What do you wear on your Back?

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What do you wear on your Back?

Postby SUM » Thu Nov 18, 2010 6:47 pm

Hey guys, I am trying to figure out what coat I should invest into for all around use on a stint.

Something tough, light, compact-able that can be used in moist continental climates such as Kosovo. Areas of differing elevations where your deployment may lend it self to different climates in one region,from rain to snow.

I currently have been using a Ice climbing Jacket (Made by M.E.C., climbing store in Canada). Their usually made pretty tough and light. They pack nicely into your pack.

Though I find Gortex jackets are a pain because of tears and such. Always scared I am going to destroy the thing. And new climbing jackets have horribly unergonomic hoods.

Any suggestions?
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby JamesInTheWorld » Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:09 pm

How much can you spend?


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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby SUM » Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:15 pm

Well would love to say price is no option, but it is, but if I know it's a good buy I am ready for an investment. My current Jacket was around 300$ ( didn't pay that, but thats the retail price). Also I really snug fits. Hate when a jacket gets a snag of rebarb or gear.


What are you thinking?
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby mapandcompass » Thu Nov 18, 2010 10:36 pm

My vote is to find an insulation/shell system with a reasonably robust exterior. In dry weather, shed the shell. In wet/cold/wind, layer it back up.

One friend has a jacket/shell combo by Patagonia that seems quite sturdy. Another friend has a fleece/shell combo by L.L. Bean that has held up well. I don't think you'll find anything as durable as say, a Carhartt or leather jacket, but at least they're modern materials.

Also, I consider pit-zips a must-have feature. They let you dump some heat and moisture without opening or removing your coat, letting you stay dry from both rain and funky sweat.

Waterproof breathable fabrics have come a long way in terms of durability. I have a c.2005 2-piece Marmot. The shell seems thin and fragile (it has actually held up fine) but the newer fabrics feel stiffer, heavier, and less baggy.

As for well-fitting and finding a decent hood, there's only one thing for it: shopping, I'm afraid. Go to outdoor stores and find the make/model/size you want and then price-shop it online or dig up a retailer's coupon.

Brands to look at:
Patagonia
Marmot
Arc'Teryx
LL Bean
REI house brand?
Mountain Equipment Co-op
etc.

Happy hunting, let us know when you find one.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby JamesInTheWorld » Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:04 am

Kifaru backpacks are probably the best - each is custom made to the user

But they are expensive and they sometimes take a little while for them to make and ship to you

www.kifaru.net


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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby SUM » Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:01 am

I currently have a MEC shell and two different fleeces, ones warmer than the other. The shell has the pit zips for sure. Thats a must have. I just feel like shels now days will break since they are so thin. Rolling around or a nasty fall down a hillside might just ruin them.


http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302699279


Here is the jacket that I have.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby JamesInTheWorld » Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:54 am

Fuck - I should have said "The weight of the world"




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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby AztecDave » Sat Nov 20, 2010 12:53 pm

Try a soft shell w/ gortex & windstopper capability. Lots of companies make them: REI, North Face, Mtn Hardware, etc. I have a euro brand one, Jack Wolfskin. They are pricey but a great all wx jacket. Good for rainy, snowy & wet & cold. Get a size larger if you need to layer a sweater underneath. Come in tactical & touristy colors. Take your pick.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby JamesInTheWorld » Sat Nov 20, 2010 12:56 pm

Go to Amazon.com - put "Backpack" into the search box, sort by price, buy the most expensive one you can afford - honestly after you go over 3 or 4 hundred they are all the same



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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby mapandcompass » Sat Nov 20, 2010 7:14 pm

JamesInTheWorld wrote:Go to Amazon.com - put "Backpack" into the search box, sort by price, buy the most expensive one you can afford - honestly after you go over 3 or 4 hundred they are all the same



~JITW


The OP's original question was regarding coats, I think...

SUM wrote:Hey guys, I am trying to figure out what coat I should invest into for all around use on a stint...
I currently have been using a Ice climbing Jacket (Made by M.E.C., climbing store in Canada). Their usually made pretty tough and light. They pack nicely into your pack...
Though I find Gortex jackets are a pain because of tears and such. Always scared I am going to destroy the thing. And new climbing jackets have horribly unergonomic hoods.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby JamesInTheWorld » Sun Nov 21, 2010 11:14 am

Thanks for taking the time to correct me fag



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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby coldharvest » Sun Nov 21, 2010 11:39 am

What do you wear on your Back?

A giant fuckin' monkey.....it's warm and has opposable thumbs.
I know the law. And I have spent my entire life in its flagrant disregard.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby mapandcompass » Mon Nov 22, 2010 12:19 am

JamesInTheWorld wrote:Thanks for taking the time to correct me fag



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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby Kurt » Tue Nov 23, 2010 2:24 am

I wear wool.

Even when I travel places. Nothing beats it when it is suprise-wet-&-cold out and you have places to be and commitments to keep. Plus it won't melt if you stand too close to a fire to keep even warmer.

My best traveling coat was a $2 second hand heavyweight wool one. I had it from 1992 to 2001 ...it just wore out too badly by then.
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Re: What do you wear on your Back?

Postby SUM » Mon Dec 06, 2010 6:56 pm

Good call on the wool.
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