[pct-l] Jackets for the northern PCT

[Randy Godfrey]

Timberline,

I absolutely love my Mountain HardWear Hooded Compressor Jacket. It is a synthetic fill jacket (Thermal Q Elite) but still stuffs down pretty small. I have worn it on long trips in the Cascades when it was down in the 20s at night and was still cozy warm.

I also like the Patagonia Nano-Puff, which whas been my go-to jacket for years. However, on a PCT section through Glacier Peak Wilderness in late August a couple years ago, I was exposed to 4 or 5 days of wind, drizzle and snow showers with lows in the 30s. I ended up being very cold and nearly hypothermic in my Nano-Puff. The next season I made the change to the Hooded Compressor Jacket. It is a bit heavier 17oz compared to 10.2oz for the Puff.

I am sure that others have their favorites.

Good Luck,

Randy



________________________________
 From: Dan Welch <welchenergy at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 8:57 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Jackets for the northern PCT
 

I hate to interrupt the regularly scheduled programming on Mtn biking, but I
have a question on ---  Hiking!

I have used a lightweight down vest as my mid layer for years now in the
Sierras (summer backpacking) and never regretted not having a full down
jacket.  I use the down vest over a long sleeve shirt and then wear my rain
shell as an over-layer when it gets cold.  

Methinks I might need a sleeved jacket for Northern Washington in September.
I have looked at a lot of reviews for down jackets and I like the Mtn.
Hardwear Ghost Whisperer and the Montbell Frost Smoke.  Any others you have
been particularly happy with for the northern section of the PCT?

Also, as I was looking at lightweight down jackets, it struck me that maybe
I should be looking at a synthetic like the Patagonia Nano-Puff.  Any
thoughts on down vs synthetic.  In your experience - assuming reasonable
care - is down a good choice for the northern PCT?  If you recommend
synthetic, care to steer me to any particular jackets?

Thanks all!
Timberline      


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