Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 16:01:08 GMT -8
I've lurked around for a while as a guest and would love to get your advice! My name is Vincent and I'm with an small apparel upstart called Yesler, based in the PNW. We're trying to take a stab at designing a great, versatile hoodie (versatile enough for an outdoor adventure, or just everyday non-active usage).
We're in the process of brainstorming design and functionality. Based on your personal experience/setup, what are must-haves, and what do you wish outerwear manufacturers would do differently? Open to all comments and suggestions.
Detailed questions for gear aficionados:
- What region/area are you in (or that you adventure to)
- When it comes to utility of pockets: what type of pockets and locations are they most useful given your specific activity & setup?
- How much water-resistance do you consider enough (i.e, is a good DWR good enough, or do you typically look for a specific water column rating?)
- What technical fabrics (including laminates) do you swear by? Or alternatively, is there a style from a particular brand that has served you well?
Thanks in advance for your time!
-Vincent
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Jul 21, 2015 20:53:14 GMT -8
I'm a PNWer Cascades backpacker.
Pockets with zippers required, the bigger the better. If it's going to be used for wet weather, it needs to not drip on my face. DWR goes on every fall. If you're going to make it water resistant, why not go all the way and go waterproof. Mind you, I'll need pitzips if you're going to go that route. I don't care what fabric you use but make sure it will handle getting dirt (three layer prefered) on it without getting clogged and becoming instantly useless.
In the end, it's all about the function. I'm currently in process of designing a winter hat/hood for my next trip to the arctic and I don't expect it to be "pretty".
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 22, 2015 10:49:52 GMT -8
Are you asking about a rain jacket hoodie, or an insulating hoodie? For the former, Tigger is pretty much spot on, though as I frequent the Sierra for the most part, I put more of a premium on light weight, as I carry it or use it at a wind jacket more than as a rain jacket. I have been pretty satisfied with the likes of eVent, though I find that those jackets lose their water-proofness after 2 or 3 seasons of use, which is a bummer. If you are asking about an insulating hoodie, I've been looking for a down hoodie with a front zip, hand-warmer pockets (no others needed), and a very light weight without a $250 price tag. For that layer, simple is good, though pull-over doesn't cut it for me due to hot flashes  A very mild water/dirt resistant fabric is nice, but again, light is more important. I take great care to keep my insulation dry. Oh, in either case--I hate velcro. At the cuffs, elastic is easier, as I don't have to use an extra hand to loosen/tighten when I take it on and off. And velcro around the face/neck area is both a skin irritant and a nasty thing to catch my pigtails in. Ouch! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2015 13:05:30 GMT -8
Hey Rebecca, thanks for the feedback. We're thinking more towards a rain-jacket hoodie that would be comfortably layerable to address insulation if need be. And yes, the velcro around the face/neck can get annoying. I totally hear you on eVent (and went through two of the REI Shuksan jackets before they were discontinued). Aside from eVEnt, has there been anything else that you felt was "oh wow, this is awesome!" ? And Tigger-- good luck on the trip to the Arctic-- sounds tremendous |
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 22, 2015 14:19:09 GMT -8
I'd like Mark Zuckerberg's hoody. There's probably a spare $100 million in a pocket somewhere.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 23, 2015 21:21:57 GMT -8
a rain-jacket hoodie that would be comfortably layerable That's key. Means that you make even the women's jackets with space, not all fitted and pretty. But there may be an inherent conflict between what a female wants out hiking (like a baggy enough fit to put a down jacket under) and what she wants on the way to Starbucks. Far too much women's "outdoor" clothing is designed for the latter. So I'll be happy if you make it light, cheap, WP/B, and cut for real use by real women with real bodies on real hikes.... |
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A very mild water/dirt resistant fabric is nice, but again, light is more important. I take great care to keep my insulation dry.