|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 19, 2023 23:26:45 GMT -8
I’ve been looking at getting a fleece jacket lately. Something soft & warm to deal with gray overcast days when the weather’s damp in the Pacific Northwest. Mainly a fleece jacket for when I’m out taking pictures on a garden saunter or nature viewing hike. Hikes where I’m going slow looking at winter flowers or wildlife (especially raptors). I was going to buy Stio’s Wilcox fleece; however, since the weather here is damp (and it can drizzle on and off), I decided to look for a hooded fleece jacket. Fortunately, I found Mountain Hardware’s HiCamp Fleece Hoodie. Soft sherpa fleece, two chest pockets, two waist pockets and a warm hood. Not cheap at $150 dollars. I was able to get the Backcountry rep to give me a 20% discount. This is at least the third time where Backcountry has given me a good discount when I asked for one. I really appreciate their excellent customer service. I really like the stone coloring with two black chest pockets and elbows. Several of my hiking pals have complimented me on the jacket’s looks, color, and style. This is my second fleece product purchased from Mountain Hardware. I haven’t owned any other Mountain Hardware products until recently. We use to have a Mountain Hardware store in town, but it closed down several years ago. The jacket kinda reminds me of the North Face Denali jacket, although the HiCamp is a much lighter jacket. Here’s a photo of the jacket.  Happy Trails, DR |
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Dec 20, 2023 5:50:58 GMT -8
So why is this fleece jacket better for damp environments vs the wilcox fleece?
|
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 20, 2023 13:07:09 GMT -8
So why is this fleece jacket better for damp environments vs the wilcox fleece? It has a hood; the Wilcox does not have a hood. Regards, DR |
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,683 
|
Post by rebeccad on Dec 20, 2023 17:44:02 GMT -8
It looks nice, but this is an area where I refuse to pay "gear" prices. I use fleece only around town and sometimes car-camping or dayhiking--where the stakes are lower and weight isn't a big issue. I'm quite happy with my Target fleece, handed down from my son. Or the ones bought on sale from Land's End--which actually used to stock a fleece with a great weight-to-warmth ratio (sadly LE has very little that good anymore, and the "aircore" fleece is no more)--if I want a bit thicker fleece. Both of those together don't add up to $150.
|
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 20, 2023 18:20:58 GMT -8
Looks nice. I have several older very lightweight MH fleece hoodies, they are some of my very favorite pieces of gear.
|
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 24, 2023 13:21:42 GMT -8
It looks nice, but this is an area where I refuse to pay "gear" prices. I use fleece only around town and sometimes car-camping or dayhiking--where the stakes are lower and weight isn't a big issue. I'm quite happy with my Target fleece, handed down from my son. Or the ones bought on sale from Land's End--which actually used to stock a fleece with a great weight-to-warmth ratio (sadly LE has very little that good anymore, and the "aircore" fleece is no more)--if I want a bit thicker fleece. Both of those together don't add up to $150. I use to like Land’s End until Sears took over. I haven’t purchased anything from them since. Not sure who owns them now that Sears is gone. Fortunately, I got $30 off the $150 price. Still pricey, but I’m glad I got the jacket. I prefer to buy items with better quality and better quality control these days. I’ve checked at Target in the past; however, I’ve never seen any fleece gear I liked. Can’t say much for the quality, either. Regards, DR |
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 24, 2023 13:24:56 GMT -8
Looks nice. I have several older very lightweight MH fleece hoodies, they are some of my very favorite pieces of gear. What models and how old are they? How have they held up over time? Were they pricey? Good quality gear? Regards, DR |
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Dec 25, 2023 12:36:09 GMT -8
What models and how old are they? How have they held up over time? Were they pricey? Good quality gear? They are the late, great, Microchill Lite Hoodie, a no frills 100 weight fleece. I bought one about 6 years ago, and loved it so much, I bought another. Now I wish I had bought a few more. Not terribly stylish, but for our mild Texas winters, they are a perfect layering piece. They get a ton of use, and are still in great shape. They weren't too expensive, probably $50 or so. |
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 26, 2023 6:04:23 GMT -8
What models and how old are they? How have they held up over time? Were they pricey? Good quality gear? They are the late, great, Microchill Lite Hoodie, a no frills 100 weight fleece. I bought one about 6 years ago, and loved it so much, I bought another. Now I wish I had bought a few more. Not terribly stylish, but for our mild Texas winters, they are a perfect layering piece. They get a ton of use, and are still in great shape. They weren't too expensive, probably $50 or so. I’ve also made purchases like this when I’ve really liked a certain clothing/jacket/shoe item. Inevitably it seems, outdoor gear companies will change the item some way making you wish you’d purchase a second. Regards, DR |
|
