Looking for a good technical outdoor jacket. All weather & Waterproof.

B

Bennett Richards

Joined
May 22, 2000
Messages
185
Hi,

I have been looking at different brands of Men's technical jackets. North Face, Marmot, Columbia, Patagonia, Mammut...

I need a waterproof all weather shell that's well built and will last. To be worn in all climates and temps down to 0 degrees with the proper layering.

Can anyone suggest a good brand... one that uses something like Goretex and has a descent array of pockets?

Gets confusing after a while.

Also... what's the best on-line store that won't sell seconds or rip you off?

Thanks
 
Try Sierra Trading Post and sign up for their emails...I often get take an additional 35% one item emails. With that you can get the Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka for like $128 delivered...solid event technology (DryQ elite is Event) in a heavy duty shell package.
 
The biggest issue with jackets is heat loss through zippers and vents. A flap with velcro over the zipper maks a big difference and also helps weather proof it.


-X
 
Bennett,

I've had the fortune of owning many top tier jackets over the years. IMO, there are different requirement for backing (super light, high pocket placement), around town (comfort over short sleeves, sunglasses chest pocket, integrated collar) and lift served skiing (heavier fabric to handle abrasion).

Models come and go and there have been a lot of improvements in wpb technology so it's hard to specify individual models.

The more you can say about your intended uses, the better recommendations people can make.
 
my wife got me a columbia, only because she was tired of looking at my old field jacket. she got it on the cheap at one of these discount stores like tj max or marshals or something. point being its held up in some nasty weather in northern va. and at one time it was coming apart at the zipper in the front.it might have been purchased like that and i just didnt notice. these discount places often sell defective merchandise. sent it back to the manufacturer and they sewn it back it up nicely. i think they have a lifetime warranty on seams and zippers. i am happy with it. what ever you decide on check to see what kind of warranty is offered.
 
I don't spend alot of $$ on clothes (most of my stuff is either on sale or discounted as being 'slightly irregular'), but I will spend for good shoes/boots and good jackets. But these tend to be very personal bits of gear too...what one person likes, another might not.

I have a couple--mostly Columbia. But the one I always go back to is my old Sportif parka. Gortex, good pockets, rugged. After some 20 years, its still looks new. In itself, its not much of a cold weather jacket...but when combined with layers (which it does very well do to the smooth lining), allows for a great level of versatility. Unless you're someplace with constant sub-freezing temps, and not doing alot of activity (hiking around, etc), you probably want a lighter shell that can be layered. I find it doesn't take long to get warm (perhaps too warm) if I'm active and wearing a heavy jacket.

I have an old Columbia 'Ice Dragon' jacket that I REALLY wish they still made. That kind of jacket puts most other (IMHO) jackets on the market to shame. It's a good, heavy duty jacket--not this thin/lightweight stuff you're seeing alot these days. Not that thin/lightweight doesn't have its place, but when the material feels like it will rip/tear with the slightest catch, it doesn't inspire a huge level of confidence in my book.

Otherwise, my advice would be to go to a major outfitting store like REI or Cabelas and try on the different top brands to help get an idea of what you're after. I like Columbia. Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, and Northface all put out decent gear too, but you're spending alot on a name (particularly the the last two). Then, unless you have $$ to burn, take what you've learned and hunt for deals on line. Or check out places like Cabelas 'Bargain Cave.'

The Sportsmans Guide often has lots of clothing at decent prices. And check out theclymb.com, they often have screaming deals on gear.

You can also 'bargain' shop at second-hand/consignment stores. The lady of the house just picked up an excellent Mtn. Hardware vest for like $5 at a local shop. Hard to argue with that (tho not to be counted on, I think employees often snag the really good stuff).

My $.02 worth,
BOSS
 
Bennett Richards said:
Hi,

I have been looking at different brands of Men's technical jackets. North Face, Marmot, Columbia, Patagonia, Mammut...

I need a waterproof all weather shell that's well built and will last. To be worn in all climates and temps down to 0 degrees with the proper layering.

Can anyone suggest a good brand... one that uses something like Goretex and has a descent array of pockets?

Gets confusing after a while.

Also... what's the best on-line store that won't sell seconds or rip you off?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Below about 25f most "waterproof-breathable" garments become waterproof-nonbreathable. The tiny little holes freeze up from the warm, moist air you generate passing through the holes. Condensation results. This even happens with eVent fabric, which is 6x as breathable as Gore. You might as well wear a plastic sack. Brands, prices, hopes, dreams or clever commercials will not change this physical fact. Also, Gore, at least, breaths not at all if the outside of the garment is wet. ( Interesting in a "rain" coat.")

No one outer shell will be the be-all/end-all for all climates and temps from infinity to 0 f.

Results of testing:

http://www.jeffjournal.org/papers/Volume4/4.4b2_Gibson.pdf

http://www.shelby.fi/tips/breathability.pdf

www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/breathability.pdf
 
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Also... what's the best on-line store that won't sell seconds or rip you off?
Click to expand...

I can't recommend a jacket, in fact I'm looking for one myself. But for stores there's Campmor, the old standby. REI is reliable - may not have low prices on brand name gear, but you can save by buying REI-brand stuff. Sierra Trading Post is excellent - they do sell seconds, but those are clearly labeled as such (I buy Seconds socks). I've seen big-name Goretex jackets at Sam's Club too.
 
Bob W said:
I can't recommend a jacket, in fact I'm looking for one myself. But for stores there's Campmor, the old standby. REI is reliable - may not have low prices on brand name gear, but you can save by buying REI-brand stuff. Sierra Trading Post is excellent - they do sell seconds, but those are clearly labeled as such (I buy Seconds socks). I've seen big-name Goretex jackets at Sam's Club too.
Click to expand...

Whatever you decide to buy, do a Google search for prices.

Test it when you get it. Backpacker did a test of four big name "water-proof breathable" jackets a few years ago, and two leaked when brand-new.

Best of luck.
 
I have an Arcteryx Alpha SV jacket. It is a great hardshell, virtually bombproof. I highly recommend it.
 
I only buy Filson and Carhartt, I live on the North Oregon coast and it rains a lot, I never have a problem with wet or cold. Filson is a lot of cash for any of the Tin Cloth, but it is super durable, and very heavy. The synthetic Carhartt jackets run in the $90-$120 range, I bought the Arctic version and can only wear it in the worst of weather because of how warm it is.
 
said jacket doesn't exist- "waterproof" equates to less breathable, a jacket down to 0 means insulation- lots of it, which is a no go on the move

after spending a lifetime in the outdoors (work & play) I recommend looking at putting together a "system"- if you're talking down to 0 you need an insulated jacket- this jacket isn't used on the move, it rides in your pack for when you stop; for on the move (depending on temp) you want something that breathes very well and protect from wind and light moisture- I've found a windshirt to best fill this role- it's light, water resistant (not proof) and as the name would indicate- blocks wind. With moderate temps a base layer and the windshirt are all you need. If the temps start dropping you need a light insulating layer (mid-layer) between the base layer and the windshirt- depending on temp this could be a mid-weight fleece, mid-weight merino or a lightweight syn jacket or vest

if you're going to be out in heavy precip, you'll want a waterproof garment- just keep in mind that this garment isn't going to breathe well on the move and you'll likely get wet from the inside- having lots of venting options- pitzips, full zipper, etc will help move moisture out; in cold conditions (in my experience anything much below freezing) a fully waterproof garment is almost useless- your much better off w/ a breathable, but windproof and water resistant outer piece

my finally piece of advice is for any garment that might be worn as an outer piece- get a hooded version, the hood can save your bacon in bad weather- it has for me numerous times
 
Unless otherwise annotated, the OP has left the thread???

Otherwise, since you've already mentioned you plan on layering under this shell, I'm presupposing you're asking about a "technical" hard-shell parka (jacket's go to waist line, parkas offer longer "over yer bum" coverage). As so many others have alluded to, your intended activity/use for this item is quite important as there are significant considerations to evaluate.

Right out of the gate, if you're planning on being in rain, in a temperate climate, your choices will be quite different than for use on technical mountain climbs. So, again, intended use is of primary clarification.

While I have multiple parkas and jackets (and I've owned and worn out a garment from nearly every top-tier brand over the last 30 years), my current "go-to" is a humble Cabela's "Guidewear" parka. This link is from Gore's website:

http://www.gore-tex.com/product/cabelas-gore-tex-guidewear-xtreme-parka--tall/1384647413156/

The Cabela's "Guidewear" parka is a Gore-Tex parka made of heavier face material (similar to what The North Face used to use about 20 years ago in their "Mountain Guide" and "Kichatna" parkas) and subject to the limitations of all weatherproof/breathable garments. Thus far, mine has held up well to more than a few cold, hard rains as well as resisting some scuffing from various rock-scrambling hikes.

It is on the hefty side so doesn't make the cut for my winter climbing/snowshoeing activities, but all in all it's proven to be a tough, 3-season parka. For me, winter requires an entirely different set of qualities from a parka.
 
How much are looking to spend? North Face has always been my favorite until I "upgraded" to a TAD Stealth Hoodie. Never did I spend that much money on a jacket, but it's so worth it (my opinion).
 
Since you want technical Ill recommend you what I use for backpacking. I have an Arcyetyx Theta AR, its 100% waterproof breathable gore tex proshell, it was about 500$ cdn. I love it for technical backpacking but hate it for over nighters and woods bumming, always afraid to tear it or burn it. Stick to wool for the rest but go for gore tex in the technical department.
 
USGI ECWCS BDU Woodland Gortex Parka is tried and true.
only problem is you have to buy them used because the goretex ones are discountinued.
 
Condor Summit Zero Lightweight Softshell has been really breathable and completely waterproof since I started using it in December. Not the absolute highest quality, but it can be had at a reasonable price and so far is holding up very well.
 
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