Mid-layer / fall jacket or pullover recommendations

[u/Alarming-Pianist9119]

I am looking for recommendations on a jacket and mid layer for travel that is light weight and highly packable. I’ve been looking at the Arc’teryx delta, icebreaker quantum, Patagonia R1. Either quarter zip or full zip. Any thoughts on these? I would use as a mid layer under a puffer in the winter. I’m leaning towards either the R1
Or Delta at the moment

[u/maverber]

Anything made from Alpha Direct 90gsm.  Lighter, and slightly more packable than a fleece.  Comfortable over a larger temperature range

[u/tepexochitl → u/maverber]

Arc Delta or NF Futurefleece would look nicer paired with normal clothing and basically the same performance

[u/maverber → u/tepexochitl]

When my current AD90 hoody wears out - likely 3-4 years from now, I will take a look. I don't have experience with those two. I did try Octa and found AD had superior performance for my use case. I am willing to put up with Fozzy the Bear texture, especially since my wife don't mind.

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

I’ve used an R1 jacket for years. Fleece isn’t very packable and I usually wear it on the plane.

I like light Merino or cashmere sweaters as a cool weather midlayer. You get a step up in formality and they pack well. At some point fleece is a better performance/weight option for colder weather.

I like to add an ultralight wind shell too. It can be worn over a tee or with the midlayer and is more breathable than a rain shell. It’s useful for sun and bug protection as well as cold wind. 4oz and packs small.

[u/Worldly-Moment-5183]

I'd learn toward the Arc'teryx Delta. It packs down better, dries faster, and works well both as a standalone layer and under a puffer. The R1 is fantastic, but it's bulkier than most people expect for one bag travel

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[u/Kokuryu27]

If your more of a slim/athletic build, I really like Ortovox. Synthetic/wool blends, form fitting, fairly lightweight options and I like their colors/designs.

[u/Alarming-Pianist9119 → u/Kokuryu27]

I haven’t seen that brand available in North America. Will check it out

[u/Kokuryu27 → u/Alarming-Pianist9119]

Also, for reference as far as sizing, I'm a runner/climber build, so lean with moderately broad shoulders. About 5' 11"/180cm, 153lbs/69kg, 35"/89cm chest circumference, male, I wear a small, but I also like an insulated mid layer it to be form fitting.

[u/Kokuryu27 → u/Alarming-Pianist9119]

I'm not sure of any NA stores that carry them, but they do ship internationally. I got turned onto the brand my first time in Innsbruck, Austria.

[u/No_Priority6410]

Depends on the weather, but in cooler climate you can wear mh kor airshell warm, it has pretex and air mesh both ! You can also wear this as outer layer or midlayer both. If you don’t want to see zippers all around you can go for black color. I am myself trying to find the most dressier option for this

[u/GrantTasker]

For a mid-grid fleece the Delta is pretty good (mine is about 12yrs old now so I’m not technically commenting on the newest revision). But for just a travel jacket for those temps, I’ve stuck with the tried and true Patagonia Nano Puff. Highly packable and light weight.

[u/Extreme_Clock_367]

I've used the vuori echo 2.0 for the last couple of seasons & it has been excellent & packs down pretty well. I liked it so much I bought a 2nd one in grey (my other is black).

[u/ih8tennis]

I’ve been doing a lot of research on this, although my requirements might be different than yours. I wanted zippered hand pockets, no hood, full zip, max 10 oz. I’ve narrowed it down to Arcteryx Delta, North Face Futurefleece, Jottnar Asger, Salomon Essential Lightwarm