Bosterson Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 I'm in the market for a new puffy jacket. My current one is a Patagonia Micro Puff pullover, which is a good weight but the cut is really boxy (and thus baggy) and it has the worst designed (half-elasticized) cuffs ever. I'm having trouble finding a good replacement, though. My criteria: lightweight (not belay jacket warm, but also not super UL - maybe like old midweight fleece warmth), synthetic fill (cause we're in the NW), and the main debacle I'm having is the cut. My shoulders are way wider than my torso, so for jackets that aren't baggy, I can barely cross my arms, but when I can, there's tons of dead space around the waist. I thought I'd found a winner with the Arc'teryx Atom LT, but it was just a little too tight under the arms/across the back in medium (I'd like to be able to put a light fleece under it), and while the large fixed that problem, it was then baggy and way too long. It also turns out that the Atom LT doesn't have a hem drawcord, so that sealed the deal against it. Arc'teryx's cut usually fits me pretty well, and that jacket was the right amount of warmth. (The SV is too heavy.) The Patagonia Nano is too boxy; Montbell isn't wide enough in the shoulders; ditto for Mountain Hardwear; etc. I'm stumped. Anyone have suggestions before I turn to trying to sew together a custom fit jacket for myself? Quote
DanielHarro Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 arcteryx Atom SV, or LT, MH Compressor? Quote
BigSky Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Rab would be worth a try. I really like my Xenon, though the hood is of the under helmet variety and possibly the only thing I'd change. Rab's cut is generally different enough from the standards to see if it's for you. Some of their Generator line is hoodless if your looking that route. Quote
Julian Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) I'm in the market for a new puffy jacket. My current one is a Patagonia Micro Puff pullover, which is a good weight but the cut is really boxy (and thus baggy) and it has the worst designed (half-elasticized) cuffs ever. I'm having trouble finding a good replacement, though. My criteria: lightweight (not belay jacket warm, but also not super UL - maybe like old midweight fleece warmth), synthetic fill (cause we're in the NW), and the main debacle I'm having is the cut. My shoulders are way wider than my torso, so for jackets that aren't baggy, I can barely cross my arms, but when I can, there's tons of dead space around the waist. I thought I'd found a winner with the Arc'teryx Atom LT, but it was just a little too tight under the arms/across the back in medium (I'd like to be able to put a light fleece under it), and while the large fixed that problem, it was then baggy and way too long. It also turns out that the Atom LT doesn't have a hem drawcord, so that sealed the deal against it. Arc'teryx's cut usually fits me pretty well, and that jacket was the right amount of warmth. (The SV is too heavy.) The Patagonia Nano is too boxy; Montbell isn't wide enough in the shoulders; ditto for Mountain Hardwear; etc. I'm stumped. Anyone have suggestions before I turn to trying to sew together a custom fit jacket for myself? This could practically be an advertisement for the Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody. Try it out, I doubt you will be disappointed. Edited February 8, 2011 by Julian Quote
rock-ice Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Pretty good closeout price here if you are an XL. Quote
DPS Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) I have and like my Patagonia Micropuff but agree that the cut is ridiculous which is disappointing since Pataqonia usually fits me well. I also have larger shoulders and a narrowish waist (44 reg jacket /32 pants) and the Wild Things in medium fit me really well. Wild Things EP Jacket and the Primaloft Sweater would fit the bill http://www.bradleyalpinist.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=192. Maybe look at what OR has as well. I have an OR wind shirt that fits really well, although I had to size up from what I normally wear. Edited February 8, 2011 by DPS Quote
Alpinisto Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 The Patagonia Nano is too boxy; Montbell isn't wide enough in the shoulders; ditto for Mountain Hardwear; etc. I'm stumped. Anyone have suggestions before I turn to trying to sew together a custom fit jacket for myself? Why don't you just buy another Nano and simply take it to a tailor and have them slim down the torso? Quote
Dane Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 You won't want a fleece under a Atom LT...R1 hoody at most. these may help... http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/2010/12/climbing-sweater.html http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/2011/02/arcteryx-atom-lt-hoodyjust-how-good-is.html Quote
Water Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 what about one of the EB deals, the ignitor or serrano?? normally find them on the cheap with a good sale or coupon. both have primaloft. Serrano being hoodless and a bit less warm, I think. Quote
wdietsch Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 My shoulders are way wider than my torso Quote
RokIzGud Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) Buy... Rab... Infinity... Jacket... Buy... Rab... Infinity... Jacket... It is the shit! An awesome jacket indeed... Edited February 8, 2011 by RokIzGud Quote
Bosterson Posted February 8, 2011 Author Posted February 8, 2011 Thanks for the replies everyone. Just for clarity, I am not looking for a climbing jacket. This would be mostly for backpacking/hiking, as something to wear in cold weather when I stop moving and am starting to chill. Thus, no need for a hood, and I'd like to keep it a bit lighter/more packable than the usual belay jacket. The EB stuff has the worst fit of all - totally too narrow under the arms. The MEC Uplink seems cool but I don't think it'd be warm enough. Is the Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody different from the jacket? Cause the jacket doesn't have a hem drawcord, just a tensioned bit of fabric that's supposed to lie flat around your hips, but no way to cinch it in to keep out cold air. I've been interested in checking out Rab stuff for a while (Wild Things too). Anyone know if there's anywhere in the Portland area where you can try their stuff on, or is it only a mailorder type thing? Quote
Dane Posted February 9, 2011 Posted February 9, 2011 Rab Xenon Jacket might be an option then. Has a hood which will make the jacket a lot warmer for any use. Sounds like you are not going to be pleased with any of the better patterns. Quote
zeroforhire Posted February 9, 2011 Posted February 9, 2011 I love my atom LT hoody. Perfect weight/warmth for active pursuits. As Dane said, a fleece would not fit well under it... I wear my r1 hoody and it is fantastic. Knowing arcteryx, they will "improve" this in a few seasons and mess it all up. Quote
Figger_Eight Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) If you like everything about the nanopuff except for the boxy fit, try the full zip jacket. Pullovers have to be boxy so you can, you know, pull it over. I have a 42" chest and a 33" waist. My nanopuff goes skiing with me, and I'll take my Mammut or Montbell climbing (to go under the shell). My go-to piece though is my Rab Vapour Rise. It's easily one of the best active tops/insulation I've ever owned. Edited February 10, 2011 by Figger_Eight Quote
BigSky Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 My go-to piece though is my Rab Vapour Rise. It's easily one of the best active tops/insulation I've ever owned. +1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.