Insulated Jacket or Layers for warmth, longevity, sustainability

Submitted by albui t3_ygzeaq in BuyItForLife

This is a question that I will post on multiple subreddits because it's about trying to consume as little as possible but also making decisions so whatever I do have to buy in the future, I hope it will be my last.

I have two down jackets, one high loft which is good for about 0 degrees Celsius, another thinner one good for about 10 degrees Celsius. I've never owned down before these and didn't do a lot of research into them. I don't like that they shed down, not very waterproof, not very breathable, the fact they come from animals despite claims of responsible sourcing. But I have them now and will keep them for as long as I can.

I thought that my next big jacket would be synthetic fill to avoid these issues but I've read that polyester fill degrades faster than down. I don't have a proper rain jacket so now I'm thinking I should just layer whatever clothes I already own and use a good breathable waterproof jacket. It may not be as comfortable or convenient but a plus side is there is more control for warmth. I would look at getting a wool baselayer if I need to.

My local weather doesn't really go below zero often but we can have cold clear mornings. I've only seen snow twice in my life but would like to be able to not pack a big, heavy, non compressible jacket when I do travel.

Have I already addressed my own concerns or is there something I'm missing or are there better options? Thanks in advance.

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camkos101 t1_iub9g7b wrote

Get a puffer jacket with primaloft fill or similar, and wear a windproof, lightweight outtet shell. Light weight is important so it doesn't compress the puffer. If its extra cold, throw an extra fleece sweater on. Don't worry about breathability unless you plan on exercising in it... in which case just remove the outter jacket.

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albui OP t1_iuc0soz wrote

I have looked at some primaloft down jackets. I guess my concern with synthetic is it losing it's lofting ability even when looked after while some say down jackets can last decades. I haven't looked into whether synthetic down can be replaced/rejuvenated. I didn't mention initially, but I have a few times worn my light puffer jacket on bike rides. It was great for the initial cold and wind chill but I have ended up all sweaty.

I do need to make a decision about my outer layer. Having something that can go over a puffer is definitely something to keep in mind, so thanks.

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camkos101 t1_iud7dk0 wrote

In the winter if you're exercising then you're gonna get damp or wet, it's pretty much unavoidable since sweat isnt evaporating. Next best thing is to use products that retain heat when wet... i opt for primaloft, fleece pile, and wool.. these are my most used. My primaloft is 10 years old and hasn't lost any performance ( HH Odin ). Stick with high quality piled fleece, cheap stuff compresses fast.I have some down stuff but it rarely gets used because of its need to always be dry. If you wanna stay away from synthetics then a system for you could be: merino wool base layer, lofty wool sweater, down jacket or vest, waxed canvas shell... in this set up at least the wool retains heat if you get wet. Best bang for your buck with wool will always be an army surplus store, plus it's reusing so ur being environmentally mindful. Now with all that said, don't overlook insulated bib pants ( ski pants is common name). I wouldn't even consider down for this since there's a much higher likelihood of getting wet. Get bibs that have venting if possible (crotch zippers), really helps with overheating if you go inside (shopping for example). Wearing Bibs can massively reduce the amount of insulation needed in your jacket system. Then there is always the insulated coveralls... Best advantage is that they are the easiest way to stay warm with the least amount of time putting on and taking off. Lastly make sure you have warm footwear. I won't get into this as it will double my post length but many of the aforementioned applies. All based on 40 years of living on the bald ass northern praries (+40c to -40c). Hope this helps!

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LowGradePlayer t1_iubwjay wrote

Synthetic is terrible for the environment.

Get a Filson Mackinaw and a good hat.

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albui OP t1_iuc28ss wrote

Yeah, I really don't like the idea of synthetic down degrading and getting into the water system. I haven't heard of Filson Mackinaw before. I'll check that out. Thanks.

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mistertims t1_iufmd4y wrote

As an owner of a filson vest for a middle layer. Fucking 10/10.

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Quail-a-lot t1_iubb3vk wrote

Not all down coats are good, just like not all wool is good first off. Similarly there are good synthetics and shitty ones. While most people will agree that layers are great, there is a limit to this! When I first moved to Canada I was so cold my first winter in spite of wearing like five layers plus a couple scarves and a toque with a headband under it. I needed a better jacket. I can still layer under my parka when it is super deluxe coat, but I advocate for getting a coat that will at least see you through whatever your average winter is. And keep in mind that some people run hotter or colder than others. I get cold very easily and will pretty much always have to wear a winter coat while others are still hanging out in their fall jackets.

What works well for me might not work for you - but here goes: I have a big Land's End Stadium Squall parka as my winter coat. If it is not that cold yet, well I just don't wear a sweater under it. This strategy was especially nice back when I worked in an office because then I took off my giant parka and didn't have to take off a bunch more layers. Friends who drive often like this approach too. I don't and I am always cold, so I have wool sweaters and wool baselayers and I wear wool shirts all year long (they are really nice in the summer actually, I just use thinner ones then!). And I have a down jacket that I can layer under my coat or just wear as a fall jacket. I do also have a rain jacket that is just a shell too, I don't like down for wet weather, so if it is raining I prefer the shell and a sweater but the down is nicer for snow.

I still have that rain jacket...but now that I am a farmer instead of an office drone I have actually just given up on the breathable thing for daily use. I save that nice one just to hike in, but the rest of the time I have one that is meant as sturdy workwear. Never wets out, doesn't snag on anything, has an amazing hood, and I don't have to worry about breaking it if I am chasing a pig through a blackberry bramble.

Side note: even good down will sometimes migrate, especially when it is new. If you see a feather starting to poke out - do not pull it the rest of the way out! Try to gently manipulate the fabric and pull it back inside. Aside from saving the precious fluff, every time you pull a feather through, you are making a larger hole for more to follow it.

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albui OP t1_iuc1qqx wrote

Thanks for the detailed response. I don't think I will have to deal with extreme winters like that in Canada so my warmth requirements are pretty tame. I think I might run warmer than many people too. So I think a combination of wool layers and a waterproof shell would work for me.

I've read about massaging loose feathers instead of pulling them. I think I need more practice with it because I can never manage to get it back in and I just make it worse.

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Janneyc1 t1_iubu4s4 wrote

Do you intend to do anything like technical hiking or working in it? I've got a pea coat that I enjoy using around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's a heavy wool coat that's pretty weather resistant and warm. And it'll last forever.

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albui OP t1_iuc23fq wrote

I don't think I would be doing technical hiking. But I can see myself walking around a lot as a tourist and I have memories of being fine initially and then sweaty and cold as I take off my down jacket in the cold.

Do you ever travel with your pea coat? How do you find packing it in luggage or a backpack?

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Janneyc1 t1_iud0qb0 wrote

I've flown with it once a few years ago. I either wore or hand carried it through the airports. It would take up a lot of room in a bag. But if you're wandering around town or have something you can tie it to the outside of, it's great. I have tied it to the outside of my pack and that's worked well.

Being that I got it from Target, there's some issues with the buttons after a few years. But that's not hard to fix. Once/if it dies, I'd either get another one or similar style. Mines the bridge coat variant (comes down to the thigh instead of the waist).

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