I've been using a Berghaus Down Vest for a year or two and I'd like to swap it for something synthetic with sleeves. Has anyone any recommendations? I'd like something light but still having a bit of warmth for sitting around camp or rests when hiking. I've been toying with something like the Rab Generator.
I have the following if you want to give them a try.
Rab generator smock
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
Rab Boulder Pull On
Rab Power Stretch Zip Top
The Generator is very good but it is too hot to walk in. The Boulder pull on packs small and is warm for all the thickness of it.
Sarah said that to me yesterday when I was sorting my kit out, something like "you have enough stuff to open an outdoor shop.. "
Quote from: TypoOn on December 16, 2011, 04:12:46 PM
LoL I honestly think NI-Wild could fill a Cotswolds with gear :)
I should think so, since we emptied one in the smoke damage sale.
On the topic. There are lots of similar coats that do the same thing.
Rab Generator
Berghaus Ignite
TNF Red Point
ME Fitzroy
If I am not mistaken they all have 100g Primaloft fill in the body and 60g in the arms. I have the Ignite and wear it as an overlayer or underlayer as the conditions dictate. Mine doesn't have a hood, but I figure if I need a hood then I probably have a raincoat on.
I'd maybe just go with the one you can get the best price on.
The only thing I would say is that a Primaloft jacket like the Rab Generator will not be as warm as your Berghaus down vest. All comes down to what you want to use it for, but the Primaloft jackets are generally more like belay jackets designed for fast and light use rather than keeping you toasty in camp. The Generator is great between spring and autumn, but unless you are particularly warm blooded you probably wouldn't want to sit around wearing it with just a base layer in winter.
If its a fast and light you are after then I'd give a thumbs up to the Generator, or the Lowe Alpine Thermo which is pretty much the same thing. If its for staying warm in camp then I'd still stick with down and go for a Rab Neutrino.
My Alpine Generator (with hood) is 520g, Photon is about the same weight, but slightly less weather proof/more filling, and 2/3 price... saying that, photon owners always comment how good they are in rain.
I have a PHD down vest thanks to last year Christmas sale to top up my generator when it's really cold, or for lighter summer heat.
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-photon-micro-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/1B110389/id_colour/108/group/570/level/2
On sale at Cotswold: RRP: £120.00 NOW: £70.00
That's attractive, what does everyone think of the Ra Photon?
Quote from: phaedruswolf on December 21, 2011, 11:56:25 PM
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-photon-micro-jacket/fuseaction/products.detail/code/1B110389/id_colour/108/group/570/level/2
On sale at Cotswold: RRP: £120.00 NOW: £70.00
The micro photon isn't in their current range... the outer is the same, but it uses 100/60g primaloft 1, compared to 133/100g primaloft eco in the newer version.
To look at it another way, the inner is the same as my alpine generator, but with a micro outer rather than the endurance... I find it very comfortable across a range of temperatures. Seems to breathe well. Haven't sat around for hours in the snow yet, but you would expect to augment in those conditions with fleece (vapour-rise!) or stick your legs in a sleeping bag.
We sold quite a few in Tiso and the similar Montane Prism, and tended to see the owners wearing them all the time. On one hand it makes me think they are all wusses for needing a primaloft jacket for wandering around the shops in May, but on the other hand the feedback was that they were awesome bits of kit.
If it's pure heat your after, Haglofs Barrier II Hood is the ticket... DWR is amazing and the fill lofts and insulates better than Primaloft.
have both a old design TNF Redpoint Optimus (Superior to the new one)and Rab Photon (Best Stow size & Weight)... Barrier II wins hands down. Honest :)