Goretex or similar jackets and pants

Posted: 23 November 2010 10:47 AM

I had a really nice Volcom Jacket a few years ago, was a goretex jacket, but was very supple, wasn’t rigid at all and felt great, I don’t have it anymore, and want something similar. I don’t know what Volcom did this year, but I hate their colorways, maybe it’s just me,lol. I was looking at the Jones stuff from Oniell, but the ratings seem low and the price seems high for what it is, but that’s sight unseen, maybe they’re great. I was also looking at some Arc Teryx’ stuff, but that’s insanely expensive, but looks really well made, not sure on fit though, I don’t want tight stuff. North Face gear has popped up a few times too. Anyone know of some great gear or have any feed back on any of the gear I mentioned or am looking for, Goretex or not?

Posted: 24 November 2010 05:58 PM

Sure Gortex is the bomb when it comes to waterproof materials, but do you need gear that technical? The typical rating of a Goretex material is 30,000mm. That means you can tower a 30m stack of water above the fabric and it shouldn’t let any water in.. I think in most cases you won’t need clothing with a rating above 10,000. But if you do want higher rating say 20k waterproof then Burton do some 2 layer dryride fabrics with that rating and Bonfire’s Mt Hood, Blur, Cascade and Styka jackets are all 20k waterproof.

I think unless you are mountaineering where you need that waterproofeness, ruggedness and breathability, Goretex is overkill.

Posted: 30 November 2010 06:21 AM

To answer your question about needed gear that technical, no, but it would be nice because I acutally do some mountaineering and would like to double duty my gear if possible. Thanks for the suggestions on Bonfire, I’ve never worn their stuff, but took a look and it looks solid:)

Posted: 30 November 2010 07:32 AM

Hey Meatball,

I’ve been rocking Bonfire gear for the past three winters…..it’s really well made and I never get wet.

I’ll definitely be rocking Bonfire gear for the foreseeable future.

Tom

Posted: 30 November 2010 11:31 AM

I was super lucky and got a Salomon jacket this year…  Fantasy is the model.  It didn’t have a rating but it did say waterproof and breathable.  It is quickly becoming my favourite.  Just noticed Bonfire and Arc’teryx are under Salomon too.

I’m a big fan of North Face.  Have quite a few pieces from them.  Expensive stuff but it does the job well.

I don’t know where you are but if you are in Canada or the US you could try swinging into a Winners, TJ Maxx or Marshalls.  Last year I picked up an awesome Quiksilver shell jacket for $90 bucks…  has audio controls built into the sleeve to control an iPod, was a total score.  It also depends on where you live, they send the best winter stuff to the coldest places. :)

Posted: 01 December 2010 09:47 AM

Have you looked at Columbia gear? My brother and I do a bit of mountaineering and find the Columbia jackets great without being as expensive as your Arcteryx etc. stuff. I also have Columbia approach shoes - had them for nearly 3 years now (only cost my £40 new) and they are still going strong.

The North Face is pretty good as well - if you are in the UK try Go Outdoors they often have massive discounts on some nice jackets, though go April time if you want the best price on a winter one. Only problem with The North Face is if you are in the UK, a lot of the CHAVs wear it!!!

I’d also second the suggestion about TK Maxx/TJ Maxx (depending on which country you are in.) Friend of mine picked up a KJUS jacket in there (£389 reduced to £99) - I have seen Eider, Volkl and Westbeach stuff in my local one this year. Get in early in the morning for the best selection!

Posted: 01 December 2010 12:56 PM

Hey Meatball just found a jacket that will be right up your street.

686 Plexus Beta Jacket - around $220. 15k breathable and 20k waterproof. With sealed zips and taped seams. Plus the assymetrical zip looks awsome.

http://686.com/products/mens/jackets/767/beta/ProductInfo.php

A good compromise between cost, quality, style and performance.

Posted: 07 January 2011 07:19 AM

Regardless of what you get, the key is to maintain the DWR (Durable water proof coating) which is what keeps the water/snow beading and rolling off.  Even goretex will ‘wet out’ which is what makes cold, even though the water doesn’t technically get to your inside.

This stuff is good http://www.atsko.com/shop/product.php?productid=16170&cat=273&page=1 but first wash with special sports wash http://www.atsko.com/shop/product.php?productid=16218&cat=289&page=1

when dry, spray on the coating till evenly wet.  Let air dry, and then iron on low and/or throw into drier.

This will help keep the water beading off the outside of the fabric.

Posted: 08 January 2011 11:20 PM

Hello everyone, I bought an O’Neil 5k/8k pants (130€) and by the fourth day, I had a “small broken” due a fall - I had to buy special glu for fixing! - sure was my fault but I wont buy any O´neil again,I thought they were stronger. In fact I was thinking on Bonfire, jacket and after reading you, I´ll get it (soon)
Regards!

Posted: 12 January 2011 01:13 AM

Burton AK.

http://www.blue-tomato.com/en/Snow-Jackets/Burton-AK-2L-Cyclic-Jacket/product.bto?product=300190077

I also would agree that GoreTex is a bit overkill for most of us.

Anyway: I like my Burton AK.