Warm Coat (4 Viewers)

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Birding in the Highlands in winter has proved none of my existing outerwear can live up to the elements. I am after an ultrawarm jacket that is waterproof. I go up mountains a fair bit so need to consider the weight and to some extent breathability.

I was chatting with a friend who recommend I look at the Canada Goose range, but they are over $600.

What recommendations do people have?

 

[Birdbrain]

Try some of these buddy...

http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/clothing/insulation/

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Thanks for that i'll check it out.

 

[black kite 1964]

Thanks for that i'll check it out.

Try North face range. I have a heavy duty waterproof with a warm lining, plus hood! Warm as toast. May not be breathable though. Alsp Paramo stuff may be worth a look too!:cat:

 

[number6]

Try North face range. I have a heavy duty waterproof with a warm lining, plus hood! Warm as toast. May not be breathable though. Alsp Paramo stuff may be worth a look too!:cat:

+ 1 on the Paramo suggestion. Halcon jacket and Taiga fleece would be my choice .

 

[Den]

Paramo Aspira Jacket and Torres Belay Jacket to pull over it when things get really nasty or when you stop for a cuppa are the dogs Marcus. Shedloads of winter climbers use the waterproof Belay jacket system to pull over normal mountaineering gear when things get a wee wild . Don't try Down jackets, they are meant for much drier areas like the Alps. I used to use them years ago when I didn't know better. Wet Scottish conditions need Primaloft insulation which is warm even when soggy.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

I haven't used them myself but Keela seem to have some interesting products such as the Munro Jacket. If they are used by mountain rescue teams they can't be all bad. I have been told that they make some of Country Innovation's top of the range jackets too.

http://www.keela.co.uk/

Ron

 

[Birdbrain]

I also use the Paramo Pajaro and if kept clean and re-proofed is a very good coat, its not really for the cold days but can be with the CI Harrier fleece under.

But spring and autumn its a great coat that is just like a jumper that can be tied around your waist if it gets a bit hot, it also can be rapped up very small to be put in your rucsack, also lots of pockets for all your bits.

But as i have said in other threads the CI Rover cant be beat IMHO.

 

[Birdbrain]

I haven't used them myself but Keela seem to have some interesting products such as the Munro Jacket. If they are used by mountain rescue teams they can't be all bad. I have been told that they make some of Country Innovation's top of the range jackets too.

http://www.keela.co.uk/

Ron

Yes your right Ron, they use the Innovation liner i.e. 5,7 XL which can be found in most of the CI jackets.

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Thanks for the feedback. I will be more specific.

I already have a northface jacket for wet weather, which I can chuck a fleece underneath and base layers if I go out in heavy weather.

Generally however, I will be going up the mountains for photography in winter and will be picking drier/sunnier days. Typically I will climb with my kit for 2-3hours and then stay sedentary for 1-2 hours taking shots, before coming down. It is this static phase that I need the warmth. I need something waterproof because I often lie in the snow to get a shot. In my current set up I get a cold stomach quite quickly and my temperature falls.

 

[number6]

Marcus , as Den suggests above , the Torres smock by Paramo will add to your existing system and provide the insulation you need. the conditions you intend to work in would merit Paramo Aspira salopettes too.

Paul.

 

[Upland Birder]

For Scottish mountains Mountain Equipment clothing wins every time for me. The Lifeline jacket is really warm. Check them out. A good pair of salopettes may also assist.

Just thought when your lying in the snow make sure nobody walks over you with a pair of crampons on !!

Dean:t:

 

[Farnboro John]

If you are going to lie in the snow for two hours get a winter sleeping bag, maybe the old Army arctic maggot that had a built in waterproof groundsheet. You ain't going anywhere quickly in it but there are few big cats in the Highlands!

Alternatively a lightweight crash mat would insulate you from the ground and be waterproof. It will also reduce the effect of knobbly rocks and dwarf gorse in the wrong place.

John

 

[Steve Dudley]

Another Paramo user here. I use the Pajaro over a Paramo Taiga fleece, but for super warm I use the Cascade over a Paramo Taiga fleece - I find the latter too warm for most British winters and the only real time it came in to its own was when I used to bird the Highlands in winter.

 

[Chris Oates]

Another Paramo vote.
I use the Torres smock & trousers, Merino base layer & a Summit hoodie.

The Torres range is (for what it does) very cheap - the smock is one of my favourite bits of kit - it's so well thought out - the front zip is two way so you can get to inside pockets without opening the (excellent) hood - has a 'kangaroo' type through handwarmer where you can keep gloves - it's slippery inside so it's easy to put on.

The matching trousers are super warm but very light and can be put on (if you so wish) over another pair of trousers and boots without removing them (boots)

I have outdoor gear like a child has toys but if I had to keep just one summer and one winter set I'd have a Montane Superfly + Terra trousers (summer) and the Paramo Torres set for winter.

I get my Paramo gear from Whalley Warm & Dry - post free & usually next day.

Ignoring all the overlayering/belaying stuff - I don't climb mountains - the Torres gear is completely waterproof & ideal for very cold weather - Paramo don't make much of it being waterproof but I Nikwax mine (rarely) and I've never got wet.

 

[Steve Dudley]

I forgot about the trousers. I use Cascade when the winter is cold enough. They can be worn on their own or over your normal trousers, but again, the latter is for only very cold conditions they're that warm!

 

[tdodd]

Thinking outside the box, rather than more clothing, what about some sort of inflatable camping mat, which should keep you dry and provide more effective insulation when lying down on snow or freezing ground?

Some examples here, found with a quick Google - http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Camping_Mats_54.html

 

[Pitvar]

Another option would be a Montane Extreme Smock [with which I've just replaced my 15 year old Buffalo Special 6 Shirt] It's an all in one windproof and water repellent Pertex outer with a deep pile inner, stays warm when wet and dries pretty well, comes in Olive Green with a hood, longer at the back and is on offer for about £85 in some shops at the minute. Whilst it's fantastic on the move and for short stops not sure about lying up in the snow without a mat or something but on the plus side as long as its less than about 8 degrees [after which its probably too warm for one] its all you need - one layer for everything.

I did a ten mile hike in white out conditions, temp minus 2 plus windchill to about minus 8, the other week and it was fantastic.

I'll bring it when I book on my next course Marcus! Cheers, Peter

 

[Chris Oates]

Another option would be a Montane Extreme Smock [with which I've just replaced my 15 year old Buffalo Special 6 Shirt] It's an all in one windproof and water repellent Pertex outer with a deep pile inner, stays warm when wet and dries pretty well, comes in Olive Green with a hood, longer at the back and is on offer for about £85 in some shops at the minute. Whilst it's fantastic on the move and for short stops not sure about lying up in the snow without a mat or something but on the plus side as long as its less than about 8 degrees [after which its probably too warm for one] its all you need - one layer for everything.

I did a ten mile hike in white out conditions, temp minus 2 plus windchill to about minus 8, the other week and it was fantastic.

I'll bring it when I book on my next course Marcus! Cheers, Peter

Montane Extreme Smock or Jacket

Both very nice but are meant to be worn next to the skin and are sized according = rather tight.
I'm a medium & bought a large - I can just get a T-shirt under it !
Unlike some gear the hood is also fully insulated.

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Will add that to the list Peter. I went and had a look in Craigdon yesterday so starting to know what I want now!