Dolomitti Jacket

I am looking for recommendations on where to find a reasonable price for the Integral Designs Dolomitti Jacket...for something that MSRP's for $280 I have had limited luck find this parka under $200. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Additionally, I am looking for information on Patagonia fleece particularly with the R3 and R4 jackets. I am curious as to whether the additional layer of laminated Polartec windbloc material really makes a difference in warmth or it merely prevents the fabric from breathing properly during highly aerobic activities.

Since the rise of the Canadian dollar (or decline of the US dollar, depending on your viewpoint) from about 60 cents to over one US$, the price of the Dolomiti has almost doubled during the past couple of years. I have had mine for 7 or 8 years, and was shocked when we bought Barb's last year that it cost double mine. Well, what do you expect, since it is all synthetic material derived from petroleum, which has gone from $10/barrel just a few years ago to the $100/barrel range. Be glad they aren't asking $1500, which would be the oil cost increase. Gee, gasoline has gone from "only" a little over $1/gallon to "only" $3.50/gallon in the same time (some stations in the mountains here are asking close to $8/gallon).

If you found someone selling them new at $200, I would grab it. That's equivalent to $110 or $120 at the time I got mine. Most of the time, you have to buy ID stuff directly from ID, since very few shops carry it retail. I assume you know that ID makes their stuff in Canada (they are based in Alberta) at Canadian wage levels, and you are getting top quality, and stand behind their work - excellent example of "you get what you pay for". They are one of the top 2 or 3 outdoor gear companies in the world for jackets, sleeping bags, tents, and the like. I have a number of items from them, some heavily used for over 10 years, all in excellent condition despite the heavy use.

My experience with every Windstopper and Windbloc garment I have had is 1. they mostly just stop breathability, 2. they are not as warm for the weight as regular fleece, and 3. they are heavy and don't pack well in your pack when you aren't wearing them. I rarely use my "Peruvian" style hat because of the further problem that it cuts down on being able to hear things (you end up shouting at your partner because it does cut down so much, almost like industrial earplugs). On the other hand, some people like them. I gave my Windbloc jacket to my son, who wears it cycling in Wisconsin winters.

I have an Integral Designs Dolomiti jacket plus one of their new Rundle jackets, custom made for me just before Christmas. I also have a Thru Hiker in eVent yellow and am getting one in green for alpine hunting.

I have three of their bags, a tent, a Mega Sola and three bivies plus siltarps and other stuff, NOBODY makes better gear and FEW are equal. Some of my ID gear is almost 17 years old and looks and works like new although well used.

ID gear IS WORTH the price, Mountain Magic in Surrey, BC, 604-535-5182 is one EXCELLENT source and Prolite also sometimes has it on sale. You WILL NOT regret buying it.

"My experience with every Windstopper and Windbloc garment I have had is 1. they mostly just stop breathability, 2. they are not as warm for the weight as regular fleece, and 3. they are heavy and don't pack well in your pack when you aren't wearing them. I rarely use my "Peruvian" style hat because of the further problem that it cuts down on being able to hear things (you end up shouting at your partner because it does cut down so much, almost like industrial earplugs)."

My experience is largely the same. I sold my jacket on ebay.

Thanks for all of the input! I have one additional question with regards to the dolomitti jacket, there seems to be variations in the sizing charts therefore I am curious whether my chest measurement of 40 inches would be better served in a small or medium jacket?

I would call ID directly, number is on their website and ask to speak to Evan, or, if he is not there, to Keith. One of them will be able to give you the info. that you require.

Be advised that MOST ID patterns tend to fit small and going up a size, especially in your winter parka is a good idea as you can layer under it wihout compressing it's insulation or binding your arms. HTH.