Primaloft front tops

[benp1]

Picked up a primaloft fronted gilet recently, figured it might be good for low intensity riding when it's cold

Anyone else use something similar? I'm particularly interested to know when and how

How cold does it need to be to use one properly? ie not for low intensity stuff only

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've got a Haglofs jacket ... it's windproof pertex with 40g primaloft in the front. Tend to use it as an all round jacket when the temp drops a little, not found it too warm yet.

[benp1]

Mines the Adidas Terrex Skyclimb, I think, bought the vest and jacket but the jacket was a shocking fit, vest is much slimmer fitting. Packs up into a pocket too

just a base layer underneath when you're using it? Presumably still have an overlayer if you're overnighting?

[Bearbonesnorm]

just a base layer underneath when you're using it? Presumably still have an overlayer if you're overnighting?

Had it on most of the week in the IOM, sometimes with just a baselayer and sometimes over a baselayer + gilet. I had my phd ultra vest too but that got used as a pillow mainly.

[benp1]

Huh, interesting, I was thinking it would be used for colder conditions

[Bearbonesnorm]

Huh, interesting, I was thinking it would be used for colder conditions

I'm soft.

The wind was pretty cold at times and our pace wasn't exactly swift

[jameso]

One of the best bits of kit I've got for typical UK/European conditions is a Montane Prism gilet, 40g of Primaloft all over though rather than just the front. Works well for touring-pace / brisk all-day miles if it's below 10-12 deg, I've worn it when it's warmer though. Generally it goes over a wet waterproof for long road descents to keep a chill off, over a LS top on cold mornings or under a waterproof for longer or cold wet miles. Gets worn at bivi spots a lot. The fit is good but less close-fitting than a cycling top would be and it seems to work well for it, vents well to stay cool but it's warm when done up. It's kept me going in comfort where I'd previously be a shivering and grumpy rider. ~250g and packs into its pocket for a useful pillow also.

[Zippy]

Interesting, I hadn't really considered one of these, but it sounds like it might add a bit of versatility / bridge the gap between my more summer type setups and winter ones - especially when a bit more out in the elements than if you're down south.

[benp1]

I'm a big primaloft (or other synthetic insulation) fan, despite having a fair bit of down stuff

It's just so worry free, you can wear it anytime. All my primaloft stuff is insulated front and back (apart from the one indicated above). If I'm bivvying somewhere I'll usually have a primaloft top, unless it's in winter

I wore it last night over a t shirt and under a Howies Dyfi windproof when I cycled with the dog. Low intensity ride, out for maybe 30 min, clear skies, around 10pm, it was surprisingly chilly, I even put a woolie hat on!

[GregMay]

I've an old Patagonia Puffball Gilet I use. One of my most loved pieces of kit.

[DrMekon]

I ordered a Terrex Skyclimb after reading this, as they were only £45 at Blacks.

Fit on me is awful - I'm 189cm and 72kg, Large is too large in every way possible. It's vast. I think even medium would be too big. Fit is like a football coaching jacking. It's on it's way back.

[benp1]

I'm 6'3, 40in chest - I order a medium (in the vest), surprisingly good fit

The jacket was completely different - much baggier cut with loose sleeves, plus the sleeves weren't insulated, just the core, so the vest is a better offering too

There's often discount codes for Blacks so it's probably more like £40 or less with the right code