I seem to constantly damage my lightweight down jackets. This might be because I’m a bit clumsy and not always paying attention. Replacing them is becoming costly. I’m considering switching to a fleece layer under my outer shell, perhaps with an additional wool shirt for extra warmth. Do you think fleece could offer sufficient insulation for spending up to two nights outdoors in temperatures just below freezing
Wool
You could wear a protective shell over the down or accept the occasional tear.
Val said:
You could wear a protective shell over the down or accept the occasional tear.
Duct tape!
Val said:
You could wear a protective shell over the down or accept the occasional tear.
Duct tape!
*Tenacious tape
It’s pretty standard to layer up. I start with a base layer, add a fleece, a puffy jacket, and a shell on top. I adjust layers as needed to balance temperature and comfort.
What kind of activities are you doing Backpacking or car camping How are you tearing the jacket Is it worn as an outer layer or do you have a shell over it Different activities might need different solutions.
@Quirin
I do backpacking and often tear my jacket on branches when I’m not wearing my hard shell jacket. I’m not overly concerned with weight.
Cove said:
@Quirin
I do backpacking and often tear my jacket on branches when I’m not wearing my hard shell jacket. I’m not overly concerned with weight.
If you’re active and tearing it, consider a fleece for active use and keep the down for when you’re stationary. Down isn’t great for moisture so a fleece would be better when you’re moving. For extra protection, consider a soft-shell jacket like the OR Ferrosi to protect the down without compressing it. A fleece offers warmth without the bulk of wool, making it ideal for backpacking.
I typically wear a base layer and a wool mid layer topped with a windbreaker while hiking. At rest stops, I switch to my down jacket, sometimes with a shell over it. This keeps the down jacket from getting damaged and me from overheating.
If you go that route, consider a windproof option. Depending on the conditions, I layer my hard shell over my micro puff for added warmth before sleeping. I always carry some repair tape for emergencies.
I don’t camp in winter but for day hikes, I use different jackets. For extremely cold and windy conditions, I use an REI parka with down and wind protection. For milder conditions, I use a lighter, more fragile outdoor research down jacket. My dog managed to tear it once, but I fixed it quickly with some tenacious tape.
I layer with a wool inner, fleece mid, and shell outer. This setup worked well even in 20-degree high-wind conditions. I rarely use my down jacket compared to the fleece layer.
Only use the puffy if you’re static sitting around.
I bought a second-hand parka for outdoor use. It’s a warm 700-fill Marmot with a durable shell. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s tough enough for camping and hiking without worries about damage. A bit of repair tape adds character if needed.
Icebreaker merino wool.
Whitney said:
Icebreaker merino wool.
For down coats, some brands offer better durability than others, like Nobis with features like arm pit zippers and machine washability. It’s tough enough for bush hunting. On colder days, I might add a down vest inside a shell for extra warmth.
Consider a hard shell down jacket for simplicity if you prefer just one layer.
You might add a lightweight, economical shell over the down jacket to prevent tears. It’s practical and keeps your jacket looking good.