Outerwear Manufacturer Poll: Who makes the best cold weather clothing?

[MikeMike]

well?

inspired by the "alternatives to The North Face" thread...

I personally have experience with Patagonia (actually have a long sleeved shirt of theirs on now)

 

[lxskllr]

I don't wear "high tech" clothes. My vote is for Filson, or Carhartt.

Edit:
I just noticed the question was for warm weather clothes. I don't wear special clothes when it's hot. Something light made from natural fibers is all.

 

[Soccerman06]

Fleetfarm brand jackets imo.

 

[MikeMike]

I don't wear "high tech" clothes. My vote is for Filson, or Carhartt.

Edit:
I just noticed the question was for warm weather clothes. I don't wear special clothes when it's hot. Something light made from natural fibers is all.

I was dreaming of summer... sorry.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I've had good experiences with my North Face jackets. Both my Mountain Light and Denali Fleece jackets over time had developed problems with their zippers and even developed a small whole in one of pockets of the fleece jacket.

Even though both of the jackets are probably 8-10 years old. I sent them both to North Face and they replaced the zippers on both jackets and replaced all of the pocket liners on my fleece jacket.

 

[ussfletcher]

I don't think that expensive cold weather gear necessarily does any better job than their cheap generic alternatives. They are all essentially the same designs and materials, with very few distinguishing factors. That said, the best jacket I have ever owned is a Land's End, however my girlfriend swears by her North Face jackets.

 

[JEDI]

well?

inspired by the "alternatives to The North Face" thread...

I personally have experience with Patagonia (actually have a long sleeved shirt of theirs on now)

doesnt matter

get cheapest 3-in-1 waterproof breathable shell ($35) on sale in spring. i got mine at amazon. happened to be Columbia.

get rid of that cheap fleece that comes w/it and replace with Polartec 200 ($25) which is also on sale in spring. got mine at EMS.
that cheap fleece was actually good in end of spring and beginning fall. i didnt have to swap out. yeah for convienance

Polartec 300 was way too warm in 20F

 

[GoSharks]

My hierarchy (best to ok):

Western Mountaineering/Feathered Friends (down products)
Arc'teryx
Patagonia/Mountain Hardwear/Marmot/Some TNF
The rest of TNF
REI/EMS
Columbia​

I like Patagonia, but their Small is still really large on me. REI, TNF, Marmot also tend to size out to be too big. Arc'teryx and Mountain Hardwear fit me quite well.

I used to have a outerwear obsession during college when I lived back east. My current "collection:"

Wind:
OR Ion Pullover Windshirt
Marmot Driclime Windshirt
Mountain Hardwear Transition Featherweight Jacket

Rain:
Mountain Hardwear Typhoon

Insulation:
Patagonia Lightweight R4
Arc'teryx Maverick AR
Mountain Hardwear Phantom

Softshell:
Mountain Hardwear Leviathan (my dedicated climbing jacket)
Sierra Designs Black Ice (for around-town)​

If I ever need to replace those pieces, it will be with Arc'teryx, assuming that I can find a good discount.

 

[keird]

I found this place in New York that puts out excellent base layers. I got some for my kid.

http://www.wickers.com/

Made in the U.S.A.

 

[Crono]

Arc'teryx is the best brand out of the options for quality, Columbia is the best budget brand.

The North Face is the most recognizable, but I've had quality issues with their products. Not worth the money, in my opinion.

 

[Homerboy]

Entirely depends on what you are doing.
One thing I can assure you of, it is NOT North Face anymore. They used to be the best.... then they went commercial and their quality dropped through the floor.

 

[TwiceOver]

My leather coat has been fine for the last 7 years. I never hear cows complaining about the cold so...

EDIT: Now if I needed to work outside or do any extended walking/trekking then yeah, I'd buy something different.

 

[zebano]

Meh for most things it doesn't even matter. Camping/Skiing (cross country or downhill) I just buy whatever's cheapest. I currently have a Columbia jacket and don't know the brand of all my under-layers / gloves / hat / snowpants.

 

[IronWing]

As came up in that other thread, perceptions of quality are largely dependent on when the poster last bought a product from a particular company. My North Face jacket is awesome, has lasted 23 years and counting, my North Face tent 20+ years. But they were made in the USA. Every seam is bound. My 15 yr old Eddie Bauer parka is likewise extremely well made with every seam bound. However, both The North Face and Eddie Bauer have moved production overseas and both have significantly cut back on construction detail and quality. Lots of over priced, deconstructed garbage with their names on it.

 

[NetWareHead]

I just bought this piece: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Sidewinder-SV-Jacket#Waterproof_Shell

I needed a waterproof outer shell that was non insulated so I can still wear it during hiking, camping in warmer weather as well as when skiing. I tested it by walking around in a rainstorm and not a drop of rain penetrated. Even the zippers are waterproof. Ive skiied with it a few times and the windstopping capabilities are great too. What an awesome jacket. The thing screams quality and the manufacturing reveals an attention to detail unmatched in any other gear on the market. Sure others come close; marmot, mtn hardware, outdoor research etc... but Arcteryx is the best IMHO.

 

[spidey07]

Carhart
Patagonia long underwear is the incredible
North Face can't be beat

-edit-
Ironwing, you may be right. All my northface gear is at least 20 years old, still going strong.

Columbia really is a budget brand and I've been nothing but disappointed in anything I've got from them. You generally get what you pay for and they prove it.

 

[Homerboy]

I just bought this piece: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Sidewinder-SV-Jacket#Waterproof_Shell

I needed a waterproof outer shell that was non insulated so I can still wear it during hiking, camping in warmer weather as well as when skiing. I tested it by walking around in a rainstorm and not a drop of rain penetrated. Even the zippers are waterproof. Ive skiied with it a few times and the windstopping capabilities are great too. What an awesome jacket. The thing screams quality and the manufacturing reveals an attention to detail unmatched in any other gear on the market. Sure others come close; marmot, mtn hardware, outdoor research etc... but Arcteryx is the best IMHO.

Honestly, just by the look/design and the price alone I could tell you that was some REAL shit right there. I could have told you that was Arcteryx without seeing a label. I wish I still had the cash for such nice things

 

[Homerboy]

Carhart
Patagonia long underwear is the incredible
North Face can't be beat

Yes... yes it most definitely can.

Carhart is great and indestructible. But not really out Outerwear designed for sport (which I think was the OP's intent here)

Edit:
BAH! you ninja-edited!
Yeap... 15+ year old North Face is rock solid (not as good as today's top of the line, but still incredibly solid and tough). The shit they make today is shit.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I don't wear "high tech" clothes. My vote is for Filson, or Carhartt.

This, great stuff.

 

[NetWareHead]

Honestly, just by the look/design and the price alone I could tell you that was some REAL shit right there. I could have told you that was Arcteryx without seeing a label. I wish I still had the cash for such nice things

Ive built my Arcteryx collection up over the years and made strategic purchases when such gear is on sale. No way would I pay retail for what I have, even though it is a great jacket. I also have these pants: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Pants-Shorts/Theta-SV-Bib#Waterproof_Shell and this backpack: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs/Silo-40#40L_To_60L

REI gives away a 20% coupon to all members once a year. Buy your gear with this coupon with a credit card that offers a reward for shopping at REI. You might want to convince family who doesnt shop at REI to sign up for a membership so you can also snag their coupon too. Membership is $20 for lifetime membership...

 

[Homerboy]

Ive built my Arcteryx collection up over the years and made strategic purchases when such gear is on sale. No way would I pay retail for what I have, even though it is a great jacket. I also have these pants: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Pants-Shorts/Theta-SV-Bib#Waterproof_Shell and this backpack: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs/Silo-40#40L_To_60L

REI gives away a 20% coupon to all members once a year. Buy your gear with this coupon with a credit card that offers a reward for shopping at REI. You might want to convince family who doesnt shop at REI to sign up for a membership so you can also snag their coupon too. Membership is $20 for lifetime membership...

Yeah, I use/abuse my deals at REI too. Sadly lots of purchases there for the growing kids more-so than myself nowadays.

 

[amdskip]

Carhart, my favorite coat was obtained by trading a printer for it

 

[Woosta]

OP, add Carhartt and "Other ( specify )"

 

[krunchykrome]

Gotta vote for North Face. Their stuff is expensive, but it's quality clothing. Columbia is great too (and cheaper).

 

[intogamer]

I just bought this piece: http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Sidewinder-SV-Jacket#Waterproof_Shell

I needed a waterproof outer shell that was non insulated so I can still wear it during hiking, camping in warmer weather as well as when skiing. I tested it by walking around in a rainstorm and not a drop of rain penetrated. Even the zippers are waterproof. Ive skiied with it a few times and the windstopping capabilities are great too. What an awesome jacket. The thing screams quality and the manufacturing reveals an attention to detail unmatched in any other gear on the market. Sure others come close; marmot, mtn hardware, outdoor research etc... but Arcteryx is the best IMHO.

This.

I don't like the built in insulation layer with TNF jackets. I like how the shell + fleece combo allows me to move my arms and body with ease. The front chest pockets are so fucking convenient. The durable shell makes it easy for my hands go to in and grab something, which wouldn't happen for jackets with a softer material.