Recommendations for "gear" jackets?

Astrid

I'm going to need a new practical jacket, see here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....o-extremes. I don't have a weatherproof jacket at the moment that is wearable in warm temperatures, so that definitely goes onto the shopping list. I could always go for something like a waterproof Jack Wolfskin jacket with the possibility of having a fleece zipped in, that would definitely work well. Or do you have any other recommendations? Other brands you've had a positive experience with, or even specific models? Some style would be nice, but practicality is more important.

12 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Gaylene

Veteran

I've bought a jacket and coat from a Danish company, Junge, recently and found both to be total workhorses. The styles are sporty, but with enough interest to make them totally workable for urban wear. I like the quality and the reasonable price point. I also like that the company seems to careful about the factories which it uses for manufacturing its clothing.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Gaylene! I've had a look and it seems like there isn't an official retailer in Berlin and they don't have an online shop. They do look nice!

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I got a Helly Hansen jacket last year that has become a workhorse for me. I wear it in warmer temps over a tee but can also fit three layers under it with no problem when it's cold. It's very gearish, but somehow I like it that way. It's actually a men's jacket but I like that the arms and body have extra length. I'm taking it to the Antarctic, so that's a good testament to how much I trust it to protect me from wind and rain.

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Ah, maybe a trip to Copenhagen for a weekend is needed

12 years ago

ATLynn

Veteran

Not helpful at all, but in my dreams, Scottevest adds a detachable hood to their trench coat, making it the perfect travel jacket for both casual and dressier situations. http://www.scottevest.com/v3_s.....ench.shtml

Good luck on your search. I'm also in the market, so will be following responses closely.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Janet! I looked it up and HH has some lovely rain jackets with zip in fleece on sale, the ones below. I might try one of them, although it seems like returns necessitate some effort. How is the sizing? Would you say the size chart is accurate?

Gaylene, I don't think so.

Thanks ATLynn! I didn't know that brand before. Looks practical - my mum would love this, she hates using a handbag and always puts everything in all the pockets available.

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12 years ago

trix

Active Member

Caveat: I only know what's available in the U.S. -- not sure what brands are also available in Europe.

My favorite waterproof breathable jackets (for combining quality and style) are by Patagonia, which recently put its winter merchandise on sale, so you might be able to find something from the past fall. Mountain Hardwear and Marmot also generally make good-quality and less expensive waterproof/breathable gear, though perhaps a little less stylish.

I don't remember for sure, but I *think* it might be too warm in Scotland in the summer for the jacket-with-zip-in-lining combinations, as those tend to be heavier -- or at least, I warm up enough when active that those combinations might feel like too much. Since I've switched over to wool for my gear, I'm more likely to layer with a wool zip-up hoodie rather than an integrated waterproof outer layer/insulating midlayer system. But I should probably leave it to someone who knows more about Scotland weather conditions than I do to answer this part of your question.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Trix! I do know both Patagonia and Marmot, I'm going to look those up for sure. And thanks for the tip about temperatures - I'd probably use the jacket without the fleece layer, but it would be nice to have the corresponding layer to wear it later on. A wool zip up hoodie sounds great too, although I feel like nice wool things are hard to get.

12 years ago

trix

Active Member

Hi Astrid, I hear you about the barriers to getting good wool items -- they're definitely on the pricey side. That said, you're buying at exactly the right time to get warm woolens on clearance. Are you able to shop from Sierra Trading Post, Backcountry.com or Altrec? Those were the main sources of my Icebreaker and Ibex items.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, you're right about clearance, I'm going to have a look. I can't shop at those you mentioned, but we have a few comparable sites that sell gear type of clothing from different brands.

12 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

North face, Patagonia, Berghaus (at least 20 years ago it was good, dunno now), Arcteryx, and Marmot are great, but can be very pricey in the US. My husband in particular buys a lot of gear wear, but generally we'll try something on at an outdoor store and then scour the web for a version on clearance. We also have a resale outdoor gear store which can often be fantastic, I wish there were more of those around. Sometimes general sports stores (oriented more towards team sports than the pricey outdoor adventure ones) will have big discounts on these as well.

Generally I've found though that the premium outdoor brands will last for decades, where a department store version won't.

It can snow in Scotland in July in the high elevations, or be in the high 70's (it's almost subartic conditions in the highlands), so layers you can zip out and carry in a backpack or around your waist are great.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Rabbit! I've googled a bit and read some reviews and I've ordered the North Face jacket below. I found it on big sale, so I thought I'd give it a try. It's not insulated, so is meant for being active in the warmer months. The fit is supposed to be on the narrow side, so I'll have to see whether the cut works out. I definitely want some room to layer under it.

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12 years ago

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