Thread: Non Down Insulated Jacket

I’m looking to replace my well used synthetic insulated Stoney Creek jacket. I’m a fan of synthetic over down, but don’t want to pay the price of a Stika Kelvin Aerolite jacket. Looking for something along the lines of the Aerolite jacket or GoHunt Atmosphere hooded jacket.
A lot of down options in NZ.
Who is wearing what as a synthetic insulated jacket, and what are your experiences.

Look for something with Pertex shell if you want waterproof and a primaloft fill. Can’t go wrong, brand doesn’t matter too much


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The best synthetic insulated jacket I had was made from thinsulate. This was from the Alp Sports company which became Macpac. When I destroyed it in a motorcycle accident (saved my back skin), I bought another because the jacket was so good at keeping me warm, not being bulky and being resistant to damage. I wore it until it fell apart, about 10 years later. Have not seen thinsulate again, except in gloves but you may see this product around and check it out.

Originally Posted by rupert

The best synthetic insulated jacket I had was made from thinsulate. This was from the Alp Sports company which became Macpac. When I destroyed it in a motorcycle accident (saved my back skin), I bought another because the jacket was so good at keeping me warm, not being bulky and being resistant to damage. I wore it until it fell apart, about 10 years later. Have not seen thinsulate again, except in gloves but you may see this product around and check it out.

I think Alp Sports was in Madras St became Krapmandu a real shame they had some awesome gear

https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/jacke...yABEgLKlfD_BwE

https://www.outfittersstore.nz/produ...DYk9fGe1U-3Y91

I have one from bush life (shOOter) on here a helicon tex wolfskin. Packs ridiculously small and is warm as. I got the one without the hood but now realize the hood would be useful on many occasions

Arthur Ellis aka Fairydown made a jacket lined with Thinsulate with a waterproof Entrant coating. I still have one of these jackets and it is amazingly warm. Although Thinsulate is still available the price makes the Stika jacket look very affordable. If I was buying a Stika jacket it would be the Jetstream due to the Windstopper membrane.

Cheers guys.

Will go a and have a look at the Macpac Men's Pulsar Hooded Jacket. Pertex outer, PrimaLoft insulation. I can get a deal through work on one of these too

https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-mens...et/121581.html

Enlightened equipment torrid jacket, weighs only 235 g, good for when stopped, or at camp.

not for bush bashing, but then again when is ever a puffer good for that?

Pretty much wear it only morning and night. Hardly notice it in the pack.

I have the Pulsar, really rate it, but now for most things its been superceded in my outdoor wardrobe by my Macpac Pisa jacket and Macpac Nitro pullover. Together at least as warm as my puffer jacket, more versatile and machine washable.

I got https://www.kuiu.com/products/axis-t...alo-camouflage based on a couple of recommendations.

I love it, pit zips and front zip give you pretty good temp regulation.
Hood is real nice when sitting in the cold.
I also carry a puffer vest, it packs down really small, and put this underneath if I’m sitting for extended periods.
Meant to be shower proof, but haven’t worn it in rain to see how good.

No experience with this jacket, but Cactus gear is well made.

https://cactusoutdoor.co.nz/products...sulated-jacket

Blair at Wear on Earth made one up for me - waterproof outer and Primaloft fill. Its not on his website though, it came up in conversation when talking through what options he had and what I wanted out of a new jacket. Again, not sure if its something he regularly makes though sorry.

Thanks for the input.
I’m going to check out the Macpac and Cactus for fit, and get hold of Blair at Wear on Earth if neither fit the bill.

Man those cactus ones are heavy.. nearly 800g. Fine if you’re just wearing it day-to-day and not needing to carry it in a pack all day I guess.