Lowe Alpine Flash Jacket

[iain]

Does anyone use this jacket and do they like it? Wondering about the triple point ceramic membrane stuff. I'm looking for a beefy jacket that can handle below-treeline bushwacking as well as the worst weather out there. Weight is less of a concern than durability. The other requirement is that it is red. Thanks.

[allthumbs]

Any of the expensive jackets work well. You tend to get what you pay for.

[iain]

I'm not looking for any thin XCR stuff, unless someone makes a really beefy coat with it. Price doesn't really matter. Just has to endure some serious brush work for a few years, with some good storm protection. The more expensive stuff seems to be the lighter, thinner stuff these days.

[bolt_clipper]

Marmot Climbing Jacket seems to be extemely durable and heavy. I tried it on and felt like I was wearing armor.

[allthumbs]

I have an Arc'teryx regular heavy-type shell that kicks ass and is strong. I think I paid around $350 on sale at Cascade Crags. Erik is wearing the same coat in his picture in photo gallery. Dru worked for Arc'teryx...you could ask him about their quality.

[iain]

Thanks for the tips.

[fern]

IMO Arc'Teryx stuff is not as durable as you might wish for given the price tag. Perhaps you get the endless warranty return deal to make up for it though? Some of those TNF jackets look really heavy and burly. Also I've seen Helly Hansen stuff that looked abusable. Durability has more to do with the face fabric than the membrane alchemy no?

[Dru]

Gander Mountain Sports?

[iain]

Yeah, the membrane doesn't have much to do with it, just seems like all those fancy XCR jackets are thin and the Lowe stuff is priced right. The older north face stuff is definitely heavy-duty. I've never worn their stuff because of the weight and extra fabric, but in this case it may be right choice. Thanks.

[allthumbs]

dru = ever helpful as always

[Dru]

Well um, actually i really like my Arcteryx stuff but I got it all at steep discount i wouldnt have any of it otherwise. The Alpha SV or Theta AR are the Gore shells to get from Arc thy are durable and life time warranty. Might not make it in red this year though?

 

FWIW you could buy a MEC jacket and spend the extra $400 you save on beer. You will get a poorer fitting cut, lower quality control, bulkier and heavier garment but if you want to thrash it maybe that is good.

 

MEC and Arcteryx are the only two lines Ive ever worn ( Ok I had a Taiga jacket once, i didnt know any better) and I cant say nothing about other co's but i heard mtn. hardware was heavy but durable, in general? also seem to recall that R&i said Lowe Triple Point was a less spendy alternative to gore xcr and functionally as good for a lower price tag.

[iain]

Actually places like gander are not a bad place for finding some tough stuff that lasts, at a good price. Often in blaze orange too!

[iain]

pretty sure I wouldn't have to pay retail on the arc' stuff but it's still expensive. This thing will take a beating, so the lowe stuff is attractive even if it is not quite as breathable. thanks for the advice guys.

[Ibex]

I used to have one of the older Lowe Flash Jackets (2 layer) and I knew a guy that got one of the newer 3 layer ones as soon as they came out. They are a solid jacket, and were pretty durable IMO.

 

They certainly represent a good value, but they wont be as breathable, or as spiffily tailored. If cost is a concern though I would not hesitate to get one. They are roughly on par with the "housebrands" REI, EMS, MEC..

 

Cheers

 

Shawn

 

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[wdietsch]

I've owned a Alpine Flash for close to 10 years ... best heavy jacket I have ever owned ... Triple Point washes up well ... a quick trip thru the dryer as suggested by Lowe and the "waterproofing" is just like new .. they are a great bargin .. IMO Gore-Tex is overrated