Tom Hutton


manufacturers also actually quote the weight of down eg 420g of 600+ down will be warmer than 300g of 600+ down for the same size jacket.


Rab Xenon Jacket


Conversely with synthetic insulation, it’s usually just the weight of the insulation that’s quoted eg 200g/m2 where the higher the number, the more the insulation. It’s not possible, however, to compare synthetic with down by using these measurements.


This is where TOG ratings come in. A TOG is basically a measure of thermal resistance. It was first used by the Shirley Institute in Manchester in the 1940s, where the thermal


unless it’s really cold (eg well below freezing), then the insulation should stay in the pack. It’s usually better to be slightly too cold when working hard than slightly too hot. But, and this is really critical, when working on this principle, it’s imperative that insulating layers are pulled on the minute the exertion stops in order to keep the body’s warmth in. Leave it just a short while and too much heat may have been lost, meaning the wearer will need to start moving again to create more warmth. As a rule it’s usually best to remove the insulating layer before setting off again, even if it does feel cold to start with.


resistance of a


typical man’s suit was described as 1 TOG. In more technical terms a TOG is equal to 0.1 m2K/W. Not all manufacturers quote TOG figures but where they do, they can be used to compare the relative insulation of any garment.


So with the different types of insulation understood, it’s then just a matter of choosing the most appropriate type for the kind of use it’s going to get, and


then


Mammut Pilgrim


knowing when to put it on and take it off.


As a general


rule, down is best suited to drier climates such as the Alps or Himalayas, and is usually at its best when the wearer isn’t actually working too hard eg camps, evenings etc. Whereas synthetic insulation copes better when the wearer is active, and continues to provide some insulation when it gets wet so it’s much better where it might be exposed to rain or just copious quantities of perspiration.


Armed with the right


clothing, all the wearer needs is a little advice about when to wear it. As a rule, when moving,


Outdoor Research Fraction Hoody 22 SGB OUTDOOR SEPTEMBER 2010


Montane North Star XT


Of course there are other factors to take into account. Some folk run hotter than others. Some have good circulation, some don’t. And, as a rule, women feel the cold more than men. But a few well- chosen questions should reveal any other information you need.


The jackets listed here are some personal favourites:


Rab Generator Vest £75


Wicked warmth and very light – ideal for rests or as an emergency layer


Montane North Star XT £250


Stacks of insulation combined with enough weather resistance to make it a good bet in the mountains.


Rab Xenon Jacket £150


Incredibly light synthetic hooded jacket – ideal for belays, rests etc


Outdoor Research Fraction Hoody £125


Mid-weight synthetic jacket with a good hood. Perfect for winter


climbing or active stuff in colder climes.


Mammut Pilgrim £190


Tasty-looking women specific down jacket – warm and light with a wide range of colours.


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