1*400 vs 2*200 g/m fleece/wool

Do you think one 400 g per m fleece or wool garment is as warm as two 200 g per m equivalent?


  • Total voters
    6

Victor

Summit Camper
In case you want something really warm that provides more warmth than one 200 g/m while not using a puffy because you are active, would you go with:
  1. A base layer plus one 400 g/m sweater or
  2. A base layer plus two 200 g/m sweaters?
I can see advantages with both alternatives but would like to read your arguments.
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
I'd speculate that unless both garments are not very form fitting, then 2 garments would be warmer due to extra air trapped between the layers. Added benefit is the ventilation by having underlayer stuffed inside the trousers, and overlayer hanging loose over the trousers giving better ventilation.
 

Fossil Bluff

Thru Hiker
I'd speculate that unless both garments are not very form fitting, then 2 garments would be warmer due to extra air trapped between the layers. Added benefit is the ventilation by having underlayer stuffed inside the trousers, and overlayer hanging loose over the trousers giving better ventilation.

And the versatility of having two garments instead of one.
 

Victor

Summit Camper
What sort of active use are you doing? 2 200g fleeces is seriously warm. Needs a windproof layer
I like the thought of not owning a winter jacket. But when it's around freezing a 200 g/m wool sweater and non-lined windbreaker isn't enough unless it's mostly uphill. If the kids are with me, the pace is slow and heavier or more layers are required. 2x200 g is more work taking on and off but gives more adaptability. 1x400 g is the opposite. The last thing to contemplate is the warmth difference.
 

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
Always better to layer, and chop and change with the conditions. My current choice for around freezing is Ternua long sleeved baselayer 95g, Columbia Glacier III zip neck fleece 185g, Dynafit Mezzalana Polartec Alpha jacket 295g. The jacket squishes down to next to nothing in a daypack once I've warmed up, I can strip down to the baselayer if the sun's out and I start to really sweat, quick and easy to layer back up if I stop or the weather changes. If it's going to be really cold, I take a down jacket instead of the fleece, although I'm considering a gilet (I hate the word vest, brings back memories of being forced to wear baggy M&S undergarments at primary school!!)
 

benp1

Trail Blazer
I like the thought of not owning a winter jacket. But when it's around freezing a 200 g/m wool sweater and non-lined windbreaker isn't enough unless it's mostly uphill. If the kids are with me, the pace is slow and heavier or more layers are required. 2x200 g is more work taking on and off but gives more adaptability. 1x400 g is the opposite. The last thing to contemplate is the warmth difference.

The problem with two fleeces is the arms will be like velcro, it'll be a right faff taking it off and on. I really do think you'd be better with a cheap synthetic puffy jacket. It'll be warmer, lighter, more packable and useful in other circumstances. Even a really budget £20 job will work just fine. The other benefit is they're very slippery so are easy to don.
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
The problem with two fleeces is the arms will be like velcro, it'll be a right faff taking it off and on. I really do think you'd be better with a cheap synthetic puffy jacket. It'll be warmer, lighter, more packable and useful in other circumstances. Even a really budget £20 job will work just fine. The other benefit is they're very slippery so are easy to don.
Or wear a windshirt in between if set on 2 fleeces.
 
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