Primaloft VS Down

[twentyclicks]

LOL - as long as you are sorted! All this heat is just trying to soften us for the blow of winter 

[LennyJ1]

How much does that jacket weigh?

[kaya]

Im not sure, but it aint heavy. It didnt come with a stuff sack but i have an old rab one here i think it will fit in. I tested it out walking the dog there, came back boiling. Id say theres another few weeks before this comes out again and at that price ill have no fear sitting round a sparking fire, think i would of cried if i got a burn in the fitzroy!

[zeaphod]

No-one has mentioned the waterproof properties of a primaloft jacket. Down loses all its insulation properties when wet, which makes it less od an all rounder in our climate. I find my RAB photon waterproof for at least 30 mins in steady rain, and still warm when wet through.

[Chris the fizz]

Hi all

Im confused (That is normal)

right Im going to iceland for an 3 day break and will be going on a northern lights tour :-) so what clothes / Jacket should I purchase up to around £200 jacket (down or primaloft)

Thanks in advanced

Warmest regards
Chris

[kaya]

Definitely down, anything by Mountain Equipment, i dont like the cut of anything Rab.

I have this and its awesome for  very super cold and windy, not wet though.

http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Mountain_Equipment_Mens_Hooded_Xero_Down_Jacket_103125.html

I also have a montane primaloft but its for damp mizzly cold days

[LennyJ1]

they both have there uses. Down is great for dry cold as if you get it wet it's buggered. I have a berghaus down jacket from the extreme range and it's amazing.   

What time of the year are you going? Because if your going in spring primaloft would be better and yet again berghaus make great jacket called the belay jacket.

[Wolf_Larson]

I have no idea about coats etc....  I just layer up 

[twentyclicks]

Depends what temperatures you will be expecting. Iceland is a maritime arctic climate so can be damp a lot of the year, but if it's winter and the temps are constantly sub-zero (say <-5) you can be confident the precipitation will be snow. Saying that, you're heading out to see the Northern Lights so you'll be out in clear conditions.

The discontinued Rab Photon Belay was a great beefy synthetic jacket that probably would do to -10. Most other synthetics I know are fairly light. Down is a good bet, but again most down jackets in that price range are stitch-thru (not baffled), so may be limited to around -5 to -10. Depends on your own metabolism, how long you are exposed/standing around...thick fleece or wooly under will help (most mountaineers/campers can't carry these so the ratings are probably based on more moderate layers).

Cheapest and most ideal solution would be to see if you can hire a jacket out there (check with the company)...should be suitable to the conditions and you can use the money saved to buy a nice primaloft synthetic for use more often back home. It is only a 3 day trip... unless you want an excuse for a snuggly down coat 

[Chris the fizz]

Many thanks for the replies - We are going in Feb/March and there may be some rain? dont know