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Joined: Sep 2004
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Well, I think it is time that I retire my Old Navy $20 non-technical fleece pullover. It does a good job at keeping me warm in temperatures down to the mid 20's but a strong wind cuts right on through. I vividly recall a hike on Telescope peak and Langley a couple of years ago where I really froze when the wind was blowing hard. There is so much out on the market between pullovers and softshells that it is really hard to decide. I was wondering what some of you out there would recommend. Any recommendations would help, as long as it's not ArcTeryx type stuff that costs about three bills. The most I would be willing to spend is probably around $150.00. Thanks.
Rafael...
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Joined: Dec 2006
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I have one of these and love it with a thin cap. layer beneath: http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/produc...;attr=product+3Thin enough to layer over as well - won't leave home without it.
Last edited by Andrew Wagher; 11/02/07 10:11 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Try this fleece jacket from Campmor. I've got the pullover style, which I think is being discontinued. Its only limitation is its not windproof (I use a light shell for that purpose) but that also makes it more versitle when layering clothes. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...6&langId=-1
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Joined: Sep 2004
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If you're looking for just one jacket, any number of the wind-resistant or wind-proof fleece jackets. REI has a number of them with varying levels of wind resistance. You should have no problem finding something for under $150. Most of the soft shells are not going to do as good a job of insulation.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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You might also try the folks at Beyond Fleece. Custom for about retail from the marquee brands. My fleece has been to the top of Whitney twice, the Arrete du Cosmique in Chamonix and just about everywhere in between. In fact I'd love another, but I can't justify it yet as my present one won't die.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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I've got a lot of technical clothing and I've got a various set ups for it.
The least expensive is...
Marmot DriClime Windshirt and Lowe Alpine Micro Grid Fleece Base Layer. I've used this set up in teens comfortably while moving. Both pieces can be had for <$100.
I have a Windstopper vest which I use to supplement the above if I think its going to be really cold...into single digits.
Another way to had warmth to this set up is to add a balaclava made with Power Stretch or Wind Pro Hardface.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Rafael: I'm with slowisthenewfast. Check out Beyond Fleece at: http://beyondclothing.com/I had them make me a custom fleece outfit (jacket and pants) and got their Ultimate Cold-Blooded line. It keeps me toasty warm, and I plan on using it on Rainier next year. Whitney Mike
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Joined: May 2007
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Rafael -
You needn't spend a fortune to keep your upper body warm. Wear a base layer of longsleeve midweight polypro. Over that, put a 200w fleece pullover. Many are made with Malden's Polarfleece, so don't be overcome by a big brand name. Be leary of windproof fabrics for these underlayers - you need them to breathe so that your sweat will escape. Spend your $$ on the outer layer, your shell. A thin shell which works great in summer often doesn't cut it in cold weather as it 'collapses' under wind pressure. Typically, you'll want a 3-ply shell which will create dead air pockets between the shell and the next layer.
If that isn't quite warm enough, try wearing a short sleeve polypro over the longsleeve one - for some reason it's often warmer that wearing it under the longsleeve. And, try adding a fleece vest over the fleece pullover. Fleece doesn't compress well (you discover that trying to stuff it into your pack) and for this reason helps create insulating dead air spaces under pressure points, such as pack straps, etc.
Carry a fleece neck gaitor, a couple different weight hats, including one made of windblock material, a pair of waterproof shell mitts, and 2 or 3 pairs of mittens.
The trick to staying warm is adding/removing layers. You won't find any combination that you can don at the trailhead that won't need adjusting between there and the summit.
And, keep in mind that you're asking alot of your body to go between the climate in Bakersfield to subfreezing/subzero weather. That's a huge transition.
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Another place that does custom fleece is: http://www.themouseworks.com/Not really technical wear, but cheap: Custom-made a bib for me with WindPro fleece for under $80 (although this was two years ago).
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Rafael -
You needn't spend a fortune to keep your upper body warm. Wear a base layer of longsleeve midweight polypro. Over that, put a 200w fleece pullover. Many are made with Malden's Polarfleece, so don't be overcome by a big brand name. Be leary of windproof fabrics for these underlayers - you need them to breathe so that your sweat will escape. Spend your $$ on the outer layer, your shell. A thin shell which works great in summer often doesn't cut it in cold weather as it 'collapses' under wind pressure. Typically, you'll want a 3-ply shell which will create dead air pockets between the shell and the next layer.
If that isn't quite warm enough, try wearing a short sleeve polypro over the longsleeve one - for some reason it's often warmer that wearing it under the longsleeve. And, try adding a fleece vest over the fleece pullover. Fleece doesn't compress well (you discover that trying to stuff it into your pack) and for this reason helps create insulating dead air spaces under pressure points, such as pack straps, etc.
Carry a fleece neck gaitor, a couple different weight hats, including one made of windblock material, a pair of waterproof shell mitts, and 2 or 3 pairs of mittens.
The trick to staying warm is adding/removing layers. You won't find any combination that you can don at the trailhead that won't need adjusting between there and the summit.
And, keep in mind that you're asking alot of your body to go between the climate in Bakersfield to subfreezing/subzero weather. That's a huge transition. This is what I employ in the fall/winter/spring time period. That is, a lot of clothes. Not only does it give the ability to fine tune your wardrobe to conditions, it allows you to switch in dry clothes when necessary. A lot of times I will wear a Windstopper vest in these temperatues but will take it off an put on something dry and long sleeve, like a windshirt or a softshell, when I stop. The same goes for gloves and hats. It is not unusual for me to carry three pairs of gloves/mitts and three hats during a day hike during trip when it is cold. The last thing I concern myself with in the winter is a light pack. Warmth and safety are job #1.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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KevinR has stated it perfectly.
"You won't find any combination that you can don at the trailhead that won't need adjusting between there and the summit."
All that off and on can be annoying....but....it's all about moisture control: The secret to staying warm is to be slightly cool and dry. If you are too warm and damp, cold follows.
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as much as i love fleece around the ski lodge, its not practical for backpacking/climbing i think. you can easily wear a thermal base layer, thin mid layer shirts (patagonia, north face) and an awesome shell. i spend the most money on the shell- usually going with marmot or mountain hardwear, for winter mountaineerig always going with an insulated shell thats light. check www.steepandcheap.com; every day they list a ridiculous deal on there until it sells out- then they post another one. anything from Reef flip flops for $10 to $400 North Face parkas going for $150. i get my technical clothing there or on sierra trading post, they also have good deals.
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Joined: May 2003
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Keep your Old Navy fleece. All you need is a hardshell jacket to wear over it. Get one with armpit and/or side zips for ventilation when you warm up while hiking. If you expect really cold conditions then have a down jacket in your backpack ready to put on during rest stops.
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