Posted: 9/16/2011 8:02:27 AM EDT
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I am looking for a jacket for the upcoming "winter" we have here. I really like the look and functionality of soft shells like the TAD gear jacket (or the Condor copy). I dont need a heavy jacket for deep cold as I have one. More for the 30s or 40s that is light.
Any suggestions would be great. |
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try this one
They make good gear and it's a netural color ( and a decent price) eta- just noticed they only have xxl in stock 
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Winter in AZ? I'd just go with a T-shirt and jeans. OK maybe I'd double up on the T-shirt.
Serious answer. My wife loves this Condor jacket. She got it last winter, and just started wearing it again. |
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IMHO, building up loose layers is better than having one jacket for each season:
My setup: Goretex or similar WPB Mid Layer - I use ECWCS fleece Base Layer - Merino Wool Unionsuit or Polar Fleece The problem with soft shell is a lack of complete protection, I have an expensive 5.11 softshell that does leak after about an hour in a downpour. Additionally, it doesn't breathe any better than a hardshell and isn't as light as a hardshell. The only benefit is the softshell is a little more quiet when above freezing. I can use my goretex all year and layer up as the temps drop. If I am active, I shed a layer once sweating begins - hard to throttle temps like that with an insulated jacket alone. The whole setup currently used: German Flecktarn Goretex bibs and parka - 50 bucks ECWCS mid layer bibs and shirt - 75 bucks Polar Fleece Thermals (40) or Merino Wool Union Suit (50) Everything except the base layer was purchased oversized, if you have to compress everything to zip up then the insulative value goes way down. Based on the temps you listed, a good base layer and hardshell should be all you need unless you are stationary for long periods - then maybe add a mid layer. |
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I have a million expensive jackets, but all I ever end up wearing is my Icebreaker hoody when the weather cools. It doesn't do much for wind, but I've worn it down into the 40s comfortably. Their new RealFleece stuff feels like you are being hugged by an angel.
I throw another layer on top of that for more warmth, usually a soft shell. I am partial to Arc'Teryx because they are awesome, but they are pricey. Costco usually has a decent cheap soft shell if you don't want to spend a bunch of cash. |
I use a black M-65 field jacket clone. It's my everyday coat and I love it! I also have a couple liners for it. Add the liner for very cold weather, add two for extremely cold weather and your good to go! I have been wearing the civi colored field jackets for over ten years now and don't plan to change. I have had other coats during that time, namely Columbia sportswear offerings that cost three times the money, but i ultimetly end up taking them down to the goodwill or giving them to someone in need and going back to my M-65.
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http://www.qmuniforms.com/Brands/VooDoo-Tactical/Jackets-Outerwear/VooDoo-Tactical-E-C-W-Parka-with-Liner.axd
I just got one of these, seems nice, it ain't T.A.D. but....it's a lot easier on the wallet 
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M65, all the way. Best jacket ever. Works from 60 to -10 with a liner. Waterproofs easily with spray on waterproofing.
It took 10 yrs for my issue M65 to lose it's factory waterproofness. (is that a word?) I have that and a Filson Merrimac Cruiser as my main jackets. Both are bulletproof. (not literally) |
| Used to ride year round with Carharts. (till snow and ice made it impossible) The insulated coat, with insulated over-alls were excellent. Went down a couple times with the coat and it didn't tear. I still have the coat. (Shitcanned the motorsickle after 25 years though) |
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Any of these:
King of the Mountain Pricey, but worth it. There was a recent write-up about them in Field & Stream. The jac-shirts are awesome. |
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Carhartt has a jacket called "detroit" and it is a shell with a blanket lining. They list for $100, but on sale I bought mine for around $70. Another option to the Carhartt brand is the Tractor Supply jackets. They just might be made by Carhartt for TS. I have both kinds and they are very, very similar in construction. |
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About to be on my 3rd winter with that one. Fantastic jacket. I very rarely reach for something warmer |
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Surf, Do you wear this all winter here? |
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I live in Houston and I bet we have the kind of winters here that you have in Arizona: occasionally it gets below freezing, and once every few years we get some snow that melts once it hits the ground. I bought the Condor Soft Shell last winter and loved it. Lots of pockets, warm enough for my locale, the hood folds out when you want it but isn't in the way when it's rolled up. I just got it out this weekend since it's starting to get cool in the morning again. Cost about $110 with tax. |
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I was on duty in California, trying to recruit new boots. I happened upon TAD Gear when they were in Oakland, just fixing to move, I went into their store and dropped loads of money, but have never regretted it. Top quality and great customer service . I have a softshell that they made, which is now 6 + years old and it still looks new. Wish I was still the same size, LOL, but the quality is second to none.
-Private Contractor- |
| You might want to check out this thread. I don't know much about the propper stuff, but it looks like their soft shell is made out of the same stuff as some of the Arctyrex LEAF jackets are. |
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Quoted:
I am looking for a jacket for the upcoming "winter" we have here. I really like the look and functionality of soft shells like the TAD gear jacket (or the Condor copy). I dont need a heavy jacket for deep cold as I have one. More for the 30s or 40s that is light. Any suggestions would be great. Considering you requested suggestions for the AZ "winter" I'd skip right past all of the arctic/gore-tex/carhartt/M-65 suggestions from the previous posts. As you yourself said, you don't need a heavy jacket. In the softshell market you can't go wrong with a middle of the road jacket like these: REI Neo Jacket North Face Apex Bionic They won't have the word tactical in their descriptions and they won't have velcro patches on the shoulders for you to proudly display your blood type and operator status, but hey will keep you warm and "relatively" dry through light rain. Softshells do a pretty good job at warmth, wind, and rain stopping but they are not wind/water proof by any means. That said, i love mine. REI has a great return policy and North Face is pretty solid stuff. Yes, it's all China made, but that's a debate for a different thread. |