ski jacket suggestions

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for jacket suggestions. My current coat is a 10 year old columbia. Not sure of the model, but it has a fleece liner that is removable, and a water resistant shell...that isn't so water proof anymore.

So I'm looking for something new. What is the difference between a $200 columbia or northface coat and a $400 patagonia or spyder? Is there that much of a difference in quality? Should I look for a just a shell (if so, soft or hard?), or an insulated jacket like my old columbia? Anyone know where I can get a good deal?

I'm male, a little over 6', and rather slim.

I know this may be more personal opinion than anything, but I'm just looking for suggestions. Thanks.

Have you tried the Nikwax re-waterproofing stuff? It will work, but is a short term solution to a fairly major problem as far as jackets go. As long as you keep reapplying it works pretty well, but smells funny.


yes and in features. I actually like Columbia stuff more than most, but TNF has been weird lately. MY GF has one that doesn't let you use the powder skirt if your using the inner fleece, WTF??
Little things like that can make a huge difference on the hill. Quality materials are also very important.

Shells are more versatile, you can always layer, it's hard to de-insulate a jacket. I've only owned hard, so no real info for ya on that one.

http://www.tramdock.com/

nail meet head.

Good luck on the hunt. One brand that is often on SAC/TD, that I think is a hair underrated, maybe due to their skate origins is Sessions. I have a jacket and a pair of pants, both great quality and well designed. May not be Arcyteryx, but it's certainly enough for me. Some of their stuff can be a bit fugly and jibby, but they do have some real nice subdued looking stuff too.

Thanks dumpy.

What are peoples opinions of patagonia shells?

I agree completely. I've bought pants/jacket from Sessions this year and they're fantastic. Be picky about the features because they make alot of different stuff.

Patagonia makes great stuff but a lot of their stuff as well as TNF, Marmot, etc are geared more toward backpacking, mountaineering, backcountry. A ski brand will usually give you more features if that is of interest. I choose my backpacking stuff based on weight, for my ski stuff I want pockets, pockets, pockets, ventilation options, bells, whistles, and maybe a small anvil.

I found a Karbon last year on Sierra Trading Post at a good price that has all the bling.

I think your age also has a factor in what kind of coat you want. I am 22 so obviously my style is a bit different than an older guy on the hill. I have a 686 smarty suit. There colors are pretty sweet. I have a drab grey with pinstripe that looks sweet. Also the smarty stuff has zip out liner and is high quality.

My favorite! They have a line that's for skiing / boarding and a line for alpine climbing. Some of the skiing / boarding items come insulated these days.

I've been using a White Smoke (now "upgraded" and called Light Smoke - who knows why) for several years for lift-accessed skiing and couldn't be happier.

Very very true, age and other sociological factors that don't have much to do with equipment quality, if you need more proof:
http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=76113

Yeah, I love the patagonia light smoke and powder bowl, but way expensive in my opinion. If I'm spending $400 on a jacket, it better last me 15 years, and still be in style then too.

A lot of these companies make jackets that will last 15 years if treated right, although they may require a few visits to the tailor and/or duct tape man.

Style, well you've got 3 options there.

A) get something that won't go out of style (ie not something made by oakley), try black or gray, always looks good and won't show the lift drip stains.
B) grow a set and not care
C)Do both

Well I'd like to do C), but unfortunately, I do not have the money to justify spending $400 on a jacket. I'd rather be able to eat.

I'm pretty sure you can not care about style and also get a jacket that won't go out of style without breaking the bank. I got my sweet plain black Sessions jacket on SAC (pre-Tramdock) for $80.

I'll probably get at least 3-4 seasons out of it as my primary jacket, probably use it as a secondary for quite a few years after that.

If you have a TJ MAXX in you area go check it out. Pickings might be a little slimmer now then 6 weeks ago. But depeding on your location they usually get in a lot of quality jackets. I've seen lots of very good brand names there (ie: Spyder, North Face, Marker, Most of the Major Snowboard brands (Burton, 686,etc.), etc.) and the best part never seen a coat over $200.

Most of your better quality coats have much better waterproofing that holds up well over time and washes, better breathability in different climates, better build quality, and this list could go on and on. Think of it as when your looking at a new pair of gloves. Cheap coats are like your Walmart brand Gloves and nicer coats are like you Swaney, Kombi, etc. gloves. Nicer gloves usually don't soak through, breath much better, and overall just better build quality.

I got some really nice mid layers at TJ Maxx over the weekend for really cheap. They had a few really nice shells too, but unfortunately my wife said I didn't need another jacket.

Those of you who have tried or currently own the light smoke (or similar) do you have any complaints? I found a the jacket ($300) for about ($240). What kind of base/mid layers would you need for a typical day in January in Colorado?

Is Lowe Alpine any good? Never hear it mentioned. I typically buy Mountain Hardwear, but there seems to be a lot of deals on Sierra Trading Post for Lowe. Is that b/c they suck? I'm thinking if it's cheap enough it could be a decent back up?

if you're interested...

BeyondX Jacket:
Thinsulate Jacket with 2 waterproof-sealed chest zip pockets, waterproof-sealed pit zips, 2 fleece-lined waist pockets, 1 hidden center zipper cell phone/ipod pocket, 1 large inner pocket, drawstring waistband. There are reflective tabs on the adjustable wrist cuffs, on both sides of the collar, and on the back of the collar which i think are a nice touch. It is listed as a US size Small but at 5'7 150lbs, it definately fits me as more of a medium to large fit so it should fit you nicely. This jacket is absolute bomber quality, the outer fabric being especially durable. Was used for 2 seasons, approx 15 days total with no fabric tears, no stains, in great condition. it's no fancy hardshell but for everyday resort use it's terrific. will part with it for $25 + ship.

I bought a Lowe Alpine jacket from STP but returned it. The quality was great but the fit was just too tight around the chest. That never happens to me-- I am a very slim man.

So I'd say go for the Lowe Alpine but consider sizing up (or order multiple sizes).

No complaints. I usually wear a poly t-shirt; then a capeline long-sleeve; then a mid-weight fleece jacket (e.g. Patagonia R2). If it's a really cold day I add a down / synthetic vest over the fleece. The Light Smoke on top.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The light smoke looked great, but I found a patagonia primo for $130 that I'm about to purchase. Any reason why I shouldn't get it?

Primo

The Primo looks like a good deal.

But here is an alternate opinion. I am an old mountaineer and for years always bought shells and layered. But recently I tried on a friends insulated jacket and found it to be nice and warm for pure lift served skiing. So I kept an eye out and found a brand new top of the line Spyder jacket for $90 (pocket zipper was blown); retail was over $500. I still layer but I don't have do as much and on really cold days I don't have to layer so much I feel like the Michelin man looks.

The jacket is just freakn packed with ski type features and way wind proof with a nice high fleece collar. Huge pit zips help cool things off when need be. I still have an Arcterix soft shell I wear for spring days but for the meat of the season nothing beats a real insulated ski jacket for comfort, warmth and features.

my $.02

get the jacket before they sell it to someone else. You will never regret buying a good jacket

Given the opportunity to buy whatever jacket I wanted to (within reason), I would go for an eVent shell. Most easily accessible brands of eVent ski jackets are Westcomb (available on Backcountry.com) or REI's Shuksan.

Links:

http://www.rei.com/product/770843?cm...:referralID=NA

http://www.backcountry.com/store/WTC...cket-Mens.html

The Westcomb jacket is probably the better choice for lift served skiing. However, it doesn't appear to be on sale right now so it is too 'spensive. Over the summer you can find the Westcomb Mirage jacket on Backcountry for 40-50% off.

I too have a Sessions brand shell that I bought from SAC for around $80. It is a good jacket, burly fabric and well constructed, but not as breathable as my Goretex XCR shell.

If you ski in the East where powder is not likely to get above waist height, I would strongly suggest finding a jacket that has vents on the front of the jacket, rather than pit zips. Reason is better air circulation. The North Face makes (or at least used to make) several jackets with vents on the front at around chest level. My Sessions and Orage XCR shells have them too.

If you've already bought the Patagonia jacket, I'm sure you will be very happy with it. $130 is a good price.

STE

Noticed recently that Marshalls (SE MI) got a ton of Spyder, some Volkl, and some Marmot. Nothing was over $250. I imagine that given the economy clearance deals will come somewhat early.