Had a chance to try it last Saturday. It was interesting weather, mid 50s, intermittent rain and sun, sometimes quite windy. I wore with Rab Merino 120 base and Marmot Bantamweight WPB. Started out in light rain, about 20 minutes in sun came out and I shed the WPB. The Nitro was still warm enough, but once it was free of the shell I could feel how breathable it was. Sweat dissipated quickly, and just wore standalone rest of the way. At times it got cloudy and drizzled a bit, but the alpha shed that pretty easy. In terms of warmth and breathability it feels very similar to my Patagonia Capilene Air Crew. Both are very airy weave. Cap Crew is closer next to skin so strictly a base layer for me. I like the versatility of being able to wear Nitro alone or with a shell. Been warm here lately, plan to try with breathable wind jacket like BD Start or Kor Preshell this weekend.
Thanks! I got XL based on forum feedback from guys around my size. I have wide shoulders/athletic build and was concerned about restriction under arms. I also wanted to be able to wear a light base layer under. No returns as it was coming from guy in Australia so wanted to be sure it would be large enough. Happy with the XL fit. With the Cap Air I wanted close next to skin base layer fit like Rab Merino and knew it would have some stretch to it. Can’t fit anything under, XL maybe, it’s definitely a slim fit.
Cooled off a bit and got to try again this morning. Started off at 52F and ended at 66F and sunny. Wore as outer with Bjorn Daehlie Sweater Training Wool as base. Started off feeling bit cool, stayed well regulated even when pushing uphill. Having a light cool breeze makes big difference with the airy alpha, acts like air conditioning. The Bjorn Dahlie Merino/poly blend works as well as Rab 120. The mesh panels do a great job wicking moisture. Supposed to be cool and drizzly tomorrow, plan to try it with Alpine Start.
Black diamond alpine start? Been keeping an eye on the prices of those... I'm a sucker for schoeller fabrics....
Yes, picked it up for $65 last September. Similar to Kor Preshell, but even more air permeable and bit better in terms of shedding light precip. Preshell is lighter, more stretchy, has zip hand pockets.
Kor is my favorite (have two) and wear quite a bit. One issue I've found is Quantum Air pills pretty easy with certain types of backpack mesh (see pic). The Schoeller material on the Start is a bit tougher, more pill resistant. Pilling from BP straps on Kor Coarse Mesh Talon 22 smoother mesh less abrasive
Quite tempted by the Nitro, have a friend in NZ, wondering, if I get her to buy it, and mail it me as a gift, can I avoid import duties, VAT etc, does anybody know? thanks
Possible. We did same with friend in Oz. (there's an Oz only online store. Oz only, in that it only posts domestically, but I was able to pay using my GB credit card)
There's usually a limit on the value of gifts before tax is payable. $50 in the USA if sending to UK I believe. Don't know about NZ though.
Oh. Macpac NZ use DPD who you have to pay the fee to before they deliver. It was another £21 on top when I bought the first Nitro. (size L was a bit tight, so partner took it on and got me an XL via Oz minus the fee).
There is a limit on gift declarations before you pay vat. My father sent over some of my old lenses from New Zealand, which he declared as a £500 gift for unknown reasons (I’d asked him to make sure the value was low) so I ended up paying a lot on the import of something I already owned and was second hand in the first place (they were 70s and 80s lenses). But I’ve never paid import on other taxes or had problems with other gifts declared more favorably.
I've had a black one in and out of my basket more times than I can recall... The amount of use I'm continuing to enjoy, it's less painful the taxe and handling seems....
Sorry Chiseller, done in error Did a quick bit of looking into the other day. Seems, from what I saw, that value of Nitro, if bought at NZ$105, it should avoid import duty, but would be VAT to pay. Postage to UK via New Zealand post a shade under $20, so $125 to pay in/ to NZ, £62.55 at todays rate, then presumably 20% to add the VAT, to pay as it comes into country? Another £12.50 ish. £75 total or thereabouts? Any thoughts if this is roughly correct? thanks
I went in with another trek liter and we saved on postage as 2 didn't increase the postage. Might be worth a group buy and a chat with macpac for a discount?
Come on buddy.....active insulation... Plus the Nitro being very open weave... Does what it does #babybearsporridge
Insulation you can still wear when you no longer need insulation sounds suspiciously like vapourware.
