Originally Posted by
Gotte
That's what I thought, but there is something nice about having something warm and cosy to get into at the end of a hard day, rather than just wearing lots of layers of the same old stuff.
My problem is I'm trying to weigh up all options for bike tour camping across all the seasons, which obviously means a lot of flexibility, plus more kit. I have a modular sleeping system which involves a couple of sleeping bags (together weighing about 2.5 kg, but able to cope with winter) thermarest etc, and I'm just not sure I'm overdoing it with a down jacket. but the thought of being able to put it on, rather than a lot of layers of the same old same old, does appeal.
the jacket itself weighs about 800g, and packs down small. I've got a bigish fleece that would be my normal choice for keeping the chill out when camping, so may see how much that weighs and what its pack size is to make a comparison.
This is the point. While we spend a fair bit of time on the bike, often we spend an equal amount of time (rest days and so on) in camp, doing camp things. Layers can be tiresome. Your ranges of movement are restricted, and by the time you've worn your layers for a few days, you have to wash them... and wear what then to stay warm?
I like the idea of a down jacket, because of the same principles as a down sleeping bag, but right now I don't think I would have a need for it because I don't do enough cold-weather touring these days. A friend of mine bought a down jacket in the early 2000s, and I was impressed then. Of course, if you can find other non-touring uses for it, then it would seem to me to be a great invesment.