mymorningjacket

I need a warm insulated jacket. Prefferably under $100. Something that is lightweight, compact and good for touring.
What do you reccomend?

indyfabz

Application? Riding? In camp?

john_mct

here ya go...enter code "campsaver20" and get another 20 percent knocked off at checkout...

Prana Lasser Jacket - Men's - Down Insulated Jackets - Men's Jackets - Men's

JagR

OFF TOPIC - I don't have a recommendation b/c I always end up spending $ on stuff I can wear on/off the bike...just wanted to say your handle is great! I assume that you like the band?

CliffordK

I prefer layering for my riding. A single layer slicker jacket plus fleece sweater is more than enough for riding down to temperatures below freezing, as well as rain protection.

I suppose one might need a little extra warmth around camp, but the unlined slickers can be surprisingly warm.

That down jacket above would be good for some applications, and is probably quite light.

timdow

Check out: https://www.rei.com/product/109400/r...wn-jacket-mens

On sale for less than $100, 850 fill down, under 11 oz. Compacts down into it's own pocket.

Mate with a waterproof shell, and you are good to go.

john_mct

yeah that's a steal...get that.

jefnvk

What are you doing with it?

If you are riding in it, and/or need some sort of water/wind resistance, I'd steer you towards a softshell. You should be able to find one with a bit of looking under $100. Or, as @CliffordK mentioned, even the combo of a long sleeve shirt and a shell can be quite warm. If you are using it in camp, something like the packable down parka above would be a good idea. Most compress down quite tight (don't store long term that way), even smaller than a hoodie or sweater. Any number of them can be found under the $100 mark.

fietsbob

Polar fleece, as insulation, your rain jacket as the shell.. I find polar fleece stuff in Charity Shops, it is durable.

andrewclaus

I wouldn't wear down on a bike, except maybe for long descents in an arctic environment. It would be too easy to wet it out during normal exertion. Synthetics work well.

I carry one merino wool layer, a slightly heavier polypro layer, a nylon trekking shirt and a rain shell.

This is a highly personal and variable topic. Everyone typically has different clothing for rides in different environments. You'll probably get 11 valid opinions for every 10 posts.

john_mct

perhaps he's just looking for his perfect morning jacket...

indyfabz

The OP said he was going to tour across Canada starting in May.

u235

I have nothing additional to add other then what others have said. Layers. Synthetic base layers and a soft shell wind/rain on top. Multipurpose, breathable, protection, light weight, configurable, etc... Any single all-in-one device is a unitasker only ideal in certain limited conditions.

Leebo

Wool sweater and a wind breaker. Used clothing store will be cheap. Warmth is just not the jacket. Polypro hat and helmet cover work well. Windproof, good. Warm socks?

Doug64

Not always. A light synthetic jacket can make a lot of difference. This summer crossing the Canadian Rockies we experienced below freezing temperatures. We expected it, and planned for the cold weather.

This is 4 layers: Two synthetic long-sleeve T-shirt, light fleece shirt, Primaloft jacket.



Before synthetics I used to carry a heavy wool sweater for both bike touring and climbing. It was very warm when needed, but it was also very bulky and heavy.

andrewclaus

Of course one's experience with clothing is probably as important as the clothing itself. Say you have a very expensive down garment, and you decide to wear it under your rain shell on a pass ascent in a cold rain. The down will quickly become worse than useless.

An experienced hand with an old wool sweater and plastic poncho can be more comfortable than a newbie with a full suite of the latest Patagucci clothing.

john_mct

That's more down to user error than equipment failure. And there are options for "dry" down now. And the one with experience will be more comfortable than the newbie simply by virtue of being experienced. I love wool, and feathers, and good synthetics, just have to know when and how to use them.

J.Higgins 

This is a good discussion. Clothing is gear, and having the right gear is important (yes, Captain Obvious). On my Divide tour, I expect that I'll be layering up for the first half of the tour, and sending home the extra layers midway through.

bikemig 

Agree with the others that layering matters more than a single piece of kit. The OP is going through colder climates than many of us ride., though.

Have you thought about a down or insulated vest? I find that a really useful piece of kit since it can be used to layer not just on the bike but also while sleeping.

tarwheel 

Get a high-quality, breathable rain jacket like the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 and then add layers beneath for additional insulation and warmth. I bike commuted year-round for 10 years and my SP jacket kept me warm -- but not sweaty-- in temperatures down to the teens F. I never had occasion to ride in temps below about 15 F but I'm sure the jacket would be fine with proper base layers. Even on the coldest days, I was warm with the SP jacket, a long-sleeve jersey and thin base layer.

An insulated jacket sounds like big trouble to me. I doubt if it would be breathable, which means you would sweat a lot when riding up hills or with more effort, and then you would get cold from the sweat when you slowed down or stopped.

Doug64

While I carry my lightweight jacket on tours where cold weather is expected, I do not wear it while riding. It is for off bike use and to supplement my sleeping bag.

Happy Feet

I agee with that last bit.

It's pretty easy to stay warm when riding as long as you have a shell. I can ride in almost any weather in fleece and shell including bicycle couriering in Calgary in the winter.
Touring in Canada, especially the mountains or during shoulder seasons, you want a warm bail out jacket for the times off bike (end of day/morning) or if you have a breakdown etc... and have to remain stationary in severe weather.

Doug64

While riding from Vancouver to Winnipeg, with some side trips, we experienced temperatures ranging from freezing to over 100 F. Be prepared.

jefnvk

Everyone should have a perfect morning jacket. So elegant. I found mine on ebay, made back in the 50s in Eton England. Do need to find a warmer weather variant, though, it is a quality wool. Don't think it has much use on a bike tour, though.

And, now I'm trying to come up with a classy gentlemen tour where I could use it

Leebo

I think I wasn't clear. In addition to whatever jacket combo you are wearing, cover up the rest of you, esp. the head with a hat and helmet cover. I always wear merino wool base layers and sweaters, neither heavy or bulky. YRMV. One of the ways to layer that riders like are merino wool base layers and a poly/fleece vest or jacket that is windproof.