8:01 p.m. on September 25, 2007 (EDT)
delabeaux
New Member
Joined: Sep 25, 2007
Posts: 3
Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I'm looking for a warm, breathable, extremely water resistant or water proof, wind resistant, really warm, hooded jacket. Whew.
I live in Colorado, and we've had some really heavy wet snows the past few years.
I'm looking somthing I can go camping/hiking in, and wear in town amidst the heavy wet snow.
Thanks to all who reply ;)
~BB
11:50 a.m. on September 26, 2007 (EDT)
Bill S
OGBO
Joined: Mar 14, 2001
Posts: 2306
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
Having spent a bit of time in Colorado (and having had a son who went to undergrad and grad school there), what you really need is a wind/waterproof shell and an insulating liner (probably fleece). Layering is the most versatile way to go, especially if you are going to go camping and hiking. If you have a single "really warm" jacket, you will get extremely overheated very quickly in the hiking and find it difficult to impossible to adjust your clothing to stay cool enough (sweating into your clothing will soon make you unbearably cold even to the point of hypothermia and unzipping the jacket will just allow the wet blowing snow to soak you even more).
Take a look at the more expedition-oriented Goretex (XCR) and eVent shells by Marmot, North Face, Montbell, Montane, Mountain Hardwear and similar for the shell and fleece (Polartec 200 or 300, Patagonia R2 or R3, or equivalent) by Patagonia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, North Face, ....
If you are in Boulder, go to Neptune Mountaineering for some really good advice. There are similar shops in the Springs and in Ft Collins (one just off the CSU campus).
3:50 p.m. on September 30, 2007 (EDT)
delabeaux
New Member
Joined: Sep 25, 2007
Posts: 3
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
That helps. I'm in Ft. Collins so will check out the CSU shop. Thanks!
~BB
2:14 p.m. on October 1, 2007 (EDT)
bheiser1
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 10, 2007
Posts: 140
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I second the suggestion by Bill S to wear layers rather than just one heavy jacket/coat. The combination I've found to work quite well is an outer shell over fleece. What I'm using now is a Mountain Hardwear G50 soft shell jacket over an REI fleece "hoodie". The fleece hood sticks up over the collar of the soft shell, and really makes a huge difference in keeping me warm in breezy weather.
In cool weather I wear this combination over one more more layers (depending on temperature) of various synthetic wicking tshirts and long sleeve shirts.
8:32 p.m. on October 2, 2007 (EDT)
Kirk
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 19
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I'm also planing to do some winter hiking for the first time during my winter break from school. I'll be in the Southern Appalachians.
I've used Under Armour Cold Gear as a base layer with pleasant results in wet sub 40 degree weather. (Don't judge me for my brand selection, I was a young rugby player when I purchased this item(s).)
How many layers and what type of layers would you all suggest on top of that? I already have a couple of warm fleeces but I might make an investment in something more high tech i.e. light weight.
I'm looking at purchasing the North Face Bionic Jacket and then using a thin shell rain jacket over top of that in wetter conditions. Would this be overkill? Not enough? Also, what do you all recommend for bottoms? In the past, I've been comfortable with my Adidas insulated trackpants but I've never hiked in real cold weather conditions.
North Face Bionic: http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AL5C&language=en
Also, for a winter dayhike, do you guys think its wise to carry a tent and sleeping bag in case an unexpected snow storm sets in and I can't find immediate shelter. Again, I've done a decent amount of three season backpacking, sometimes unexpectedly cold, but never true winter backpacking so any advice on prep for that would be great!
11:35 p.m. on October 2, 2007 (EDT)
rambler
Full Member
Joined: Sep 26, 2007
Posts: 61
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I think it is wise to carry emregency gear that would allow you to survive an unexpected night out. Yes, I take a sleeping bag, but instead of a tent just take a tarp or a bivy. Chances are with you that you will not be in an emergency, so compromise by not carrying the weigth of a tent. A bivy will protect you. It might be easier to deal with than trying to set up a tent especially if it was windy or you were injured. I also like to carry a pad to provide insulation from the cold ground. Also, carry a headlamp. You would be able to hike out in the dark. In winter keep track of when daylight ends, set a time when you should turn around in order to get back to the trailhead in good time. For example, if 2:30 is your turn around time and you have not yet reached the summit, turn around.
A couple of years ago, in the NH mountains, one day hiker, without extra gear, did not survvie an unexpected storm. Another hiker survived the same storm, by using her bivy. Both spent the night out.
As for an insulated, waterproof winter jacket you are looking for a lot. You are looking for something to wear in camp or around town, but not to hike in. Colorado must be full of ski parkas to meet your needs. A shell with a removeable fleece lining would be nice. I like puffy down or synthetic jackets, but they are not waterproof. While hiking, if I'm cold I will use the same waterproof/breathable jacket I'ld use for raingear in the summer, (eg. Marmot Precip) layered over a midweight long underwear top. Another nice jacket is the Marmot DriClime instead of a fleece. These pack small, and is a wind breaking layer over a thin fleece-like liner.
10:45 a.m. on October 13, 2007 (EDT)
delabeaux
New Member
Joined: Sep 25, 2007
Posts: 3
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I found a waterproof down insulated parka: The North Face McMurdo parka... reviews are good but many have said its good as a 'standing around' jacket as it gets too hot doing any activity. I will try the layering method.... I'm going with a TNF Hyvent shell, a Cloudveil Zero-G softshell jacket, and if necessary, fleece underneath.
5:16 p.m. on October 13, 2007 (EDT)
kutenay
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 23, 2005
Posts: 297
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I like my Integral Designs "Dolomiti" parka for this and an ID or RAB eVent shell over an ID Rundle jacket is another rig I like, this is my next purchase. Having spent my life in very cold, wet environments, jackets like these are standard winter clothing.
I don't care much for fleece anymore after 30+ years of use, I now wear Icebreaker, Smartwool and MEC merino wool which I find MUCH better.
1:11 a.m. on October 15, 2007 (EDT)
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I think that a shell and a softshell is overkill. Unless you want the softshell for when you are just around town it is unecessary and sometimes doesn't provide as much warmth as a fleece or other insulated jackets. They are great as a standalone system though. I personally have a lot of different jackets. I have a North Face Mountain Light Goretex XCR jacket and three fleeces (100g, 200g, and 300g) that zip into that jacket. I have found that the 100 is the warmest combo since the jacket is a tighter fit than the other too. But when fall comes around the 100 isn't good for long when worn alone. My favorite combination for backpacking is my Outdoor Research Fraction Vest with a long sleeve synthetic shirt underneath and an Outdoor Research Zealot shell when its windy or raining. I carry my 100g fleece along in case it gets colder but I have hiked in just the vest in 20 degree weather. I like this setup because the core of your body is where it is important to retain heat and the vest does that well. It also leaves my arms more free to move and do other things. This set up with a warm pair of gloves and I'm good down to the teens easily. Remember the most important thing is to block wind and rain. If you block those then keeping yourself warm is quite easy.
5:04 p.m. on October 18, 2007 (EDT)
Poligraf
New Member
Joined: Jul 26, 2006
Posts: 1
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
This may be a bit unconventional for some folks, but here it goes.
I’d been trying to come up with a “single jacket” strategy for awhile and tried many brands. Couple of years ago I came across Woolrich line that is called TechnoWool.
Check this out carefully!
They build jackets and heavy shirts. I have both kinds and I am extremely happy. TechnoWool has patented fabric that is withstanding light drizzle without an overcoat.
It is 2 times lighter than regular wool (NEVER NEVER even look at Fealsons – terrible product!) and is very soft and comfortable. I’d been hiking and camping in my outfit for two years and have never been cold. I usually go to the mountains up to 9-1,000 ft in late Oct - mid November when temperatures go down to 20F at night.
Here is the link. Most of those products don't look too sexy so the outfitters sell tem at a great discount. These jackets are worth every penny by my book. Unless of course you are looking for something more modern I would give it a shot.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/200,49014_Woolrich-Pelletier-TechnoWool%E2%84%A2-Jacket-For-Men.html
5:38 p.m. on October 18, 2007 (EDT)
kutenay
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 23, 2005
Posts: 297
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
If, by ...Fealson's..., you mean "Filson's" and you consider this a ...terrible product..., I gotta wonder!
I have two pair of Filson's whipcord woolen pants and these are the BEST bush pants I have ever worn. I have worn them in July and Nov.-Dec. and they are comfortable, quiet, warm and repel water like no synthetic I have tried.
I wear these with light MEC merino wool longjohns from about 50*F to -10*F in total comfort, they are superb. In colder weather, I use heavier lohnjohns.
10:08 a.m. on October 19, 2007 (EDT)
rexim
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 16, 2007
Posts: 154
Re: Jacket/Coat/Parka recommendations
I second kutenay's endorsement of Filson's wool products. My primary winter outer garment is a Filson's Mackinaw wool jacket/liner that I wear down to -10 F or colder. I adapt to conditions by layering as needed, adding a Filson's wool vest, Pendleton or M 1951 wool shirt, and merino wool long underwear as needed, often adding a fleece hood in windy or very cold conditions.
While hiking or otherwise active in temperatures from +40 F to near zero, I usually wear just the wool long underwear, wool shirt, and Filson wool vest if needed.
