Hi Jim, I'm not sure I entirely understand your survey, but I'll play along <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I own an old Mountain Hardware down jacket (8 years old maybe?). 100% sturdy polyester shell with 650 down fill that looks to be about 3 inches thick- no hood. It weighs in at approximately 22 ounces. I go to this baby whenever it is 10 degrees or less. This coat is WARM. No question. I don't need to walk around the block to know that. I'll only use it to ski in if it is around zero degrees, because otherwise, its too warm for active use. And as described in another thread, I have a Nunatak Skaha Plus down jacket (800 goose down) weighing in at 11 ounces. Intuitively, I know it won't be as warm as my wonderful and far more heavy Mountain Hardware. I don't need to walk around the block to test that out.

The part I'm not clear on is how me wearing these two jackets around the block will give information? I know the old Mountain Hardwear will be warmer (and considerably heavier.) I think I'm missing the concept you want to convey. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The trade off for me is the weight. For less weight, I can carry my 11 ounce down jacket (insulating layer) AND my raincoat that goes over it, if needed. As others have described, my down jacket is part of a system.

I've never hiked with my down jacket on. When hiking I exert enough energy that at times I... um.... glow! (OK, maybe sweat.) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I usually wear a synthetic tee or shirt. I also have a windshirt (Go Lite Wisp w/ hood) that goes over the shirt. Very good combo for me! If I am still cold beyond that, I'll put my raincoat on over the other two layers, but that is pretty rare. When I get to camp, that is when the down jacket will come out, if cold. I can always put my raincoat overtop of the down jacket, if I need additional wind protection. I've also used the down coat occasionally for extra warmth when sleeping.

Carol