Looking for a jacket

[muffMan.]

But does it really matter? Like what am I looking for, I’m not really into gram saving just want to get out there. Rn I have a saga anomie 3L from 2011 I just got but might be too baggy for touring.

I found some picture organic stuff and a strafe nomad for the low, so what should I look for in a jacket? Or does it really not matter much

 

[XC]

My method is always a hardshell (it can be baggy) over my layers. With a hard shell you can strip down layers underneath and always count on staying dry(ish) and protected from the wind.

I use the Armada Evers Gore-Tex 3L Jacket or my Mountain Hardware hardshell (for warmer weather).

My layers underneath in cold weather are: merino wool t-shirt, merino wool long-sleeve shirt, and (for really cold times) a thin

down jacket. In warm weather: sun hoodie and my thin down jacket.

The down is always good to start with, easy to shed and store, and easy to put back on when you're transitioning and cold on a ridgeline, peak, etc. Oftentimes I throw it in my bag if I don't need to start with it on, but can use it when at transitioning to skiing.

What sucks is how expensive it is to compile all these layers. But with clever shopping for stuff on sale/clearance, you can save a lot.

 

[PacificRimJob]

The Saga jackets are/were pretty unpackable and bulky if I'm honest... Certainly a resort-only sorta thing. I wouldn't want to tour with that at all.

I use an Arcteryx Sphene as my everyday backcountry shell, and a my Black Diamond Helio as my ultralight shell for bigger missions where I need more packability. Admittedly, both are quite expensive and both weigh less than a pound/450g.

If you want goretex, youre gonna pay at least in the 300-400$ range for new. Higher depending on the brand (686's Gtex tech shell is probably the best deal I know of and thats like 300$.. I think REI's in-house jacket is about the same as well)

All I would suggest is something really light and packable while being breathable with pit zips... don't oversize either. Gotta look a little more dorky to do the backcountry right. chances are, unless you live somewhere exceptionally cold, or are going to be touring in lots of really wet or windy storms, youre going to be fine touring with your midlayer if not just your baselayer. I rarely end up with my shell on while I am touring unless it's pretty severe. You can find some pretty good deals out there whether 2nd hand or on the outlet market.

 

[muffMan.]

Yeah I’ve been slowly compiling stuff like baselayers and mid layers for a bit, second hand stuff rules, my towns ski swap is comin up so gonna look there

My method is always a hardshell (it can be baggy) over my layers. With a hard shell you can strip down layers underneath and always count on staying dry(ish) and protected from the wind.

I use the Armada Evers Gore-Tex 3L Jacket or my Mountain Hardware hardshell (for warmer weather).

My layers underneath in cold weather are: merino wool t-shirt, merino wool long-sleeve shirt, and (for really cold times) a thin

down jacket. In warm weather: sun hoodie and my thin down jacket.

The down is always good to start with, easy to shed and store, and easy to put back on when you're transitioning and cold on a ridgeline, peak, etc. Oftentimes I throw it in my bag if I don't need to start with it on, but can use it when at transitioning to skiing.

What sucks is how expensive it is to compile all these layers. But with clever shopping for stuff on sale/clearance, you can save a lot.

 

[muffMan.]

Yeah that’s what I assumed the thing is huge. I’m hoping to look at my ski swap this weekend.

Is gore Tex really a necessity? Or is something 3L from brands like trew, flylow, and strafe work?

The Saga jackets are/were pretty unpackable and bulky if I'm honest... Certainly a resort-only sorta thing. I wouldn't want to tour with that at all.

I use an Arcteryx Sphene as my everyday backcountry shell, and a my Black Diamond Helio as my ultralight shell for bigger missions where I need more packability. Admittedly, both are quite expensive and both weigh less than a pound/450g.

If you want goretex, youre gonna pay at least in the 300-400$ range for new. Higher depending on the brand (686's Gtex tech shell is probably the best deal I know of and thats like 300$.. I think REI's in-house jacket is about the same as well)

All I would suggest is something really light and packable while being breathable with pit zips... don't oversize either. Gotta look a little more dorky to do the backcountry right. chances are, unless you live somewhere exceptionally cold, or are going to be touring in lots of really wet or windy storms, youre going to be fine touring with your midlayer if not just your baselayer. I rarely end up with my shell on while I am touring unless it's pretty severe. You can find some pretty good deals out there whether 2nd hand or on the outlet market.

 

[PacificRimJob]

I mean, it kinda depends on the conditions youll be in, but at this point I would say you dont need goretex nah. I mean, I have been in conditions where it really did benefit me and keep me dry, and in the long run I would absolutely recommend it, but especially if youre more of a fairweather backcountry skier, and wont be going out if its got a chance to be sloppy and wet, I wouldn't say so.

My first shell that I used for touring was just a 2L north face hyvent and it was great. There were times when it was absolutely super sloppy out (because Oregon) and soaked through, but I certainly wasn't touring on those days, and was most likely using it as a rain jacket. I summitted Shasta in that shell, and used it for the most part for about 4 or so seasons. I think I still have it someplace.

I wouldnt run away from non-gore 3L or even 2L if the price is right...

 

[XC]

They absolutely work. No need to buy into Goretex.

Yeah that’s what I assumed the thing is huge. I’m hoping to look at my ski swap this weekend.

Is gore Tex really a necessity? Or is something 3L from brands like trew, flylow, and strafe work?