Snugpak Sleeka Elite. Anyone have one?

il gatto

Hi. I have one of the above mentioned jackets winging it's way to me and I was just wondering does anyone here have one. All the reviews I've read seem very positive but I would like to hear some opinions all the same.
http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/snugpak_sleeka_elite_jacket/

I have a Snugpak sleeping bag (which I haven't used yet) and a small pack (bum bag:o) and they seem very well made and good value. Hopefully the jacket lives up to the hype.
Any views appreciated.

concussion

They're a great jacket as long as you have a windproof layer over them. They compress well and are very very warm.

il gatto

concussion wrote: »

They're a great jacket as long as you have a windproof layer over them. They compress well and are very very warm.

I'm going to wear it over a thermal top and under a waterproof, breathable coat. Usually I wear a micro or mid weight fleece but it wasn't cutting it the last few days. Hopefully the Sleeka will do the job. Thanks.

concussion

I can't imagine walking for more than 10 minutes with a Snugpak on TBH! They are that warm.

Bobby_Kennedy

Looking at the Snugpak Sleeka myself.

Do you think that website (outdoorgb.com) has the best price for the jacket?

Also, do you reckon the jacket can double as a jacket for mountaineering/outdoor stuff as well as a causal jacket for around town? Just wondering.

il gatto

concussion wrote: »

I can't imagine walking for more than 10 minutes with a Snugpak on TBH! They are that warm.

Yeah. I think unless it's extremely cold, I'll stick to the fleece when doing something active. I'm getting the Sleeka just for general moping about, going to work etc. Hard to stay warm fixing a fence, feeding the dogs etc.

Bobby_Kennedy, I've seen them a tiny bit cheaper somewhere but I think the shipping worked out dearer. Outdoorgb is a reputable site but not the fastest shipping around. Have bought from before though with no problems.

concussion

Well, I made liar out of myself yesterday. Wore the Snugpak over a HH base layer coming down off Galtymore yesterday and was was only slightly too warm (took off gloves and hat to optimise my temperature). Mine is several years old so I don't use it as an outer layer in the wind or rain but I think the newer ones have a better wind/water resistance so should be fine for casual use as long as there isn't heavy rain.

Edit - the Army Surplus store in Midleton sells Snugpak type trousers and jackets for €15 each. The are standard issue to the British Army and while not quite as good as Snugpak they're well worth it. I pulled on the trousers over my snow-pants yesterday while having lunch and didn't realise how cold it was until I had to take them off again after

Bobby_Kennedy

Thanks for the info.

One other thing I was wondering about is the sizing. The Snugpak site says "Snugpak jackets fit larger than standard"

I would normally be a Medium size, but wonder whether this would be even too big for me. I am about 5'11 and thinnish build.

concussion

You're probably best off trying it on in a store to be sure. They reccomend that you wear the jacket next to the skin for best vapour transfer, but if you're wearing it during low activity you'd want a few layers below so a larger size would be better, IMO. I'm 6"1' and a slim build - I take a medium and it's big enough to have several layers below.

The price on the website is comparable to what I've seen elsewhere, if the postage is good it's not a bad price.

concussion

You're probably best off trying it on in a store to be sure. They reccomend that you wear the jacket next to the skin for best vapour transfer, but if you're wearing it during low activity you'd want a few layers below so a larger size would be better, IMO. I'm 6"1' and a slim build - I take a medium and it's big enough to have several layers below.

The price on the website is comparable to what I've seen elsewhere, if the postage is good it's not a bad price.

il gatto

Sorry Bobby_Kennedy, just seen your pm. Don't think to check them too often. Hopefully concussion answered your query.
I ordered a medium, even though I'm a none too svelte 5'8", but with a suit size of 42", I reckon it should be about right. I didn't want it too tight as I find insulated jackets less effective when they are.
Unfortunately it hasn't arrived yet as the courier system has been hit and miss in England with the snow, but outdoorgb have been good in the past and kept me updated this time. I should have it Monday or Tuesday and will post my thoughts on it then. Typical. I'll have it when the weather has warmed up:(:D

Bobby_Kennedy

Il Gatto,

How is the jacket?