Comparison of Carinthia LIG, MIG and HIG – Version 3.0
This article was sponsored by TACWRK.
The cold protection jackets from Carinthia have been popular for years, and everyone should have one. However, the question often arises as to which of the three proven models is the right one. Since I have already advised many colleagues and explained the differences to them, I decided to explain the differences in text and image to make the choice easier for others as well.
This review features the jackets LIG 3.0, MIG 3.0, and HIG 3.0 in Olive.
The abbreviations stand for: Light, Medium, and High Insulation Garment. In the pictures, the jackets are always arranged in this order from left to right.
Technical Data
LIG 3.0
Filling: G-LOFT ISO+, Body 80g/m², Sleeves 80g/m², 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: Shelltex, 100% Polyamide
Inner fabric: Shelltex Ultra, 100% Polyamide
Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 540g (Size M)
Colors: Black, Olive, Urban grey
MIG 3.0
Filling: G-LOFT ISO+, Body 125 g/m², Sleeves 80 g/m², 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: Gore Windstopper®, 100% Polyester, ePTFE membrane, water-repellent
Inner fabric: Shelltrans, 100% Polyamide
Sizes: S-XXL
Packing size: 15×28 cm
Weight: 890g (Size M)
Colors: Black, Olive, Urban grey
HIG 3.0
Filling: G-LOFT® Si, Body 145g/m², Sleeves 110g/m², 100% Polyester
Outer fabric: Gore Windstopper®, 100% Polyamide, ePTFE membrane
Inner fabric: Shelltrans, 100% Polyamide
Sizes: S-XXL
Packing size: 17×33 cm
Weight: 900g (Size M)
Colors: Black, Olive, Urban grey
Included Accessories
All jackets are delivered uncompressed in a carrying bag. A stuff sack is included with each jacket.
Outer Fabric
HIG and MIG feature water-repellent Gore Windstopper® made of 100% Polyamide with an ePTFE membrane, a thicker and more robust material.
The LIG’s outer fabric is water-repellent Shelltex made of 100% Polyamide. This lightweight material makes the jacket a good underlayer.
Inner Fabric
The LIG uses Shelltex Ultra, saving weight. MIG and HIG use the slightly thicker Shelltrans, both 100% Polyamide.
Hood/Collar
Besides different temperature ranges, the jackets vary in features.
LIG: No hood MIG: Insulated hoof, adjustable in 2 directions HIG: Non-insulated hood, stowable, adjustable in 3 directions, fits over helmet
LIG: Adjustable collar (Thermofleece lining) MIG: No collar, fleece at neck HIG: Adjustable collar, no fleece
Shoulder/Upper Arm
LIG: No features MIG + HIG: Cordura reinforcement, zipper pocket on upper arm, soft patch area
Elbows
LIG: No features MIG+HIG: Cordura reinforcement
Underarm
LIG: No features MIG+HIG: Zippered underarm pocket
Sleeve Cuffs
LIG: Elastic, wrist warmers MIG+HIG: Adjustable, wrist warmers
Ventilation Openings
LIG: No features MIG: Ventilation openings in upper arm area HIG: Ventilation/pass-through openings in torso area
Front
LIG: 2-way front zipper with wind flap and chin guard MIG+HIG: Water-resistant 2-way front zipper with wind flap and chin guard
The pockets of all three jackets are lined with Thermofleece.
Inner Pockets
LIG: 1x Napoleon inner pocket MIG: 2 zipper inner pockets HIG: 1x Napoleon inner pocket
Hem
All three jackets have an elastic hem adjustable with one hand.
Fit
The jackets are cut generously to be worn over gear. The HIG is slightly longer to cover the glutes and provide extra warmth.
Conclusion
The various features make the jackets suitable for different temperatures and purposes. Here is MY ASSESSMENT.
LIG 3.0
Light jacket, ideal as a layering jacket. Its light weight makes it a constant companion and suitable as a cold protection jacket in mild temperatures.
Recommended addition: Warm hat
MIG 3.0
Robust jacket that can be worn as outerwear for activities. The lined hood provides additional warmth. In rain, the inside of the hood can get wet.
Recommended addition: Scarf
MY FAVORITE
HIG 3.0
Robust jacket that can also be worn as outerwear. The collar protects the neck. The stowable hood provides little extra insulation but is very practical, especially with a helmet.
Recommended addition: Warmer hat
Related Links:
Carinthia MIG 2.0 Jacket Review
Video Carinthia HIG 3.0 Jacket
