Thermolite vs Down -- which is warmer?
 

I'm debating whether I should bring a thermolite jacket or a down jacket to Alaska at the end of May. The average high is 50's and average low is 30's F.

I recently bought the jackets, and I'm from a warmer climate, so I can't really test them out. The thermolite jacket is Lands End's Extreme Squall, with claimed temperature rating of 15F to -15F if you layer. The down jacket is the North Face Nuptse with 700 down fill.

They're both light, but the down jacket is about 6 oz lighter. The Extreme Squall is also 100% waterproof whereas the Nuptse is not, and Alaska is known to rain quite a bit.

If you have personal experience with either or both jackets, please share them. I don't want to be frost-bitten up there!

Thanks!

Take the waterproof one. If the down one gets wet, it's useless. Either will be warm enough. You'll need gloves also.

Don't forget the pants! And the shoes/boots.

Wet down is indeed useless as already stated. I have a down jacket that gets left in the closet when I need it the most because the shell is not any good against rain.

Nothing like a Goretex, or equivalent, shell to protect the insulation.

Waterpoof is alway best in alaska. If you need extra warmth, buy a fleece top that you can layer the jacket over.

Waterpoof boots and pants are also a must. It rain 4 out of the 9 days we were there in early June. We just put the water proof stuff on and kept going.

Have fun.

Thanks for your advice.

I haven't thought about waterproof the bottom half of me. I have breathable hiking boots, but they're not waterproof. Is it going to rain so much that my hiking shoes will be soaked through? If that's the case, I better look for waterproof shoes too!

Thanks.