Im contemplating whether or not to get a Patagonia Dimension jacket, for general use around town/college/cycling at weekends, the odd wander over the winter etc. In february I bought a NorthFace Apex2 jacket for this purpose too but have found that it pilled under the arms and on the bottom of the back where my daysack sits which is a bit of a bugger considering its a £140 jacket that according to the website is suitable for 'backpacking'.
The Patagonia shell is a bit stiffer than the Apex 2,though its more of a ski/climb jacket than a backpacking one. Do you think I'll experience the same problem with it? What is your experience with soft shell and the abuse of a daysack??? (remember, it's likely to be used 5-6 days a week and I really want it to last longer than the 4 months my Apex lasted.)
Either way, the Patagonia jacket IS overkill for wearng to college, but i'd rather pay for a jacket that will last and function than an equally expensive jacket from Next that the wind blows straight through.
I had a Dimension for a while, then sold it. Lovely jacket, but I found a Mtn Hardwear Tempest SL was more useful - just as weather resistant, but I could wear a waterproof or insulated top over in poor weather. The Dimension is a bit too bulky for that. I had a bit of 'burring' on the cuff where the velcro caught it. Nice jacket though - comfy, weather-resistant and looked good! Used it skiing, for which it worked well - merino and light fleece under. But my synthetic insulated jacket wouldn't fit over the top!
My answer will be similar to Matts - In my experience most soft shells get warm too quickly and then cool down too quickly when you stop and are too heavy/bulky for the average walker. For example i had an Apex 2 (now sold) and in really cold conditions it was okay while moving but as soon as i stopped for a while i quickly got cold, i didnt take an extra jacket because the weight of the apex being what it was i thought it should be warm enough, i was wrong and paid the price. Most of them dont have hoods which makes them useless in the rain without a shell over the top. Which means for full protection you always need to have a shell, i.e. more weight and bulk. I also found the same problem with a schoeller (Marmot) jacket, no hood, weighed 900 grams, you got sweaty too quickly when moving, and then chilled too quickly when you stopped, useless ;-)
Yeah, the Apex 2 is a bit cold when not moving, so I end up wearing a fleece with it anyway for hanging around. Works well for me when im moving though, and most importantly is that it doesnt look too techy- bear in mind that I use it predominantly as a jacket for around town. I have a couple of hardshells for walking, I just wanted a jacket for everyday and I hate paying hundreds of pounds for casual jackets that are not warm and let all the rain in (It rains in towns too you know!)
Im really just searching for the perfect technical/casual crossover jacket... Warm when standing still, decent weather resistance, not too naff looking... I dont think it exists
I'll re-phrase what i said above (getting ready to go out so i'll be quick): I dont see the point in paying over £100 for a jacket for the outdoors that will not keep you dry, i think softshells originated from the states which speaks for its self. I only payed half price and less for the softshell jackets i mention above and sold them on for that as well. The only softshell i have at the moment is a Rab Powershield Baltoro, and i admit i payed £100 for it, but its worth it, why? Well i only use it in the warmer months, its very light at approx 450 grams, very wind proof and water resistant, packs down small and offers a little bit of warmth because of the soft inner, call it a lighter less bulkier version of schoeller if you like. My Paramo takes the place of this (and a shell) in winter. Sure you'll be okay with any softshell around town, but on the hill you may be better with something more versatile such as Polartec WindPro or Polartec Powershield.
I love soft shells for drizley damp days as opposed to wet rainy days allthough hovever hard I try I cant over load my e vent hard shell, something I find easy to do in Gortex.
As a brand I have found patagonia to be very hard wearing whatever I buy but its so expensive so I its not in the sale i dont get it.
I would not recomend wearing any technical kit " round town" the pollution from car exhausts wont do it any good and will affect its performance.
1. Hard shells often look naff and techie- im looking for a jacket that is good for getting to college etc- I have all the gear I need for proper trips.
2. I hate paying so much for jackets eg. Just spent £70 in Next on a moleskin thing that is not at all weatherproof, its cold and useless.
I find I get far more uncomfortable on an average day at college than I do when im walking in pouring rain in the Lakes so im looking for something warm and weather resistant.
Neil- Im thinking of selling my Apex2, whether or not I replace it. What kinda price would you suggest I ask for it? £140 jacket, bought in February 2005, with noticable wear under the arms and on the bottom of the back. Still works, but looks a little tatty... im not expecting much, but a guide price?
Ben - i sold mine i think for about £40, it was in mint condition though, i think i only wore it about 4 times. Mind you i wasnt too fussed at that price because it only cost me £50 over the net from the states. Also i just wanted to see the back of it! I still remember now, me and the ex girlfriend in Gaynors trying the Apex's on, i bought hers (£120 i think) there and then because we thought they was just the ticket, that was until i tried mine on a very cold day, and it was like 'get this useless rubbery thing off, come back Paramo all is forgiven' ;-)
Hard to say what to ask for yours but dont forget peeps can get them a lot cheaper than £140 now, and there is a lot more choice of other softshells than there was 12 months ago.
I like Patagonia stuff (except some of the weird colours) its quality gear, however because its made initially for the US market you may have to drop down a size, especially with the jackets.
I guess I'll stick with the Apex with a Fleece underneath idea for a while then. I can get Patagonia at 50% of SRP so i'll keep the Dimension in mind because it looks sexy, but I'd still need a fleece underneath. The Mixmaster is just a little too expensive and the Infurno is plain nasty- unlike their other gear, it actually feels recycled. The dimension may be what im looking for, it'll be good for cycling in cooler months, as the Apex has been, I just pray that it wont wear so quickly.
I think it's absolutely awful that my Apex has worn through use with a daysack after about 3 months of use. I'd take it back but I've lost the receipt.
How does everyone else keep warm when just bumming around town? I must be a particularly cold person.
Ben do you stand still alot in town cos if you wait for busses and such you will get cold in that case i would recomend going to TK Max and getting a relativley cheap feather and down jacket and keep you technical kit away from the pollution.
Also if standing still make sure you have good insulation under yoer feet cos the cold can really come up from the pavement.
Jules, I think you have just hit the nail on the head.
I seem to spend most of my life waiting for buses in the freezing cold, TKmaxx sounds like a plan. I could get a McMurdo from work, but i'd look like a fool so I'll see what I can find thats less chavvy.
I Have a down HellyHenson snowboard jacket which cost 30quid form a HH outlet. its warm, waterproof and brillient for walking to uni and back in the winter. A poor mans mcmurdo but sadly without the fur hood!
