also be welcome.

Nunam Iqua

#3

One last question. Has anyone out there ever gotten through January and/or February starting out from Springer Mountain, with a +20*F quilt? I’d really like to hear about that.

Nunam Iqua

#4

I don’t remember ever seeing jackets rated, just sleeping bags.

However, here are tables by Backpackinglight reader Richard Nisley, who has actually measured the insulating ability of a number of jackets used by lightweight backpackers. The list, rather Montbell-centric, is compared with 100-, 200- and 300-weight Polartec, with which many of us are more familar. It confirms what I suspected about my Montbell UL Thermawrap jacket–that it’s not much warmer than 100-weight fleece! http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18950

If you have a BPL subscription, here’s a recent state of the market report examining a number of “seriously lightweight three season down jackets” including the Western Mountaineering Flash. These jackets are all intended to be part of a layering system rather than stand-alone jackets. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ultralight_3-season_down_jackets_sotm_2010_part_2.html

Personally, I’d rather have several thinner layers than one thick one so I can more carefully thermoregulate in light of varying temperature and activity conditions. However, I just ordered a lightweight down jacket to replace my Montbell UL Thermawrap. It ranks 3.5 times warmer on Nisley’s chart, but weighs about 1.5 ounces less.

One interesting thing in the BPL state-of-the-market article–it really helped the warmth to wear a windshirt or rain jacket over the down jacket!

grannyhiker

#5

Another interesting item from the BPL state of the market report–several women’s jackets tested significantly less warm than the men’s version of the same jacket. This appears to be due to much more quilting on the women’s version, resulting in more seams. Evidently some manufacturers think we women would rather be cold than look fat!

grannyhiker

#6

grannyhiker,

Thank you for your supremely informative response.

Once upon a time, there was much rating of insulated jackets. Even Sierra Trading Post, when they first started, would give a temperature rating for their down and other jackets. LL Bean still does.

Your description of the Montbell Jacket as equivalent to 100 weight fleece was just what I needed to hear. Once I saw that, I knew the warmth value for me, and it wouldn’t be enough.

In the end, I suppose what we do with regards to winter hiking of the Appalachian Trail, is go to our closet and pick out the insulated jacket that we know will do the job for whatever lowest temperature we anticipate, something between one and two pounds, whatever we have, then we send it home when the weather warms.

Thank you again. You also sold me on a subscription to BackpackingLight.com. The information I’ve been inquiring about is all there, nicely laid out, plainly and simply; much the way you presented it.

Your responses have always been helpful and right on the money.

Nunam Iqua

#7

Nunam Iqua,

You don’t want to have only three layers available as you will be either too hot with the jacket on or too cold with the jacket off. You need a windproof, but low insulating layer and a second insulation layer. By all means get the jacket as you will want to wear that in camp and to extend the range of your sleeping bag, but when you are on the move, the jacket will be too warm. Keep in mind that even if it goes down to 5 degrees, you don’t HAVE to hike in it.

Good luck,

Bob

Bob Martin

#8

Bob: Astute observation on your part re my proposed layering scheme. Thank you.

Nunam Iqua