sleeping bag

[wayno]

if its your ownly down jacket I'd go for one like this, gives you more ability to stay warm in the cold.,...
my first down jacket was similar warmth.... get a thinner one if you ever get a second one to give you a choice in warmer conditions...

[wayno]

i dont think the nitro will be less warm, it has a higher loft down and theres not much less down than the other one, it will pack down smaller with the higher loft down...

[Moondog55]

I personally like jackets with hoods as they provide a much greater safety factor if caught out in bad weather, but adding in a spare hat can work

[wayno]

the north star looks like a hooded version of the anti freeze

[Onestepmore]

Have you checked out Mont Bell jackets (and bags - John Abela of HikeLighter.com fame swears by these bags)? It's a Japenese company that also sells to the US
I've not used their gear, but it has a good reputation and I'm very interested in their under shell insulation layers. Has anyone had experience with their stuff?

NZ/Aust stockist http://www.iclimb.co.nz/ausinsulation.htm.
http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=70
One of this range has won some 2011 Editor's Choice backpacking awards, you can see the full range for their USA website (but they don't do international orders)

Bags - down 800 http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?cat_id=796, see the site for other down contents, and synthetic bags if you're concerned about down getting wet. iclimb has some of this range in stock, but they can order others in but they only place orders every 3 months. I'm considering one for my winter bag, as I tend to curl up and the bias cut stretch thing sounds like it'd suit me well.

A good article I came across regarding temp ratings and down vs synthetic too http://www.mountainz.co.nz/content/arti ... &direct=nz

[gayet]

Re Mont Bell
I have a MB Super Spiral Down Hugger #0 and its great. Packs down well but I generally just stuff it into the pack and shove everything else on top of it - fills the gaps between gear and cushions the cameras. Warm, stretchy, long enough, wide enough and a good hood.

[Nuts]

Hi Forgie, I have that Montane Jacket, very nice, warm with inner layers to -3/4 (i found) sitting outside. More recently used the Montbell inner set, they are nowhere near as warm but work well with the lighter sleeping bag and work ok under raincoat/w/proof pants. I think its more with walking that you are often either moving or in a sleeping bag down here , seems to make sense to make use of this down layer (though having a big puffy jacket can make for a nice pillow if not needed). Either way, I agree, an attached hood makes 'them warmer'.

[Moondog55]

Thanx for the link Onestepmore.
I found one particular bit of information very interesting and I am going to investigate putting a breathing vent into my "Foxhole"

[wayno]

i'd take that article with a grain of salt, written by mountaineers who have a lot higher tolerance for discomfort than even most outdoors people.

[Moondog55]

LOL
I knew that when I commented, comfort is almost always health and fitness related when I go out, the fitter and stronger I am the less I need the extra warm gear and comfort mattress.
Trouble is I always seem to go out unfit and under-prepared.
Putting a small vent on the cowl of my bivvie is something I am going to look at how-ever

[wayno]

cold avenger....
http://www.talusoutdoor.com/