Posted: 10/14/2009 4:04:59 PM EDT
| I think this year it's gonna be cold. I have had my 200 weight fleece jacket from Cabela's for a few years now and like it. I'd like to step it up and get the heavyest, thickest, fleece available in 3XL. Anybody try the ones with windstopper or other wind barriers? That's my only gripe with the Cabela's 200 weight, the wind seems to blow straight thru it. I have a windproof shell I wear over it, but would like an all in one garment. Hard to find jackets in 3X for this guy. Ok you cold weather yankees, what to get? Thanks! |
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I've had good luck with Cabela's Windshear fleece and Mountain Hardware Windstopper. They definitely break the wind- but you do give up some of fleece's breathability.
Here's one from Under Armour that looks like what you have in mind: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1006055-Men-s-Derecho-Windproof-Fleece-Jacket&cross_sell=true |
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Fleece, per se, isn't windproof, whether from Cabela's or anyone else. It needs a windproof layer, such as a shell on the outside,
or liner on the inside. I have several fleece jackets & pullovers in different weights, including a Polartec200 fleece jacket from Cabela's (3XLT), & they're all great, but all need a shell on windy days. I've never had a bad experience with a product from Cabela's, and they stand behind their stuff, too. they're about the only place I can find things big enough for me...their stuff fits & is really comfortable (I'm wearing shirt & pants from there now). Hit their website & do some shopping...check out the bargain cave for some incredible deals! David |
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Here's the one I'm wearing daily for the 2nd year now: Duluth Trading Shoreman's Fleece
If it gets really cold I slip a Cabelas Windstopper vest under it, but that didn't happen last year until almost the end of Nov. It has plenty of pockets and comes in Big/Tall sizes up to 3X. |
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I like the Marmot brand, but they are kinda pricey. However, SAC runs stuff from them from time to time on thier website and you can get a good deal. I got a Gravity jacket from them, mainly for hiking, but could be used with a liner in cold weather. A little light for what you might want it, but combined with a fleece underneath, makes a powerful heavyweight combination.
It's hard to find a do all jacket with a fleece liner already built in or one that has a zip in capability. |
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I also use a Marmot fleece and love it under a shell jacket (a little spendy, as a previous poster mentioned, but you can catch them on sale if you're patient). This way you can use the layers independently or together depending on the weather. I prefer this to an all-in-one solution. Having built in loops to attach it inside a jacket is nice as well, though with a different fleece you could easily make modifications to do this yourself if you're a little bit handy. I've also used The North Face fleece and they're fine as well.
I found a fleece in the bargain bin at Academy a couple of years ago for six bucks (or something like that) that has also done just fine for me (I think it's a reebok brand). It might not be quite as soft as the expensive stuff, but I've worn it a lot and it insulates just fine. Guess what I'm trying to say is that you can shop around and find something that works for you. I've never bought the Cabelas stuff, but they generally do pretty well on their gear, so that stuff is probably fine as well. |
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I love this jacket. It's on sale now too; $59: http://www.rei.com/product/786852I've been wearing one in Charlotte all week and it's been in the 40s/50s with constant drizzle and rain. (For us Floridians, read: COLD)  (Note to Protus: I just need to get some Park Service Patches for it and I'll be GTG  ) |
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That's the jacket that I've been wearing this year. It does a great job against the wind. I've been comfortable with in the 20's over the last few days. |
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Patagonia R4.... IE the bomb... Stops wind, keeps you warm, comfy and nice features. I have worn mine to 0* temps (yes F, not C) with a Smartwool midweight base layer... I am going to pick up another for around the town uses, the girl hates when I wear the OD green one around the town, says I look like a fuzzy Christmas tree. I just tell her too badl... the thing works, enough said. Maybe Ill get a black on next.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/mens-r4-regulator-fleece-jacket?p=36101-0-961 |
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I hate the cold, spoiled by California and Florida. I travel to Alaska quite frequently and would suggest that layering clothing is the way to keep warm. Not one big coat or fleece, but different levels of protection. Fleece is great, but not wind proof. A Gortex shell over a fleece is better. The worst thing is to sweat and then have that sweat freeze. So you want some wicking undershirt as the first layer. Then a long sleeve (T) shirt. A North face or Patagonia fleece, or a hooded sweatshirt and then a shell.
Again, it depends on what physical activity level and weather conditions you will be expecting. This is key! As far as the big guy size, again, all of the big manufactures including Columbia, make big coats. Finally, when I first went to Alaska it is humorous to what gear I brought with me. I ended up going to the local store there and buying what the locals were wearing. You know what? I still have that gear today after 10+ years. 
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Quoted:
I think this year it's gonna be cold. I have had my 200 weight fleece jacket from Cabela's for a few years now and like it. I'd like to step it up and get the heavyest, thickest, fleece available in 3XL. Anybody try the ones with windstopper or other wind barriers? That's my only gripe with the Cabela's 200 weight, the wind seems to blow straight thru it. I have a windproof shell I wear over it, but would like an all in one garment. Hard to find jackets in 3X for this guy. Ok you cold weather yankees, what to get? Thanks! I'd layer and wear a windproof shell. since it rains a bit in FL, gore-Tex, or the like will do for a shell. Because it is relatively warm in FL, you will find pit-zips in both the fleece and outer shell very useful, as well as a zipper on the shell which zips from both top and bottom, allowing you to vent the shell at your discretion. alternatively, snaps or velcro auxiliary closures can ber partially fastened to promote venting, if needed. Keep in mind that fleece is most effective when worn close to the body, as it is then when it traps insulating air best. It might be worth your while to consider having some of your garments tailored to fit you properly. The end result might be less costly and less bulky for the same, or increased level of insulation in a new garment. |
| Just tested out my Tactical Fleece Hooded Jacket today from lapolicegear.com and it worked great! Its quite heavy and more like wool and it does block the wind better than you think fleece could. The temp was near freezing with mild winds at 15 to 20 mph. It is avaliable in a nonhooded version too and the price is unbeatable at 50 bucks! |
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I am disappointed in my Patagonia Synchilla fleece. They use a "recycled" fleece that is slowly leaving bits of brown fleece everywhere, despite several washings. My seatbelt has carved creases into it as well. My North Face Denali fleece jacket lasted 5 years, and survived everything.
I'm now looking for a new, light weight, wind proof fleece jacket. Hopefully with pit zips. |
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Quoted:
I am disappointed in my Patagonia Synchilla fleece. They use a "recycled" fleece that is slowly leaving bits of brown fleece everywhere, despite several washings. My seatbelt has carved creases into it as well. My North Face Denali fleece jacket lasted 5 years, and survived everything. I'm now looking for a new, light weight, wind proof fleece jacket. Hopefully with pit zips. I scored a couple of Denali fleece units at my local thrift for about $8 each. Love 'em. |
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You cant beat these guys for price! And they have stuff for us big guys too!  Somebody...make it hot!
http://www.sogowear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=36 |