Fussy?: medium weight gortex jacket hunt

[shootingstar]

Maybe I'm a super fussy consumer or maybe a consumer with a bit more experience with jackets for multi-purposes. I've been trying to find a gortex jacket (or one with decent water repellancy) that is suitable for light winter temperatures. Down to approx. -15 degrees C or warmer. With detactable hood, with pit zippers preferably, 2 fabric layered so that there is at least a thin layer/mesh inside for light wicking, pockets, etc.

I've noticed this year, the quality doesn't seem to be as good as previous years. Max. price point is $200.00 or alot less. It is to replace the one that I have now eventually. I wear that for cycling with fleecy underneath. Or walking around. See lst photo.

I already spent $330.00CAN on a very warm insulated, purple jacket which is for temp. colder than -20 degrees C. or when we go snowshoeing in the mountains. I really need to be warm in those areas as a caution since we've had some very cold winter days. That's in the 2nd photo. It was money well spent last year.

Am I just too fussy for medium weight Gortex, with detachable hood? Under $200.00? Sometimes I find a hood gets in the way by making me hotter, when I bike around in winter.

Gold-orange & dark purple jacket I want to replace: I served me well: Over 15 yrs. old. I stretch the longevity of my stuff...


A warm jacket and happy customer-me for winter -20 to -35 degrees C last year.

[Irulan]

Non-insulated garments like shells do not have temperature ratings, at least in the US. Even insulated coats do not come with a rating on the tag, that is up to the purchaser to determine based on how they run temperature wise, what layering system they use, and tier end activity.

Regarding Goretex, many manufacturers use proprietary (house) brands like Hyvent (The North Face) or Conduit, (Mountain Hardware) or Goretex alternatives like eVent. They are all good if you are buying a good brand, but expect to pay a premium if you want real Goretex.

Many manufacturers are moving away from hardshells with separate linings. Helly Hansen does have a couple of rain shells with mesh lining but the hoods are roll-and stow. I see removable hoods mostly in ski jackets. It's like the old "light, cheap, strong" pick two scenario. I don't think you will find everything you want is a sub $200 jacket unless you are really good at sales.

I find that if one is good at sale shopping, you can always get a deal on a nice Goretex jacket. Steepandcheap, REI's 20% coupon, Mountain Gear sales, etc are good ones to watch. Even Costco had Patagonia Torrentshells ( really nice rain shell) for $79 US recently. I'd rather get a good brand on sale than pay regular price for a cheap one. I am a firm beleive in you get what you pay for when it comes to technical clothing.

[shootingstar]

I only gave temperature ratings so that people understand why I would even have 2 different technical sports jackets. Of course, it depends how much a person wants to layer up underneath the jacket..and remove depending on what the person is doing/weather changes over time in a day.

I never had to consider an insulated very warm winter jacket when I lived in VAncouver. Southern British Columbia, even in the mountains does not have the frequent hard, very cold winter temp. like the Rockies here in Alberta.

Or not even in mountains, here in the city (Calgary) it is normal to have several winter days of -30 to -35 degrees C. Frostbite alert level.

[Irulan]

There's no such thing as just one or two jackets once you live in a climate with a "real" winter, or do a variety of outdoors things in such a climate.

[shootingstar]

I really appreciate some of the info. lrulan that you provided.
One wonders if 2 non-fashionistas, one living in hotter climate vs. one living in our region of long harder winters, would prove that it is abit more expensive clothing-wise just to live in our area. We have to worry about boots, the warm type ---not fashion, no-liner boots, etc.

[lph]

My Gore-tex jackets aren't even reckoned into my array of sub-zero clothing... Well, I have only have one proper mountain-wear Gore-tex jacket, but I have a thinner wannebe-Goretex and an ancient worn-out one that I use for heavy outdoor work. I only use them when there's a chance of damp weather, they feel too clammy otherwise. Below -5C I much prefer a cotton or cotton-blend anorak for moderate activity, with a down jacket or coat over for breaks or for low-level activity.

[shootingstar]

I did find a jacket after all...in Seattle. @$200.00. I'm pleased and had never bought an item in this price range...so fast in my life. But then, I had already spent several hrs. looking over the last 4 wks. and know what is simply not available.