Active insulation recommendations

[Dirtywater]

I am looking for your suggestions for something that is full zip, dwr, and ripstop(or other tough fabric). Seems hard to find a jacket that checks all these boxes.
Trying to avoid the ambient due to cost but might be my only option

 

[Pulleye16]

well, I haven't personal tried yet and I'm slightly embarrassed to even start thinking of the idea going this route...but my buddy and others who cyclecross swear by fishnet style baselayers like Brynje.

If you see me this fall in the WY mountains dressed like a dominatrix hillbilly, don't be afraid.

 

[P Carter]

Ambient isn’t ripstop, I don’t think. Anyway, the rab evolute is very similar to the ambient but less expensive. It’s a good piece but pretty warm when mocking. The outdoor vitals pursuit is less warm, so better when moving, and gets very good reviews.

I have the evolute but not the OV.

 

[nubraskan]

Gohunt atmosphere might check all your boxes. I have both it and the Sitka ambient, they're very very similar but the atmosphere outer face fabric feels more tough

 

[Dirtywater]

Gohunt atmosphere might check all your boxes. I have both it and the Sitka ambient, they're very very similar but the atmosphere outer face fabric feels more tough

I’ve been looking at it, which do you prefer? I’ve seen people say the atmosphere fits weird. I’m 5’10 170

 

[nubraskan]

It fits slightly bigger / slightly more boxy, but for the price I prefer it and feel better wearing it around town. I think the ambient is slightly better in fit and feel, but not enough to justify the price.

I wear a large in both, 6'1 and 190ish

 

[coyotecreek]

I'm the same size as you and the First Lite Navigator size Medium fits perfect. I tried the ambient and prefer the Navigator