My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[WCT3]

My feet get absolutely frozen and the only boots that have worked to stay warm in cold weather while totally stationary are the Steger Mukluks. If the hike isn’t far, or it is truly cold, I will carry them and change when I get to the glassing spot. Having said that, the Vivo Tundra ESC’s will probably be the cold weather shoe that I use in the future.

How do the Mukluks compare to a pac boot like Schnees?

 

[Formidilosus]

How do the Mukluks compare to a pac boot like Schnees?

They are warmer, but lack any real sole traction.

 

[Brady R]

A 12+ ounce version of them with a pullover for the jacket…. Yeah.

Any update on if this will exist in the near future?

 

[Formidilosus]

Any update on if this will exist in the near future?

Near future I’m not sure- but yes. It’s being worked on b

 

[grahambiel]

Any update on if this will exist in the near future?

You can always go custom. I had goosefeet gear make me a down parka and I’m super happy with it. Honestly it wasn’t that much more expensive than many of the off the shelf options and it’s lighter with more down

 

[PBBananaHammock]

Questions for anyone that’s had both red kettles:

I too overheat very easily when moving and can’t keep mid layers on. I use a Houdini, Squamish, or alpine start in the spring/fall, but switch to a ferrosi in winter for increased durability and breathability to reduce sweat. They all trap just enough body heat while moving to keep me comfortable. However id like to try something similar with a natural fiber that won’t stink as quickly.

The minimalist build of the m20 wind shell looks more in line with what I’m use to and better for reducing heat, but I prefer shell layers with a hood like the m19 for precipitation. I hate rain gear, so any wind/soft shell that reduces the need of a rain jacket for anything but a downpour is welcome.

Which red kettle jacket would be the most versatile option if you could only have one?

Does the double layered m19 cause issues with overheating on the move? Seems like it could be overkill if there’s no moisture.

 

[Formidilosus]

Questions for anyone that’s had both red kettles:

I too overheat very easily when moving and can’t keep mid layers on. I use a Houdini, Squamish, or alpine start in the spring/fall, but switch to a ferrosi in winter for increased durability and breathability to reduce sweat. They all trap just enough body heat while moving to keep me comfortable. However id like to try something similar with a natural fiber that won’t stink as quickly.

The minimalist build of the m20 wind shell looks more in line with what I’m use to and better for reducing heat, but I prefer shell layers with a hood like the m19 for precipitation. I hate rain gear, so any wind/soft shell that reduces the need of a rain jacket for anything but a downpour is welcome.

Which red kettle jacket would be the most versatile option if you could only have one?

Does the double layered m19 cause issues with overheating on the move? Seems like it could be overkill if there’s no moisture.

The M19 is warmer with the two layers. I too would like the option of a single layer one with a hood. The M19 is more versatile overall, but if it is for warmer weather 50° F plus, the wind shell breathes better and dries faster.

 

[PBBananaHammock]

The M19 is warmer with the two layers. I too would like the option of a single layer one with a hood. The M19 is more versatile overall, but if it is for warmer weather 50° F plus, the wind shell breathes better and dries faster.

Thank you for the feedback. In that case, for the m19 specifically:

1) Without a midlayer, is the m19 still breathable enough to comfortably be active in mostly dry conditions, sub 30-40 degrees? Comfortable enough meaning, could you keep it on to protect from convective heat loss and out of your pack most of the time, so it’s not taking up space making the size and weight of the jacket negligible.

2) Even though the m19 is sized larger than the m20 for extra layers, would you still consider it a slimmer cut vs the boxier fits found in most other natural fiber options? If you omit the mid layer, are you swimming in the jacket?

 

[dailyherold]

I have the Redkettle wind shell I'll be testing in west TX desert end of January. Will be lows 30--40 with a ton of hiking, eager to see how it performs with different base and mid layer combos. While researching ventile more, I did come across Hilltrek (nearly all Ventile) and Keela (smock, jacket), which I've saved for future testing. Single layer ventile options from Hilltrek would probably be the closest to breathability of the Redkettle windshell, but you have more options on style/features (e.g. hood). The "hybrid" cool too, dual layer on hood and shoulders, single layer elsewhere. The "Cotton Analogy" uses Ventile on exterior and Nikwax's Analogy liner to wick moisture away. All pretty darn expensive, then include shipment to USA and it's tough to stomach. But I'm a sucker for these smaller companies and ventile in general.

 

[cubdriver84d]

I have the Redkettle wind shell I'll be testing in west TX desert end of January. Will be lows 30--40 with a ton of hiking, eager to see how it performs with different base and mid layer combos. While researching ventile more, I did come across Hilltrek (nearly all Ventile) and Keela (smock, jacket), which I've saved for future testing. Single layer ventile options from Hilltrek would probably be the closest to breathability of the Redkettle windshell, but you have more options on style/features (e.g. hood). The "hybrid" cool too, dual layer on hood and shoulders, single layer elsewhere. The "Cotton Analogy" uses Ventile on exterior and Nikwax's Analogy liner to wick moisture away. All pretty darn expensive, then include shipment to USA and it's tough to stomach. But I'm a sucker for these smaller companies and ventile in general.

That Hilltrek Bealach smock looks interesting at only 13oz https://hilltrek.co.uk/clothing/smocks/bealach-lightweight-ventile-smock/

 

[ResearchinStuff]

In this thread, when talking about the red kettle m19, are folks referring to the light ventile jacket, or the hunting hardshell?

 

[PBBananaHammock]

In this thread, when talking about the red kettle m19, are folks referring to the light ventile jacket, or the hunting hardshell?

Personally, I’ve been referencing the m19 “light ventile jacket” as an apples to apples comparison to the m20 “ventile wind shell” since both are made of cotton.

The site doesn’t specify what the m19 “hunting hard shell” is made of, but it has a membrane, and given the price compared to the m19 “light ventile hunting jacket”, it’s got to be synthetic.

 

[Formidilosus]

In this thread, when talking about the red kettle m19, are folks referring to the light ventile jacket, or the hunting hardshell?

I should have been more clear- the M19 Light Ventile Jacket. Their Ventile options are the only things I have used.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

It's crazy that their 2 m19 products are completely different.

 

[Dobermann]

I have the Light Ventile Hunting Jacket M19. It's become my daily carry raincoat. It's fairly heavy - will need to weigh later for exact weight - and is a bit of a clunky fit, especially the hood. Not sure I'd want to hike in it, as it would likely induce sweating due to weight/bulk. Great otherwise,though.

 

[Jake T]

@Formidilosus (or anybody else) what are your thoughts on Vapor Barrier socks for high exertion in cold weather?