My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[Nine Banger]

Yes sir. Or two sizes larger- but that is no longer a thing as there is a new jacket (and pants) coming that are actually warm.

Nice, will it be available before February?

Need to wear a barrier layer over the puffies. Rain suit works generally- and yep, sized larger enough not to restrict the puffies. Snow overwrites work better than rain suits for this though-

Got it.

Varusteleka makes the ones I would choose.

Are we talking about the L5 coverall?

 

[Formidilosus]

Anything that you can share?

14oz down, made specifically to go over an exposed bino harness, anorak, 24’ish oz total weight. The first legit “lightweight” puff jacket that is actually warm enough for true cold weather hunting that I’ve used.

 

[fwafwow]

14oz down, made specifically to go over an exposed bino harness, anorak, 24’ish oz total weight. The first legit “lightweight” puff jacket that is actually warm enough for true cold weather hunting that I’ve used.

View attachment 975738

I’m assuming more details (maker, release date, etc.) will be forthcoming when they are known and can be shared?

 

[Formidilosus]

I’m assuming more details (maker, release date, etc.) will be forthcoming when they are known and can be shared?

Yes sir.

 

[Formidilosus]

Nice, will it be available before February?

I don’t think so- there will be a couple for testing at least.

Are we talking about the L5 coverall?

Nope. L7.

 

[HighUintas]

14oz down, made specifically to go over an exposed bino harness, anorak, 24’ish oz total weight. The first legit “lightweight” puff jacket that is actually warm enough for true cold weather hunting that I’ve used.

View attachment 975738

That's more down than I was expected last time you mentioned this. Is there any similar design but less down coming?

I was considering replacing a too small puffy with the outdoor vitals vantage Alpine as that seems it would be good for the temps I'm in now but a design that works with the bino harness would be awesome

 

[Formidilosus]

That's more down than I was expected last time you mentioned this. Is there any similar design but less down coming?

Nothing currently.

 

[grahambiel]

@Formidilosus any word on the mid layer designed to wear with a pack?

 

[Speaks]

Thats a ton of down. Nearly double the Rab Neutrino and that thing is pretty darn warm.

14 oz is getting into the territory of what people carry on Denali. Not that I am arguing against needing that much for being stationary in the mountains in winter.

 

[benconfused]

14oz down, made specifically to go over an exposed bino harness, anorak, 24’ish oz total weight. The first legit “lightweight” puff jacket that is actually warm enough for true cold weather hunting that I’ve used.

View attachment 975738

What are the gloves you're wearing in this pic? They look like they offer good warmth as well as dexterity.

 

[benconfused]

That's more down than I was expected last time you mentioned this. Is there any similar design but less down coming?

I was considering replacing a too small puffy with the outdoor vitals vantage Alpine as that seems it would be good for the temps I'm in now but a design that works with the bino harness would be awesome

Just looked at this jacket. Little more weight and down fill compared to the Grumman - did you end up ordering it? Looks like a tougher outer shell as well.

 

[HighUintas]

Just looked at this jacket. Little more weight and down fill compared to the Grumman - did you end up ordering it? Looks like a tougher outer shell as well.

No, but gave it to my wife as a Christmas suggestion. We'll see if I get it. I'm out of commission on hunting and shooting for a few months I think so I won't need it for a bit. Figured I'd wait for some reviews if it's not a Christmas present.

As far as fill, design, weight and price I thought it sounded like an awesome option for a slightly warmer than grumman

 

[Formidilosus]

Thats a ton of down. Nearly double the Rab Neutrino and that thing is pretty darn warm.

14 oz is getting into the territory of what people carry on Denali. Not that I am arguing against needing that much for being stationary in the mountains in winter.

It is. But, it stops all the bs of doubling puffies, multiple mid layers, etc. I guess people don’t actually sit and glass in 20° F and below for hours, regardless of what they say. Because 5-7oz of down isn’t cutting it. You freeze with what the industry offers.

This season with this puffy and the Vivo Tundra boots, was the first season ever that I was completely comfortable while glassing for hours in sub 20° F weather- without shivering, rubbing my hands, getting up and moving, etc.
No more base layer, plus two mid layers, plus two Grumman’s (or a Grumman and a First Lite Chamberlin), and a rain jacket for wind; just put this over what’s worn while hiking, sit down. Done.


30’ish degrees, 30+ MPH sustained winds. Partner had (IIRC) T shirt, LS base layer, thick mid layer, Grumman, rain jacket- same for legs. He froze. I fell sleep.

 

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus any word on the mid layer designed to wear with a pack?

Not yet, but will be working on it.

 

[Formidilosus]

What are the gloves you're wearing in this pic? They look like they offer good warmth as well as dexterity.

Hestra, deer skin wool tricot.

 

[benconfused]

No, but gave it to my wife as a Christmas suggestion. We'll see if I get it. I'm out of commission on hunting and shooting for a few months I think so I won't need it for a bit. Figured I'd wait for some reviews if it's not a Christmas present.

As far as fill, design, weight and price I thought it sounded like an awesome option for a slightly warmer than grumman

Yeah I'll keep an eye out as well, very interested.

 

[Speaks]

It is. But, it stops all the bs of doubling puffies, multiple mid layers, etc. I guess people don’t actually sit and glass in 20° F and below for hours, regardless of what they say. Because 5-7oz of down isn’t cutting it. You freeze with what the industry offers.

This season with this puffy and the Vivo Tundra boots, was the first season ever that I was completely comfortable while glassing for hours in sub 20° F weather- without shivering, rubbing my hands, getting up and moving, etc.
No more base layer, plus two mid layers, plus two Grumman’s (or a Grumman and a First Lite Chamberlin), and a rain jacket for wind; just put this over what’s worn while hiking, sit down. Done.


30’ish degrees, 30+ MPH sustained winds. Partner had (IIRC) T shirt, LS base layer, thick mid layer, Grumman, rain jacket- same for legs. He froze. I fell sleep.

Yea I get it. Im in MN so we have cold but not the same mountain wind. I could imagine a use case for it here though too especially if trying to cut down on number of layers.

Especially since overall weight seems quite reasonable and Im guessing durability will beat my neutrino. My ice fishing gear is warm but heavy as an anchor and breaths like crap.

In the end hands are what always gets me though.