Cold Weather Layering Part 3: How to Choose an Insulation Layer
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- Опубликовано: 7 июн 2024
- In this video, Kevin goes over the different options you need to know when picking an insulation layer for cold weather. He discusses the pros and cons of down and synthetic, what to use as active insulation, the appropriate fill weight to choose, when to wear insulated pants, and other not so common insulation garments.
In case you missed it:
Part 1: How to Choose a Baselayer • Cold Weather Layering:...
Part 2: What is the Windlayer? • Cold Weather Layering:...
www.spiritussystems.com/ 
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Just hug me. That is a good enough insulating layer.
He want that bodyheat.
That's the truth!
The entire Cold Weather Layering Video Series should be shared with everyone before they start camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, or being outdoor in the elements in general. No matter where in your journey you are there is something to learn in these Team Rooms.
How do we share this with as many people possible?
The outdoor market has these series already by numerous educators. I think this is more tactical market niche, but as far as getting it out there, your personal socials are probably it
This video series is the best I have found. I have looked numerous times, and most of the write ups or videos I have found are lacking in detail, and often trying to push the product they are affiliated with.@nathancragg6202
This video series is the best I have found. I have looked numerous times, and most of the write ups or videos I have found are lacking in detail, and often trying to push the product they are affiliated with.@nathancragg6202
kevin was a great addition to the team. these videos are fantastic
I really liked that you cited Mark Twight's “belay jacket.” Often people don’t know how ideas develop.
I would really enjoy a talk on footwear. These have been so informative for me. Cleared up some misconceptions I had.
We will do a talk on footwear in the future.
I’ve been really enjoying this series! Keep it up y’all!
Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoy it!
As a skinny dude who can never seem to stay warm while hunting, this series has been invaluable! Thank you to the Spiritus team!
Thanks for watching!
This is the most clear, factual, not trying to sell certain products explanation ive seen andctrust me ive watched many guides on layering andcwinter clothing set ups... great job excellent content
Kevin is very meticulous and well informed not just on the product itself but also the details like materials used and construction. Great video series!
Excellent video. I was born in the 50s, camping in 60s, Served in the 70s, camping and reenacting F&I, Rev and Seminole Wars, ever since. I grew up and still use cotton, wool, down, and polyester insulation. Layering is important and experience in the environment and season that you will operate in is a must. Minimal kit added to that mix is something I’ve tackled for decades out of necessity or because I want to with reenacting. If you get whatever you are wearing soaked you are going to be miserable or worse. Whatever you wear as an outer layer to block wind should be able to or at least treated to block water as well. Perspiration can dry above freezing without a fire, water logged or frozen layers cannot. Cotton doesn’t kill or many army’s around the world would have died over the centuries. But like most things there were dos and don’ts, and sometimes work arounds. If you couldn’t wear wool LJs , cotton LJs were changed out at night . And the damp ones were put over the dry ones while you slept. Quilted polyester LJs were great for static or during sleep or for temps below freezing. When I served quilted liners and wool was still the norm. Down was in issued sleeping bags not garments. Depending on the activity a flannel or woolen shirt was next layer placed over LJs. And depending on the activity a wool Sweater or vest either poly or down or both were next. Leather gloves with wool inserts are okay into the 30s, and then into coat pockets, and oversized mitts for lower temps. Last layer put on would be a wind and reign protection layer. Never had a belay coat. While I Served the Field Coat was not to good at either a wind or rain layer even when treated with silicone. Wax would have been better but more of a fire hazard. Multiple layers trap heat, and are easier to dry, and allow for ventilation. Which is why in imho a belt and suspenders LCE is best, easy on off and if worn low light rain a jacket can go over it. Nothing replaces dirt time. People need to test the clothing, sleeping gear and their foot ware at home outside in both normal and extreme conditions and in the woods but nearby a vehicle for safety. Bad juju to find out your items or plan sucks. But a lot of people don’t properly prepare. With both camping and activity, military and civilian, wet vs dry cold, snow verses no snow, people need to find out what works for them, not for someone else. I usually camp from fall through late Spring and usually bring extra clothes than a sleeping bag. If I do bring a bag it’s a 2lb duck down sleeping bag that I use like a quilt with my feet in sneakers in the foot box. Clothes can be worn 24/7, but not a sleeping bag. For car camping a Wiggy’s lamilite sleeping bag for 20 or zero rating. Our winters in the mountains of Virginia will go into the 20s and 40s daytime temps. Occasionally below the 20s. Thanks for taking the time to share what’s new for sale for an old guy like me..
Kevin is just an encyclopedia of great knowledge. Also his moustache is beautiful
Kevin out here spreading the good word! Great series!
Thanks for watching!
Twight, has some great insight in overcoming mental blocks in challenging situations. He was definitely a leader of his time
KEVIN LOVE SEEING YOU MOVING TO SPIRITUS SYSTEM HELL YEA! GREAT INFO LOVE THE DETAILS MY FRIEND! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND CONTENT!
If anyone wants to get a better understanding of insulation, especially down, I highly recommend the Seek Outside podcast episode 109 with Gary from Western Mountaineering. Super valuable information for anyone that spends a lot of time outside in variable weather.
You can get really in to the weeds and science of CLO values, etc. We encourage people to dig into that information!
I've opted for a lighter weight face fabric on my synthetic puffy because I'm often static when wearing it and not at risk of ripping holes in it. One thing I think is often overlooked is being able to do field repairs on gear. Most light weight synthetic face fabrics can be easily repaired in the field if needed with a small section of gear tape. I also really like climashield apex for synthetic insulation, it does a better job of insulating when compressed than most other insulators and every piece of gear I've owned with apex insulation did a very good job of shifting the dew point outside of my gear in most conditions allowing me to cook myself dry with my own bodyheat
I really like my Arc'teryx LEAF Atom LT. Similar design to the defense mechanisms jacket shown here. It has totally replaced a soft shell for me because it's more wind and rain resistant.
Thanks for the great content as always, Spiritus.
Thank you Kevin for this video!
This is incredible stuff. I am pleasantly surprised how much I’ve already known from backpacking, but still learning quite a bit.
There are many ways to go about it. This is just one way that is efficient when you are on a mission. Thanks for watching.
I appreciate these breakdowns. Though i am not in a tactical role, i like finding ways to step up my workwear systems as i demand versatility. This brigdes the gap bwetween work and outdoor gear.
Doc Holliday's moustache is on point.
Also good info too, People really under estimate the cold.
Awesome job Kevin! Very informitive!
Thanks for watching!
I would love to get a kit rundown on someone with m81 in y’all gear. Love your content, keep it up
I am really liking your content. I tell others about your videos.
Solid advice Kevin.
I'm happy using fleece-pile under my windlayer if I *know* I'm not going to take it off all day, but I guess at that point it's either just an extension of my base (consider a Patagonia R1 like this) or directly bonded to my windshirt (like a Buffalo Mountain shirt).
He did mention the Polartec Alpha + wind layer jacket briefly as an active insulation jacket. It could be considered the modern incarnation of the Buffalo. Though I think he could have drawn more attention to it.
I do the same with an old surplus British wool sweater under my crye fieldshell 2 or Marmot soft shell. Lightweight synthetic base if my plan is high movement, midweight ColdPruf wool base if the plan is more static. I guess in either scenario I'm using the wool sweater in more of a "midlayer" insulation fashion that takes me down to around freezing temps. Any excess sweat is wicked away nicely and dries rapidly with the opening of the pit zips, all while keeping chest rig on.
Used my Arcteryx LEAF Atom LT Hoodie for years in service and it was some of the best kit I've bought for myself. Lightweight, compact and pretty warm.
Hi thanks for making this video, I picked up a big agnes jacket for active insulation.
Great series
Thank you!
Are you and the dude from breaking taps brothers? Chill vibes all day long, i love it.
edit: also i am loving this series. I'm 37 and I'm still learning, wearing insulating layer over the wind layer to save time is a great idea. I needed this series 15 years ago lmao
Excellent information
I hope you do a series/video for hot weather too!
That’s a good idea. We may do a hot weather series.
Video 1: the skin layer
Could you do an overview video of the locker setup you have behind you? Would love to know what the semicircle notch is for.
Ha! I had the same question. Best I've come up with so far is extreme long barreled rifles, or ski/ trekking poles. Would love an official answer though!
if anyone is wondering what jacket is at @4:17 , I'm pretty sure it's the Arrowhead Kred MLX Hoody
Thanks for video
❤️ 🙏 Just Great Advice 🙏 ❤
I’d love to hear Kevin’s opinion on the duckworth co woolcloud line of jackets.
I have no experience with their products. They look well built. The usual downside with wool is that it is heavy and bulky. I could not find a weight in the the product description of their jacket so It's hard to know what the penalty is. That would be a big concern of mine. It's odd that they do not list the weight, and maybe they do that for a reason.
Hope to see a video regarding head, hand, and footwear layers.
We will cover all of those in the future.
Excellent breakdown Kevin. Really enjoying this series. Its making me look at my system differently. How do you find the HPG Serape compares to the Helikon-Tex Tex swagman roll when it comes to warmth?
Nate
Thanks! I have not used the swagman roll so I could not tell you if it is equivalent or not.
As always, a really good videos, i can't wait to see the next one.
Even if my wife gonna hate me for buying all this stuff, being single worth it 😆
Thanks! Just buy her something warm as well and she'll love you for it.
I'm looking for something for winter hiking. Typically from -5C down to -25C.
I have a base layer, then an active fleece, and on top Im thinking either a softshell jacket or a synthetic isolated jacket that's breathable for active insolation.
This outer layer would also be my windbreaker layer
I do a synth t, a synth long sleeve t, 1/4 zip midweight, 100 wt polartec fleece, light puffy with hood (1 lb), shell top. Good from hot to teens.
Can I get a winter combat foot wear for snow and ice? Maybe a short socks, boots, and cleats?
Hawaii people don’t learn these things growing up.
Love the video series and I truly appreciate you not trying to sell a particular brand or product. But could you tell me what brand/model the vest is?
Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata. I'm not sure if they make it anymore though.
Thanks!
What is the ideal stack, going from base of alpaca up? Is it ok to layer other ‘base’ tops on. Ex being alpaca, then merino blends?
How should one properly layer with a plate carrier?
Base, Insulation, PC, Wind?
Base, Insulation, Wind, PC?
Is an active insulation layer needed with a over parka?
I’m a little confused cause I’ve been doing the ECWCS system.
I have level 1 polartec silks and level 2 polartec waffles.
Are you suggesting to wear the Wind Cheater over the level 1 and / or level 2 then if needed to wear a puffy vest over the level 1’s and / level 2 and Wind Cheater?
Thanks for an amazing part 3. My interpretation of this is that you’re not a huge fan of the active insulation layer. Are you opting to ditch it altogether, wear base/waffle/wind, and just carry a heavier parka for static periods and hardshell for rain?
I’ve found the way that I can make the active insulation layer work for me is using it as a replacement for layers 2/3/4 if I’m moving and wearing it for a long time. They seem wind resistant enough but if I wear a waffle underneath I overheat. If I’m wearing base/waffle/wind, then the active insulation often stays in the pack and is warm enough to cover me as the parka.
I'm not a huge fan of the active insulation layer being a full-on jacket. It's just too warm for me, but other people perceive cold differently. I am a huge huge fan of the vest. Once I added one to my kit, it was like unlocking a secret door. It allows me just enough warmth when the baselayer and windlayer are not cutting it. I just throw the vest over my wind layer.
Very cool. The active insulation vests are also much more affordable for folks too. What is the next part of the series going to be focused on?
@@chris.t1629 I will cover rain wear options and use cases next.
@@kevinmcdowell3446can you provide some active insulation vest options? I’m having a hard time finding any.
Capbadge keeps you warm
where could i find that same polartec alpha layer?
Great tips in the video. Anyone know what brand/model that green vest is?
might have been a mountain hardware.
When are we going to get more kit shakedown videos? I’m dying to see a combat medic kit shakedown!! 😂
Wasn't Mark Twight the guy who developed the ECWCS system for the military?
RE-watching the series. What was the company name for your active insulation vest?
Nate
It was Mountain Hardwear. Kor Strata vest. Not sure if they still make it or if they updated it.
God bless Mark Twight.
🙌
What extras would you bring with a setup like this? Just extra an extra set of base layers? An extra wind layer too? Is the wind layer like a soft shell level 5? If you're somewhere it could snow or rain are you forced to bring all 4 layers? Are you bringing a bivy? Sleeping with boots on? Extra boots?
I only bring 1 spare base layer top. I would not bring multiples of any jacket. Yes, the wind layer is any type of softshell jacket or wind shirt. I do prefer a softshell over a wind shirt in most cases. If it is snow or freezing rain I'm usually bringing base layer, wind layer, insulation, and rain jacket, but not necessarily wearing all layers all the time. I will add or shed layers as activity or conditions change. The Rain Gear video adds more context to when to wear the rain jacket. ruclips.net/video/dzlQPMjFpBw/видео.htmlsi=PP-h10qEC7CetOVI
Does the OTTE gear parka have a helmet compatible hood?
recently lost a vest. very tragic afternoon. thank for this video
RIP vest
@@SpiritusSystemscurious what best you were wearing in this video. Vest
What are some options for the “over vest” with active insulation?
Seems like down and PrimaLoft are everywhere, but not active breathable insulation versions.
Primaloft has a version called "Primaloft Gold Active" I believe. The nomenclature has changed through the years. There are also companies like Kuiu who use " Toray 3DeFX+" which is really good. They are usually marketed as "Active Insulation" in one form or another but sometimes you have to dig into the details to really know. Patagonia's Nano Air jacket uses their proprietary "Full Range" synthetic insulation. A lot of the bigger companies have branded their own insulation instead of saying Primaloft or Toray or something else.
@@kevinmcdowell3446 thanks. I ended up getting a Patagonia nano air vest on sale. I appreciate your response and willingness to help.
Anyone have the link for the polartec?
So how would a proper rain jacket/pants fit into all of this? Brand recommendations?
Video coming soon on the rain layer...
@@kevinmcdowell3446 Love these videos thanks a lot for all the effort 🤙🏼
What brand is the polartec jacket that is shown in the video?
Sitka Arrowhead. Unfortunately, Sitka dropped their Arrowhead line.
Well damn… haha. Thanks for the content though!
I do prefer a thick wool jacket from the Austrian Army the mountaineering troops are using. This garment is extremely versatile and robust.
What do you think about using woobies
They are great for supplemental warmth and to enhance your sleep system.
That military jacket is good for the money.
you should list all of these products in the description
Kuiu best hunting gear out there
For sheep yeah. White tail hunters need quiet rain shells, which kuiu refuses to make.
@@armadilloeggs231 I find the Kuiu Northridge jacket pretty quite because they use a polyester shell instead of Nylon.
What model Kuiu synthetic pant is that?
They are the Kenai pant.
What brand vest is that? I like it
Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata vest. I like it because it has primaloft "active" insulation which allows it to breathe a little better.
@@kevinmcdowell3446 thank you
My wife hates these videos because I always end up buying a new piece of kit 😂
Just have to buy her one too.
Kevin, which Mountain Hardware vest is that?
The Kor Strata. Not sure if they still make it. They do still make the jacket though.
@@kevinmcdowell3446 thanks Kevin :) Sadly, I don't think so, but KUIU has some similar vests it looks like.
Where can I find that polartec alpha?
It's Sitka Arrowhead jacket but unfortunately Sitka dropped their arrowhead line.
Wow
Rain layers next?
It's coming. Had to take a break for summer.
I guess i don't understand why a insulation layer would go over a wind layer. My thought is wind will cut through the insulation later then hit the wind layer, in turn cool down the wind layer which is almost against your skin minus the base layer. So what does the insulation layer at that point do? where the other direction, wind layer could stop the wind and the insulation at that point doesn't fight any elements and maximizes its insulation factor. So, I guess I'm missing something. Admittedly its been a few months since seeing part 2.
Most shell fabrics on Insulation layers are very wind resistant. (unless you are using wool or fleece), So having a windlayer over them is generally not needed. I usually ONLY wear the windlayer over the insulation layer if I'm doing some kind of camp chore that requires abrasion protection for the insulation layer. When you wear the insulation layer over the windlayer, the windlayer will act as extra insulation at that point. If it is so windy or so cold that the insulation's shell fabric is not cutting it, that is when I would use a Rain Shell over the insulation layer, but only If I'm static. The point is having a stackable system the eliminates the need to rearrange your layers while on the move. You either add one layer or remove one layer.
What brand is the vest?
Mountain Hardwear. Kor Strata
I would do the opposite of a vest if I could. Like sleeves and gloves. My core is ok but my fingies get cold and sleeves help that
I don't need a insulated layered jacket because I am my own insulation layer because I'm a big boy
What is that polartec multicam jacket?
Sitka Arrowhead. Unfortunately they killed their tactical Arrowhead line. There are other manufacturer's that make jackets out of the Polartec alpha though.
@@kevinmcdowell3446 Thank you
@@kevinmcdowell3446 Are you guys going to do a video on head ware and gloves?
@@brokenbstring Yes, there will be videos on both. Gloves are next.
My problem is: I get too hot. I have sweat in -30°F with just jeans, a T shirt and a single small insulated jacket.
That's why you layer with the baselayer, then windlayer, then insulation layer as a stackable system. If you are too hot, go down a layer. This prevents you from taking a layer off, to put a different layer on, then putting the original layer back on again. Most of the time, even in really cold weather, I'm moving in just a baselayer and windlayer.
What brand is the big multicam jacket?
OTTE Gear
@@kevinmcdowell3446 thank you!
For the most part great presentation.
Okay as a Marine, I'm going to tell you right now a lot of the stuff you're saying is misguided. I didn't get into Outdoor pursuits like backpacking, mountaineering etc until after I was out of the military. I have found that my civilian gear is superior in almost every aspect to anything I was ever issued.
Your goose down puffy if properly maintained by keeping it in a pack liner will be fine for anything you experience out in the field, just ask through hikers who I promise you endure more outdoor environments than you do in the "field". I've seen puffy jackets last multiple many months long excursions without issue.
I've witnessed goose down puffy jackets with stand decades of hard use and maintain their warmth.
No matter what "new age" material you present it will never live up to goosedown and is simple marketing hype.
I knew you were misinformed about layering when you failed to mention fishnet base layers which are superior to anything you mentioned. The Nordic military has used them for over two centuries because they work.
Don't become an outdoor enthusiast who is fooled by marketing. Merino wool or nylon fishnet base layers, a good fleece for active insulation (ventable), a Gore-Tex hard shell like shake dry for wind/rain protection and a good GOOSE DOWN puffy jacket.
Overall awesome presentation. Great advice on loose fitting outer layers.
Thanks
Having been in the Marines, the Forest Service, and a part of the Outdoor Industry (previously working for Hill People Gear for many years), I can say that a goose down puffy jacket will work well for most civilians, but will fall short for military applications. Yes they can last for years for a hiker, but even the daily use of wearing a down puffy jacket, as a Wildland Firefighter, they could barely get through a season of camp life. They have the benefit of being light, packable, and warm, but the durability is just not there (in most consumer models), especially for sustained military operations. When It comes to backpack hunting, I'll take down because it is the lightest, but it is not what I would want if I was living in it. There are pros and cons to each type of insulation, and that is what I tried to convey.
Audio is a bit funky but great video
You know you spend a lot of time around guns and suppressors when you call the quilting on a jacket “baffles” 😂
They are actually called baffles and there are two types. Stitch-through baffles and boxed baffles.
The blurred out guy looks like the dude from Last Line of Defense.
Can confirm....He is not.
Hiw warm is the love of a Goth Latina Kevin?
Old rule cotton kills 😅
Yes it does...
Cotton kills
It sure does.
Cotton hoodie, stylish? No. Comfortable, yes.
Just use Arcteryx leaf. Almost no reason to use anything else lmao
A lot of their pieces are OK. There is a lot of great value elsewhere though.
Who makes a synthetic insulation vest in multicam?
Beyond Clothing used to make one. Not sure if they still do.