Winter Jacket

Hi everyone,

I am posting this here instead of the general forum, because I know a lot of you guys are hardcore winter enthusiasts :). I am shopping around for a waterproof/winterproof light softshell and am a bit lost as to what I should get. I live in Canada, so it gets really really cold, but at the same time, I snowshoe and hike for long distances and want to try winter camping, so weight is an issue. Any recommendations? Are the ArcTeryx Gore-tex jackets really worth it? How durable are they really? Any comments on Paclite vs Goretex?

CHeers,

Y.

I picked up a Mountain Hardwear Phantom Jacket last year which is incredibly lightweight and warm. It's water resistant, so for bad weather conditions I layer with a Marmot PreCip Jacket. Stick to layering as opposed to a single heavyweight jacket. For really cold conditions, add a fleece layer underneath and you should be good to go.

I second Drew's suggestion of layering. Along with the usual synthetic options, I really like merino wool layers in varying weights, with a Goretex or other weatherproof, breathable layer on top.

Icebreaker of New Zealand makes the luxury merino wool line, but Mountain Equipment Coop and other less expensive stores carry less expensive brands.

www.icebreaker.com
www.mec.ca

I should note that I can't wear conventional wool garments next to my skin, but have no problem with merino wool, because of its soft texture.

Brent.

Younes, you mentioned camping, and I forgot to mention one of the bonus features of merino wool garments: they don't get smelly after one or two wearings like synthetics do, which makes them great for trips that venture far away from laundry facilities.
BR.

Layering is the correct method, because it gives you a choice. The Marmot Precip is one of the best values out there in a waterproof/breathable hardshell, and it's one of the lightest, but shop around. Down is your best choice for the bombproof insulating outer layer, as long as you know the temps will be below freezing, as it's inappropriate in a moist, humid climate, where layering with polyester pile is the way to go. With the layering system, when things do get wet, or terribly windy, you can throw your hardshell waterproof layer on over the down jacket and you're good to go. And don't forget a warm hat - even when your jacket has a hood. I don't recall the exact %, but one loses a disproportionate amount of heat through one's head, so carry along at least one (I take 2 - one very thin and one thick) pile or wool cap.

Like others have said, layers are best. As far as insulation goes, the Patagonia R (regulator series) are incredible for warmth/weight. The R1 long underwear is one of my favorite layers. I recommend the R4 jacket + a waterproof shell over it if precipitation is involved. If you want an insulated jacket that will still insulate when wet, you need to go synthetic as opposed to down. Down looses its insulating properties when wet. The Precip jacket is good for rain, but it is not nearly as durable as a hard shell and I don't think that it breathes nearly as well as gore-tex. I have the Arc'teryx Theta LT jacket and SV bibs. They are very durable, but you can get something that will work well for much less. Arc'teryx has great designs, but it's overkill for most people. The Patagonia DAS parka is a great hooded synthetic jacket. If you want something even warmer, take a look at the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL jacket.

I am a hopeless fanboy of Mountain Hardware! That being said I just found this on sale at Mountaingear.com

And under that wear a Mountain Hardware Monkey Man: Monkey Man

I have two Monkey Man Jackets. A truly amazing layer!

And last but not least that "first layer" eXtend Featherweight Crew

This layer is wonderful for you AND your tent-mate because it fights that ucky "camp funk" that one tends to smell after three days on the trail...

Your mileage may differ! And remember folks I DID warn yall that I am a hopeless Fanboy of Mountain Hardware!

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Very useful info indeed. I already have a down-filled midlayer and am mostly looking for suggestions for the hardshells. I got to try the Arcteryx beta and the Marmot Exum this w-e. Both look and feel great, but at CAD470+Tx, they don't really come cheap ...