High end Ski jacket / waterproof shell

Guest2

Guest2

Guest2

Soldato
Joined
6 May 2009
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I much as I don't like it, I think my Rab Latok Alpine jacket is no longer waterproof after a couple of years. This isnt great for skiing as any snow will melt on it and instead of running off, will sit on the jacket making it not breathable (or as breathable) and very cold underneath.

Does anyone have any recommendations on Ski jackets? I have been looking at the new line of Goretex pro instead of Event - The gore pro stuff is supposed to be as breathable as Event fabric and more waterproof.

I am looking at the Mountain equipment range such as Lhotse and Diamir and also the Arc'Teryx jackets such as Theta AR, Sidewinder SV and Alpha FL.

Expensive as they are >£300, I think a good shell is worth the money.

Kjus and Spyder are out the question, everything I have read points to them being more 'poser' expensive jackets which are not designed for hard ware on and off the mountain
 
You could just reproof your old jacket, if that's all that's wrong with it?

I never understood why people buy all the hightech Gore-tex stuff for skiing. Unless you want full Euro steez. I find the pro shell stuff horrible to wear and not comfortable.
 
I have, twice. The first time with Nikwax Tech Wash and Proof and this time with Grangers wash and Xtreme Repe. Why not use hightech gore-tex stuff for skiing? Its needs to be as breathable as possible and if it snows, melts and is not waterproof then you will be freezing.

I almost got hyperthermia in Italy when I wore a fake gore-tex jacket. It was not breathable and my sweat froze to me.

Whats "full Euro steez"?
 
Euro steez is just a style stereotype you see in resorts. Mainly Scandinavians cruising around in bounds wearing bright coloured gore-tex gear/avi packs/shovel/probe etc.

I've just always found goretex to be massive overkill for winter sports, unless you're mountain climbing perhaps. I've had a lot of jackets and just a decent brand one has always been sufficient for me whatever I'm doing. Perhaps I just don't get that cold.
 
After trying Neoshell jackets I wouldn't use any other "waterproof and breathable" fabric now.

If it's just a general purpose shell (i.e. no lining) that you want, I recommend my Rab Myriad.

If you want a specific snow sports jacket (i.e. with snow skirt, pass holder etc) then the Montane Fast Alpine is a good buy.

timebomb26 said:
I've just always found goretex to be massive overkill for winter sports, unless you're mountain climbing perhaps. I've had a lot of jackets and just a decent brand one has always been sufficient for me whatever I'm doing. Perhaps I just don't get that cold.
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It's not about getting cold, it's about working up a sweat - a killer in a non breathable jacket.

You're obviously not trying hard enough and not building up a sweat :p
 
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Thanks - yes re sweating and coats not being breathable. the last thing you want (as i have found out) is to go down a hard route or off piste which may involve hiking a bit, sweat loads then get to the bottom soaking wet ready for a lift to the top. I felt like My body was going to shut down because i was so cold once on a chair :( It horribe.

Now I layer up - base, mid power stretch fleece, windbreaker and a shell. I put an extra mid in my backpack for when its extra cold.

A snow skirt would be great, its the one thing the latok is lacking. Powder up your back isnt nice either after a wipeout

Edit - What waterproof material is used on the montane fast alpine? It doesnt seem to say. Just that it is waterproof. Thanks
 
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I have a marmot jacket and I'm impressed when I went snowboarding and day to day use. gore tex and was around 190quid.

Use the website sportspursuit.com . You can get them on there this year too (~190 down from 400), but generally last "seasons" styles etc
 
Guest2 said:
Anyone had an Arc'Teryx? They look very well made
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Aye, but you do pay a premium for Arc stuff. It's not that much better than other high end brands imo. I've had jackets from Patagonia, Rab, Montane, Marmot, Haglofs, and Arc'Teryx. You can't go wrong with any of them, or several other brands even.

Do you know which brands fit you best?
 
Guest2 said:
Edit - What waterproof material is used on the montane fast alpine? It doesnt seem to say. Just that it is waterproof. Thanks
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NeoShell - the best waterproof breathable material I've ever used - and I've tried everything.

Originally Posted by Guest2 View Post
The gore pro stuff is supposed to be as breathable as Event fabric and more waterproof.
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It's can't be MORE waterproof - it's either waterproof or it isn't. If it isn't waterproof, then is can be water resistant - i.e. sofshells, treated fabrics etc.

Anything above 5000hh for a jacket is considered waterproof.
 
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beh said:
Aye, but you do pay a premium for Arc stuff. It's not that much better than other high end brands imo. I've had jackets from Patagonia, Rab, Montane, Marmot, Haglofs, and Arc'Teryx. You can't go wrong with any of them, or several other brands even.

Do you know which brands fit you best?
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Very true. Arc'Teryx is a very boxy cut I've found. Great if you have an "American" build but not great if you're a slimmer European. If the latter then Patagonia, Rab and Haglofs may be a better bet.

I also think from what you described in your last post guest2, that you'll has he same problem with any waterproof layer. None of them are going to be able to breathe that much better than the others, or remove that much sweat. Either remove layers quicker so you don't sweat to begin with or possibly (not a 100% solution), get a soft shell rather than waterproof later. I ski in a soft shell much of the time now, unless it's very cold (<-10 for example), very windy or slushy then that's all you should need. The ideal solution would be to layer down when doing anything strenuous, which may mean a bigger bag to store your clothes.
 
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amigafan2003 said:
It's not about getting cold, it's about working up a sweat - a killer in a non breathable jacket.

You're obviously not trying hard enough and not building up a sweat :p
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There's definitely been times when I've been sweating my ass off! I've tried a few gore-tex jackets before, although not skiing and didn't really notice much difference in the breathability. Always felt like I was wearing something made out of postal paper as well, especially the pro shell stuff. If you don't need the tougher outer fabric you don't need necessarily need the pro shellf. If you plan on tree skiing though it may be a good idea.

I guess I'm just happy using cheaper stuff. I don't event layer properly anymore. Tshirt, hoody and a jacket. I'll add a base layer it's exceptionally chilly. :p
 
Amp34 said:
None of them are going to be able to breathe that much better than the others, or remove that much sweat.
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Have you tried Neo'Shell?

It's the only waterproof fabric I can mountain bike in and not boil in the bag.
 
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