Hello All, I am new to this particular forum and joined it primarily in the hope that someone could let me know the details of a TGO review from back in November 2008 (I think) of synthetic insulating jackets.

I've been looking for something as warm as a thick fleece but lighter, smaller and able to work as both an outer and mid layer and these seem to fit the bill ... but the more I look the more options there seem to be.

Most appear over 500g but I was after something lighter. Via google I've come across the Montbell UL Thermawrap which is just 260g but seems no one stocks it here in the UK, then there is one by Mountain Equipment (Compressor) which sounds pretty good and is 345g. I'm not bothered about a hood. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations or even prepared to post the TGO review maybe?

Apologies if this is a bit of repetition but I have searched the forum and couldn't find anything.

Cheers,

Buzz

I remember the review but no longer have that issue. From what you say, however, something like the Rab Generator jacket I have would suit you well. My XL is just over 400g and is certainly as warm as a very thick fleece, and windproof, of course. The two hand warmer pockets are obstructed by a rucksack wastebelt, but I don't find this a problem, since I invariably use it only when I'm static.
The generator has 100gsm Primaloft in the body and 60gsm in the arms, whereas the Compressor has 60gsm throughout. I was tempted by it at one time, but wasn't keen on the crisp packet feel of the material when I finally tracked one down -- which wasn't in my size anyways, as it happened.
The Berghaus Ignite is another with very similar features and would be well worth a look. Again 60gsm in arms and body, I think.

Hi Buzz, welcome to the forum. I wrote the synthetic insulated jackets reviews and still have a copy of that issue. My best buy was the Rab Photon Hoodie, which weighs 393 grams (men's medium). I like it because of the hood and the pockets. I'd say it was at least as warm as the thickest fleece. I recommended the Montbell Ultralight Thermawrap (252 grams) but it is only as warm as midweight fleece. By the way, Montbell do have a UK distributor - http://www.esc-outdoor.co.uk/.

I also recommended the Berghaus Ignite jacket (343 grams) and the Haglofs LIM Barrier (303 grams), which are both as warm as a thick fleece. I liked the Rab Generator and the ME Compressor but didn't think they were as good as the recommended garments.

Cheers Guy and Chris. I think I need to find a decent stockist where I can actually try some of this stuff on. I have read that the Mountain Equipment jacket was a bit 'crispy'! The Berghaus Ignite I think has DWR treatment on the inside and the outside so don't think it would be such a good mid layer - I know some of these jackets are designed as belay jackets. I like the look and weight of the Haglof but not the price! I don't actually need anything until after Christmas so maybe the sales will help me decide.

The Haglofs is nice but the Rab Generator is pretty good and worth considering. I did find the ME jacket a bit crackly and also not as breathable as some of the others. I haven't found the Ignite jacket to be noticeably less breathable than the Haglogs or Rab garments. None of them are as breathable as a fleece, windproof/fleece combination or microfleece lined windproof such as the ME Mistral Pull-On or Patagonia Alpine Wind. I'd prefer any of these as a midlayer to an insulated jacket. I very rarely wear a waterproof over any insulated top. In fact I much more often wear the insulated jacket over a waterproof. Except in torrential rain insulated jackets work fine as outer shells.

Like Chris, I don't usually wear a synthetic insulated jacket when I'm actually walking, because they're too warm and get a bit sweaty. I save them for rest stops and camp use. Occasionally I do wear a synethetic vest (made by Patagonia) when on the move, but only when it's really cold. I find a microfleece and windshirt cover most conditions for actually walking, or sometimes I wear a Buffalo Fell jacket, which is made from very thin microfleece with a windproof Pertex shell. It offers amazing warmth for the weight and really keeps you dry when working hard in cool conditions. Rab's Vapour Rise system and Marmot's Driclime shirts are very similar.

I use the haglofs barrier vest and I love it. I am not a big fan of lots of sleves so it keeps me warm enough.

Thanks for all the advice - I did have a brief look around some stores during a quick visit to London yesterday but I'd left it too late for a proper look and couldn't find any of my 'shortlisted' jackets. Lots to think about (though really I should just get any of those mentioned when I see one as I'm sure they are all really of a good standard) Incidentally, I'm getting my partner a Montane Firefox insulated jacket, which looks pretty good - anyone experience of this particular synthetic insulated jacket? (I've already asked Montane if they intend to do a male version - they don't, which is a shame because it seems to fit nicely between their Prism and Flux jackets in terms of weight and warmth)

Wow - I'm in love! Have you seen this one ... 285g, primaloft insulation, 2 zip hand pockets and one 'Napoleon' pocket.

Marmot Baffin Jacket

If TGO want a guest reviewer Chris, I'm your man! (size medium in 'gargoyle' please!)

beautiful Marmot jacket !

That jacket looks nice buzzablinio, especially if the weight is correct. Some manufacturers are 'optomistic' with their published weights. :)
It uses a very light outer fabric though, so i would be concerned about durability if you intend to use it for active use, like scrambling. The Marmot website doesn't say how much fill is in the jacket though. Another thing to keep in mind, is that Primaloft 1 is warmer than Primaloft Sport.

I can recommend the Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka for camp use, and rest stops. It uses a heavier fill than the Thermawrap Jacket. The extra fill and hood make it very warm for the weight.