So I picked up the Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 ski jacket to replace my old Burton snowboard jacket, and paid a pretty penny to do so. Needless to say, I was excited.
First test run, I took the dog for a walk in 0 degree F temps wearing a white tshirt, flannel button down, and the HH Alpha jacket. And... I was disappointingly cold.
I went back inside, threw on my cheap, 3-in-1 jacket picked up for $10 from a thrift shop, and found it to be noticeably warmer.
Comparing the two side by side, it almost felt like the massive breathability of the HH was letting some cold air sneak in; the arms felt breezy compared to the impenetrable, canvas like material on the cheap 3-in-1. Like a much less severe difference between a winter coat and a sweatshirt.
Today I did another test in 10 degree F temps. I compared the Burton with 60 grams of base-level synethic insulation against the 80 grams of primaloft in the HH, and overall my body temp felt similar. But again, the HH material felt more exposed somehow.
So, long story short - obviously the highly breathable fabrics help you from turning into a swamp during exertion, but are they actually a little cooler overall than the cheaper options? Or is it the sort of thing where you have to get moving and exercising before the heat kicks in?
I know Under Armour cold gear is like this - wear it without moving and you hardly notice it's there, but work up a sweat and it will trap that heat like your life depends on it. Are highly breathable, premium quality jackets similar? Or is my expensive HH Alpha just a dud?
First test run, I took the dog for a walk in 0 degree F temps wearing a white tshirt, flannel button down, and the HH Alpha jacket. And... I was disappointingly cold.
I went back inside, threw on my cheap, 3-in-1 jacket picked up for $10 from a thrift shop, and found it to be noticeably warmer.
Comparing the two side by side, it almost felt like the massive breathability of the HH was letting some cold air sneak in; the arms felt breezy compared to the impenetrable, canvas like material on the cheap 3-in-1. Like a much less severe difference between a winter coat and a sweatshirt.
Today I did another test in 10 degree F temps. I compared the Burton with 60 grams of base-level synethic insulation against the 80 grams of primaloft in the HH, and overall my body temp felt similar. But again, the HH material felt more exposed somehow.
So, long story short - obviously the highly breathable fabrics help you from turning into a swamp during exertion, but are they actually a little cooler overall than the cheaper options? Or is it the sort of thing where you have to get moving and exercising before the heat kicks in?
I know Under Armour cold gear is like this - wear it without moving and you hardly notice it's there, but work up a sweat and it will trap that heat like your life depends on it. Are highly breathable, premium quality jackets similar? Or is my expensive HH Alpha just a dud?