Active Insulation

[mtwarden]

This is the way.

Mtn Evo is a good swap in for the Nimbus, and makes for a little better breathability for those climbs. BTW, I see Sitka is sold out of the Mtn Evo. Any insider info on an updated version? I hope it’s not discontinued…


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I hope not. They do seem to have some track record of ditching pieces, good pieces.

 

[mtwarden]

This is the way.

Mtn Evo is a good swap in for the Nimbus, and makes for a little better breathability for those climbs. BTW, I see Sitka is sold out of the Mtn Evo. Any insider info on an updated version? I hope it’s not discontinued…


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Well I left behind the Nimbus and grabbed the Evo (same vest/base layer); the temps were in the high teens, but no wind today.

That was a good combo, but getting pretty close to the limit for me temperature wise. Had to add the Evo hood a couple of times as I was getting just a little chilled. If there had been much wind, would have been uncomfortable and possibly even too chilly for the Nimbus (on the arms).

 

[Jake Larsen]

Well I left behind the Nimbus and grabbed the Evo (same vest/base layer); the temps were in the high teens, but no wind today.

That was a good combo, but getting pretty close to the limit for me temperature wise. Had to add the Evo hood a couple of times as I was getting just a little chilled. If there had been much wind, would have been uncomfortable and possibly even too chilly for the Nimbus (on the arms).

I agree - I’d say it’s tilted in the direction of optimized for early/mid season. It’s borderline too breathable for the extremely cold/windy conditions. Ive solved that problem by also carry a Duckworth Powder hoodie. I’ll throw it over the top of everything if it’s too chilly. I just run hot as an oven, so if I’m moving, I basically never need it.

One swap in that I like for later season is the Kelvin Active hoody for the ambient. The goofy looking short sleeve of that piece adds just a little extra warmth for the arms, and the insulated hood helps with overall temperature regulation.


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[mtwarden]

^ good point, I have an Active hoody too

 

[Jake Larsen]

^ good point, I have an Active hoody too

One of the best layering pieces Sitka has ever made. I think Barklow might have made that for himself and his buddies, knowing it wouldn’t sell worth a dang lol. It was discontinued immediately, which was great. I bought two of them for half the new price of 1.


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[fngTony]

^ good point, I have an Active hoody too

Is there anything you don’t have?

 

[mtwarden]

Is there anything you don’t have?

I’ve got a pretty full closet

 

[fngTony]

I’ve got a pretty full closet

I bet you got something we haven’t seen yet

 

[mtwarden]

One swap in that I like for later season is the Kelvin Active hoody for the ambient. The goofy looking short sleeve of that piece adds just a little extra warmth for the arms, and the insulated hood helps with overall temperature regulation.


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So it was colder yet today (9°) and decided to try the Kelvin Active + Evo + Core Lwt; should note off the bat there was almost no wind. A couple of time my lower arms got a little chilled, but not bad. I never used the Evo hood, but did use the Core and Kelvin hood.

Overall

 

[Jake Larsen]

So it was colder yet today (9°) and decided to try the Kelvin Active + Evo + Core Lwt; should note off the bat there was almost no wind. A couple of time my lower arms got a little chilled, but not bad. I never used the Evo hood, but did use the Core and Kelvin hood.

Overall

I’ve found a very similar threshold myself. With high winds and below about 15-20 degrees, it starts to be borderline. If I’m moving fast and generating a lot of heat, it’s usually still good down to 10-15. Single digits and below are ok without wind. With wind, I have to add another layer. As I mentioned earlier, at the point it’s not enough, a powder hoodie (or any other mid layer that’s cut with room) over the top of everything is the ticket.

I really wish Sitka made a core mid weight hoody that was cut the same as the LW, but much less heavy than the Core HW or traverse. Still focusing on moving moisture really fast, but would be the ticket for this system in later season temps.

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[mtwarden]

The Patagonia Thermal Weight pieces sit right between Sitka’s Lightweight and Heavyweight.

I bought them originally as a mid-layer, but found the best use was as base layers in very cold conditions.

 

[Jake Larsen]

The Patagonia Thermal Weight pieces sit right between Sitka’s Lightweight and Heavyweight.

I bought them originally as a mid-layer, but found the best use was as base layers in very cold conditions.

The polartech power grid versions? I think they call them the “Capilene Thermal” I’ll have to give one a try. The R1 was the best performing mid layer I ever tried, back before the active insulation pieces.


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[mtwarden]

They’ve changed the name at least four times

It’s like an R1 “Light”

 

[Fritz D]

Ive got 15 YO R1 hoodies that are still going strong minus a few holes from campfire sparks?

 

[SurfAMHuntPM]

They’ve changed the name at least four times

It’s like an R1 “Light”

Do you feel the R1 “ Air “ is a stand in for some of the better active fleeces or more of a thermal / waffle?

 

[mtwarden]

It’s definitely an active insulation, but personally feel Alpha, Evolve, etc are better active insulations.

 

[SurfAMHuntPM]

It’s definitely an active insulation, but personally feel Alpha, Evolve, etc are better active insulations.

thanks. I’m going to try an Alpha / Evolve mid piece out.
I have an REI gift card staring at me, The R1s seemed close and in decent colors .
I’ll save the card for another upgrade I want to try out during winter months.

 

[Oregonhuntrboi]

Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's - Clothing

Buy the Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's online or shop all Clothing from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

I’m looking for a lighter replacement for my OG ambient and found this. I’m not wanting a hood and don’t care about weather resistance because I always wear it under my evo. I’m thinking this naked active evolve at 95gr might do the trick ! It’s crazy light compared to the OG ambient.

 

[P Carter]

Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's - Clothing

Buy the Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's online or shop all Clothing from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

I’m looking for a lighter replacement for my OG ambient and found this. I’m not wanting a hood and don’t care about weather resistance because I always wear it under my evo. I’m thinking this naked active evolve at 95gr might do the trick ! It’s crazy light compared to the OG ambient.

This looks like a great piece. If this had come out earlier, I'd grab one. I don't see how I can justify another one at this point in time...but i might get one anyway.

 

[Oregonhuntrboi]

Before I order, anybody else know of any other hoodless naked primaloft evolve layers I should check out ?