Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: RedLeader on November 23, 2010
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So I finally bought a decent quality (if slightly smokey smelling) jacket. Its a Mountain Equipment Ogre (http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/clothing/hardshell/ogre_jacket---392/) and raises more questions than it answers.
So what are everyones top tips / experiences with choosing jackets. I'm thinking purely for waterproofing when active rather than sitting round the campfire. A few things to ponder are manufacturer, goretex / goretex proshell / event, zips, hoods, general ventilation.
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Fit:
Use - some people like a longer jacket for walking as it better protects the crotch/top of legs, but for cycling or climbing a shorter front is needed so it is not in the way. Likewise, if wearing a harness or hip belt, higher pockets remain accessible.
Long arms help climbers and cyclists who are reaching more.
A larger hood is needed to fit over a helmet so consider this for mountaineering.
A half-zip smock is lighter, and the different pocket/vent options are favoured by some.
Material:
eVent tends to be a bit softer and gets more so with washing (which it needs more). As to whether Gore or eVent works better, that is argued ad infinitum in pubs and forums the world over. I read in a recent magazine that the Gore Paclite is more prone to condensation than the proshell.
Paramo or Ventile is more breathable but they both have drawbacks that often rule them out i.e. when Ventile finally saturates it can take forever to dry out/becomes heavy & paramo is heavy, warm and heavy rain does push through, although the fabric just pumps it out again as soon as it has a chance. I wanted a paramo, but I honestly run very hot when active (and prefer to feel cool) and chill when chilling, so better to carry insulation for rest stops and a light shell for only the worst weather.
Ventile is perhaps more robust to flying embers!
Extra features:
I don't like pit zips personally - affect the arm movements, less packability, extra weight, will let water in if open in rain. Soft-shell or wind top and get wet is more comfortable if working that hard. If it's not raining, heat rises so opening the front zip will vent better anyway.
Some chest pockets have mesh lining to be used for ventilation, some are sealed so that no water can leak through.
Napolean style pockets are a little easier to put stuff in as you naturally reach across the body, but are no good for handwarming. Can the pocket hold an OS map? Is there a clip maybe to secure a compass or ski-pass?
Fleece collar or at least beard guard area improves comfort on the neck. Some fixed hood mountain jackets have no structured collar and are designed to come high up the chin when zipped - very functional but not to everyones comfort for less particular activities.
Hoods should move well with the head. A stiffened peak helps keep drips off the eyes, a wired peak even better for fit/strength. Face and volume adjustment help hood stay in place. 'Captive adjusters' stop the wind whipping the excess cord in your face.
Hem/waistcords help stop drafts by improving fit.
That's about all my thoughts on hard-shell jackets, and although fairly comprehensive, I'm sure there is more. 80% of the time I don't wear a waterproof. Another 15% I am very happy with my £30 Trekmates jacket. Only for the most hardcore and feature specific am I getting a Montane eVent shell. But that's my experiences, requirements and accepted compromises accounted for. We could start a thread on soft-shell too, and base-layers!
Stay safe, stay comfortable ;)
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Material:
eVent tends to be a bit softer and gets more so with washing (which it needs more).
Just on that point, when I bought my jacket I asked the store if I just wash it regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash as I'd been doing in the past with my Gore jacket. I was told that apparently eVent are now saying you can wash the jacket using liquid detergent and to check their website for the most up to date info. So according to the website:
Regular washing of your eVent garment will enhance product performance. Your garment may be machine washed in warm water (110F / 40C) with liquid detergent, and we recommend a second rinse to remove all traces of detergent from the fabric. You may also use Nikwax® Tech Wash or Granger's XT Proofer.
DWR finish degrades over time and will occasionally need to be replenished. We suggest treating the DWR finish at the same time as your regular garment washings. Once the garment has been washed, we recommend using Granger's aftercare products or Nikwax® TX-Direct to completely restore surface water-repellency.
I always thought that liquid detergent was meant to reduce the effectiveness of the DWR finish, hence I've always been encouraged to use a product like Tech Wash instead. Reading the info on the eVent website it looks like you can wash away using liquid detergent, although perhaps the recommendation to rinse the jacket afterwards is to ensure no residue is left effecting performance. Presumably then there is little to no difference to using Tech Wash over liquid detergent, other than Tech Wash doesnt require a seperate rinse? Would save me spending money on Tech Wash if that was the case, although on an expensive jacket maybe its worth using the "proper" stuff?
I took the quotations from this page - http://www.eventfabrics.com/care_and_maintenance.php
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Pretty much what 20 clicks said. Although I don't know if agree with this event is softer/less durable argument. Surely the durability of the jacket boils down mainly to the face fabric, obviously pack light will be less durable than pro shell but 3 layer event and 3 layer gore-tex are in essence the same thing.
The main thing that you need to remember is that every jacket has a limit (the RET) It doesn't matter if its precip or pro shell if you produce more moisture than the jacket can handle you will get wet!
As for your Ogre J. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
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Sorry - I literally meant softer feel/drape; not implying any less durability.
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Material:
eVent tends to be a bit softer and gets more so with washing (which it needs more).
Just on that point, when I bought my jacket I asked the store if I just wash it regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash as I'd been doing in the past with my Gore jacket. I was told that apparently eVent are now saying you can wash the jacket using liquid detergent and to check their website for the most up to date info. So according to the website:
Regular washing of your eVent garment will enhance product performance. Your garment may be machine washed in warm water (110F / 40C) with liquid detergent, and we recommend a second rinse to remove all traces of detergent from the fabric. You may also use Nikwax® Tech Wash or Granger's XT Proofer.
DWR finish degrades over time and will occasionally need to be replenished. We suggest treating the DWR finish at the same time as your regular garment washings. Once the garment has been washed, we recommend using Granger's aftercare products or Nikwax® TX-Direct to completely restore surface water-repellency.
I always thought that liquid detergent was meant to reduce the effectiveness of the DWR finish, hence I've always been encouraged to use a product like Tech Wash instead. Reading the info on the eVent website it looks like you can wash away using liquid detergent, although perhaps the recommendation to rinse the jacket afterwards is to ensure no residue is left effecting performance. Presumably then there is little to no difference to using Tech Wash over liquid detergent, other than Tech Wash doesnt require a seperate rinse? Would save me spending money on Tech Wash if that was the case, although on an expensive jacket maybe its worth using the "proper" stuff?
I took the quotations from this page - http://www.eventfabrics.com/care_and_maintenance.php
Most of my kit is E Vent and I find it works well for me. As for the washing front, mine just gets bunged in with regular washing powder on my return home and dried as normal ready for the next outing. I will occasionally, when the notion takes me re proof my kit with some of the spray on stuff but that's all it gets. So far so good.
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Material:
eVent tends to be a bit softer and gets more so with washing (which it needs more).
Just on that point, when I bought my jacket I asked the store if I just wash it regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash as I'd been doing in the past with my Gore jacket. I was told that apparently eVent are now saying you can wash the jacket using liquid detergent and to check their website for the most up to date info. So according to the website:
Regular washing of your eVent garment will enhance product performance. Your garment may be machine washed in warm water (110F / 40C) with liquid detergent, and we recommend a second rinse to remove all traces of detergent from the fabric. You may also use Nikwax® Tech Wash or Granger's XT Proofer.
Its fine to wash it with detergent but for proofing use nikwax and avoid fabric conditioners and bleach.
DWR finish degrades over time and will occasionally need to be replenished. We suggest treating the DWR finish at the same time as your regular garment washings. Once the garment has been washed, we recommend using Granger's aftercare products or Nikwax® TX-Direct to completely restore surface water-repellency.
I always thought that liquid detergent was meant to reduce the effectiveness of the DWR finish, hence I've always been encouraged to use a product like Tech Wash instead. Reading the info on the eVent website it looks like you can wash away using liquid detergent, although perhaps the recommendation to rinse the jacket afterwards is to ensure no residue is left effecting performance. Presumably then there is little to no difference to using Tech Wash over liquid detergent, other than Tech Wash doesnt require a seperate rinse? Would save me spending money on Tech Wash if that was the case, although on an expensive jacket maybe its worth using the "proper" stuff?
I took the quotations from this page - http://www.eventfabrics.com/care_and_maintenance.php
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Very interesting info Chris.
Matthew, how is the 'beading/DWR' on your jacket? Do you get any residue from using powder?
Even with tech wash/reproofer, I have found no real improvement until heat was applied (stuck the jacket in the tumble drier for 15mins - less risky than the iron!). Saying that my jacket didn't get much abuse at all, but only got washed maybe every 2 years.
I've always told people to run an empty wash first to clear any residue, use tech wash or pure liquid soap (powder can leave residue), and a mild tumble to reactivate the DWR - using reproof if necessary.
Be careful with the heat - too much can damage the taped seams, welded construction, or even some fabric. I always test the beading after 15mins, and give it another 5mins if I think it can be better. I use 'high' on our dryer as it is old and 'low' is barely warm at all. If you have 'medium' it may be a safe start point.
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Is "pure liquid soap" the kind of thing you can pick up in Tesco? Any particular brand? You can tell I'm not very familiar with washing machines :D
Just curious to find something that is a bit cheaper than Tech Wash. Even buying 1 litre bottles works out at £1 per 100ml. Makes petrol seem cheap ;)
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When I was choosing my jacket there were two products in mind; eVent and Paramo. I narrowed my list down to two eVent jackets, the Rab Demand smock and the Montane Venture. I also quite fancied the Paramo Velez Light smock. I had already decided I wanted a lightweight jacket as it tends to live in my rucksack and only sees light of day when its actually raining. I was also slightly swayed by Ronald Turnbulls view on the matter:
A substantial breathable jacket in cheerful crimson or purple, with armpit zips, useful pockets, taped seams and all, weighs about 1.1kg - and when it isn't raining, all that weight is in your rucksack. Worse, when it has been raining, all that weight is in your rucksack wet.
But wear a single-skin waterproof and a fleece underneath - when it isn't raining the waterproof stuffs away in the lid rather than half the sack, and the fleece is still on and drying in the breeze.
So I tried on all three jackets. The Rab Demand was the most basic, but by far the lightest (280g!). The Montane Venture was slightly heavier but added some extra features such as adjustable cuffs, full length zip, decent pockets etc. It was also a bit more expensive. The Paramo Velez Light was the most expensive jacket, but the most luxurious! It had a lovely soft touch fabric more akin to a softshell, a fantastic chest pocket that would easily swallow an OS map and a great hand warming pocket inside.
Unfortunately the Montane Venture was ruled out straight away as it was just too neat on me. Its quite a short jacket and I found it too tight across the shoulders and chest, but it would probably suit someone of more slender build like twentyclicks ;) That left the Rab and the Paramo which despite both being smocks are poles apart in terms of features etc.
I decided that in horrible conditions I would much rather be wearing the Paramo in pouring rain all day than the Rab as it was very comfortable. But the Rab is a lot lighter, smaller pack size and I wanted to remain optimistic I wouldn't be stuck in the rain all day! Plus, with Paramo's reputation for being quite warm I was worried that outside of Oct - May I would just find it too hot to don the Paramo and probably end up walking with no jacket on anyway. So I bought the Rab Demand smock and now am just waiting for a rainy day to test it out!
That and the fact the Rab looks pretty darned good in "Maya Blue" ;D
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Very interesting info Chris.
Matthew, how is the 'beading/DWR' on your jacket? Do you get any residue from using powder?
the jacket works well and really sheets the water, once washed it gets a good rinse and as far as i can tell there is nothing left, just a nice clean smell.
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Enjoying this thread as I'm in the market for a new coat. I always thought I wouldn't have a problem picking a coat until I went to do so. Been in all the usual shops a few times and no further on.
I think I'm looking for a one-fits-all coat. Breathable, packable, waterproof (within its limitations), not too long, not too short, looks smart without being uber-cool (wish to avoid before-time dating), to suit summer showers and cold crisp winter days alike. I think it is possible to get it all, but at top end prices (?). I tried working from cheaper jackets up but found there are just so many to choose from. I suppose it may be easier to work from the top down, compromising on some features until I get to a point where I really want a feature and am prepared to pay for it.
I was hoping a consensus would form from reading posts on the forum, that's blown out of the water now since the smoke damage sale and now half the forumers probably have about three separate jackets to suit all occasions! I'll keep reading with interest and look forward to more views being posted.
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I think I'm looking for a one-fits-all coat. Breathable, packable, waterproof (within its limitations), not too long, not too short, looks smart without being uber-cool (wish to avoid before-time dating), to suit summer showers and cold crisp winter days alike.
I thought that it mattered what kit looked like, colours etc for a while and was worried that stuff would not match. At the end of the day, for me it is a question of does the colour/style matter or does it do its job well.
I am sure everyone will give different advice based in their own experiences with manufacturers or items and it is bound to be confusing. Get into some shops, try as many on as possible see what you like and go from there.
Matthew
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Just remembered about my waterproof coat when I was doing DOE, it said Farrans across the back of it :-X
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Enjoying this thread as I'm in the market for a new coat. I always thought I wouldn't have a problem picking a coat until I went to do so. Been in all the usual shops a few times and no further on.
I think I'm looking for a one-fits-all coat. Breathable, packable, waterproof (within its limitations), not too long, not too short, looks smart without being uber-cool (wish to avoid before-time dating), to suit summer showers and cold crisp winter days alike. I think it is possible to get it all, but at top end prices (?). I tried working from cheaper jackets up but found there are just so many to choose from. I suppose it may be easier to work from the top down, compromising on some features until I get to a point where I really want a feature and am prepared to pay for it.
(http://www.haglofs.com/productimages/resized/715511/715511a31/main_normal.png)
Spitz jacket. Problem solved! Just don't get it in black.
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Surf Mountain have started stocking the Haglofs gear. Sure looks the part, but it definitely fits into the "top end prices" bracket that whoRya mentioned!
I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
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Surf Mountain have started stocking the Haglofs gear. Sure looks the part, but it definitely fits into the "top end prices" bracket that whoRya mentioned!
I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
At least some of us think outside the box! Most of the time in work all people are interested in is "a black north face coat"
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Surf Mountain have started stocking the Haglofs gear. Sure looks the part, but it definitely fits into the "top end prices" bracket that whoRya mentioned!
I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
I have bought a few haglofs items and they are great I even bought one of their leather wallets, my wife thinks I have a problem but I'm sure if she found the key to my locker in garage it would cause a bigger problem for me and my kit
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Why are people so fascinated with TNF. Is their gear actually any good? I'm guessing their Hyvent technology is average at best.
Surf Mountain have started stocking the Haglofs gear. Sure looks the part, but it definitely fits into the "top end prices" bracket that whoRya mentioned!
I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
At least some of us think outside the box! Most of the time in work all people are interested in is "a black north face coat"
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I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
Your kit could finally be complete (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/5205671878/) :o
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Why are people so fascinated with TNF. Is their gear actually any good? I'm guessing their Hyvent technology is average at best.
They started as a serious gear company but have definitely shifted to a more commercial focus. I imagine Hyvent is rather average, but what surprises me are the number of quite expensive jackets they still use it on. There are certainly very good items within their 'summit series' range, like the Point Five jacket, and we also stock a nice thin softshell. I got a great merino baselayer, and their expedition duffles are as good as it gets (although wildly overpriced IMO - get the ME one). Saying that, the Thermo Pro is branded 'summit series' and I feel it is more commercial, albiet exclusive.
Due to their size, they can also provide much larger sizes in many lines... although I'm not sure what such large people need these jackets for. Ponchos and golf umbrellas are more useful. (sorry to any massive people but it's just fact).
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I have a TNF summit series APEX softshell. Its a great lightweight pullover.
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Why are people so fascinated with TNF. Is their gear actually any good? I'm guessing their Hyvent technology is average at best.
Surf Mountain have started stocking the Haglofs gear. Sure looks the part, but it definitely fits into the "top end prices" bracket that whoRya mentioned!
I can't buy any more orange coloured gear though... it's nothing political but the inside of my tent is orange, my sleeping bag is orange, my Jetboil is orange, my rucksack is orange :D I'm sure there is more... oh yeah, navy/orange Buff! Completely unintentional colour co-ordination!
At least some of us think outside the box! Most of the time in work all people are interested in is "a black north face coat"
generally you'll find that north face stuff is £30-£40 quid more expensive than the alternative and usually poorer quality with less features!
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The first "proper" gear I bought was TNF, probably because it was the brand I saw advertised most in the magazines etc! I started out with a TNF Paclite jacket which was terrible, wetted out from day one, I'd have been drier wearing a string vest. Because it was faulty they exchanged it for another TNF jacket which was marginally better but still ended up having me soaked on wet days despite looking after it well with both tech wash and re-proofer.
Durability was pretty rubbish as well, the fabric tore on the sleeve from what looked like a fabric failure and I ended up getting a patch sewn on to repair it. Around the cuffs the shell has worn away quite badly despite the fact it hasn't had a hard life and still isn't really all that old. I also have a 200 weight TNF fleece which within a couple of months lost most of its colour, the material went bally (followed the washing instructions) and the drawstring snapped so I can't cinch it in at the waist.
TNF gear definitely looks the part, but they are obviously putting their efforts into making their gear fashionable rather than functional and durable! Frankly I wouldn't touch their gear with a fire damaged stick in the future ;)
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Ok so I bought a coat last night.
Spent a good while trying on different coats last night and on previous occasions.
Spend a while looking at:
Berghaus Axis
Berghaus Mera Peak
Berghaus High Trails
ME Ogre + similar ME
Rab Bergen
TNF Point Five
TNF Downpour
But decided on this:
http://www.tiso.com/shop/mammut/kiruna-jacket-mens/ (http://www.tiso.com/shop/mammut/kiruna-jacket-mens/)
It felt comfy on, hood worked well and I quite liked the length and cut of it. I didn't want to go for AQ or Hy-vent so that got me up into that sort of range. I don't want to have to buy another jacket any time soon so I shied away from anything in the ultra-light range. I'd be majorly miffed if I ripped it early on.
Some of the jackets I honestly couldn't really decide between, they all seemed more than adequate. The Rab felt nice on but they didn't have my size, the Downpour felt really comfortable but I thought it was probably more comfort than I needed. The Axis was only in bright red and I don't think it did anything for me. Not of big importance, but if you spend a lot of money you need to think it looks right on you.
I took it down to the Point Five and the Mammut but the Point Five was more expensive, although they are quite different e.g. Mammut is a 2 layer with a lining.
Is it normal after a big purchase to completely doubt what you have done? I looked up the weight of the Mammut when I got home and at 740g it is one of the heaviest in the shop. The pockets are not the chest high ones, will I find that annoying with a rucksack belt? I don't honestly know. There is one smaller chest pocket big enough for a compass and phone. I usually have some sort of bag on my back but have always just stopped to check a map or something anyway.
Back to the weight. Filled with all sorts of doubts about this I started weighing all sorts of things on the kitchen scales to see what the 'extra' weight was the equivalent of. Ok I was never coming out of the shop with something at 250g. Measuring it against the Point Five for instance which is 500g. It boils down to about three mandarin oranges or half a tin of beans. Does it matter that much. Honest answers appreciated. Do you think 740g is too much? I was shocked that the Berghaus Cornice is only about 40g less!
I couldn't find a single review of the coat online, in English anyway. Was I seduced because it was 'reassuringly expensive'. Tags are still on.
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Milliets was doing a Berghaus Gore-Tex Jacket last night for £169.99 with the extra 20% off. Wish I had the extra money to buy it but is was a great jacket (Dont know the name of it)
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*snip* Honest answers appreciated. Do you think 740g is too much? I was shocked that the Berghaus Cornice is only about 40g less!
I couldn't find a single review of the coat online, in English anyway. Was I seduced because it was 'reassuringly expensive'. Tags are still on.
Normal to start doubting big purchase, although I usually get it about 2 months later when i can't return it ::)
740g isn't too bad - my old Cornice was 840, and most Paramo are around that mark. In this case you are buying the extra comfort of the lining and length with those grams.
Try it on with your packs and see if the pockets are an issue for you. Try it with various levels of layering underneath, and wear it in the house for an hour.
Depends on yourself and how you use/wear jackets. It is a quality jacket. If you are unsure, try the Rab Bergen when your size comes in - lighter, higher pockets, a little longer than the Point Five and softer material (the fit is vaguely similar in these two, PF slightly broader in chest).
If you are wearing it mostly the grams don't matter much, but if it lives in your pack, the weight and packability do factor - my cornice took up about 8-10litres of space, and as my ambitions are endurance/alpinism my priorities may differ (300g could be 2 dehydrated meals).
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Is it normal after a big purchase to completely doubt what you have done?
Definitely! I find it hard to buy something now without some hardcore Google action beforehand, and if I buy something unplanned the first thing I do when I get home is scour the internet for reviews. Problem is when you are looking for reviews for an item you've already bought you tend to only notice the bad reviews :D
My TNF All Terrain jacket sounds similar to your Mammut. About the same weight, Gore-tex Performance shell, lining etc. On those days when it rains from start to finish I really appreciate the added comfort, just unfortunately as I've mentioned in a previous post mine isn't all that waterproof! Around 700g is a perfectly average weight for that spec of jacket and the lightweight classic jacket that is the Montane Venture is only 200-300g lighter. Thats about the same weight difference as a couple of Landy Liam's cheese sandwiches ;)
Personally jacket pockets dont bother me, because I rarely use them. It seems to be a fairly recent yard stick the magazines etc. are using to review jackets, but most modern rucksacks have hipbelt pockets which I much prefer using. Mind you I just bought a jacket that has only one pocket on the chest so I might be a bit biased there. Basically if your jacket fits good and feels good then I think you'll get plenty of service from it all year round.
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http://www.adventure-journal.com/2010/11/guaranteed-to-make-you-buy-three-new-fabrics-take-aim-at-gore-tex/ (http://www.adventure-journal.com/2010/11/guaranteed-to-make-you-buy-three-new-fabrics-take-aim-at-gore-tex/)
Saw this linked on Twitter. Very interesting, as are the comments (inc. from the manufacturers).
Not sure when they are hitting the marketplace though. We have some Columbia Omni-dry jackets, but they are heavy, traditional comfort styled ones.
Don't think I'll jump in as an early adopter on this one. I'll be a Montane fan-boy and see what they are using when my Venture gives up the ghost (my Venture I haven't even got yet)!
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Don't think I'll jump in as an early adopter on this one. I'll be a Montane fan-boy and see what they are using when my Venture gives up the ghost (my Venture I haven't even got yet)!
I love it when you start planning the gear you're gonna get, after the gear you're gonna get ;D
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Santa has told me to buy my own present this year so I'm looking between a Rab generator or photon it's basically for when I stop as I overheat while walking and cool down very quickly , I think one with a hood is a must for myself so it's more in likely the photon ,the Rab xenon looks the part but I don't think mrs claus would be to happy if I stretched that far ,does anyone have one or know of another jacket to go try on , I'm also liking the Haglofs Barrier hood so thinking best bet is try them all on all see what deals I can find
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And the real reason you want it?!
"The Rab Photon Hoody is a super versatile synthetic duvet jacket. Light, packable and extremely warm. Perfect for cold belay stances, lunch stops, winter walking and post activity pubbing."
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And the real reason you want it?!
"The Rab Photon Hoody is a super versatile synthetic duvet jacket. Light, packable and extremely warm. Perfect for cold belay stances, lunch stops, winter walking and post activity pubbing."
Seen that review and it kind of put me off as I always leave my jacket behind :) was in Downshire camping this morning trying on the Rab gear mmmmmmmm
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Santa has told me to buy my own present this year so I'm looking between a Rab generator or photon it's basically for when I stop as I overheat while walking and cool down very quickly , I think one with a hood is a must for myself so it's more in likely the photon ,the Rab xenon looks the part but I don't think mrs claus would be to happy if I stretched that far ,does anyone have one or know of another jacket to go try on , I'm also liking the Haglofs Barrier hood so thinking best bet is try them all on all see what deals I can find
The Photon is brilliant, and ideal as over-insulation for stops. The hood and adjustable cuffs make it versatile.
The Montane Flux is similar, and the Prism 2 is lighter weight (think Generator with full-zip and hood).
Other options would include the Paramo Torres Smock or Buffalo Belay Jacket.
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I love my Haglofs stuff. I have a black one with Goretex soft shell. It never let me down but then we had a little accident (trying to climb the big rock at the bottom of the grey mans path) and I put some holes it. I sent it to LSR and they couldnt match the fabric but it looks like it has a pocket panel so it lives on. While it was away I bought a berghus with aquafoil, its not bad but I havent tried it in really bad conditions yet, though for £70 it couldnt be bad. I also had one of the early berghus packlites which i loved but as it rides up a lot water ends up going down the back of your water proof trousers instead. I think my next one will be Haglofs, there is some really nice items coming out at the minute, I'm tempted by The North Face but not sure its worth the money.