Backpacking and Hiking Forum - Backpackers' Basecamp

Deleted
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Jackets? Dec 4, 2016 8:05:07 GMT -8 via mobile

Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2016 8:05:07 GMT -8

I need a new jacket and I'll mainly be using it as my winter jacket but I do about 7-8 big hikes a year and it always rains. Always. So the jacket I get will mainly be for a day to day one and so I'm more concerned about the brand than it being the greatest jacket ever made. The two jackets I was looking at were both by north face.

m.millets.co.uk/product/blue-the-north-face-mens-evolve-ii-triclimate-3-in-1-jacket/206889/?option=468336&istCompanyId=b238823a-59fd-4816-9c36-7dd47877f2a8&istItemId=xxptxpaapt&istBid=tztx&gclid=CMPjk4G92tACFcq87QodkIAHVQ

m.millets.co.uk/product/blue-the-north-face-mens-stratos-waterproof-jacket/206950/

The stratos is £30 cheaper than the evolve but the evolve come with a fleece which would cost about £40 so really I'm just focusing on the actual jacket part. So just your thoughts on which one is best in most worries on which one is most waterproof for the few hikes I will do. Or if you have any suggestions on other jackets from different brands ( Patagonia etc.) in the sort of sub £120 price mark that would also be great.

johntpenca
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Posts: 4,650

Jackets? Dec 4, 2016 16:46:01 GMT -8 tigger likes this

Post by johntpenca on Dec 4, 2016 16:46:01 GMT -8

My problem with TNF jackets is the athletic fit is too tight and the pockets are too small to be of any use. I'm 5'-9" and weigh 145 lbs, so am not a big guy.

Are you looking for a rain shell or a multipurpose garment? Tigger probably has more useful input than I.

Me, I use a capline shirt and combine it with a fleece layer and shell as needed, Like with a sleeping bag, this is not a place to skimp on cost.

edit: check out Rabb or Outdoor Research.

edit2: in winter, I carry a down puffy to throw under the shell; that is why I like a loose fitting shell.

We all control, by decision or indecision, where we are. - Royal Robbins

tigger
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Posts: 2,547

Jackets? Dec 6, 2016 10:32:38 GMT -8

Post by tigger on Dec 6, 2016 10:32:38 GMT -8

For winter and in rain, if you are hiking, you'll want pitzips. The Stratos fits that. I don't see where the other one has that feature. I would throw the fleece bit in the trash myself. My winter shell is a shell. I use down layers underneath for warmth when needed. Unless you are in extreme dry cold where you can sublimate out the moisture from the fleece, it will just turn into a layer of icy suck. I'm not so much into a specific brand as I am into features. Like John, I like something that has room underneath for different layers. In camp, I wear plenty underneath and when hiking, I am wearing only my base layer underneath if it is snowing/raining heavily. I tend to buy bombproof (integrated hood with bill, elastic cuffs combined with velcro to keep any snow/rain out), parka length with elastic corded waistband

Woods Pouncer, Bend Oregon