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

[TBOArcher]

Gents - the fine folks from Rokslide have asked me to do a mid-layer shootout and I agreed. We were hoping to complete it in the Spring when the weather was more favorable (cooler temps), but were waiting on a few additional mid-layers. We still haven't received the Kuiu 240 yet.

Thus far we've got the First Lite Origin hoody, Sitka Heavyweight hoody and the Sitka Arrowhead MDWi hoody (that I reviewed earlier).

I want to look at several things, but near the top are warmth/weight and moisture movement. I think I might have a pretty slick way to compare moisture movement. I had an ah ha moment after I was swept by a fast moving stream this past winter. I was wet up to my neck, base layer soaked. I put on a mid-layer and started hiking (hard) for ~ two hours and lo behold, my base layer was very close to being fully dry.

I'm not volunteering for any swift water sweeps , but my thought is taking a base layer (using the same one each time) soaking it with water-, writing it slightly and weighing it (insuring that each time the garment weighs the same). Putting it on and donning one of the mid-layers. Using a 4-5 mile route (again using the same route & pace each time) and then weighing both the base layer and mid-layer. Obviously the lighter each is (less moisture), the better. I'll do my best to keep environmental conditions as close to the same each time- temperature, humidity, etc.

Anyways Robby suggested starting a q & a thread to get ideas from folks on testing, other possible candidates, etc.

As summer is almost here in Montana, probably realistically looking at September to give this a go.

***Update*** The four pieces included in the review are the OR Vigor Hoodie, the First Lite Origin Hoody, the Sitka Ambient Hoody, and the Stonge Glacier Cirque Lite Jacket.

Mid-Layer Shootout Review

Thanks
Mike

Thanks for the review. Very helpful.

 

[Bump79]

I had tried the old Sitka Kelvin Active half sleeve and got it for a deal @$110. I liked it but didn't love it and decided to return. I think I appreciate it more now after more experiences with similar styles.

I just saw it in sub-alpine for $75 on Sierra Trading Post.. I definitely like it for that price! Ordered.1 left in size large.

Sitka Kelvin Active Gore Optifade® Polartec® Alpha® Hooded Jacket (For Men) - Save 72%

Sitka Kelvin Active Gore Optifade® Polartec® Alpha® Hooded Jacket (For Men) in Optifade Subalpine at Sierra. Celebrating 30 Years Of Exploring.

www.sierra.com

 

[mtwarden]

I still have mine; if I happen to be hunting in warmer weather- it would be the mid-layer most likely to be grabbed if not warmer weather, probably the last to grab

 

[Stoop]

How does a Patagonia Thermal Weight Hoody compare to a Kuiu Peloton 97 Hoody, warmth-wise?

 

[mtwarden]

How does a Patagonia Thermal Weight Hoody compare to a Kuiu Peloton 97 Hoody, warmth-wise?

I'd say it's a little warmer than the 97 and also breathes a little better. But it's also heavier ~ 8oz vs ~ 5 oz.

 

[Stoop]

I'd say it's a little warmer than the 97 and also breathes a little better. But it's also heavier ~ 8oz vs ~ 5 oz.

Wow, that's surprising. I own the Thermal Weight Hoody (actually the precursor, the Expedition Weight Hoody), but I assumed the Peloton 97 was the warmer one. Interesting.

 

[mtwarden]

The Peloton 97, weight for weight is really warm- I think the Thermal weight edges it a little in the warmth dept., but it also 35% heavier. The reason I choose it as a base layer over the 97, is it breathes better.

 

[Stoop]

The Peloton 97, weight for weight is really warm- I think the Thermal weight edges it a little in the warmth dept., but it also 35% heavier. The reason I choose it as a base layer over the 97, is it breathes better.

What do you choose as a midlayer?

 

[mtwarden]

Depends- early hunting season (warmer) I'll often grab the Sitka Active hoody (half sleeve); later likely the Arrowhead MDWi, if I'm going to be hunting a lot of thick timber/blowdown I might grab the Core Heavyweight hoody

Summer I usually use the Peloton 97 hoody (over an OR Echo hoody base layer)

I didn't care for the Thermalweight hoody as a mid-layer, works great as a base layer in cold though

 

[Stoop]

I didn't care for the Thermalweight hoody as a mid-layer

Why not?

 

[mtwarden]

some of it's due to fit, it's a little tight to go over a base layer and two, I've found not to be overly effective at moving moisture when it's over a base layer- on it's against the skin, it does a pretty good job. The second might be related to the first, not sure- just my experience.

 

[Stoop]

Thanks, appreciate you taking the time.

 

[HankMorgan]

Can you toss in an Arcteryx Leaf Naga Hoody in full or pullover ? They have been my go to.

I was just thinking about how the full zip compares to the Ambient. I’ve been rocking a naga full zip as my go to mid layer since they came out, but I’ve been very intrigued by the ambient.

 

[pcros27]

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$$!

Have you run the Klamath? How's this compare for warmth, etc?

 

[mtwarden]

Have you run the Klamath? How's this compare for warmth, etc?

I haven't. I'd take a stab at your question based on the fabric (polartec grid fleece) and weight. My best guess that this would be in the warmth category of the OR Vigor I tested- very similar fabric and only an ounce difference in weight (which probably amounts to the hood on the Vigor vs the hoodless Klamath).

If you're looking for a lightweight, hoodless mid-layer- grid fleece is pretty well proven out. It likely won't be as warm as the others mid-layers tested though.

 

[Bump79]

I haven't. I'd take a stab at your question based on the fabric (polartec grid fleece) and weight. My best guess that this would be in the warmth category of the OR Vigor I tested- very similar fabric and only an ounce difference in weight (which probably amounts to the hood on the Vigor vs the hoodless Klamath).

If you're looking for a lightweight, hoodless mid-layer- grid fleece is pretty well proven out. It likely won't be as warm as the others mid-layers tested though.

I wonder about the Vigor Plus. Heavier obviously but more loft than the Vigor. Good price point as OR is pretty easily found 25% off.

It says "mid-layer" to me more than the Vigor.

Men's Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie | Outdoor Research

When it comes to winter layers, this hooded fleece is as good as it gets. Streamlined, warm, weather-resistant, and made with 93% recycled materials, this 4-way-stretch jacket is a go-to for backcountry, climbing, and crushing the cold.

www.outdoorresearch.com

 

[mtwarden]

I wonder about the Vigor Plus. Heavier obviously but more loft than the Vigor. Good price point as OR is pretty easily found 25% off.

It says "mid-layer" to me more than the Vigor.

Men's Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie | Outdoor Research

When it comes to winter layers, this hooded fleece is as good as it gets. Streamlined, warm, weather-resistant, and made with 93% recycled materials, this 4-way-stretch jacket is a go-to for backcountry, climbing, and crushing the cold.

www.outdoorresearch.com

Yeah in hindsight I probably should have chosen the Plus for the test; it would have compared more closely I think. Of course @Ryan Avery suggested that one, guess I should have listened

 

[sr80]

Here’s a new contender for this fall from outdoor research..

 

[mtwarden]

Interesting.

They used to have a Deviator in their lineup that was also a hybrid. It also used Polartec Alpha Direct (assuming this is Direct or a derivative) for the front shoulders and then a grid fleece for the arms and back.

This new one they continued the Direct into the arms, but left just the back in grid.

If you're wearing a pack the entire time or doing something very active, ie trail running, nordic skiing, etc- I can definitely see this piece being of interest

 

[tyrider427]

Awesome Review!! Seems like the ambient beat out the Stone Glacier?