Hey all,

Looking for some recommendations for a warm, lightweight hoodie for the nights when I'm backpacking.

Thx!

For 40°F camp temps and 30° sleeping temps, the Montbell UL Down Inner.

If you're sitting around a lot, perhaps the Alpine Light Down.

Thx, the montbell is outta my price range though. Anyone know anything cheaper?

MontBell's UL down jackets are the standard around these parts. They're priced reasonably and go on sale as regularly as most other brands.

I don't think a comparable item exists that's cheaper. The other forays into the category of SUL down sweater are just as, if not more, expensive.

What temperatures are you expecting? What's your budget?

Edited by StephanCal on 05/30/2011 22:39:20 MDT.

Aaron,

Are you looking for a jacket with a hood, like the Montbell?

Or are you looking for something like a baselayer/mid-layer with a hood?

Great question,

I guess I'm looking for more of a mid layer, something I could throw a shell on top of if the weather got bad.

In terms of temp nothing crazy.

30-40 would probably be the lowest...I live in SoCal :)

I use either a BLP Merino Wool Hoody or a Patagonia R1 if it is colder. I live in So Cal also and these are both excellent.

What Nick said.

"Anyone know anything cheaper?"

Can you sew?

With a sewing machine and some simple fabric, you can make something useful. It might not win any fashion awards, but the only judge is you.

I'm only a beginner with a sewing machine, but I have figured out which outdoor fabrics I can deal with. Synthetic fleece is pretty easy.

--B.G.--

good price for the jacket
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/clothes-and-crampons-for-sale/107143306

http://melanzana.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/22/products_id/34?osCsid=c9c7834b65f8ca41f88d801c80bba312

BPL Merino Hoody is a nice suggestion. I've found the Paty R1 too warm.

The Ibex Hooded Indie is a very nice piece as well.

the Indie is a great piece ,as is the R1, but they are really more in the realm of midlayers, for temps hanging around camp in the 30's & 40's I think a down garment makes the best sense; 40's I can probably get by w/ the R1, but down is both lighter and warmer, 30's I want (read need) down :)

Thx, I like the looks of the Ibex Hooded Indie top. Anyone have some reviews for it?

If I am moving and temps are in the 30's or low 40's the R1 is the best for me. Moving in higher temps, the BPL Merino. This assumes no wind. If I stop in the 30's or 40's then I need down. Even my light MB Ex UL Down Jacket is too hot hiking in the 30's for an extended time.

everyone and their doggays makes an R1 copy for cheap ... eddie bauer, MEC, etc ....

R1 style fleeces are durable, wicking, quick drying, quite breathable ...

youll also need a light puffay for stops ... which is a separate item of discussion ....

it's great piece, but for me it's relegated to shoulder/winter seasons, for summer use (at least in the Rockies) it's not warm enough for an insulating layer and too warm as a base layer

the R1 is warmer and probably could be used as an insulating layer in warmer temps, but it pales to a lightweight down jacket as far a warmth for weight

as mentioned above the MB pieces are often on sale and keep an eye on the gear swap forum, they regularly come up for sale