Good Shell Jackets

[Bene288]

Hey all, am looking for a new shell. Mine is beyond tattered from hitting branches and the occasional yard sale. Any recommendations? I typically like lighter jackets because I do get warm/sweat while skiing. If it's cold I'll just layer up as I need to. Thanks in advance

 

[thetrailboss]

Look for a good softshell with pit vents. In terms of a favorite of mine for cool but not frigid temps, I suggest this:

http://www.mammut.ch/US/en_US/B2C-C...-Jackets/Ultimate-Hoody-Men/p/1010-14900-0052

Love mine. Got it on STP.

 

[deadheadskier]

Big fan of Flylow. Have had mine for maybe 6 years now and still hanging in there. This was a prototype cheaper model as well offered to me by an AZ member. I just purchased a set of their Chemical pants and the fabric is solid. Couldn't be happier.

If I were to buy a shell tomorrow, it would likely be a Flylow Quantum Pro. Hard to find a deal on them and they're not cheap, but great quality stuff.

 

[thetrailboss]

Big fan of Flylow. Have had mine for maybe 6 years now and still hanging in there. This was a prototype cheaper model as well offered to me by an AZ member. I just purchased a set of their Chemical pants and the fabric is solid. Couldn't be happier.

If I were to buy a shell tomorrow, it would likely be a Flylow Quantum Pro. Hard to find a deal on them and they're not cheap, but great quality stuff.

I will also second Flylow. I have the Higgins Softshell and LOVE it. But it may be a bit too heavy for your needs.

 

[bigbog]

Won a HHansen Ridge shell jacket...3-ply but their FLOW = ??? membrane. Not sure about this or just what it is( lights always come on when the material isn't spelled out in plain english), a little less bulk than my old & deceased Marmot...which I enjoyed while it lasted ~5yrs(I think) = really windproof.
As clear as mud....ROTFL.

 

[Bene288]

Good suggestions. Is the soft shell going to be significantly heavier? Seems like it would get saturated easier. I've always had hard shells. I guess I should get to REI and check them out. Always so hard to tell how a jacket will perform just by trying it on in a store.

 

[thetrailboss]

Good suggestions. Is the soft shell going to be significantly heavier? Seems like it would get saturated easier. I've always had hard shells. I guess I should get to REI and check them out. Always so hard to tell how a jacket will perform just by trying it on in a store.

In my experience softshells are more durable than hardshells, which delaminate in short time and have a shorter shelf-life.

I think you will want to try some on. Look for venting options--that has been key for me on warmer days because softshells do a great job blocking the elements but are a bit heavy and can be warm. I find that the ones with pitzips work great for me. That Mammut one I mention is great--not too lightweight but with FULL length zippers on the sides that give you tons of venting options.

 

[dlague]

Interesting reads here! I have never analyzed my ski garment to the extent that you all are! I bought a Killtec ski jacket with Omni heat lining about three years ago at a tent sale for $60 new and I wear it in the coldest of cold temps. Tried it on, liked the color, feel and it had plenty of pockets. I have never spent much on outer gear but spend more on base layers.


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[thetrailboss]

Since you mentioned REI, here are some good options to look at:

http://www.rei.com/product/887545/flylow-quantum-pro-jacket-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/887544/flylow-higgins-jacket-mens (this is the one I have, but it is a couple years old)

I'll post some more later....

 

[Quietman]

Interesting reads here! I have never analyzed my ski garment to the extent that you all are! I bought a Killtec ski jacket with Omni heat lining about three years ago at a tent sale for $60 new and I wear it in the coldest of cold temps. Tried it on, liked the color, feel and it had plenty of pockets. I have never spent much on outer gear but spend more on base layers.


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I agree and just bought a new hard shell for $60. EMS Shell . Pockets, breathable/waterproof and pit zips are all that I require for an outer layer for skiing.

That being said, Polartec's NeoShell Jackets are getting great reviews for increased breathability , but are a lot more pricey.

 

[Bene288]

Interesting reads here! I have never analyzed my ski garment to the extent that you all are! I bought a Killtec ski jacket with Omni heat lining about three years ago at a tent sale for $60 new and I wear it in the coldest of cold temps. Tried it on, liked the color, feel and it had plenty of pockets. I have never spent much on outer gear but spend more on base layers.


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Yes I've always gone the rain jacket route for an outer. I just seem to go through them quickly as they get ripped up pretty easily. That's why I was looking into something a little beefier. I saw a Marmot Precip jacket at a local ski shop, thing was great, cheap, good pockets and pit zips but the hood didn't come off. I'll have to get to REI and look around.

 

[deadheadskier]

I think waterproof breathability rating is essential. I would never buy something that isn't at least 20K again. There's a noticeable difference between that and 10K.

If a jacket doesn't bother to list that tech spec, I move along

 

[BackLoafRiver]

Big fan of Flylow. Have had mine for maybe 6 years now and still hanging in there. This was a prototype cheaper model as well offered to me by an AZ member. I just purchased a set of their Chemical pants and the fabric is solid. Couldn't be happier.

If I were to buy a shell tomorrow, it would likely be a Flylow Quantum Pro. Hard to find a deal on them and they're not cheap, but great quality stuff.

This. I love Flylow. I have 2 Higgins Jackets, a pair of chemical pants, a BA Puffy, and a pullover. I've been dying to get my hands on a Quantum but at ~ $400, I have to look for a deal.

The higgins is my go to jacket early and late season. Durable as all get out. I've had the pants forever and love them. Also, their care instructions always have a nice line about beer in them...gotta respect that.

 

[Bene288]

This. I love Flylow. I have 2 Higgins Jackets, a pair of chemical pants, a BA Puffy, and a pullover. I've been dying to get my hands on a Quantum but at ~ $400, I have to look for a deal.

The higgins is my go to jacket early and late season. Durable as all get out. I've had the pants forever and love them. Also, their care instructions always have a nice line about beer in them...gotta respect that.

How are the zippers and hardware? I refuse to spend big money on a jacket with YKK zippers.

 

[xwhaler]

Bump. Just bought a Marmot Rincon jacket on STP to replace an old Mtn Hardwear shell that was at least 10 yrs old....lost its waterproof effectiveness in anything more than a light drizzle.
On cold days I wear a Columbia soft shell but like the lighter option for warmer/wet days which offers more breathability.

STP is awesome/addictive by the way. Since I got 2 new skis this past summer through them they are relentless and flood my email box with offers for % off and/or free shipping.

Some really nice product available at a great value and if you can avoid impulsive buying you can do quite well.

Got this for $64 shipped after a 25% off and free shipping code.
http://i.stpost.com/marmot-rincon-jacket-waterproof-for-men-in-new-team-red~p~6366w_09~1500.2.jpg

 

[thetrailboss]

Bump. Just bought a Marmot Rincon jacket on STP to replace an old Mtn Hardwear shell that was at least 10 yrs old....lost its waterproof effectiveness in anything more than a light drizzle.
On cold days I wear a Columbia soft shell but like the lighter option for warmer/wet days which offers more breathability.

STP is awesome/addictive by the way. Since I got 2 new skis this past summer through them they are relentless and flood my email box with offers for % off and/or free shipping.

Some really nice product available at a great value and if you can avoid impulsive buying you can do quite well.

Got this for $64 shipped after a 25% off and free shipping code.
http://i.stpost.com/marmot-rincon-jacket-waterproof-for-men-in-new-team-red~p~6366w_09~1500.2.jpg

Nice. STP is addictive.


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[SkiFanE]

I have an Arketryx (so?). Bought it from a friend for $80 - she wore it 5 times. Love it. Except for early/late season when I use a soft shell - it's what I use every ski day. Really know nothing about it - except they are very expensive. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th season with it - still works and looks great and nothing's broken on it. Not sure if I'd ever spend $500+ on a coat (since powerball didn't work out for me) - but I'd recommend it if it's in your budget.

 

[thetrailboss]

I have an Arketryx (so?). Bought it from a friend for $80 - she wore it 5 times. Love it. Except for early/late season when I use a soft shell - it's what I use every ski day. Really know nothing about it - except they are very expensive. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th season with it - still works and looks great and nothing's broken on it. Not sure if I'd ever spend $500+ on a coat (since powerball didn't work out for me) - but I'd recommend it if it's in your budget.

You got a steal.

 

[SkiFanE]

You got a steal.

no sh1t! I didn't even know the brand at the time - it fit, wasn't offensive and I needed a new coat - so figured why not.

 

[Bene288]

I'll check out the marmot. Looks like a nice piece. How is the fit? I have broad shoulders and big arms and usually end up getting something that's way too big/long in the torso just to have the extra room for my arms. I hate having the extra fabric below my waist. It's an absolute snow trap on powder days.