Winter Jacket Decision

[Dave B Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered Trip Reports]

Edit: I don't see where Patagonia is offering a Guide jacket with hood this season? Am I missing something? If its available, that would be a great choice, as Derek and Surf say.

I had to search the site for "Guide Hoody" and it popped up on sale for $125. Must be left over from last year and for whatever reason they didn't bring it back.

I've had the chance to play with the First Ascent 18K Jacket a bit and it meets all the criteria, as well. The Colorado Mills Eddie Bauer outlet has a TON right now for half-off.

The Guide Hoody can be had for $64.99 right now. I've been thinking about getting one except for the fact that Outdoor Gear Lab completely eviscerates the jacket giving it one out of five stars.

The Patagonia Guide Hoody is a most disappointing softshell. It excels at nothing, has neither unique nor performance-oriented features, and worst of all, it doesn’t look good.

[Carl Profile 14er Peak List (58) 14ers Skied (58)13er Peak List (16)Trip Reports]

So basically I'll need the jacket to be waterproof, wind resistant, light and helmet capable.

Do you have any suggestions (maybe around $200-$350 range)?

If you wear a size large http://14ers.com/php14ers/gearclass.php?entry=1614&parmuser=Carl

[Fletch Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

Lock the thread, all the advice you need is posted above.

Yep.

Mine is the following*:

1) Patagonia undershirt**
2) Patagonia R1 Hoody***
3) Marmot DryClime Windshirt
4) Marmot Zion Softshell
5a) Patagonia Nano Puffy (summer)
5b) Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket (winter)
6a) Patagonia Super Plume Shell (summer)
6b) ArcTeryx Alpha SV Shell (winter)
7a) RAB Ski Puffy (if needed - summer)
7b) Feathered Friends Ice Fall Parka (if needed - expedition or butt-ass cold CO)

*I have a "semi" pro deal with Patagonia, so I'm partial, but all outdoor companies are essentially pretty close to eachother. Just try to get everything on sale and dont be afraid to buy a winter coat in the summer (and vice versa).

**I got this shirt when I lived in LA and used to outrigger canoe --- look at their clothing lineup for other sports - just cause it doesn't say mountaineering on it, doesn't mean it's not applicable (or in some cases, better).

***Always think abou the hoods - you can leave winter hats and beanies at home if you buy everything strategically with a hood - just make sure they fit over/under your helmet if you plan on doing that sort of stuff...

As far as bottom layers, just get some Patagonia Guide Pants - the best IMO.

[Bean Profile Website 14er Peak List (26) 14ers Skied (24)14ers in Winter (7)13er Peak List (5)Trip Reports]

So basically I'll need the jacket to be waterproof, wind resistant, light and helmet capable.

Do you have any suggestions (maybe around $200-$350 range)?

If you wear a size large http://14ers.com/php14ers/gearclass.php?entry=1614&parmuser=Carl

And I've got a medium Super Pluma new with tags that I still haven't taken back which I'll let go for $220. Orange.

My layering system changes significantly based on where I'm going, the weather, distance from the car, what I'm doing, etc., but in winter generally consists of wool base layers (short or long sleeves, boxer-briefs or 3/4-length leggings) under a soft or hard shell, with a down or synthetic puffy to go on top if needed.

[Oman Profile Website 14er Peak List (57)]

This Sierra Designs Vapor jacket softshell is a dead ringer for the great old but sadly departed Patagonia Ascensionist jackehttp://www.backcountry.com/sierra-designs-vapor-hooded-softshell-jacket-mens

$55 at backcountry.com, but got mine for $50 on steepandcheap.

[Derek Profile Website 14er Peak List (33) 14ers in Winter (5)13er Peak List (59)Trip Reports]

Edit: I don't see where Patagonia is offering a Guide jacket with hood this season? Am I missing something? If its available, that would be a great choice, as Derek and Surf say.

Well that sucks. Why the hell would they continue the non hooded version but not the hooded? Kinda disappointed...I may try to find a clearance version of mine to have for a replacement someday when I need it.

[prestone818 Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

one can never have enough jackets.

+1 for layering and a versatile soft shell

[Dex Profile 14er Peak List (11) 14ers in Winter (1)]

!

@Kansas: I'll need the jacket for hiking and climbing class 1-4s throughout Fall, Winter and Spring. I have a good Goretex Snowboarding Jacket I was planning on using but it's just really bulky and heavy.

For fall, winter spring I would go with something like this and then layer for the conditions. People here recommended it and it works well. It isn't made any more but Golite makes similar.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Jackets/GoLite%20Paradigm%20Jacket/Test%20Report%20by%20Andrew%20Buskov/

Pit zips and others are important. I'm constantly using them.

I got these pants and like them. Not made anymore but you can find similar.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Pants%20and%20Shorts/GoLite%20Paradox%20Pants/Test%20Report%20by%20Jason%20Boyle/



With the money you save you could buy this:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Jackets/MontBell%20UL%20Thermawrap%20Jacket/Owner%20Review%20by%20Cheryl%20McMurray/

[RamanDestroyer Profile 14er Peak List (14) 14ers in Winter (1)13er Peak List (1)]

Hell yes, you guys are awesome! I just got home and need to do some serious research into this but thanks a ton for all the advice in the mean time.

[SchralpTheGnar Profile 14er Peak List (45) 14ers Skied (42)13er Peak List (15)Trip Reports]

Here's what I use and love for my winter hiking\climbing\skiing\parapenting system.

Here's what I usually wear when I'm out in the winter time, and note that I run hot.
Patagonia long sleeve capilene, mid weight.
short sleeve north face tshirt.
Marmot Sharp Point soft shell (not exactly this one, but it's the closest one they make now), it's gore windstopper and has a decent collar, can get through pretty rugged conditons.

I carry two other coats that I don't usual
Then I carry a North Face technical shell, it's like the point five now, but an older version. I usually only wear this if it gets super windy as it as a nice hood.
I keep a north face down puffy in my pack usually, it's not the nupste but it's similar, I think mine is 800 fill but I'm not sure, it's warm as heck and compresses down to a chipotle burrito. I only wear this in the parking lot getting dressed, on the summit switching over for the descent, or if we're camping.

I love all of my coats, I mean I really love them man.

[randalmartin Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (1)13er Peak List (14)Trip Reports]

You are going to get scores of replies with everyone favoring their particular brand/model. One of the most important considerations for any season is breathability. For Fall, Winter and Spring you probably won't be dealing with rain and waterproof membranes suck when it comes to breathability.

Layer 1: Baselayer
Layer 2: Softshell with a hood (Only needed when windy/cold or snow/sleet)
Layer 3: Parka/Belay (Only needed on summit or stops). For Fall/Spring you may get away with Down Sweater equivalent. In winter you need something like a Patagonia DAS Parka.

For summer I simply swap out the softshell with a windshirt like the Marmot Driclime windshirt, Patagonia Houdini for Layer 2 and may only bring a insulated vest for Layer 3.

[smrcka Profile 14er Peak List (57) 13er Peak List (41)]

"Pit zips and others are important. I'm constantly using them."

Uh-oh, it's a good thing the Baron isn't around to read that statement!