I may not understand the actual details of the decentralized nature of the fediverse but I was under the impression that each instance benefits from the moderation of other instances. So that any individual user or instance that is blocked by one instance is flagged so that other instances can decide what to do with this information.

There is no need for a single large team to do all this work because there isn't a single monolithic service that needs to cater for all users.

I'm probably living in a fantasy world but I still have reservations about putting all my trust in one commercial entity.

I'm not very active on Reddit and I have no desire to moderate a subreddit so I'm not sure how it works on the various subreddits. Do some moderators here get paid?

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.

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?

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.

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.

I haven't heard of them before and I'm in Melbourne. So thanks! Some of their daypacks look suitable so it will be good to check them out in person.

Thanks. I had no idea LTT had a store. Even though they do worldwide shipping, it looks a bit US centric which makes me wary about after sales support.

Thanks, I haven't really shopped at Paddy Pallin before but, yep, I can get to a physical store. Have you ever needed to have anything repaired through them or do they refer you to the manufacturer? That's one reason that makes me want to deal with the official seller directly, even if it's online.

Thanks. I can see these are available from resellers. I'll check them out alongside looking at Osprey packs.

It doesn't look like there are any direct physical or online stores here but there are resellers. I will check them out next time I'm in a store. Thanks!

Thanks for the recommendation. I do like what I've read about Patagonia as a company and am willing to spend more for better quality. I will definitely keep that in mind.