BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm about to spend way too much on a brand name 3-in-1 parka, day-glo colored and everything, unless I can be steered in a better direction.

My RTW trip, which hopefully lasts years, begins in Australia and the first year will probably be spent on that side of the globe (Oz, NZ, Asia, etc.). I prefer the warmer weather and the timing of my future travel destinations will probably reflect the same, but I also wouldn't turn down great opportunities for spontaneous adventures in colder climates.

So, I need something very lightweight, mostly for rain/wind, primarily, but really fell in love with the idea of the 3-in-1 parkas that offer the choice between a lightweight water/wind-proof shell, the fleece liner, or both combined. I like the idea of having one jacket that'll serve in most weather conditions.......gotta pack light!!

Any tips or suggestions on which models, brands, or anything to look for? Or is this something I should even wait to buy once overseas? Though, it's gonna be darn cold here in the midwest when I need to catch my flight out in a few weeks.

Thanks for the tips!

"Henceforth I ask not for good-fortune, I myself am good fortune. Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing." –Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"

Keep in mind a 3-in-1 is really 2 jackets, with an extra zipper to hold them together. If you see a good deal on one you like, it might be worth it, but I'd suggest just buying 2 seperate pieces, which is both more flexible and likely cheaper.

My system is a windproof/waterproof shell made of entrant, which is a GoreTex ripoff (real goretex breathes better, but it's only worth the money if you intend to be doing more strenuous activity than just walking or other more fun than demanding sports). If you don't mind buying on-line MEC has several reasonably priced options, all weighing under 1.5 lbs. (Though personally I'd hesitate to buy something I haven't tried on). One thing I've grown to like, and I'd look for in buying a shell is pit zips to vent your under-arms.

For warmth I just wear a mid-weight fleece(PolarTec) jacket. If that's too much you can get lighter weight or just wear one of your heavier shirts underneath.

This system has not failed to keep me warm and dry yet. Last year I was lived half the winter in eastern Quebec, where I was subjected to extremely cold temperatures, and a bitter wind off the St. Lawrence causing a windchill in the -50C (-56F) range, yet was still warm (except for my eyes which were exposed). The second half of the winter was spent in Vancouver, where it rains more-or-less constantly. The same system of jackets dealt with both extremes.

I agree with AlmostFree. I currently own a bright yellow Goretex (in case I got lost in the Antarctic), and I wear a fleece under it. I'm very attached to this jacket, and I wear it year round. It can be 30 degrees out and raining, and I'll still wear my shell as a rain coat and not be sweating to death.

Just dress in layers under it... I've worn that coat in the Antarctic, in Canada's cold winters and in the middle of the summer.

Shop around while you're at it - I did a lot of looking before purchasing, and I found that buying the pieces separately was a lot cheaper. I also ended up finding a Goretex/Sierra Designs Outlet through my reserach... yay cheap coats!

"Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour." -- Sir Ernest Shackleton

Great advice, everyone! I appreciate the quick replies and am SO glad I didn't buy that original jacket on impulse.

I just shopped around for a good deal on a fleece sweater to tide me over on the trip to the airport and I think I'll buy the shell/parka once the weather merits it on my travels.

Thanks again!

"Henceforth I ask not for good-fortune, I myself am good fortune. Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing." –Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"

I just got my Arcteryx Gamma SV softshell jacket and I love it!!!

It's a technically cut jacket that blocks 98% of wind and water while remaining ultra breathable. It's slim fitting and lightweight while still warm due to the polartech laminate. The price tag is a little hefty but the new softshell stuff will suit 90% of your activities in 90% of weather conditions.

If you're planning multiday excursions into the backcountry then you'll want the reliability of a full waterproof-breathable shell, and if you're looking for straight up warmth then down is the way to go, but I can't imagine anything better than the Schoeller or other proprietory fabrics for day activities.

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[Still Wandering] [Halcyon Climbing]

[This message was edited by markus on 01 December 2003 at 14:49.]