Whats your choice in All Season Jackets?

[Classic Finn]

I thought to post this and ask as to what do you folks in North America choose for your all season jackets? Since there is a big jungle of choices and it makes it that much more difficult to choose.

Do you use Goretex? Layered jackets?

Or what other choices do you prefer?

Canoeing, Hiking or Camping in general?

Classic Finn

[Classic Finn]

This came from Joseph via PM since my previous thread just vanished for some odd reason.

Thanks Joseph.

Here is is reply:

My personal favorite is an old "60/40" (actually 58% cotton/42% nylon) Mountain Parka from Sierra Designs. Since Gore-Tex and other high-tech fabrics came along you can't find these anymore unless you stumble upon one on eBay or are willing to shell out $250 CA for their "limited edition" model, only available in a hideous orange. I've had my black one for over thirty years. Treated with Scotchguard and worn over wool, it's hard to beat in cold wet weather (it served me very well through several trips to Scotland), and it's light enough that it's wearable in a summer shower.

The problem I have with Gore-Tex is that sweat causes it to break down and lose its efficacy. I had a wonderful pair of Nike Approach hiking boots that I wore almost daily in Antarctica back in the mid-80s. Sadly, the Gore-Tex eventually turned to goo and I had to toss them. 60/40 cloth simply doesn't wear out. Unless you somehow manage to trash the garment in a combine or something, it will last a lifetime or two.

Regards,

Joseph

[Miriam C.]

Heikki I have a wool sweater, a fleece jacket and a thick down vest. Dress in layers. If it gets colder than that I stay home of put on the "down" coat that goes to the ankles.

[TENNJIM]

I am on my second Cabela's packable rain parka with mesh liner. They are inexpensive, lightweight, keep the rain, snow, and wind out, easy to pack, and can be layered underneath with t-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, fleece vest or whatever for about any temperature. They work well.

Jim B / Utah

[Arne]

yup, layers are important. The outside has to be wind/rain proof or resistant... sweater underneath.... and maybe a thermal long john type undergarment...(I tend to wear them all winter up here).. very toasty.

[Classic Finn]

yup, layers are important. The outside has to be wind/rain proof or resistant... sweater underneath.... and maybe a thermal long john type undergarment...(I tend to wear them all winter up here).. very toasty.

Ive got many Norwegian and Finnish hand knit sweaters here and a down vest but not really anything for the days when we get the wet or drizzle type snow.

Also have a set of good down jackets but they are not the kind for wet weather.

Them goretex and layer jackets are just so expensive here as is everything else.

I hate it when a wool sweater gets wet.

Classic Finn

[Miriam C.]

yup, layers are important. The outside has to be wind/rain proof or resistant... sweater underneath.... and maybe a thermal long john type undergarment...(I tend to wear them all winter up here).. very toasty.

Ive got many Norwegian and Finnish hand knit sweaters here and a down vest but not really anything for the days when we get the wet or drizzle type snow.

Also have a set of good down jackets but they are not the kind for wet weather.

Them goretex and layer jackets are just so expensive here as is everything else.

I hate it when a wool sweater gets wet.

Classic Finn

At least the wool will stay warm when wet. I would think a waterproof jacket or a polartec fleece with a nylon cover. North Face makes one for $160 but you can find them cheaper sometimes. Look in your ski shops for really good stuff.

[madjack]

...obviously, different climates and latitudes demand different jackets...as a person who has always worked and played outdoors a wool lined jean jacket or a military field jacket(with liner) combined with down vests or wool sweaters were always my choice but of late my favorite has become this jacket along with a polar fleece vest it keeps me nice and toasty in almost all weather....
madjack

[Classic Finn]

yup, layers are important. The outside has to be wind/rain proof or resistant... sweater underneath.... and maybe a thermal long john type undergarment...(I tend to wear them all winter up here).. very toasty.

Ive got many Norwegian and Finnish hand knit sweaters here and a down vest but not really anything for the days when we get the wet or drizzle type snow.

Also have a set of good down jackets but they are not the kind for wet weather.

Them goretex and layer jackets are just so expensive here as is everything else.

I hate it when a wool sweater gets wet.

Classic Finn

At least the wool will stay warm when wet. I would think a waterproof jacket or a polartec fleece with a nylon cover. North Face makes one for $160 but you can find them cheaper sometimes. Look in your ski shops for really good stuff.

You dont want to look in the Ski Shops here.. Over priced..

[Miriam C.]

...obviously, different climates and latitudes demand different jackets...as a person who has always worked and played outdoors a wool lined jean jacket or a military field jacket(with liner) combined with down vests or wool sweaters were always my choice but of late my favorite has become this jacket along with a polar fleece vest it keeps me nice and toasty in almost all weather....
madjack

We inherited Mike's grandpa's denim jack with a wool liner. Boy was it warm. It fit me many years ago. I sure would love to find another and maybe one for Mike.

[toypusher]

AuntieM,

Can't you get those at TSC??

[Miriam C.]

AuntieM,

Can't you get those at TSC??

Never looked. Truth is I forget every winter. I have been wearing mine with a down vest. It works to 20 degrees or so with a wool sweater. Well as long as the wind isn't too bad.

[Nitetimes]

Full length canvas duster with an insulated flannel shirt under it usually keeps me plenty warm in just about any weather..and it's rain/snow proof!!

[jdarkoregon]

Gore-Tex Usually a NorthFace with attached hood. Pants need to be Gore-tex too, Usually I just wear shells with layers, wool or polartec (not a switch of cotton

John

[Gaelen]

Miriam, I was just looking at Carhart wool lined jackets with hoods at TSC last week--there's one nearby my new garage!

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs ... 4642|14644