Clothing..good stuff..or what's on sale..

[kingslug]

So I decided to go for some good stuff to replace some of old ski wear. After a ton of research I decided on Arc'terx. The goal is ..to get as much of it on sale..cause this stuff is expensive ! The only thing I don't like is most of their stuff has only 2 pockets in order to be as waterproof as possible. So far picked up a fleece and a mid layer jacket, the Atom LT.. Forr half price..anyone have experience with their products ? .......

 

[Puck it]

Not as good as it use to be, but for the right price it would be worth it.

 

[orangegondola]

So I decided to go for some good stuff to replace some of old ski wear. After a ton of research I decided on Arc'terx. The goal is ..to get as much of it on sale..cause this stuff is expensive ! The only thing I don't like is most of their stuff has only 2 pockets in order to be as waterproof as possible. So far picked up a fleece and a mid layer jacket, the Atom LT.. Forr half price..anyone have experience with their products ? .......

Yes, I have an Arc'terx shell which was my main shell for 2 seasons. Very waterproof but did notice the lack of pockets. Also took several layer combinations to get it warm enough for the vermont december days.

This year I got a complete Mammut setup and have never been happier. If you are going to spend the $ on Arc I would check out Mammut. The breathable adrenaline jacket is amazing.

Hope this helps.

 

[deadheadskier]

So I decided to go for some good stuff to replace some of old ski wear. After a ton of research I decided on Arc'terx. The goal is ..to get as much of it on sale..cause this stuff is expensive ! The only thing I don't like is most of their stuff has only 2 pockets in order to be as waterproof as possible. So far picked up a fleece and a mid layer jacket, the Atom LT.. Forr half price..anyone have experience with their products ? .......

two total pockets, or just two outside pockets? I really only need 2 outside, but prefer two interior chest pockets. One for the cell phone, one for the camera.

Not as good as it use to be, but for the right price it would be worth it.

How has the quality gone done?

What current brands are producing at the level Arc'teryx once did?

 

[Puck it]

How has the quality gone done??

Like, Spyder, TNF and Marmot, since they moved their manufacturing to Asia. It is still good quality or slightly better but not worth the price like it was a few years ago. I still buy TNF, kowing that it is somewhat disposable, but they still have the lifetime warranty.

What current brands are producing at the level Arc'teryx once did?

Mammut,

 

[kingslug]

Looked at some of the mammut jackets, they had more pockets which I like. My cutting jacket has 6 pockets so going to 2 would probably suck. I have all summer to check stuff out. Need things for climbing and hiking as well.

 

[mrksn]

I have 4 Arc jackets (Fission AR, Stingray, Theta AR, Griffon) courtesy of SAC and I can definitely say that these are the highest quality pieces I have ever owned. In the past my brands included TNF, Helly, Marmot and Arc blows them away. The models I have were all made in Canada (prior to their move to China based manuf) and the stitching, quality, feel, weight, breathability far surpass anything I've had before. I've used these for two seasons so far and they've passed every test. If you're looking for pockets the Stingray has 5 (two internal chest, two handwarmer, 1 sleeve), Theta AR has 4 (1 internal, 2 hand, 1 chest) and is Gore-Tex Pro. hand pockets for both are pack compatible. These will probably last me the rest of my life (lifetime warranty) and between them I'd be content if I never buy another jacket to use on the slopes

 

[Nick]

This is the best time to buy though, isn't it?

Like Patio furniture in October

 

[andyzee]

Need pockets, love my Killy

 

[thetrailboss]

In my experience I have had great luck with Patagonia gear, but it is a different level than what you might be looking at. North Face is hit or miss. I also have had good luck with Mountain Hardwear.

 

[deadheadskier]

Anyone have any experience with the brand Westcomb?

Made in Canada. Maybe someday I'll drop major coin on some outerwear. Can't say I've ever really been unhappy with the el cheapo Columbia stuff I typically buy.

http://www.westcomb.com/

 

[SIKSKIER]

I own 2 Theta AR shells and really love them.They are however short on pockets.One Theta has 2 side,1 chest,1 internal and 1 upper sleeve mini.The other lacks the sleeve pocket.Its all I need cuz I'm not one to carry all kinds of stuff,I don't like much in my coat.Cell phone sunglasses and small skin protectant tube,along with a small leatherman is all I carry with no problem.They are very thin shells which is exactly what I want.I use it all year round.Not cheap though.

 

[kingslug]

Out west I have a pack so thats where all the crap goes but here in the east..well I could pare it down some. Just amazing how thin these jackets are. And yes ...now is the time to find deals...but be carefull about internet deals..read reviews about the seller.

 

[RootDKJ]

This is the best time to buy though, isn't it?

Like Patio furniture in October

Is it just me, or does it seem like there's a lot of really good deals around, not just on clothing, but hard goods too? Perhaps my gear whoring has jumped to a new level and it's all in my head. :-o

 

[kingslug]

2 years ago when the bottom dropped out on just about everything I found great deals on many things. I redid my whole home theater for almost half price. I don't see these deals as much anymore, the market is getting better..so the deals aren't as good. As far as deals on high end goods like arcterx, purple who but these goods are on a much higher income bracket..well not me..but if they want the best they will pay for it regardless if its on sale..Me...I want a deal..

 

[billski]

Be careful when buying ski wear. Many manufacturers are divvying their ski wear into standard quality and "value" quality. The "value" stuff seems like a good deal/name brand, but it's of inferior quality. North Face did it.

And now Carhart is going into streetwear. Ugh.

BTW, Dealers and stores make their purchase commitments in Jan/Feb for the following year. When the bottom dropped out of the economy they were stuck holding the goods. Since then, their purchases have been much more conservative, with not much end of season inventory.

 

[my poor knees]

Patagonia has always kept me warm, very lightweight and durable.

 

[RootDKJ]

Be careful when buying ski wear. Many manufacturers are divvying their ski wear into standard quality and "value" quality. The "value" stuff seems like a good deal/name brand, but it's of inferior quality. North Face did it.

And now Carhart is going into streetwear. Ugh..

I feel the same way about Columbia. Unless it's part of their Titanium line, I won't buy it.

 

[kingslug]

And now I'm searching for...something that has eluded me for 15 years...a good pair of gloves. No matter how much I spend or what brand I buy...they last at best 2 seasons. Looking at Black diamond Guide's, great reviews ..very expensive but what the hell...

 

[RootDKJ]

And now I'm searching for...something that has eluded me for 15 years...a good pair of gloves. No matter how much I spend or what brand I buy...they last at best 2 seasons. Looking at Black diamond Guide's, great reviews ..very expensive but what the hell...

I've become a Hestra fan. Their Army Leather Gore XCR is pretty bomb-proof. Love 'em. Size up if you often wear a glove liner. I got mine on Tramdock (RIP) for $70.

I just picked up Kombi Gore iRip off SAC for the not-as-cold days. The ipod controls work pretty well, I'm excited to try it out on the slopes. I've really been in dire need of a good spring glove. After my season ended, I got the Columbia (Titanium) Sportswear Ice Wave Gloves for $15. They seem like they'll keep the wet out, I'll find out next March breathable they really are.