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Post by superbman on Sept 12, 2014 7:39:03 GMT -7
I just impulse bought an Outdoor Research Goretex Pro-shell from Sierra Trading post, and I'm stoked.
Hope it's a good coat, I've needed a black shell (wear under my patrol vest…I've been in uniform violation for a season) for a while.
Thoughts on what makes a great ski jacket? Mine:
1. Tough and Abrasion Resistant 2. Truly waterproof and not a sweat factory 3. makes me look like James Bond 4. Makes me ski like James Bond body double in the Spy who loved me 5. Lean cut, but not restrictive. 6. D-rings, lots and lots of durable d-rings
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Post by meput on Sept 13, 2014 17:11:41 GMT -7
This post is worthless without photos !! !! Glad you are happy with your purchase.
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Post by JimRatliff on Sept 13, 2014 18:30:59 GMT -7
Buying from STP already makes it a good choice. :-) At least that's what Lynn says for the three jackets per year that she typically buys. I, on the other hand, typically "make do with one new jacket per year (and I'm ashamed to admit that). I will say that I have moved to Columbia from the more upscale names. I'll post some pictures tomorrow of MY "high fashion" options.
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Post by lynn on Sept 13, 2014 21:57:19 GMT -7
Buying from STP already makes it a good choice. :-) At least that's what Lynn says for the three jackets per year that she typically buys. I, on the other hand, typically "make do with one new jacket per year (and I'm ashamed to admit that). I will say that I have moved to Columbia from the more upscale names. I'll post some pictures tomorrow of MY "high fashion" options. He Exaggerates!!! One new jacket per year. No new ones last year. A heavier one for reallly cold days, one that gets worn the most "mid season" and a lighter one for spring skiing. So, as one becomes worn/passe/permanently dirty, it gets moved over and the shopping at STP begins. I buy almost all my sport clothing from STP; biking, skiing, yoga, etc. Their prices are hard to beat. THis years colors are white and bright lime green for the slopes!
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Post by JimRatliff on Sept 14, 2014 17:07:01 GMT -7
Buying from STP already makes it a good choice. :-) At least that's what Lynn says for the three jackets per year that she typically buys. I, on the other hand, typically "make do with one new jacket per year (and I'm ashamed to admit that). I will say that I have moved to Columbia from the more upscale names. I'll post some pictures tomorrow of MY "high fashion" options. Senility has struck. In looking around for my new jacket, I realized that I don't have a new ski jacket OR the pants that I ordered to go with it. The pants were returned to STP, and I don't know where my brain might have been in imagining that there was a new jacket in the house. Maybe I failed to pull the trigger last spring on something that I really liked?? I guess this means I can start shopping now??
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Post by danboisvert on Sept 14, 2014 18:19:34 GMT -7
I recommend gore-tex, a hood that fits over your helmet, and red. Everything else is a luxury!
(he says, while laughing at himself)
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Post by JimRatliff on Sept 14, 2014 19:22:30 GMT -7
I recommend gore-tex, a hood that fits over your helmet, and red. Everything else is a luxury! (he says, while laughing at himself) I agree with water-proof and breatheable, but I'm not convinced that Gore-tex is the only or best anymore. I am a fan of Prima-loft One for insulation (although I hear PolarTec has an "alpha" product that is excellent but am not sure if it is in ski jackets yet). Prima-Loft is in a lot of manufacterers -- in fact I'm pretty sure that is the insulation in my cold weather green jacet. I'm surprised by your need for a hood over the helmet (but I seldom choose to ski in the rain and never actually need to). We wear Smartwool beanies or a full balaclava under our helmets and have never needed anything warmer. Red??? Maybe required in some situations, but I am currently in sky blue with plaid pants and/or grass green with plaid pants yet to be purchased. A hook on jacket or pants for the old style lift ticket wicket is almost a requirement. Every time I go to Elk I have to figure out where to put the damned thing so that the lifties can see it. Much easier to just point at my chest so the Vail lifties know where to aim the electronic scanner (which then displays my face on their little gizmo).
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Post by livingproof on Sept 15, 2014 5:21:34 GMT -7
Liam,
Just thinking out loud, but, being on the Ski Patrol must influence your jacket decisions in a different manner than we recreational skiers think. First, you wear a vest, so a shell makes a lot of sense. You also need to be on the mountain in weather that most of us just may choose to stay home rather than freeze or get soaked. Durability would move higher on my wants if I patrolled. I'm sure that, by now, you are a PhD in knowing what you need to layer to be comfortable in the particular day's weather, far better than we. Don't need D rings, but, as Jim states there has to be someplace to put the old style lift ticket onto the jacket.
I'd rather have a quiver of jackets than a quiver of skis. Like Dan, I value a hood that works easily, mostly for comfort when riding a chair in the wind, and, for skiing in snow. I do remember the day that Todd and I skied in a great spring rain at K'ton and my E-vent material shell with hood did outstanding work...gloves were a far different issue. Gore Tex is the standard, but, I find e-vent to breath far better. Three of my jackets were obtained via Ron de-acquistioning gear. My problem is that I don't deacquistion jackets, they are old friends. One is an insulated Arc Teryx that is a must on very cold days.
I'm a fan of OR gear, and, have a soft shell that gets off-ski season use. If I were limited to a single jacket, I'd make the same purchase you did, just not in black. It's nice to be able to ski in any color, and, not have to fashion coordinate with your patrol vest.
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Post by danboisvert on Sept 15, 2014 16:28:45 GMT -7
I've gone back to Gore-tex after having all my non-Gore waterproof/breathable stuff delaminate on me. It worked well while it worked but, for me, the longevity just wasn't there. Gore-tex, on the other hand, seems to last indefinitely in my use. I use the hood for skiing in rain/sleet/snow storms or on very cold/windy days. I hate getting a draft or snow down the back of my neck, so a hood is really important to me. If I'm using my hood, I've probably got a balaclava on under my helmet, and possibly a neoprene face mask, too. I'm not manly enough to just tough it out. I buy a lot of sporting goods in what I call "corpse-finder red". It helps people spot me, which seems like it could be useful for situations in which I want to be found. I laugh at myself for this, because I doubt very many people think that way.
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Post by superbman on Sept 16, 2014 6:15:09 GMT -7
A high level waterproof hood that fits over the helmet is a great addition, for sure.
My old Patrol Parka was downright bulletproof: Warm, tough, and very, very waterproof-It used some heavy duty laminate from Dermizak or entrant. But, it weighed a Ton.
I don't need insulation in a jacket as I prefer good, insulating mid-pieces that function as out layers on dry days (My Patagoochie Down Jacket with Hood is absolutely phenomenal: It's durable, light, warm and windproof-I love it, and under a shell, It keeps me warm at 11 below zero.
Gloves are the hardest thing for patrolling. You need dexterity and durability (ropes, dragging, drilling, digging, etc)…BUT, you need warmth and waterproofness is a must. I had a pair of Level Gloves I loved and haven't found a suitable replacement yet. I am using a high pair of Black Diamond (primaloft, leather/ nylon mix, Goretex XCR), they are durable and dry, but not warm enough on many days. I suffer through it, but I need a better solution. I have leather gloves (hestra) that fit great and feel great but have next to no waterproofing…
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