New "DriDown" hydrophobic insulation technology from Sierra Designs

[sardog1]

From the folks who brought you the original 60/40 jacket (okay, only DougPaul and I will probably remember it) -- "DriDown" -- a new way of treating down to make it hydrophobic. Might be a game changer if it lives up to the description.

 

[Chip]

From the folks who brought you the original 60/40 jacket (okay, only DougPaul and I will probably remember it) --

Can you say "cagoule" ? Never owned one myself, but my hiking mentors did. Sad that fashion has shortened modern jacket designs.

 

[DougPaul]

Looks interesting if it works out...

And yes, I still have my 60/40 shell, but it isn't in very good shape. My 65/35 is, however, quite useable. Nowadays, they would be called parkas or parka (mid-thigh) length--shells these days have gone to jacket length which is too short for serious rain or wind protection, IMO..

The cagoule was even longer--knee length or longer with only a short neck zipper. They didn't ventilate well and were more of a wearable bivy sack than a hiking jacket.

I still have a (19)72/73 EMS catalog listing 60/40s and cagoules...

Doug

 

[sardog1]

Can you say "cagoule" ? Never owned one myself, but my hiking mentors did. Sad that fashion has shortened modern jacket designs.

No, but I have older cousins who can.

You probably are one of those greybeards who remembers Frostline kits and all the rest ......

 

[KRobi]

My wife, for many years had an EMS 60/40 and I still have a Frostline "Kit" pullover.
The pullover was actually not a kit but was all assembled when purchased. My brother made the down booties in "Home Ec" class. I agree that the length of todays coats should be a bit longer. What can we do...we are slaves to fashion (or at least slaves to the fashion of the majority).

 

[mirabela]

the original 60/40 jacket (okay, only DougPaul and I will probably remember it

You talking about one of those long, hooded pullover anoraks? I had one ...

 

[sardog1]

You talking about one of those long, hooded pullover anoraks? I had one ...

Sorry, Grasshopper, no. This, at an insane price for a new one in 2012. It was once an essential tool for getting into the mountains and other backcountry locales, at a time when the alternatives were mostly miserable surplus military gear.

 

[DougPaul]

The 60/40 material (60% cotton/40% nylon) was cotton in one direction and nylon in the other. It was very breathable and has some moisture resistance (desirable in the NE). It was ok when new, but after a while the cotton wore out and it developed "linear tatters"... In the NE, we also needed to carry separate rain gear (typically coated nylon).

Similar shells were available in 100% nylon which were recommended for colder drier climates because it had no resistance to external moisture.

60/40 was replaced by 65/35 (polyester/cotton). This fabric has cotton and polyester in both directions so it wore very well.

Timeline: first appearances (from old EMS catalogs):
* (19)72 or earler: 60/40 shells
* (19)75/76 fall/winter: 65/35 shells
* (19)77 spring/summr: Goretex

Doug

 

[Chip]

No, but I have older cousins who can.

You probably are one of those greybeards who remembers Frostline kits and all the rest ......

Best high gaiters ever, I wore for years, were a frostline kit i sewed myself as a yoot 'round aboot 1973. Several stuff sacks as well.
I still have an unopened Frostline Kits stuff sack kit in my gear storage. What are the opening bids ?

 

[sardog1]

The wholesaler who is supplying Sierra Designs (and others) with the hydrophobic down has stepped out into the bright light of day: Down Decor's "Downtek". In addition to SD, they're supplying Marmot, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, REI, Brooks Range and LL Bean.

The process is actually done under a contract with a Belgian lab called NanoGroup Europe (part of a bigger UK-based outfit).

Looks like there will be a substantial number of garments and sleeping bags available for this fall.