Summer weight vs Winter weight NOMEX

[kmac]

Instead of adding this to the Great Flight Jacket thread, I figured I'd just start a new one. Are the winter weights actually good for staying warm? How do they compare to the summer weights? I was only issued the summer weight and now I (should) have the opportunity to start anew with a winter weight jacket. Since this is a jacket to patch up, I have no concern for the gucci MCPS.

I'm basically asking what everyone's opinion or thoughts are on the utility of the heavier jacket. I've never even tried one. Thoughts??

 

[phrogpilot73]

The winter weight is significantly warmer than the summer weight. It's also warmer than the leather (unless you have one with a liner).

 

[MasterBates]

Mine is about the same as the leather in warmth if you are out in the wind, significantly warmer inside a just plain cold place. Leather stops wind much better, but the winter weight is warmer if you are stuck in CVIC on IP watch freezing your ass off because apparently all the AC is diverted there.

Not that you'd know about watches on a CVN

 

[NavAir42]

Winter weight flight jackets: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

 

[squorch2]

I have never failed to sweat after 5 minutes in my winter weight jacket. (In Norfolk or Pensacola - could be colder elsewhere.)

I also wish I'd had winter weight gloves to preflight with when we made a port call in Boston in February. Not sure how good they'd be for flying.

 

[Brett327]

Winter weight is all I ever wear. They're GTG.

 

[81montedriver]

Winter weight is definately warmer compared to the leather and summer weight. The summer weight is practically worthless, it just takes up extra space and barely provides any warmth. I've worn the winter weight in Afghanistan in single digit temps and it was more than adequate.

 

[scoolbubba]

Summer weight is a windbreaker. Winter weight is a sweat maker. I sweat like the yankee air pirate pig dog that I am in pretty much every temperature above 55F, so I always go summer weight or leather if I'm dressing to impress. Winter weight is definitely warmer, though.

Choose wisely.

 

[Harrier Dude]

I find the winter weight a bit smothering around here in August.

 

[robav8r]

You should have all three (leather, winter & summer). Your an aviator damn it - your comfort is directly proportionate to your effectiveness & performance. At least that what I would tell the SKC who is trying to convince you otherwise . . . .

 

[Renegade One]

After I no longer had a WEP...a WW Nomex was all I ever had, besides the leather. Great jacket...but make sure it's not a snug fit to start...room to breathe and all that.

 

[Brett327]

Side note: Do NOT attempt to machine wash your winter weight jacket. It's not pretty.

 

[scoolbubba]

You should have all three (leather, winter & summer). Your an aviator damn it - your comfort is directly proportionate to your effectiveness & performance. At least that what I would tell the SKC who is trying to convince you otherwise . . . .

You're showing your age...what's an SKC?!

I find the winter weight a bit smothering around here in August. View attachment 11261

It's a dry heat.

 

[707guy]

I've got both and the Summer is basically a wind breaker. Winter is good for...well winter...keeps ya warm.

 

[kmac]

I appreciate all of the input guys. I'll go talk to the PRs tomorrow to see about ordering the winter weight. Now I'm concerned about the size. Eh well, I'll just have to do some research.