fibre pile

[LM J]

At the risk of asking a stupid question: if 300gsm is a heavy-weight Polar Fleece, is 400gsm (think Helly Hansen Field Jacket) considered to be heavy-weight fibre pile? How would it compare to say the pile lining used for Buffalo's Mountain/Special 6 Shirts?

Also, what do you think would be warmer, a Ullfrotte Woolpower top in 600gsm (70% Merino, 30% Polyamide) or a HH Field Jacket?


Edit: the Field Jacket is described on HH's site as being "Super Super warm, double fleece". Think that's partly answered my question. But compared to the Buffalo Special 6? Warm as Wool 600 top?

 

[big_swede]

I used to have one of those when I was a small boy. I think most outdoor persons wore them then. Here there are only available in work wear shops. Brilliant item, but unfortunately for HH there is a few competing brands which sell basically the same item for a third of the price. I have two or three of the rip-offs now. I haven't used the 600 gsm from woolpower but I had a 400 gsm and the field jacket is definitely warmer than that. And better. Takes less time to dry, just give it a shake and it's ready to use. Well it ain't so spark proof, that's a pro for the woolposer, but HH is as warm when wet as wool.

Buy it.

 

[LM J]

What brands, Big Swede?

 

[big_swede]

I think one is from work wear brand jobman, and another is from fristads. The third is unmarked, got it at a site I worked at. I don't think the brands are present in the uk?

remember, keep the fur towards the body.

 

[LM J]

Both companies that are unlikely to ship over here, do you think?

 

[big_swede]

Both companies that are unlikely to ship over here, do you think?

No Idea. Ask them. They're brands, not stores. I found one (of our more expensive brands, only available in blue though, and 320 gsm) for £29 with a quick googling. I'm sure there are cheaper ones. Or maybe the cheaper brands have gone expensive.

I typed in fiber pile on the american auction site. Used ECWS bear jackets were from $5.99.

 

[johnboy]

At the risk of asking a stupid question: if 300gsm is a heavy-weight Polar Fleece, is 400gsm (think Helly Hansen Field Jacket) considered to be heavy-weight fibre pile? How would it compare to say the pile lining used for Buffalo's Mountain/Special 6 Shirts?

Also, what do you think would be warmer, a Ullfrotte Woolpower top in 600gsm (70% Merino, 30% Polyamide) or a HH Field Jacket?


Edit: the Field Jacket is described on HH's site as being "Super Super warm, double fleece". Think that's partly answered my question. But compared to the Buffalo Special 6? Warm as Wool 600 top?

Helly Hansen Field Jackets are absolutley brilliant bits of Kit IMHO.

The pile they use is nothing like the pile used in a buffalo shirt.

Helly Pile is double sided so you get a 'shaggy' pile on the outer with a lighter pile on the inside. Standard fibre pile as used in Buffalo kit is 'shaggy' on oneside only and you get a rough backing fabric on the outside which is covered in Pertex on a Buffalo Garment.

I've owned 2 Helly Hansen Field Jackets the first I bought in Joe Browns in Capel Curig in 1987 while we were in Snowdonia doing some Adventurous Training I've used it a heap since and it's still going strong but looks a bit ragged. it went on every trip to Norway and has been and done all sorts A brilliant bit of kit. It's well faded now and the pockets are a bit knackered.

They are warm and snow does not tend to stick to the 'shaggy' pile also they layer really well and the pile wicks nicely and traps the heat in.

I got my second in the Lakes back in 2002 from the Climbers Shop in Ambleside the sprog assistant told me I should go for something more technical... It's wearing just as well My absolute favourite fleece style garment bar none....

Hope this helps...

 

[The Cumbrian]

What they said about HH pile jackets. We were issued them in Antarctica and they were a favourite with everyone. If you want a cheap alternative, pile jackets are still sold in workwear outlets in the UK. They aren't double pile like a Helly, but they're warmer than fleece and so cheap that you won't mind getting spark holes in them.

Cheers, Michael.

 

[LM J]

Johnboy, Michael, both very helpful comment. Thanks.

 

[LM J]

The pile they use is nothing like the pile used in a buffalo shirt.

Helly Pile is double sided so you get a 'shaggy' pile on the outer with a lighter pile on the inside. Standard fibre pile as used in Buffalo kit is 'shaggy' on oneside only and you get a rough backing fabric on the outside which is covered in Pertex on a Buffalo Garment.

But it'd have similar benefits (as the base layer) when used in combination with a breathable windproof shell in warmer environments?! And a better, more versatile alternative to a lighter weight, micro-pile Buffalo shirt?

 

[johnboy]

But it'd have similar benefits (as the base layer) when used in combination with a breathable windproof shell in warmer environments?! And a better, more versatile alternative to a lighter weight, micro-pile Buffalo shirt?

Yep something like a Montane windproof top over it and you have effectively the same garment as a Buffalo minus the ventilation zips I guess.

I used to use mine with a Calange ( anyone remember that company) wind proof and it was great.... it also works well with a Goretex shell.

Great jackets and the thumb loops and long length are brill....

 

[The Cumbrian]

I used to use mine with a Calange ( anyone remember that company) QUOTE]

Are they still going? My wife had a purple Calange windproof with a fleece lined collar, until she left her bike's saddlebag unzipped. The mice in the shed managed to very neatly remove almost every trace of fleece overnight, as well as using the saddlebag as a toilet.

 

[johnboy]

Are they still going?

No I don't think so they did make some good kit IIRC a lot of the smaller companies vanished like Ultimate and Phoenix etc

 

[The Cumbrian]

I've still got a Phoenix Phreebooter tent somewhere. Showing my age I guess.

Cheers, Michael.

 

[johnboy]

I've still got a Phoenix Phreebooter tent somewhere. Showing my age I guess.

Cheers, Michael.

Yep you are but I've got a Wild Country Gemini tucked away in the Garage.... I must get it out and snow camp in it this winter.... I think there might be a Phoenix in there somewhere as well

 

[big_swede]

What they said about HH pile jackets. We were issued them in Antarctica and they were a favourite with everyone. If you want a cheap alternative, pile jackets are still sold in workwear outlets in the UK. They aren't double pile like a Helly, but they're warmer than fleece and so cheap that you won't mind getting spark holes in them.

Cheers, Michael.

Hmm, now that you mention it I can't remember my HH jacket having the plain side that my work wear pile jackets has.

I think it was a bit funny when malden mills came up with the genius idea of polartec thermal pro. Reinventing the wheel?