Thread: Non Down Insulated Jacket

An update on my jacket search. I’m 5’11” 93kg, 108cm chest, athletic build.

Macpac Pulsar – I’m on the cusp of the medium being too tight and the large is too big, and the hood is massive! Though it appears to be designed to fit over a climbing helmet.

Catcus Norbu – a really nice jacket, but to heavy and bulky for backpack hunting, awesome from a hut or vehicle, considering getting one as my everyday use jacket.

Hunters Element Sleet – good fitting, and looks like it would pack down well enough, but the shell material is really noisy, it makes a crunchy-crackly sound when you move in it, like a gortex or similar fabric.

Simms Fall Run – nice and light weight, though it is a 3-season jacket, but could work well as part of my layering system.

Next to jacket check out is the Rab Cirrus and have a mooch around some more stores. Found other options online but like to try clothes on before forking out cash.

The search continues…

An update on my jacket search. I’m 5’11” 93kg, 108cm chest, athletic build.

Macpac Pulsar – I’m on the cusp of the medium being too tight and the large is too big, and the hood is massive! Though it appears to be designed to fit over a climbing helmet.

Catcus Norbu – a really nice jacket, but to heavy and bulky for backpack hunting, awesome from a hut or vehicle, considering getting one as my everyday use jacket.

Hunters Element Sleet – good fitting, and looks like it would pack down well enough, but the shell material is really noisy, it makes a crunchy-crackly sound when you move in it, like a gortex or similar fabric.

Simms Fall Run – nice and light weight, though it is a 3-season jacket, but could work well as part of my layering system.

Next to jacket check out is the Rab Cirrus and have a mooch around some more stores. Found other options online but like to try clothes on before forking out cash.

The search continues…

What size are you?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/5285028183

Originally Posted by steadwah

An update on my jacket search. I’m 5’11” 93kg, 108cm chest, athletic build.

Macpac Pulsar – I’m on the cusp of the medium being too tight and the large is too big, and the hood is massive! Though it appears to be designed to fit over a climbing helmet.

Catcus Norbu – a really nice jacket, but to heavy and bulky for backpack hunting, awesome from a hut or vehicle, considering getting one as my everyday use jacket.

Hunters Element Sleet – good fitting, and looks like it would pack down well enough, but the shell material is really noisy, it makes a crunchy-crackly sound when you move in it, like a gortex or similar fabric.

Simms Fall Run – nice and light weight, though it is a 3-season jacket, but could work well as part of my layering system.

Next to jacket check out is the Rab Cirrus and have a mooch around some more stores. Found other options online but like to try clothes on before forking out cash.

The search continues…

Other options to consider could be the Earth Sea Sky Alpha or Primaloft. I dont have first hand experience with these jackets, but based on other base and mid layers I have from ESS; I see no reason as to why they wouldnt be great.

Pricey yes, but great to support local as they're 100% NZ made.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What size are you?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/5285028183

Thanks Ryan, I'm typically large.

At first glance the WOE is going to be to bulky for my needs. I'm after something that packs down small and light to throw in my pack.

Originally Posted by lost

Other options to consider could be the Earth Sea Sky Alpha or Primaloft. I dont have first hand experience with these jackets, but based on other base and mid layers I have from ESS; I see no reason as to why they wouldnt be great.

Pricey yes, but great to support local as they're 100% NZ made.

Cheers, I'll add them to my list to check out.

I've had a Montane Prism jacket for years and its been excellent. I see it has been replaced now, by a new model: Montane Respond Hoodie

I'm still recommending the Macpac Pisa jacket, this combined with the Macpac Nitro pullover has replaced all my other fleece/insulated jackets for all my outdoor activities - mtb bikepacking, ski touring and hunting. These combined with a lightweight merino baselayer cover all situations for me now (with a decent rain jacket of course).

Originally Posted by bjp

I'm still recommending the Macpac Pisa jacket, this combined with the Macpac Nitro pullover has replaced all my other fleece/insulated jackets for all my outdoor activities - mtb bikepacking, ski touring and hunting. These combined with a lightweight merino baselayer cover all situations for me now (with a decent rain jacket of course).

Thanks for reemphasing this, I already have these exact items, and highly rate them as a layering system and use them as you do, however I'm forever considering options and scenarios.

Originally Posted by Oscar

I've had a Montane Prism jacket for years and its been excellent. I see it has been replaced now, by a new model: Montane Respond Hoodie

That’s what I rock, dries out fast. When it gets cold I just whack a thermal on and it’s toasty as, packs down nicely


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Originally Posted by steadwah

Thanks for reemphasing this, I already have these exact items, and highly rate them as a layering system and use them as you do, however I'm forever considering options and scenarios.

I'll follow with interest, will be good to see what you end up with.

I have run a few synthetic puffers, both hunting and mountaineering. My faves are the Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody and OR Chaos

now you've got me thinking too, my check out this jacket myself...

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/brands/out...TfF8tPJ6JCszJV

Originally Posted by Hunty1

I have run a few synthetic puffers, both hunting and mountaineering. My faves are the Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody and OR Chaos

Crickey the Arc’teryx is getting up there in price

Originally Posted by bjp

now you've got me thinking too, my check out this jacket myself...

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/brands/out...TfF8tPJ6JCszJV

FOMO? All aboard the gear train, next stop another piece of gear you probably dont need! 🤣