What's a good jacket (new england)

intogamer

Lifer
Dec 5, 2004
19,219
1
76
I need to get a jacket for the winter... specifically New England weather.

I ordered this Burton jacket (i'm not even sure if it has an insulated layer)Text
I was thinking about changing it for this North Face one Text

I get 12.7% Microsoft Cash back and 20% off code for both (except for the burton -sale item) and it's pretty rare to get a good discount on TNF stuff. Or.. what else would ATOT recommend?
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
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New England can mean many things. Connecticut is much different than northern Maine.

Where exactly are you going?
 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
You can find discounted TNF stuff at Sierratradingpost.com and Campmor.com

If you're looking at outdoorsy stuff, I would suggest a waterproof shell and wear layers of fleece underneath. REI and EMS have their own branded stuff which are really good.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
91
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
You can find discounted TNF stuff at Sierratradingpost.com and Campmor.com

If you're looking at outdoorsy stuff, I would suggest a waterproof shell and wear layers of fleece underneath. REI and EMS have their own branded stuff which are really good.

I'd recommend that if the price is acceptable. What does a combo like that run these days? I :heart: EMS!
 

intogamer

Lifer
Dec 5, 2004
19,219
1
76
Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
New England can mean many things. Connecticut is much different than northern Maine.

Where exactly are you going?

I live in metro Boston.

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
You can find discounted TNF stuff at Sierratradingpost.com and Campmor.com

If you're looking at outdoorsy stuff, I would suggest a waterproof shell and wear layers of fleece underneath. REI and EMS have their own branded stuff which are really good.

Those stores are good. But the discounts on TNF are hard to come by. I searched for "north face jacket" and I only yielded 4 results for women. I'm getting 12.7% + 20% off MSRP 2008 models.

I plan to go snowboarding next year. I was thinking about wearing a top base layer. I've already figured out that I need to wear a bottom baselayer winter-round.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
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snowboarding? Hrmm, I think you will want to do the shell/fleece combo. Not only is the shell waterproof, it is the best damned wind breaker you will ever own.

Might as well commit to a nice fleece hat also. One that covers your ears.

Silly question. Are you doing this stuff because you are in college? If you are in college and plan on trying out snowboarding, will you do so with friends? If so, you might want to ask for their advice. Skiiers and snowboarders typcially know the gear. As for buying stuff "for snowboarding" don't until you have realized it is your calling.
 

sonambulo

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2004
4,777
1
0
Boston? Uh, I rock a fleece or a lined hoodie most days and I'm fine. When it gets REAL cold I'll throw my Carhartt on over that. As long as your top layer is windproof and lined you'll be fine.
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
That first one is fucking hideous. The second one seems like a pain in the ass and $320, yikes!
 

intogamer

Lifer
Dec 5, 2004
19,219
1
76
Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
snowboarding? Hrmm, I think you will want to do the shell/fleece combo. Not only is the shell waterproof, it is the best damned wind breaker you will ever own.

Might as well commit to a nice fleece hat also. One that covers your ears.

Silly question. Are you doing this stuff because you are in college? If you are in college and plan on trying out snowboarding, will you do so with friends? If so, you might want to ask for their advice. Skiiers and snowboarders typcially know the gear. As for buying stuff "for snowboarding" don't until you have realized it is your calling.

I'm going with friends, but they aren't exactly knowledgeable either Well, I know for a fact that Boston gets bone chilling cold. I figure that both situations would be suitable together.

 

keird

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2002
3,714
9
81
Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
You can find discounted TNF stuff at Sierratradingpost.com and Campmor.com

If you're looking at outdoorsy stuff, I would suggest a waterproof shell and wear layers of fleece underneath. REI and EMS have their own branded stuff which are really good.

I'd recommend that if the price is acceptable. What does a combo like that run these days? I :heart: EMS!

Waterproof shells are nice and this is sound advice. If you are going to be exerting yourself; however, find a water resistant shell that breathes even when wet. Gore-Tex isn't a miracle material. It doesn't permit the release of water vapor through it when it's wet.

Polyester materials are evolving. Polartec provides some leading textile products and clothing manufacturers re-name it (i.e. Patagonia) Here's their current base layers. Cheap, ugly, cutting edge stuff here.

Encapsulated nylon shells are water resistant, hydrophobic and breathable. Cheap stuff here.

 

EGGO

Diamond Member
Jul 29, 2004
5,504
1
0
If you do plan to use Sierra Trading Post, use this discount landing page link from StyleForum.

[edit] Their page seems to be screwed up. Use AC118A as a coupon. Dunno if it can be stacked but you can also try ABLACKCYBER8 for 15% until Monday.
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
they have places to snowboard or ski in the east?

too bad you don't live out here, for some odd reason before winter all the sporting goods store put all their winter jackets on clearance, plus ski and snowboarding equipment. Really cheap way to get a big jacket.

I layer. i don't have a big jacket. i usually use north face or under armor then throw a fleece over it and so on. but i rarely wear a heavy jacket.

 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,220
32,621
136
Originally posted by: intogamer
Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
New England can mean many things. Connecticut is much different than northern Maine.

Where exactly are you going?

I live in metro Boston.

Buy a Lakers jacket. You'll stay warm.



Eddie Bauer used to make an awesome down/gortex parka, super light weight yet incredibly warm, detachable hood, looked good.

The newest version is here (First Ascent Weather Edge) but they added an ugly fur ruff to the hood.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/O...7Btype%3A%22hide%22%7D
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
Check out Colombia. I picked up a Columbia shell/fleece combo for about $70 a few years back on clearance at a Burlington Coat Factory and it is still working great. They call that style a 3-in-1. MSRP is often $250+ but you'll find them for half that at Sierra Trading Post or similar places. If you've never gone snowboarding before make sure to wear something on your legs that's relatively waterproof and something really warm on your butt, you'll be sitting on snow and things and you'll be miserable with a soggy cold butt.
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
You can find discounted TNF stuff at Sierratradingpost.com and Campmor.com

If you're looking at outdoorsy stuff, I would suggest a waterproof shell and wear layers of fleece underneath. REI and EMS have their own branded stuff which are really good.

Second for SierraTradingPost .. love that cheap stuff.
 

Savij

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2001
4,233
0
71
Jackets help a good bit, but it's the under layers that will really make the difference for you.
 

ja1484

Platinum Member
Dec 31, 2007
2,438
2
0
Originally posted by: intogamer
I need to get a jacket for the winter... specifically New England weather.

I ordered this Burton jacket (i'm not even sure if it has an insulated layer)Text
I was thinking about changing it for this North Face one Text

I get 12.7% Microsoft Cash back and 20% off code for both (except for the burton -sale item) and it's pretty rare to get a good discount on TNF stuff. Or.. what else would ATOT recommend?



Speaking from a slightly different strandpoint, an uninsulated shell with layers underneath is almost ALWAYS better for cold weather sports. It's much easier to adjust to changes in conditions. For something like snowboarding, an insulated shell may actually be too warm, and cause you to sweat too much. Add to that the fact that insulated shells really *can't* wick and breathe because of the insulating layer, and you're at another disadvantage.

I've used a lot of combinations, but if I had to make recommendations, I'd look at either of the following:

For a non-insulated weatherproof/breathable shell, I've yet to find something that works better than the Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka. It performs at a top level as long as you keep it washed and keep its waterproofing treatment fresh (Revivex by WL Gore is great, but use the spray-on stuff...the wash-in shit doesn't work nearly as well).

Though it's a little more pricey, the Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket is also excellent. FWIW, I think Mountain Hardwear's Conduit membrane far surpasses Gore-Tex, HyVent, and all the other laminates out there.

If you must get something with built in insulation, the OR Chaos (can be found at the same website as the mentor, under Down/Synthetic) is a good choice, but I wouldn't snowboard in it.



If you need more info on insulating/base layers, you can PM or whatever.
 

herm0016

Diamond Member
Feb 26, 2005
8,507
1,122
126
Boston is not really all that "bone chilling cold" i wear a lands end long parka or my Columbia jacket to -20 F with a fleece or hoodie and a pair of flannel lined jeans from LL bean. keeping your core warm is important but not that hard to do above 0. I find keeping my feet and hands warm is more of a challenge and recommend mitten shells with fleece glove liners. these have been the best i have used, though not durable enough for my outdoor endeavors. these gloves have worked well for me, i require the leather fingers and palms, the rubber and fabric types do not last long if you are actually working outside. gloves for my feet i have a pair of red wing work boots that are insulated and wear wool socks. if you will not encounter lots of water you will be fine with regular shoes and wool socks or a pair of hiking boots and wool socks.

edit: most of the stuff listed in previous posts is way overkill for boston or even casual snowboarding. working and living in a very cold place has taught me that regulating your temperature has as much to do with anticipating how much you will sweat and preventing it than it does with the cost or quality of your gear. if you sweat while outside you will get cold, you could have on the best gear in the world, you will still get cold. of course, this is a lot more of a problem at temps below 0 than it is at Bostons avg of around 20F in January and February. our avg in Houghton is about 7 degrees in jan/feb.
 

intogamer

Lifer
Dec 5, 2004
19,219
1
76
Originally posted by: ja1484
Originally posted by: intogamer
I need to get a jacket for the winter... specifically New England weather.

I ordered this Burton jacket (i'm not even sure if it has an insulated layer)Text
I was thinking about changing it for this North Face one Text

I get 12.7% Microsoft Cash back and 20% off code for both (except for the burton -sale item) and it's pretty rare to get a good discount on TNF stuff. Or.. what else would ATOT recommend?



Speaking from a slightly different strandpoint, an uninsulated shell with layers underneath is almost ALWAYS better for cold weather sports. It's much easier to adjust to changes in conditions. For something like snowboarding, an insulated shell may actually be too warm, and cause you to sweat too much. Add to that the fact that insulated shells really *can't* wick and breathe because of the insulating layer, and you're at another disadvantage.

I've used a lot of combinations, but if I had to make recommendations, I'd look at either of the following:

For a non-insulated weatherproof/breathable shell, I've yet to find something that works better than the Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka. It performs at a top level as long as you keep it washed and keep its waterproofing treatment fresh (Revivex by WL Gore is great, but use the spray-on stuff...the wash-in shit doesn't work nearly as well).

Though it's a little more pricey, the Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket is also excellent. FWIW, I think Mountain Hardwear's Conduit membrane far surpasses Gore-Tex, HyVent, and all the other laminates out there.

If you must get something with built in insulation, the OR Chaos (can be found at the same website as the mentor, under Down/Synthetic) is a good choice, but I wouldn't snowboard in it.



If you need more info on insulating/base layers, you can PM or whatever.

I think I am mistaken. The North Face jacket has a separate non-attached regular fleece.

The OR jacket is pretty pricey in addition with insulation/fleece. ygpm
 

ja1484

Platinum Member
Dec 31, 2007
2,438
2
0
Originally posted by: intogamer
Originally posted by: ja1484
Originally posted by: intogamer
I need to get a jacket for the winter... specifically New England weather.

I ordered this Burton jacket (i'm not even sure if it has an insulated layer)Text
I was thinking about changing it for this North Face one Text

I get 12.7% Microsoft Cash back and 20% off code for both (except for the burton -sale item) and it's pretty rare to get a good discount on TNF stuff. Or.. what else would ATOT recommend?



Speaking from a slightly different strandpoint, an uninsulated shell with layers underneath is almost ALWAYS better for cold weather sports. It's much easier to adjust to changes in conditions. For something like snowboarding, an insulated shell may actually be too warm, and cause you to sweat too much. Add to that the fact that insulated shells really *can't* wick and breathe because of the insulating layer, and you're at another disadvantage.

I've used a lot of combinations, but if I had to make recommendations, I'd look at either of the following:

For a non-insulated weatherproof/breathable shell, I've yet to find something that works better than the Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka. It performs at a top level as long as you keep it washed and keep its waterproofing treatment fresh (Revivex by WL Gore is great, but use the spray-on stuff...the wash-in shit doesn't work nearly as well).

Though it's a little more pricey, the Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket is also excellent. FWIW, I think Mountain Hardwear's Conduit membrane far surpasses Gore-Tex, HyVent, and all the other laminates out there.

If you must get something with built in insulation, the OR Chaos (can be found at the same website as the mentor, under Down/Synthetic) is a good choice, but I wouldn't snowboard in it.



If you need more info on insulating/base layers, you can PM or whatever.

I think I am mistaken. The North Face jacket has a separate non-attached regular fleece.

The OR jacket is pretty pricey in addition with insulation/fleece. ygpm


YGPM back. I agree, which is why I recommended the MH shell first. It's even on sale at the moment.

FWIW, you can find fine fleece for layering at $20 - $30 per top/bottom.

Which reminds me, while we're on the subject: For snowboarding, don't forget weatherproof pants, and base/insulating layers for your lower body. I'd recommend shell pants with some stretch, or you'll be blowing seams in short order.

A couple good options:

The MH Pinnacle pant is excellent but very pricey.

I've only had them out twice in conditions, but I recently bought a pair of REI Taku's, and so far they're doing great for the price. Worked great for cold weather (~ 30F) rock climbing in terms of blocking wind and abrasion resistance. They've also held up just fine to a driving rain with no leakage.