Explain the use case for synthetic insulation

[The Ri Guy]

Man I must be an absolute oddball when it comes to layering.

I was bear hunting in Western WA when we had that big rain come through the other week in just my Duckworth Vapor tee and Stone Glacier Chinook Hoody. Cannot stand synthetics AT ALL in our WA conditions, they just turn into saunas for me. For hiking through our thick nasty sh*t or up our steep mountains, nothing works for me besides just a base layer, or a tough outer layer if it's really thorny. Stationary, I just toss on a puffy and rain jacket if needed.

Use the same exact setup chasing Muley's and Elk in the Cascades/Eastside.

I guess I'm just one with the wet now, so maybe that's why I like Merino blends. Wet doesn't bother me, and the wool keeps you warm.

 

[elsb0048]

I guess I'm just one with the wet now, so maybe that's why I like Merino blends. Wet doesn't bother me, and the wool keeps you warm.

It depends a lot on how active and how wet. For high output in the wet I'm with you: baselayer & a shell, merino has some benefits.

If it's just damp: not actively raining, moisture mostly coming from the vegetation and I'm still hunting. I may layer up here as I'm moving but not really active and purposely moving slow enough not to overheat. In that scenario I'm more likely to wear synthetics.

For mulies and elk I'm often in slightly drier and much more open & windy conditions. That's where I find a lot of benefits to the blend of breathability and insulation

Just depends on the day!

 

[The Ri Guy]

It depends a lot on how active and how wet. For high output in the wet I'm with you: baselayer & a shell, merino has some benefits.

If it's just damp: not actively raining, moisture mostly coming from the vegetation and I'm still hunting. I may layer up here as I'm moving but not really active and purposely moving slow enough not to overheat. In that scenario I'm more likely to wear synthetics.

For mulies and elk I'm often in slightly drier and much more open & windy conditions. That's where I find a lot of benefits to the blend of breathability and insulation

Just depends on the day!

The one distinct advantage we have as Washingtonian’s is the varied biomes we get to play in within our state.

A guy can really dial in his personally optimized gear list for virtually any environment.

 

[Maverick1]

What are you using where most people would have a fleece? Are you suggesting there’s a synthetic insulation solution for that spot? The pieces I know of I would expect to run way too hot to fill the role my grid fleece plays.

I don’t know where or when most people would use a fleece. And I’m not sure how you use grid fleece, either.

I have hunted the last 10-15 years without using any fleece. So, regardless of the question or situation, yes, there is a suitable synthetic or down insulation.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Outside of wet vs dry, more exterior fabric options for synthetic and usually a little tougher