Thermolite vs Down -- which is warmer?

Old Apr 25th, 2006, 04:52 PM
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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!
JC98 is offline  
Old Apr 25th, 2006, 05:48 PM
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Take the waterproof one. If the down one gets wet, it's useless. Either will be warm enough. You'll need gloves also.
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Old Apr 25th, 2006, 06:44 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 26th, 2006, 04:32 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 26th, 2006, 04:39 PM
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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.
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