Pit Zips vs Napolean pockets

[David_Parker]

It seems many of the manufactures of light weight shells have gone away from pit zips and are claiming the napolean pockets serve dual function; pockets and ventilation. But I'm not convinced this ventilation is better and the cons are you have an open pocket for spindrift to blow in or water to drip in. Also, opening the pocket makes the jacket more suceptable to snagging shit on. Pack straps and gear slings also seem to interfere. Also, if I have a fleece like the NF Denali with pit zips and I layer the shell with Napolean pockets for ventilation, I have a conflict of interest. What's your take? What do you prefer?

[Raoul]

I think pit zips are much more effective. The Napolean pockets are easier (cheaper) to sew so they have become popular with the manufacturers but they don't really work IMHO.

[Ursa_Eagle]

I prefer pit zips because I can stick my arms out the openings and tie the jacket's arms behind my head if I don't want to stop to take off a layer. That and I look extra cool that way.

[cj001f]

I find if I'm overheating enough to need pitzips, I'm rarely wearing a shell. Before watertight zippers became common I liked the "Corevents"/Napoleon Pockets, because the storm flaps over pitzips reduced effectiveness. Now, with watertight zippers, I like pitzips.

[bunglehead]

Pit zips keep me cool. Napolean pockets make me feel cool, so I guess it's a tossup

Seriously though, I'm always using my pit zips, and every once in a while I'll look down and think to myself: "Oh yeah, those pockets" and use them. I don't think I'd miss them if they were gone.

[ncascademtns]

My SD Pack Light jacket has wrist zips as well as Napolean pockets. They zip from the wrist to the elbow but still have a cuff so the sleve stays on your arm. They work fine for me but true, pits zips are better.

[marylou]

Pit zips get floppy when they are all the way open. Never tried the Napoleon pocket thing, but it seems like a cool idea that wouldn't work as well.

[gearup5000]

I recall mtn. hardwear had a 2nd series of zips behind it`s outerpockets, which served as vents and gave inner access to pockets. Pretty good idea AND it had pitzips

I would do this, with shorter pitzips so they are easier to open and don`t get stuck under pack straps