Hi It's me again, exposing my lack of in-depth knowledge looking for more advice!!
I'm struggling to decide between the extra expense, and performance of the Ogre jacket by ME, or the lighter, and cheaper Paclite Firefly jacket. Basically, the only thing holding me back from buying an ogre jacket is the extra price and weight, although i know that the XCR in the Ogre is more durable than that used in the Firefly jacket.
Basically, would you consider the extra cost and weight worth it, in the long run, and is the extra weight in the pack worth it, as the Ogre, for a jacket of this class is pretty light.
Also, does anyone know about sizing, as some sources say that Ogre jackets are made quite large, and maybe opt for a size lower than normal.
Graham, what do you want from the jacket? When are you going to use it? Are you looking for something to keep you snug as you walk the dog or are you going to deepest darkest Peru?
If you give an idea of what you're going to use the jacket for and hence an idea of what you expect from the jacket it might be easier to try and help you out.
I think you'd also benefit from trying on the jackets you're looking at.
Basically, something for all seasons really. this summer I'm taking on the three peaks challenge and probably some hiking up in bonnie Scotland. But also, in the long-term I'm looking to do some more serious stuff. Do you know how durable Paclite is, as I've heard that it isn't very durable when wearing a rucksack or harness, which is a big concern to me. Does anyone know how true this is, or to what extent it is true? But basically, I want something that can perform in harsh conditions. My main dilemma is, does the extra cost and weight of the Ogre V the paclite reflect that much greater performance? Also, how well would people expect the Paclite Firefly to perform in tough conditions?
I recently ordered a Firefly so I had a lightweight jacket in my gear wardrobe. I also have a Berghaus XCR jacket, which is pretty light at 600g and still going strong after two years with plenty of rucksack use.
I bought the Firefly as it would probably stay in my pack povket for when the weather turned, I'm sure Paclite is durable enough for occassional rucksack use. Then again if the jacket lasts a couple of years it's not that bad value.
Anyway, back to the Firefly specifically. I ordered it because it's very cheap at the moment in the F&T sale. I saw it's main benefit being the excellent full sized hood with decent peak, and the fact the hood folds down when not in use. It's pretty light and also has a mesh stuff sack.
But ultimately I'm sending it back tommorow, I found the cut just a little large for me. The arms were wide enough for a thigh (although I didn't try this!), and the general width of the jacket was a little roomy.
Have you considered the Matrix? Hopefully it would be up to the job, but with there still being Paclite in places there's always risk.
I'd be tempted to get the Ogre, although I can't remember the weight of it but as it's a basic design it shouldn't weight too much. I can wear my XCR shell with just a t-shirt in most UK conditions, and it's durable enough for any activity. My XCR jacket also rolls up compact enough to fit in the side pocket of my Freeflow, which again isn't bad for a full on jacket.
The FireFly will leak as the main zip is only a single baffle. The Ogre is probaly the best designed and lightest XCR jacket available in UK, I can not fault mine in any way. They are sized large, they are also lighter then claimed, my med 500g ish.
The ME Matrix sounds like the jacket you are after - XCR / Paclite combination.
The price is right in the middle of the Ogre and Firefly at £200 but I am sure they will be on sale at this time of year somewhere.
I think the only difference in terms of fit and cut between the Ogre and Matrix is that the Ogre hood fits better over a helmet. I know a few people with Matrix jackets and they have been using them for a couple of years now...durability doesn't seem to be an issue.
Cool, I was actually going to throw the Matrix in for discussion, as it did seem to be a nice, happy medium. But currently I own a Reb eVENT Quantum jacket, which weighs in at just below 500g, which is about halfway between a true lightweight jacket and the Ogre. And, like Carl above, I was looking to add a true lightweight jacket to my gear collection, but I'm heavily put off the Firefly by the mention of the main zip leaking. I'm possibly leaning towards buying the ogre, and then maybe look for a cheap lightweight jacket in the sales, and possibly sell the Rab Quantum jacket, as I think I'd feel excessive owning 3 waterproof jackets. Is that excessive?
Graham, I really, REALLY, doubt you will have a problem with the firefly zip leaking. I've worn mine in very heavy rain for hours many times and nothings ever come through the zip. I wouldn't let that sway your judgement. The only important differnece here is how durable you need the jacket to be.
Paul sounds like you have been lucky. Single baffle zips will leak with heavy wind driven rain. The only answer is a well designed external double baffle such as the one on the Ogre. I wish more manufactures would take note.
Basically, I really do want the durability, and now having realised that my Rab jacket is fairly lightweight, it's the Rab Corrie jacket. I'm definitely leaning towards the Ogre. Does anyone think that a jakcet like this will feature in a sale anytime soon?
But does anyone have an opinion or much experience of the Matrix jacket by ME?
Cool, the Matrix hardly seems to be getting rave reviews. So far we've only discussed ME Gear, would anyone recommend any jackets from other brands, which are better or comparable to the Ogre?
