Which will hold up against cold wet weather better??

Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded
Climashield® Green 3 oz
3.0 * .80 clo/oz = 2.4

Outdoor Research Chaos
PrimaLoft Sport body: 133 g, sleeve: 100 g, hood: 60 g (body: 4.0 oz, sleeve: 3.0 oz)
4.0 * .74 clo/oz= 2.96

From the above calculation, the Chaos should be warmer but trying them on in the store the Micro Puff seems much warmer.

(I'm a nOOb so take it easy)

Note that I have the older Micropuff with Polaguard Delta, but comparing that to the Choas showed the Patagonia to have more loft and to feel warmer.

The Micropuff fit more like a belay jacket (what I use it for), though both go over layers just fine... I did prefer the fit of the Choas as I swim in the MP. My MP is also lighter, though I believe that has changed.

Dave,

Where did you find ~.80 clo/oz speced for Climashield Green? I think you confused Climashield Green with Climashield XP. Climashield Green is normally speced at ~.65 clo/oz. This poor clo/oz is attributable to the recycled fibers having to be thicker in order to provide the same strength as virgin fiber.

Regarding the Outdoor Research Chaos specs, the torso insulation of 133 g/m2 equates to 5 oz/yd2. I assume you used 4 oz/yd2 to adjust for the lower insulation in the sleeves and hood; is this correct?

Edited by richard295 on 02/08/2008 20:53:55 MST.

Richard, I was wrong for both the clo value for Climashield Green and the conversion of 133 g/m2 equates to 5 oz/yd2(I told ya was a nOOb :-)).

So the theoretical warmth of the Chaos should be much higher than the Mico Puff. Any ideas why the Micro Puff feels warmer in the store???

Maybe the warmer feeling one is cut less loose, so you warm up the airspace inside the jacket faster.

Dave,

The Chaos insulation may have been compressed in the manner it was displayed. The Micropuff may have fit your torso your torso tighter as John mentioned. The Chaos should be much warmer and much more water resistant.

I own a Polarguard Delta Micropuff (.6" loft) and a MEC Magma (1.1" loft). The Magma is no longer produced but it had the same 5 oz/yd2 Primaloft Sport torso insulation and Dry Loft shell as the Chaos. It is much warmer and more water resistant in the field.

Edited by richard295 on 02/09/2008 15:42:51 MST.

Thanks for the info guys!

Richard,

The Magma comes and goes seaonally, but is available at the moment for CA$145. You would have to purchase instore, but generally the store will ship to you, often for less than MEC mail order.

The shell on this has changed, to Windstopper Zao.

I'm not sure how big the inner glove pocket is, but I found the big one on my Chaos is perfect for holding a freezer bag for rehydrating/freezer bag cooking.

Rod

Rod, how is your Chaos jacket working out for ya?