Looking for a high loft mid layer

[Agross]

Was very pleasantly surprised by the ambient. Love it. Only tried it initially because I got it for a great price. Glad I did

 

[Bump79]

it sounds like this is an all season kit so id go 100 ambient full zip jacket. or summit grid hoodie from mtn hardware I rly like. they also have a 1/4 zip if you don't want a hood

Seconded. The 100 would be a better fit for layering under a puffy.

 

[Bump79]

Another option

Men's Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie | Outdoor Research

The Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie is designed with bluesign® approved materials with movement-mirroring stretch for warmth and comfort during active, cool-weather outdoor pursuits, perfect on its own or as a part of a strategic layering system.

www.outdoorresearch.com

 

[gclubb02]

Sitka ambient is the answer, im a first lite guy because I had a pro account for awhile so that got me started and they have a lot of great stuff but what they are lacking is a truly good midlayer, I have a Klamath fleece that I like but dont love so I picked up the ambient hoody a few weeks ago which has 100g of insulation and I absolutely love it. Came in from a super active hunt yesterday and was sweating a lot but when I took the ambient off the inner fleece part of it was bone dry and the outer “shell” was just a little damp. That was pretty impressive to me because Im a heavy sweater and I knew I soaked it pretty good when I was walking. Essentially in 10 mins of not sweating it was dry. I also am very impressed with how warm and wind resistant it is for what it is. My XXL weighs 14 ounces and you can literally see light through it but i stood outside in like 35 degrees with a 10mph breeze for a half hr or so with a long sleeve base layer and the ambient hoody and was not cold and couldnt feel the wind through it. It almost defies physics. Very awesome piece

 

[Fritz D]

Finally succumbed to these active insulation threads at Rokslide and bought an Ambient Vest. Guess we’ll see what all the buzz is about? I’ll probably try it snowshoeing-that activity always makes me either sweat like crazy or else freeze my azz off-sometimes both at the same time.

 

[Wannabebowhuntr]

So you guys use the ambient as a fleece/wool midlayer replacement? I’m still learning as always but in the past I have done merino base, fleece or heavier wool mid, and then insulation and shell if necessary. With the ambient you guys are replacing the fleece mid? And then adding more insulation over the ambient as necessary?

 

[P Carter]

Im looking for a high loft fleece around 18oz.

This is the ticket. You’ll need a wind layer if this is an outer layer.

Men's Alpha Aura Jacket

Technical Features Active Insulation - Regulates Warmth Through a Wide Range of Physical Activities Breathable Lofted-Knit Fleece Fabric Water-resistant, Ripstop Hood and Shoulder Panels Hydrophobic, Fast Drying, Moisture Wicking Lightweight Construction Highly Compressible Design Details Built...

beyondclothing.com

 

[Fritz D]

So you guys use the ambient as a fleece/wool midlayer replacement? I’m still learning as always but in the past I have done merino base, fleece or heavier wool mid, and then insulation and shell if necessary. With the ambient you guys are replacing the fleece mid? And then adding more insulation over the ambient as necessary?

That’s my intention with the Ambient, yes.
Though I’m no expert on this subject, I always have had issues with dealing with sweat while exercising in cold conditions? And am always looking to find ways to stay dry in such situations-I’ve had hypothermia twice in my life. Once due indirectly to extreme chill as a result of sweaty under layers . Not fun.

 

[cuerro viejo]

These are puffy jackets that I am looking to layer under.

How warm do you want?

The ambient 75 is my go too. If it’s late season reallyyyyyy cold… Mountain hardware ghost whisper UL. It’s a puffy but is more of a mid layer puffy as it’s a 5d/7d outer shell that weighs 6.7 oz

The normal Ghost Whisper is similar at 10D and 8oz. It’s on sale for 197 right now.

 

[doverpack12]

Ditch the merino base go synthetic.

For the mid layer or my next layer I generally turn to a Peloton 97. I have ambient vest and jacket but struggle to find a place for them.

I grab a peloton 240 or Axis before the ambient.
In true cold base, 97, ambient jacket/KUIU snap shirt, axis jacket

 

[coyotecreek]

Merino Wool Sweatshirt | Men's Powder Hoody | Duckworth

The Duckworth Powder Hoody is our best-selling merino wool sweater, perfect for hiking, skiing, backpacking or wearing around town.

www.duckworthco.com

 

[PathFinder]

Have you looked into Polartec Alpha/Primaloft Evolve type fabrics? The Sitka Ambient line is Primaloft Evolve with a face fabric. Separating the two into a wind shirt and insulation makes it a bit more flexible. A highly breathable insulation layer for high exertion and an additional layer to block wind when desired. The two together can easily be under 10 oz.
If those fabrics don't interest you, really any grid fleece will do.


Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[MT_Wyatt]

So you guys use the ambient as a fleece/wool midlayer replacement? I’m still learning as always but in the past I have done merino base, fleece or heavier wool mid, and then insulation and shell if necessary. With the ambient you guys are replacing the fleece mid? And then adding more insulation over the ambient as necessary?

Been doing it for a couple years, absolutely yes. Now that they make some mapped alpha direct/primaloft evolve pieces with lighter in areas, as well as the heavier pieces, it is hard to imagine why I’d shift back to grid fleece other than toughness. I’m okay with a bit less durability for higher performance

 

[pirogue]

After reading most of this thread, it dawned on me that I had the Ambient, I think in 100. Easy to forget all the material weights, types, etc. Especially, some of the brands that didn’t identify the above, thier first few years. Since I was never a member of the ILGWU, it’s puzzling to pick a piece to wear and wonder what the heck it is.

 

[Sitkaspruce]

This is what I use

Men's Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket

Expertly balancing warmth and breathability, this lightweight insulated jacket offers all-day comfort without the need to change layers, keeping you moving whatever the conditions.

rab.equipment

Great mid layer or as an outer layer.

Cheers

SS

 

[MuleyFever]

.

Have you looked into Polartec Alpha/Primaloft Evolve type fabrics? The Sitka Ambient line is Primaloft Evolve with a face fabric. Separating the two into a wind shirt and insulation makes it a bit more flexible. A highly breathable insulation layer for high exertion and an additional layer to block wind when desired. The two together can easily be under 10 oz.
If those fabrics don't interest you, really any grid fleece will do.


Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

This is something I was thinking about. What does the face fabric on the Ambient provide? I have heard people say it doesn't block wind at all. Is it just there to add some pick resistance and a layer for them to add DWR to?

 

[PathFinder]

It adds some wind resistance, durability, and something to add DWR to. Basically covers up for all of the weak points of the insulation on its own in one package vs adding a wind breaker.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

[IBen]

Wind shirt + any alpha direct piece. Lots of flexibility. Ive seen pictures of people wearing ambient looks like the cut was made for people 5’9 and 220lbs

 

[MuleyFever]

Who is offering the better Polartec Alpha/Primaloft Evolve type fabrics? That Beyond Clothing one looks nice.

 

[P Carter]

Who is offering the better Polartec Alpha/Primaloft Evolve type fabrics? That Beyond Clothing one looks nice.

All the fabrics are the same, just different weights and face fabrics. The thread “active insulation” has a pretty comprehensive discussion of various brands with these pieces. Seems like there are many different offerings now, lots of weights and configurations to choose from at price points of $99 to over $230.