I'm looking to purchase a new shell jacket and after due consideration into useage, I've decided to go for gore-tex XCR.

I feel that my requirement for hardiness outweighs weight.

I am happy to spend up to £300 for a jacket based on my need for a garment that can handled all-weathers all-year round.

The majority of the useage will be at the highest the UK has to offer and in the coming months higher and farther afield.

I would appreciate some assistance based on real-life experiences of a particular jacket that would fit the bill.

I have the ME Karakorum Jacket for winter use. Love it but it is only 2 layer XCR and you may prefer a 3 layer model for durability.

I personally have had no problems with the 2 layer fabric and generally prefer the feel of it. If you are interested in 3 layer XCR, ME do the Changabang which is also very good.

Check out the review sections for both the Karakorum and the Changabang for more details.

take a look at the arcteryx beta AR jacket. very light, very comfy and well made. Even better wif u can still pick em up for £150 in snow/rock

Worth having a look at the Arcteyx jacket Ben Suggests. (I have a Arcteryx theta AR - £360 so a bit out of your price range)They are so well made it is unbelievable.I have yet to see/use a better jacket on the market.All the features are well thought out and the zips are of the waterproof type which mean no more messing about to get to pockets/pit zips etc. Weight is also very good using thinner tape and glues as well as very durable fabric. They do have a technical fit so try before you buy to get the right size. Have a look you wont be disapointed.

I've got an ME XCR jacket. Can never remember if its a Changabang or a Karokorum though!!

Excellent hood design, the cut is ok - would prefer it to be slightly closer fitting, but thats just being picky.
Pockets are high up, so usable with a harness / rucksack.

I like it, and have no major complaints with it.

Mail me if you've got any specific questions.

Si(C)

The updated ME Changabang, due out late summer looks like a very, very nice jacket. The recent ME shells, in my experience, are excellent all round kit. Cut's nice and, along with the Arc'teryx stuff, they have the best hoods out there.

On a different slant, if you value weight and simplicity, the Berghaus Slipstream Smock is a good compromise between bulk and protection. Not as featured as the top-end shells, but then you save weight and bulk.

Arc'teryx kit is lovely, beautifully made and cut, but whether you're prepared to buy at RRP is up to you. If you can find one cheap then yep, superb, though you could argue that the wired ME hood is better for the UK.

Ben,

Had a gander at Snow&Rock website for the Arcteyx jacket but even if they had any, it would not be my bag. Too minimal and to be truthful it appears to be a little too short in length absed on it's description of being 'hip length'.

I'd rather 'just arse-covering length.

Simon,

You mentioned the ME Changabang which is one of my potential hit-list options. Obviously you are happy with the performance of your ME jacket, so if you could check what you have it would be appreciated.

Jon,

Could you tell me waht has changed on the updated Changabang due in the summer.

I purchased an ME Lhotse a year ago for £160 with various discounts. I think its the best jacket I've have ever seen because its never rained in about 25 outings.

lol, ain't that ALWAYS the way. bought my Manta's - snowed once.

Anyway.

It's a shame that they've changed the Beghaus Pinnacle so much between the 2 and 3, because I love my pin 2, but think the pin 3 is pants in comparison.

I've got an ME Lhotse. It's the best waterproof jacket I've ever bought.

Jonathan, will check out what it is tonight(only just saw your post) and get back to you.

Pssst...Anyone got any hints on how I find out which jacket it is? I'm pretty sure theres no name in it. Cheers.

Si(C)

Should be written under the big 'Logo' on the arm (It is on donna's Makalu jacket anyway). Changabang's 3-layer and the Karokorum is 2-layer so this might help.

Erm, don't think it is (sure someone would have taken the piss before now!)

Does one of them have a lining or anything?

Si(C)

'Cut is slightly shorter cut for easier technical use and there are new under-arm stretch panels.

'The pit-zips have gone and are replaced by front body core vents with water-resistant zips and internal mesh pockets, plus the waist is pulled in with a half draw cord that pulls the jacket tight at the front for a clean view of your feet on those marginal verglassed smears...
Weight is 700 grammes'

There's a piccy here.

The Berghaus Pinnacle, btw, is a good jacket, but they've cut it a bit loose. Depends on how you're built of course.

Simon, If yours is last years model like mine then the Karakorum has a lining and the Changabang doesn't. Also if memory serves I think the Changabang had a reinforced panel in the ar$e area but I may be wrong.

The Lhotse is also 3 layer and therefore doesn't have a drop liner but you can tell the difference between it and the Changabang as the Lhotse doesn't have pit zips!

Hope that helps !?

Yeah mine is a year and a bit old now. No lining, so I'd go with it being a Changabang (great name).

Cheers all.

Si

Jonathan, have you checked out:
http://www.magic-mountain.co.uk/page3.html

Theres some seemingly good prices on there..

Si(C)