bolt_clipper Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 I just went to REI and tried on several waterproof jackets, the arcteryx theta AR and Sirrus SL, the Marmot Climbing jacket, and the sierra designs peak bagger jacket. I found that the more expensive jackets moved no better, and the hoods were no better, than the dirt-cheap sierra designs shell. Actually, the hood on the marmot was worse than the sierra designs! This proves that supposedly independent gear tests contain only hype and inflated BS. Any opinions? Quote
kweb Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 My grandfather used to own a butcher shop. He sold three types of hot dogs. People didn't buy to many of the cheapest ones. So, he raised the price. Soon after, those dogs became the top seller. Quote
scot'teryx Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 I think the Sierra Designs Alpine Start, and the Marmot Pre Cip are both killer jackets and wish I would have saved some $$ and bought those instead, but then my name would be scott'designs or something Quote
plexus Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 The Sierra Designs shell is what I just asked for x-mas from my fiancee. Cool to know it lives up to the hype ...Don't have a teryx shell but my other gear by them is top-notch. Just so damn expensive. Aren't they a Canadien company? Where's the exchange rate lovin ? Quote
bellemontagne Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 Gear (especially outerwear) can be very subjective. Arc Teryx makes great harnesses, but some of their packs REALLY suck IMHO (although others I know LOVE theirs). I ended up selling my Arc Teryx pack and buying a Gregory that was much less and fit me better. Â Arc Teryx makes great stuff, but somtimes I think they're raping the American consumer (just like some other foreign gear companies). Quote
Fence_Sitter Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 if you are going to go canadian on packs...skip the arcteyx and get serratus...they are bomber and they are litterally 1/2 the price...those things are geat no frills packs...i have beat the shit out of mine and it is still in great shape...My 2 cents... Quote
johnny Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 bolt clipper.....question.....The Sierra piece, was it a gore-tex or other laminate or was it a breathable coating? That makes a huge difference in its cost, not to mention its overall performance and longevity. I have a Precip and it is great but does not really breath too well and it is just not going to last, but it is only coated. The Theta and the Marmot piece I belive are both Gore's new XCR, the Theta being a 3 layer one at that. They might cost more but a good 3 layer piece will likely outlast you.......even if it don't pack down too well. Apples and banannas???? Quote
jordop Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 (edited) . Edited June 15, 2021 by jordop Quote
Beck Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 as Jordop states, something more breathable for active sports is the only way to go. a nice nubby harris tweed if you're out in typical NW winter crapola works better than gore or any other type of "storm" coat Quote
jordop Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 Roger Ebert running a marathon in classic Gore Quote
freeclimb9 Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 your first mistake was believing the moniker "waterproof". Quote
cartman Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 i have a SD peak bagger that i bought online for under $50... money well spent IMO. i went to the patagonia store to try on the R1 pant (on sale at sierratradingpost) and had a look at the regulator jacket. sure looks and feels nice and no worries about breathability... anyone have some experience w/ a patagucci regulator shell in the b/c? Quote
Greg_W Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 I took a long look at MEC's higher level 3-ply Gore-Tex jackets when I was in the market. They seem well-made and built with the climber in mind. I ended up buying a Mtn Hardware 'cause I got a deal, but would take a second look at the MEC next time. Price is nice when you convert to US$ Quote
Bronco Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 here's a SD 3-layer jacket for cheap:  http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.42226/str_base_no.24271,41204,42014,42016,42022,42075,42076,42077,42081,42082,42087,42182,42186,42213,42225,42226,42270,42377,42411, 42417,/header_title./page_name.prod_list_display.asp/search_type.L2~208/size1./size2./gender.0/ShowImages.yes/sq.0/cont.1/intPgNo.1/special_type./qx/product.asp  I have some SD 3-layer bibs that have treated me pretty good. Quote
Dru Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 Your skin is waterproof & breathable. Shells are hyped BS. Go naked! Quote
JoshK Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 Go for something light, IMHO. I have a Marmot climbing jacket, and despite the fact that I got it brand new for only $120, I don't take it too often because it's so heavy. It's great for the winter tho as the things is bombproof. I also have a marmot precip and I take that thing everywhere. Â The Arc'Teryx clothing, IMHO, is overpriced fashionwear. The stuff looks great, and their quality is good, but the prices are just ridiculous. Quote
Beck Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 Patagonia Dimension jacket is burly, but maybe TOO burly. Pros: durable, more windproof than Scholler. Excellent hood design.great in colder temperatures. Cons:Coat not breathable enough, get a wetting from inside just wearing the thing during exertion. Encapsulated fabric makes coat feel moist more noticably than Scholler. Also, doesn't handle near freezing glop nearly as well Scholler. Heavy and bulky. I tend to grab my MEC Ferratta most any time of year as soft shell over the Dimension now, Dimension for colder temps/higher altitude/ full conditions. Quote
Beck Posted October 30, 2002 Posted October 30, 2002 as adjunct to this topic, here's some more input on jacket choice. We all need a mountain hard coat for the conditions that hit, but for most winter forays the user wearing wool and a softshell winds up being drier throughout the day and that comfort level is there, regardless of how foul it was out. Do face plants with your buddies all day, you'rs still drier than if you wore shells. In my experience, after a day of hard skiing, all the people that wear Gore top to bottom are soaking wet and freezing themselves to death, while softshell users are almost uniformally drier (a LOT) and lots more comfortable. A soft shell with a quality laminate lightweight hard shell that lives in the backpack seems to be an enlightened way for winter BC travel Quote
bolt_clipper Posted October 30, 2002 Author Posted October 30, 2002 The sierra designs peak bagger is made of their proprietary three layer laminate, not coating. The coat costs $200 new, but I got my off of sierratradingpost.com for 100. Quote
Bronco Posted October 31, 2002 Posted October 31, 2002 I like the Tungsten filled shells for blasting waterfowl, but they are kinda spendy... Â Brass is best for handguns and rifles, aluminum is kinda cheap and jambs easier for some reason Quote
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