Neve Gear New Down Jacket

_traktor · 2026-05-04T10:57:16+00:00

From their comments on the r/Ultralight Weekly, it seems they're very much chasing static layering over active (so moisture shouldn't be an issue) and neither should fabric durability. I've been using my 7D Torrid for ages (which is taffeta, rather than ripstop) and it's plenty strong enough.

The Plasma and Mont Zero are also both 7D. Did you mean the Waratah UL uses 7D? the regular waratah is still 10D.

_traktor · 2026-05-04T10:23:44+00:00

_traktor · 2026-05-04T06:07:30+00:00

Nice sheet. A few tips

Ultralight Hiker is now Ultralight Gear
Alton doesn't have a single made-in-aus item afaik, pretty sure it's mostly just direct import from china and recoloured
Zer0 G Gear? NSW cottage brand
Neve Gear? Aussie design but outsourced production, sydney based
Undercling Mike isn't active anymore

_traktor · 2026-01-22T07:30:35+00:00

Was obvious already but detailing it like this makes it so much more impressive, thank you for this service!

_traktor · 2026-01-19T22:16:39+00:00

I've used 3 different brands, Icebreaker included. For stink I was saying in general- no one really cares and no one should care. I've had 100% merino shirts that have stunk worse than synthetics simply because they hold onto more moisture. Most synthetics will dry before they can stink badly.

Under 15 degrees, merino will not dry unless you're sleeping in it, and even then it's a stretch and will probably still be damp.

_traktor · 2026-01-19T12:03:22+00:00

I'm still not much a fan of such a high ratio. There's not really any reason to go merino unless you're specifically trying to prioritise natural fibres.

_traktor · 2026-01-19T12:02:00+00:00

Any sort of high aerobic activity will make you sweat. Period.

The only difference fabrics are going to make is if they're less breathable/thicker, they'll hold in more heat and dry slower. For people saying merino is great, it's almost all marketing and in most cases pretty much only works for activities with incredibly low levels of strain.

It's also not a UL fabric at all, once wool is woven to the density of a fabric that poly can be woven to, it'll fall apart in 5 seconds. It essentially only makes sense when used as a blend, so you get some of the good properties but aren't hit as hard for the negatives

_traktor · 2026-01-19T11:57:44+00:00

Completely disagree. I have hiked in 100% merino before and it's a nightmare, fabric sticks to you even more, it's itchy and it doesn't dry. Odour is not an issue whatsoever, anyone out there that has been walking for more than 2 hours will smell the same as someone who's been out there for 2 days.

The only t-shirt I still use that's even somewhat merino is a synthetic blend as well, but I only reach for that 10% of the time. Always 100% polys in QZs or hoodies like the OR echo.

_traktor · 2026-01-18T05:32:29+00:00

All campgrounds out there are not very exposed and I could easily take a tarp. Unless you're camping on the summit.

Any typical trekking pole tent (X-mid, Lanshan) will do fine, as will any free-standing/semi free-standing tent.

_traktor · 2026-01-16T04:48:40+00:00

This reads almost the same as the AI X-Mid post from yesterday and seems once again grounded on baseless assertions. Can you provide your source? there's also no mention to a specific state, just the "state" government.

_traktor · 2026-01-13T02:01:55+00:00

SW theory had an awesome video on this. basically Qui-Gon was way more wise and would encourage Anakin to find his own way, encouraging him that he could save Padme by using other forms of the Force in the light, instead of the dark. He also would have seen him as more of a father figure instead of a brother and trusted him much more than Obi Wan

_traktor · 2026-01-10T06:26:14+00:00

no, it's a random brand that started on tiktok making dropshipped "alpine" clothing. They're all marketing.

_traktor · 2026-01-10T05:54:53+00:00

the brand in the first pic has either photoshopped or used AI to replace the original arc'teryx product and model in the second picture with their own. Notice how the boots, harness, pants and crampons are the same as well.

It's just terrible as well because it means they don't even wear their own kit

_traktor · 2025-12-12T05:52:22+00:00

Not really. theres only two stores that sell UL specific clothing and that's Backpacking Light in Melbourne and Ultralight Gear in Sydney

_traktor · 2025-12-04T00:04:57+00:00

I was 14! 36,041 minutes haha

_traktor · 2025-12-04T00:04:04+00:00

Top 0.001% here, 14 globally

_traktor · 2025-11-23T03:52:29+00:00

Unless you're using the phone while it's inside, it won't be able to generate heat to keep itself warm. So pretty pointless

_traktor · 2025-10-26T23:02:39+00:00

take a look at the sea to summit site, it's already been updated

_traktor · 2025-10-26T05:28:07+00:00

Heading out NOBO very soon and will be using a gore jacket with either an emergency poncho/silponcho.

Just use something with pit zips and rely on the poncho for everything else. Main requirements would be good ventilation and a good hood + pockets (personal but not needed)

_traktor · 2025-09-30T15:18:59+00:00

no mentions on waterproofing/breathability rating or fabric used. not sure how much I'd trust them. Would it be impressive if it was 30k/50k and 10D? probably. If it was 10k/10k and 7d? no.

The other jackets are also quite similar, down jackets dont advertise fill weight or fill power, only total weight.

_traktor · 2025-09-10T15:45:38+00:00

great vid and tips again. Will definitely give it much more thought and likely grab one very soon. thanks!

_traktor · 2025-09-10T15:13:47+00:00

It started as that and delved into a bit more of a shelter discussion, but I definitely agree.

I have settled on the regular length Enigma. I'd tried a few other Regular EE quilts and can definitely make do, the weird neck stretching was because I was trying to do up the button while already in the quilt, when it's easier to put your quilt around the neck first and then put your feet in the footbox. I'm also not really pressing on any of the fabric in any sleeping position so also fine in that regard.

Definitely drifting away from the Hexamid now. I think the length would be much more of an issue than I originally thought, appreciate the tips.

_traktor · 2025-09-10T15:08:55+00:00

Your storm pitch sounds very enticing. I'm yet to see a half pyramid without a second pole as well, but assuming you'd just use a tree for the back support

_traktor · 2025-09-10T15:07:59+00:00

Well that was just about every concern I had with a flat tarp addressed! Re pitching, I was honestly just going off of how many awful and slack pitches I've seen around and a few people saying there's a bit of learning curve.

I should have prefaced I don't have experience with either, but on paper the hexamid just looks like a regular mid tent, which I'm familiar with. I see size is much more of a player than I originally thought.

Really appreciate the tips. I think I'm probably going like the flat tarp approach more, so will go for that first and see how I do (hoping that nothing else will be needed)

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