Winter Jacket Advice needed...

Max Thunderstone · Nov 24, 2004

After running though the back posts on a bunch of different forums I find I'm still looking for advice on a 3 season jacket that's able to deal with the silliness of Northeastern Ohio weather. Rain, and snow. 60 one day, 20 the next. Sunny the day after that. The usual around here.

I can go after anything budget wise, but I'm after something that works year round and for everything, reguardless of price, cheap or expensive. I use it everywhere: work, home and play!

Any suggestions? What are you wearing?

Brian

grnamin · Nov 24, 2004

I currently wear an Arc'teryx Theta AR Gore-tex XCR shell over a Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech jacket. I layer with an EMS long-sleeved polypro zip shirt underneath that if the weather is really cold.

edgetrip · Nov 24, 2004

Find yourself a waterproof/breathable (goretex or equiv) shell by a good maker, columbia, mtn hardware, patagonia, marmot, lots out there and pair it with a fleece top, either full zip front or pul over. If I had an unlimited budget I would look very hard at patagonia's gear though it may be more specialized/technical if you are going to use this mostly around town. There are some 2 in 1 jackets/parkas but I think buying two seperate pieces makes the most sense. I would probably buy the flece first so you can try it on with the shell.
go to a decent outdoor shop ie. EMS etc for fit and finish, check out www.campmor.com or sierratradingpost.com they have excellent prices and big selection of top quality stuff.

stay warm

EasEWryder · Nov 25, 2004

Arcteryx alpha sv is a really versatile jacket. I reccomend a nice windstopper or equivalent softshell combined with a good gore-tex hardshell. Arcteryx and North Face are my favorites.

I myself mostly use an Arcteryx theta AR(hardshell), North Face STH jacket(softshell), and for warmth, this really neat North Face Summit Series form-fitting polartec stretchpro(?) half-zip thingy that has thumbholes and is really light, yet almost as warm as a Denali. I can't remember the model. Those three pieces will see me through just about any jacket weather I'll run across on the West coast.

grnamin, you rock dude!

grnamin · Nov 25, 2004

EasEWryder said:
Arcteryx alpha sv is a really versatile jacket. I reccomend a nice windstopper or equivalent softshell combined with a good gore-tex hardshell. Arcteryx and North Face are my favorites.

I myself mostly use an Arcteryx theta AR(hardshell), North Face STH jacket(softshell), and for warmth, this really neat North Face Summit Series form-fitting polartec stretchpro(?) half-zip thingy that has thumbholes and is really light, yet almost as warm as a Denali. I can't remember the model. Those three pieces will see me through just about any jacket weather I'll run across on the West coast.

grnamin, you rock dude!

You rock more, EasEWryder!

Joe Talmadge · Nov 25, 2004

So, I assume for the "put your own system together" approach, you guys going around putting two jackets on every time you want to go out? I'd been thinking of a getting a 3-in-1, zip-in type jacket, so that I don't have to put on and take off two jackets all the time.

On the other hand, I have to go through the same goofy weather that Max seems to go through, in a different way: in the winter, you wake up and it's "cold" (40s; high 30s on really cold days), but then warms WAY up during the day (60s or 70s), then starts dropping really fast around 5:00pm again. Fleece & shell in the morning, just shell in the afternoon, and fleece&shell again in the evening might be just the ticket.

Joe

m1marty · Nov 25, 2004

Check out 5.11 Tactical.(5.11Tactical.com)They make an awesome multi jacket for around $250. Warm and holds up to lots of abuse. They have a couple types of jackets, sounds like the 3 in 1 might be best suited for your needs.

Joe Talmadge · Nov 25, 2004

Y'know, I noticed that jacket

The fact that it has a zillion pockets appeals to me as well. The only thing I don't like is the little tabs on the chest that hold the radio on, I'd have to cut the stitching and take them off.

m1marty · Nov 25, 2004

Joe Talmadge said:
Y'know, I noticed that jacket The fact that it has a zillion pockets appeals to me as well. The only thing I don't like is the little tabs on the chest that hold the radio on, I'd have to cut the stitching and take them off.

I think that would be a small price to pay for a great jacket. I use alot of 5.11's stuff and I can tell you it is first rate. Stitching holds up and the fabric takes alot of beating. The gunshop where I work is a dealer for 5.11, so I got the hook up!

I am buying one of the 3 in 1's to replace my Columbia, I like it that much.

Joe Talmadge · Nov 25, 2004

Ya, the big question about gear from tactical-style manufacturers is: is it even remotely as comfortable as from sporting companies like ArcTeryx or Columbia? Encouraging if you like it better than your Columbia. I'm planning to try a 5.11 3-in-1 and see how it works out.

m1marty · Nov 25, 2004

Joe Talmadge said:
Ya, the big question about gear from tactical-style manufacturers is: is it even remotely as comfortable as from sporting companies like ArcTeryx or Columbia? Encouraging if you like it better than your Columbia. I'm planning to try a 5.11 3-in-1 and see how it works out.

I have had my Columbia for about two years. It is the "CrossTerra". I have found it to be a great jacket. True, it is not a "system" but I can layer to achieve that effect if needed. The 5.11 jacket is, in my limited "I need to wear this around for awhile"(perks of the gunshop!) opinion every bit as comfortable as the Columbia and it is already set up for layered wear. Too hot? Remove the inner. Too cold? Add the inner. And everything in between. Check it out, I think you will like it.
aaron aka m1marty

PWork · Nov 25, 2004

Filson has several options.

Paul

EasEWryder · Nov 25, 2004

Joe Talmadge said:
So, I assume for the "put your own system together" approach, you guys going around putting two jackets on every time you want to go out? I'd been thinking of a getting a 3-in-1, zip-in type jacket, so that I don't have to put on and take off two jackets all the time.

On the other hand, I have to go through the same goofy weather that Max seems to go through, in a different way: in the winter, you wake up and it's "cold" (40s; high 30s on really cold days), but then warms WAY up during the day (60s or 70s), then starts dropping really fast around 5:00pm again. Fleece & shell in the morning, just shell in the afternoon, and fleece&shell again in the evening might be just the ticket.

Joe

I have to spend my workday outside, sometimes sitting, sometimes cycling. It's a lot o' heating up and cooling down. I also have to wear a bag, which is hard to do with a lot o' styles of jackets. Athletic cuts, allowing for full range of motion, while maintaining light packing weight are about all I can stand to carry around with me without impeding storage capacity of my bag. SF weather is pretty crazy too. I like a lot of Filson stuff, but can't really use it while riding around.

uitlander · Nov 25, 2004

I have an MEC Goretex shell over a Can. forces Polartec hoodie, under that I have what amounts to a fine knit merino wool longsleeve shirt. But it is very thin, smooth and comfortable, wicks like crazy and is warm. This was also bought though Mountain Equipment Co-Op. No pricier than polypro either, machine washable too. Has anybody else tried these out?
Didn't know Arcteryx made clothing, have a great pack by them.
Love these forums.
cheers

=Voodoo= · Dec 6, 2004

Arc'teryx is 1 of the best jackets around for being comfortable, staying dry and warm

above is the gamma mx, which is a softshell for around $250

tarsier · Dec 6, 2004

Vests are another option for layering underneath a shell. I like them because they keep the core warm, while leaving the arms free from getting bound up. I wear a vest in the spring and fall or when doing something active. They would also work well in a warmer climate.

I have two vests that I really like. One has wool on the outside with a fleece interior. It is warm, but a bit bulky. I don't know the brand, because I cut the tag off. I believe it came from Farm & Fleet when I lived in Wisconsin. Another vest that I have is an Ibex wool vest, very lightweight and high quality. Probably my favorite, which I got on sale.

Atrick-Pay · Dec 6, 2004

I've been dealing with the same thing,
but here we can it Oklahoma weather,
I still don't believe anyone was the weather shift
on them like we do, plus it's more humid here.

Anyway, I've been wearing a Marmot Adament Hoody
for 2 years (cloudy 70s down to 16 degrees)
and am quiet pleased with it, I'm chilly somedays
and warm others but it does a great job.
and it's great not having to worry about the weather!

They stoped making them (like mine, now it's just wool),
Mine is made from Gore-Tex WindStopper (wool)
and PolarTech PowerShield (Microfiber)

It's been everything from a sleeping bag to pillow,
Right now it's even my winder sheet for my bed at night.

Pit-zips and a hood are a must IMHO.

HJK · Dec 6, 2004

A very long time ago it was mostly wool. And the rich folk used ventile. A moderately long time ago I preferred the goretex shell and prop liner approach. North Face was what I used, but it wasn't great. Better gear was available from European manufacturers [which I didn't know] Layering is the best way to go IMHO, but it doesn't have to be a single set. I have a healthy respect for arcteryx, Patagonia, Cloudveil, and Mammut. The best single jacket i have isn't one of those, it's actually a Browning goretex that is amazingly tough. Still, as a one piece it is limited in versatility.
For an inner jacket I love primaloft. Integral designs out of Calgary made a variation of their Dolomiti jacket for me with a dryloft shell and more zips to ventilate and to remove the arms completely if I need that. I used it kayaking around Ellesmere island under a survival suit and then when belaying. you get quite hot paddling and when you stop and the wind hits your sweaty body it's unbelievable. This stuff really does warm when wet, and it dries really fast. The dryloft isn't that tough though
The newer "softshells" are excellent [though not always bug proof] but if I'm not moving they just don't keep me warm enough. I need a heavier underlayer than I would with primaloft
. Over it you really need a goretex shell. I have an old Patagonia I use because it's a tank. But heavy as a tank too. The newer XCR stuff is better, I think, and at the top end it becomes more a matter of personal fit and taste. Arcteryx is too slim for me, but amazing quality.
But if it's cold and not likely too wet, down. Down under Dryloft or Pertex or even a light goretex.