Cheap lightweight insulated jacket for touring?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 89
Bikes: Norco Threshold, Masi Giramondo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cheap lightweight insulated jacket for touring?
I need a warm insulated jacket. Prefferably under $100. Something that is lightweight, compact and good for touring.
What do you reccomend?
What do you reccomend?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,131
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17760 Post(s)
Liked 14,108 Times
in
6,697 Posts
Application? Riding? In camp?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 216
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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
Prana Lasser Jacket - Men's - Down Insulated Jackets - Men's Jackets - Men's
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA
Posts: 357
Bikes: S-Works Tarmac 2017 - TREK Madone - Cannondale CAPO
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 206 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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?
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,588
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18048 Post(s)
Liked 4,357 Times
in
3,256 Posts
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.
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.
#6
Miles to Go
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.
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.
Last edited by timdow; 05-24-17 at 06:10 AM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 216
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
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.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,215
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
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.
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.
#9
Banned
Polar fleece, as insulation, your rain jacket as the shell.. I find polar fleece stuff in Charity Shops, it is durable.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,750
Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 600 Times
in
379 Posts
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.
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.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,131
Mentioned: 209 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17760 Post(s)
Liked 14,108 Times
in
6,697 Posts
The OP said he was going to tour across Canada starting in May.
#13
Senior Member
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.
#14
Senior Member
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?
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,460
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1165 Post(s)
Liked 790 Times
in
418 Posts
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.
Last edited by Doug64; 05-25-17 at 09:53 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,750
Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 600 Times
in
379 Posts
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.
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.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 216
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
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.
#18
2-Wheeled Fool
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,486
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1385 Post(s)
Liked 675 Times
in
456 Posts
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.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,471
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5863 Post(s)
Liked 3,395 Times
in
2,039 Posts
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.
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.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
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.
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.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,460
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1165 Post(s)
Liked 790 Times
in
418 Posts
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.
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.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,313 Times
in
706 Posts
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.
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.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,215
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
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
And, now I'm trying to come up with a classy gentlemen tour where I could use it

#25
Senior Member
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.
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.