Marmot vs. Mountain Hardwear vs. Columbia Sportwear

[upsciLLion]

I'm looking to get a new winter jacket (am thinking a fleece jacket or soft shell) since the Columbia Ballistic fleece sweater just isn't cutting it lately. I live in western Washington so I need something that will keep the rain out. I'm in eastern Washington often enough that I need something that will keep me warm in freezing temps as well as block the wind (lol Ellensburg).

I figure amongst a sea of nerds there has to be at least a few outdoor activity enthusiasts here that could point me in the right direction. Also, if anybody could recommend a set of gloves that would keep my hands warm during the winter but be thin enough to do things like load a shotgun or a pistol mag, I'd totally appreciate it. Please ask any questions you need to better any recommendations you might have.

 

[sygyzy]

Huge fan of Marmot. i think the other companies are kind of corny though that's just my opinion. All three get high marks in the recent Outdoor Magazine Buyers Guide.

 

[upsciLLion]

Is there an online link to their buyer's guide?

 

[Epic Fail]

MH and Columbia belong to the same parent company.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Columbia Titanium Parka

Keeps the rain off, add to it a nice zip in fleece and you will be toasty warm.

 

[upsciLLion]

How can I tell which shells my fleece will zip into?

 

[Midnight Rambler]

I LOVE my North Face Summit coat but it's probably a bit too much for your location/weather. However, I'd highly recommend the North Face brand !!!

P.S. - Check Campmor.com for deals on NF, Marmot, etc., coats and gloves. Most "deals" say last year's style or color, but black, for instance, never goes out of style.

 

[upsciLLion]

That North Face jacket looks nice, but it's a bit more than what I was hoping to spend. I guess I should state that my ideal budget is under $150, but I could go up to $200 if the extra features/quality really warrant it. Thanks for all your guys' input so far.

 

[LordSnailz]

tagged - I'm looking for a snowboarding jacket this season

 

[KillerCharlie]

I'm interested in the same price range too. I live in western Washington but didn't need a winter coat last year because winters here are so warm. This year I plan on hitting the slopes though...

 

[Capt Caveman]

Marmot and Mountain Hardwear are as expensive if not more than The North Face.

Check out Sierratradingpost.com , they carry a lot of the expensive brands at discounted prices.