Posted: 3/1/2007 10:05:51 AM EDT
So I'm in the market for a new jacket. I was thinking of a Northface or an Arcteryx jacket. These are in the neighborhood of $400-$500. Would this be a wise purchase or are there better options? I already have a Northface but it's 5 years old and on it's death bed.
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| Arcteryx is one of the best outdoor clothing makers right now. But they are kind of pricey. Check out Backcountry.com they have some good deals and have good service. Also checkout this years Marmot line they have some really nice Gore XCR jackets. |
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I'd steer clear of current TNF offerings. I have a ton of TNF stuff. All older stuff (early-mid 1990s vintage). It was good stuff back then. Now it is not. It is now mostly overpriced fashionwear for soccermoms and Oriental college students whose idea of "roughing it" is staying in a hotel with less than 5 stars. They went through bankruptcy a few years back and have retooled as a "fashion" brand rather than hardcore mountaineering. And the prices are still high as all hell. If you must have TNF gear, at least don't pay the crazy prices. Go to Campmor.com and buy their closeouts/discontinued styles. You'll pay a lot less. Justin |
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I have the new Marmot Cerro Torre Jacket. It's the finest piece of equipment I own. I've had a NF Mountain for about 15 years. The Marmot is a shell only, with extremely good workmanship, triple taped seams, nice hood control, stretch portions on the elbows, etc. The only thing I would change is the handwarmer pockets. They are placed pretty high for access when wearing a backpack. bd |
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http://www.cloudveil.com/mens/v-jackets/CV03600/ I just bought this jacket and it is the HEAT! I have owned Mt Hardware, North Face, Marmot, and have been happy with all of them. This RPK jacket from Cloudveil is awesome though. They come in four different colours and two of them are very nice for being unseen in the woods. |
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I have an Arcteryx fleece and a Mountain Hardware jacket. Both brands are very nice. I haven't had the Mountain Hardware jacket for very long, but it seems to be holding up well. It's MH's own version of Gortex, so I'm not sure how long it will continue to repel water. Right now it works very well. All the seams are taped and re-enforced. Zippers are self healing except for the front which is under a double flap. The jacket is called "Maticore" I mainly got it because it had more zippered pockets than the other designs. Some day I'd like to get Arcteryx's Alpha Jacket, but currently it's out of my price range. 
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My NF crapped out after several years. Got an Arc'Teryx and love it. Here's a little secret on how to get them for cheap. Arc'Teryx, like many manufacturers, forces their retailers to advertise at a min price. Almost ever retailer sticks to that price though. This place will advertise them at that price, but gives you "points" or credits to discount your purchase though. If you call them on the phone, you can get a riduculously cheap prices in lieu of the points. Got my Arc'Teryx from them that was going for $380 everywhere on the web, even ebay, for $250. moontrail.com/ |
I have been into Mountian Hardware for a while. From all of the research that I've done about "Conduit"(MH's version of Gore-Tex) the only difference is the number of breathable holes per square inch. Put it this way, say a square inch of Gore-Tex has 50 tiny breathable holes in it. Another company can take that EXACT same type of material and put say, 45 or either 55 tiny breathable holes per square inch and name it something else and be completely legal. This is what MH has done and you save a TON of money by buying their product. They also make jackets with Gore-Tex so the seams will be done just as good on both models, their jacket with Gore-Tex and their jacket with Conduit. You are only paying for the Gore-Tex name in this situation. I doubt 5-10 more or 5-10 less holes per square inch is going to make that big of a difference. |
I believe there's a difference in the abrasion ratings also. Goretex DWR will hold up a lot longer. |
fixed it! Really Mountain Hardware is starting to become the second NF and going very commercial, Arcteryx is spensive but really good and in my mind if your not prone to losing your jackets, the best way to go. |
I have a Black Arc'teryx Alpha LEAF jacket....best jacket I've ever owned bar none.... |
These are great jackets, and they're actually worth the money. I've had one for better than 7 years, and have given it all kinds of abuse. I just keeps right on going. These were teated, before they hit the catalog, on Mt.Everest and did a fantastic job... ETA...The fact that you can buy it in TALL sizes also means that the jacket will also cover your ass when you wear it. If you do any backpacking in foul weather, this is a HUGE plus, as it keeps your rump dry. LL Bean Mountaing Guide Parka |
You may be right, but the Mountain Hardware jacket that I bought 5 years ago is built like a tank. |
Another vote for the TAD gear Predator Hardshell. It is made based on Arcteryx stuff. Great jacket that has some neat features and it is a little cheaper than the Arcteryx. www.tadgear.com Lynn |
I'd make love to my Mountain Hardwear Alchemy if I could find a vagina in it 
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The best way it to search the year old racks at an outdoor store for deals on North Face or Marmot jackets. Obermeyer is good too. I usually get my stuff for $100-150, rather then spending $350+. I don't care if the style isn't brand new. Most people will wear their good jacket for a few years anyway unless they pick a dumb color. |