Mid-Layer Shootout Review ***Updated 2/18/23***

[mtwarden]

Ambient still has the tags on it; hopefully not too far out on testing

 

[Enr]

Ambient still has the tags on it; hopefully not too far out on testing

I have the arrowhead MDWi in multicam and I love it, but I want to know if the Ambient makes a substantial difference, I'll have one for work and other for every day or I give a shot to the Tilak nebba mig (I'm european)

 

[mtwarden]

and it begins

 

[woods89]

and it begins

Off topic, but....

What Nalgene holder is that on your shoulder strap? I've got a Seek Outside pack that I'd like to find one for.

 

[mtwarden]

Off topic, but....

What Nalgene holder is that on your shoulder strap? I've got a Seek Outside pack that I'd like to find one for.

MLD- fits a 16 oz Nalgene very nicely

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/

 

[woods89]

MLD- fits a 16 oz Nalgene very nicely

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Kevin_t]

For me , alpha direct is the bomb … paired with a good moisture movement shell. Ive been using a NeoShell that I like a lot and the pairing is great

 

[Kleos]

and it begins

I purchased the jacket instead of the hoody (pockets were a must). But I believe you got the military version that is the best of both worlds.

Anyways I got to try mine out in the snow yesterday. It seems like a super solid layer. I was only wearing a sweat-wicking t-shirt under my jacket and I was cozy. I went for a run in it and got sweaty but it dried super fast.

If I had the funds I would get a second in a heart beat to have one for working out in and one for hunting.

 

[Mcnasty]

@mtwarden when you produce your results would be awesome for us nerds if you produced a spreadsheet or grid for easy comparison of objective data like weights, materials and features. and maybe some more subjective data on your experiences like breathability, water resistance wind resistance etc. Tools like lighterpack have proven surprising and unexpected results on the differences in weight of the many mid layers I currently own. For what its worth, been through many mid layers and ove the past 20 years always came back to my tried and true (though a bit loud) Marmot wind shirt until this year. That spot is now taken by an arrowhead MLX full zip W hood. though its only been one season its been the best all round piece for stop and go to high activity in mild to cool/windy conditions I have ever owned by a long shot. This jacket/shirt is the current bench mark to compare all others IMHO. Also, thanks for doing this, can't wait to see your results. Cheers

 

[mtwarden]

Yeah I can put together a a chart pretty easily. I don't have any scientific testing equipment, but I have few ideas for testing that I think will bear fruit- if nothing else will be interesting

Was out yesterday with the First Lite Origin hoody; 12-16" of snow and 10 miles kicked my a$$!

 

[Kleos]

Yeah I can put together a a chart pretty easily. I don't have any scientific testing equipment, but I have few ideas for testing that I think will bear fruit- if nothing else will be interesting

Was out yesterday with the First Lite Origin hoody; 12-16" of snow and 10 miles kicked my a$$!

What boots do you use for snow?

 

[mtwarden]

What boots do you use for snow?

Schnee's Hunter pacs- the tallest ones; mine are 20+ years old (have been resoled twice); the only pacs I found that I can actually cover a lot of ground with

 

[Kleos]

Schnee's Hunter pacs- the tallest ones; mine are 20+ years old (have been resoled twice); the only pacs I found that I can actually cover a lot of ground with

Maybe I will give them a shot. I have been struggling to find a good snow boot. Although I think I will give my nevada's a shot this winter paired with gators and snow shoes. My only issue is if the Nevada's and snow would be no removable liner.

 

[mtwarden]

I've used my Crispi's (Thors) with gaiters snowshoeing- as long as you're moving they're fine; the Nevada's with insulation would probably be better

I carry two 16 oz Nalgenes with me for multi-day trips in the winter (or late Fall)- boil up water in the morning, fill the bottles and stick them in my boots- doesn't dry them, but makes them pliable enough to get them on

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Is the Patagonia R1 Air on your list? It’s my favorite high exertion mid layer I’ve found yet.

 

[Billogna]

tagging in!

 

[mtwarden]

Is the Patagonia R1 Air on your list? It’s my favorite high exertion mid layer I’ve found yet.

It's not, but looks like an interesting piece

Right now it's the Outdoor Research Vigor hoody, The Sitka Ambient hoody, the First Lite Origin hoody and appears a Kuiu Kenai hoody on it's way too. Also possibly a new piece from Stone Glacier????

 

[Dobermann]

Also possibly a new piece from Stone Glacier????

And to think I just pulled the trigger on one of the few remaining Arrowheads ... should have read to the end of this thread!

 

[Lawnboi]

Ended up ordering an ambient hoody, looking forward to a comparison.

Hoping that it will replace a traverse hoody that has a little too much extra ventilation now. Was never a big fan of the heavy weight hoody that originally replaced it.

 

[Shraggs]

It's not, but looks like an interesting piece

Right now it's the Outdoor Research Vigor hoody, The Sitka Ambient hoody, the First Lite Origin hoody and appears a Kuiu Kenai hoody on it's way too. Also possibly a new piece from Stone Glacier????

Late to party, maybe an affordable piece the ll bean knit wool commando sweater.