Hi All - I've been a lurker here since earlier this year, but don't post very frequently. I'm looking to update my jacket and pants (currently using an insulated set from Eastern Mountain Sports, but haven't found it to be durable enough (pants), and the jacket isn't versatile enough for what I need).
I've done some research on a number of different brands (Marmot, Cloudveil, Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, and Flylow), but each has so many different models at different prices that I'm really overwhelmed trying to figure out what'll be appropriate. Plus, although I know that I'll need a shell, I have never learned about the differences in use between soft and hardshells, and don't know what would be a better bet.
About my skiing habits--level 7/8 (male), I ski mostly on piste, but am looking to improve my technique off. Ski ~15 days a year, half on the east coast and half in the rockies. 6 ft., 185 pounds.
I'm not looking to spend more than about $600--ideally I'd get a jacket, pants, and a midlayer, although if I find the right set, I can go up a little bit. I'm not at all averse to buying things one or two seasons old if they're much cheaper (sierra trading post sounds like a good deal), but I'm a little bit wary of online shopping because I prefer to try things on. As for my sizing, I put on a patagonia powder bowl in medium yesterday with one of their midlayers and it seemed about right, if a little snug.
So what should I go for? Where should I get it? Thanks in advance!
I've done some research on a number of different brands (Marmot, Cloudveil, Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, and Flylow), but each has so many different models at different prices that I'm really overwhelmed trying to figure out what'll be appropriate. Plus, although I know that I'll need a shell, I have never learned about the differences in use between soft and hardshells, and don't know what would be a better bet.
About my skiing habits--level 7/8 (male), I ski mostly on piste, but am looking to improve my technique off. Ski ~15 days a year, half on the east coast and half in the rockies. 6 ft., 185 pounds.
I'm not looking to spend more than about $600--ideally I'd get a jacket, pants, and a midlayer, although if I find the right set, I can go up a little bit. I'm not at all averse to buying things one or two seasons old if they're much cheaper (sierra trading post sounds like a good deal), but I'm a little bit wary of online shopping because I prefer to try things on. As for my sizing, I put on a patagonia powder bowl in medium yesterday with one of their midlayers and it seemed about right, if a little snug.
So what should I go for? Where should I get it? Thanks in advance!
