rab plasma hoodie,

Montane Extreme Jacket? I tried on the Smock the other day and it says very warm. Very close fitting with good ventilation options. But, the fabric was a bit too noisy for me, it's quite thick and probably very hard wearing, but is very different to the soft touch of a down jacket.

Montane sizing can be a bit weird - I find their stuff very tight and restrictive round the shoulders and under the armpits so try before you buy.

Not insulated as such, but very toasty, is Paramo Velez stuff. Theres doesn't seem to be enough material to make it as warm as it is - three layers of fabric but no filling or fleece. Very light, soft non-rustly feel and really good articulation. Compared to down jackets its easier to vent when you're active, better in the rain than down too.

Although they're thin / light you'd rarely need to wear more than a base layer under them for walking, but the fit i such that you can wear layers under if you need to

Agree on Montane sizing. Not good if you've got permanent tickets to the gun show!

😉

haglofs barrier 2, love mine i bought 2

Alpkit

montane also do the Flux which I have used as part of my winter climbing kit matched with a montane prism both are excellent jackets... They also do the fireball which I haven't managed to get my hands on as yet but looks like an original prism which was an ace jacket.

http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/item/Brand_RabPhotonHoodedSyntheticInsulatedJacket_0_0_32675_1.html
^cheap

Alpkit, its never in stock.

The Flux looks good, I have a lot of Montane stuff and it fits me well.

Photon, looked at that but they dont have medium 🙁

I've had the Rab Generator for about 3 years, perfect, not too warm. Use it for walking the dog, shops, everything.
My wife has the Montane Prism, and she says it is useless, she is always cold in it! Does seem thinner than the Rab.

Both my brother and I swear by our Montane Prism Jackets, my brother is a mountain guide and rates it highly. I also have a Montane extreme jacket but have only worn it once due to it being a bit small. It is very warm though.

My wife has the Montane Prism, and she says it is useless, she is always cold in it!

Women are always cold!

I've a Prism and a TNF Redpoint, both are very good but the Montane fit is a bit less 'american'

I'd suggest the Prism only be used on cold walks under 5 degrees or you will be too warm.

The Prism is thinner than a Generator, 80/40g filling verses 100/60g for the Generator. I wouldn't say the Prism is useless, just different. I find the prism ideal for mid-level activity in cold weather. Maybe you're wife should have bought a thicker jacket if she wanted warmer.

Sorry, useless wrong word, correct she should have bought a warmer jacket 🙂

Just spotted this on Hot UK deals!
http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/item/Brand_RabXenonJacket_0_0_32676_2.html

I have a Rab Generator, but I'd say it's a bit light to be used on it's own - very thin shell and not that robust. I'd want something a bit tougher as a stand alone jacket.

I'd be using a Snugpak SJ9.

Montane Prism and Flux are both great jackets. Agree with the sizing issues though - I'm medium for the Prism, but large for the Flux. I find the prism gets the most use however.

Finisterre Etobicoke is very good... unfortunately you just missed a 48 hour flash sale when they were £60 off.

http://www.finisterreuk.com/shop/mens/clothing/mens-outerwear.html

I've got one of these - also recommended really snug and also works on the bike for very cold commutes:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/howies-whistler-lightweight-insulated-jacket/

I find Howies jackets have a very strange cut, designed for pot bellied men with pigeon chests....

I have a Mountain Equipment Fitzroy which is well worth a look.

Another happy Montane Prism user here. The hood is awesome and super cosy

I've had a Rab Photon for about 5 years. It's been great but it's a bit tatty now and I reckon not as warm as it used to be. Also, I want something a bit more weatherproof. Pertex Microlight is not very water resistant.

Got a Haglofs Barrier II hood yesterday to replace it. Feels warmer. Thou I also want to try the Rab Generator Alpine before I decide to keep the Haglofs.

I find Howies jackets have a very strange cut, designed for pot bellied men with pigeon chests....

Hmm... perhaps try a different size then?!

I've got an extreme smock and its my go to jacket for anything cold. Brilliantly tough n warm but not so great for standing around, layering up and if I were to buy again I'd try the jacket.

I've been looking at the SJ9 as a stand about warm jacket. Somouk - any good?

Hmm... perhaps try a different size then?!

I have; they just seem designed for people with beer bellies and no chest. As someone with a chest wider than their stomach, I've given up trying Howies jackets. It's probably an astute move on Howies part, targeting over weight, out of shape middle aged wanna-be skaters etc.

It's probably an astute move on Howies part, targeting over weight, out of shape middle aged wanna-be skaters etc.

...ahh. My people. 🙂

In the end (yesterday) I bought a Rab Plasma jacket. It's at the warmer end of the jackets wit 120g/m² in body, 80g/m² in sleeves. The main thing is it's a good fit. I tried on the Snugpack jackets but they were a very odd cut, very high waist and short arms.

http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/synthetic-fill/plasma-jacket.html