Hi folks

I'm chasing a jacket with the above features - basically it doesn't need to be too insulated as I plan to wear it over a polar fleece jacket when it's real cold.

Need it for Russia in April, plus some cold times elsewhere on a RTW trip. Would really prefer lightweight, and I understand the better gear obviously comes with a higher price-tag!

Have heard good things about the Goretex Paclite but wonder how much of that is hype and whether I actually need something that good. Having said that something like the 350g Arc'Teryx Alpha SL jacket looks very nice but probably out of my $$ range and hard to find here in Aus. Anything that performs similar task available for US$100-150 range?
Someone else told me to get a thin snowboard jacket that'd also pack down and be light.

cheers!
Chris

I'm a big fan of Gore Paclite, but it is expensive. You may also want to consider the Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket or Cohesion Jacket.

Hi Chris,

Personally, I have fallen in love with my new North Face Altimont Jacket.

I was expecting almost no waterproof qualities, but it seems to be shockingly quite good. Honestly, since TNF doesn't label it waterproof I would have some reservations on taking it for a trip like yours without testing very well at home first.

It sure is light weight, and very windproof. As it's just only a thin shell, it packs down to about 5 inches square and 2 inches thick.

Price wise, it's in the sub $50 USD range in most places.

Mika

A nylon shell with Pit Zips!

A chest pocket is really nice too.

Make sure the sleeves close tight, without itchy velcro on your wrists (ew!)

Everything else is an added bonus. Lots of cheap stuff out there that works just fine... 25 bucks will do you, just find one without its own insulation.

Layer under it all, so when its warm enough not to need it... it packs down, and your not dragging the extra weight.

Check out Nashbar or Performance bike.
10% off at Nashbar coupon code: w223
10% off at Performance: 6001731
20% off at Nashbar: SOA17

Edit:
www.nashbar.com
www.performancebike.com

Alright thanks a bunch guys, will check all that out.. methinks the best way might be to go for a cheapie ... that nashbar site looks like it has some ripper deals at times!

cheers
Chris

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Try this site. Good gear. Good prices. Been using them for years!

I just got the North Face Apex Bionic. So far, I love it. It's very light weight, water just beads off of it, and wind doesn't even penetrate it! It's light, but surprisingly warm. Nice deal overall.

I use and love this
http://www.orgear.com/home/style/home/apparel/apparel_s...el_shells_wind/55400

I wear a columbia shell for the winter, a very tough customer. I live in Upstate NY in the winter,do some chores,walk in the woods, so tougher is better. It was too heavy to take on a summer trip, so I bought a pacific Trails goretex windproof/waterproof shell. I still have it, It was good to 30 degrees fahrenheit with a fleece shell, and perhaps some thermals.

I would wear it in the winter anytime, as long as tearing/rough handling was not a serious risk, and it wasn't so windy I would need an excellent hood. It is very light, works in spring, autumn, and summer very well.

For 125, you can get a good three season winter jacket with a removable liner that serves as a sweater, IF you prowl the overstock and clearance areas.

Look into coats by GoLite. Heavy on features, light on weight, medium impact on the wallet.

Hi chris_lem,

I don't think there's much difference between a snowboard jacket and a waterproof jacket, and that's why I suggest you these:

http://www.sanyofashionhouse.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.catshow/catid/155

quote:

I don't think there's much difference between a snowboard jacket and a waterproof jacket,

Then what are the differences? Do tell.

quote:

Originally posted by William Antonio:
I don't think there's much difference between a snowboard jacket and a waterproof jacket,

Sorry, but there are important differences.

Most ski/board jackets have insulation, removable hoods, lots-o-pockets, and a powder skirt to keep snow from coming up your back.

A true "rain jacket" has an attached hood, no powder skirt, no insulation, and is very lightweight, packable, and breathable.

GORE Paclite and Proshell are both fantastic options for you. Look at something like the Zealot jacket from Outdoor Research or Mountain Hardwear's Quark.

Going back to the original question (even though it's a bit old), you can get a Goretex Paclite waterproof/windproof jacket at Cabela's.

We actually got quite a bit of our lightweight gear there for our RTW trip. It was a bit cheaper than other places and they tend to have a lot of $20 and $10 off coupons floating around. We always thought that place was just for hunting gear, but turns out they have lots of stuff for backpackers.