Technical Wear advice

Takeshi_Kovacs

I just wondering if anyone can recommend some good websites or forums (no offense, but this one is kinda quite) that review technical wear for hiking and mountaineering.
I am in the market for a new jacket, and there is so many different types and brands to choose from, yet i don't know what would be a good choice. My current googling has my sights set on either Berghaus or Arc'Teryx as they seem to be getting best reviews from the few sites i have found..

cavedave

Outsider magazine has good gear reviews. They do a yearly review of everything which you can probably pick up in easons. I have had good experience with Millets for them knowing about the kit. GOD is good as well if a bit pricier.

Evil Phil

What exactly is the jacket for? Patagonia in Dublin is worth a look, it's an outlet store so it's pretty cheap.

Crubeens

While yer on the subject...I have just bought a pair of Viking hiking boots (Goretex) for €99 in the sales. It was a toss up between Columbia, Berghaus and Viking and I went for the latter.

Having said that, its my first pair and wasn't sure what to look for. If anyone knows anything negative about Viking please post and I can bring them back while I still have the receipt!

Takeshi_Kovacs

Evil Phil wrote:

What exactly is the jacket for? Patagonia in Dublin is worth a look, it's an outlet store so it's pretty cheap.

Well basically an all round jacket. Something that will keep my dry whilst cycling to work and i also intend on getting back out to the hills for a good bit hiking over the next few months (with the hope of getting fit enough and experienced enough to tackle some higher peaks abroad.. well thats the dream anyways..:p )

So it would have to be durable and well built, and what i have read up on so far is that the Arc'Teryx Theta is a very good all round jacket. I know there is loads of different manufacturers out there, and i just wonder is there any good sites, forums where technical gear is compared and reviewed by real people out in the field..

Anyways thanks for the infos..

Evil Phil

Crubeens: Get out on the hills and try them out, if they give you blisters go into Great Outdoors (I assume you're in Dublin) and get them to fit them to your feet properly. Doesn't matter if you bought the boots in another shop.

Takeshi_Kovacs: I don't know Arc'Teryx but I know people who wear them and they seem to have a good name.

cerebus

Evil Phil wrote:

Takeshi_Kovacs: I don't know Arc'Teryx but I know people who wear them and they seem to have a good name.

Yup, you won't go far wrong with an Arc'Teryx jacket - usually well thought out, well designed. Not sure who (if anyone) brings them into Ireland though, and they probably will be quite expensive. You might have to shop online.

I'd also recommend you check out the Patagonia Outlet in Dublin - well worth a look. Similar ethos to the Arc'Teryx stuff, emphasis on form and function. I have a number of bomb-proof pieces of gear from Patagonia that have stood the test of time (including my current jacket).

Takeshi_Kovacs

cerebus wrote:

Yup, you won't go far wrong with an Arc'Teryx jacket - usually well thought out, well designed. Not sure who (if anyone) brings them into Ireland though, and they probably will be quite expensive. You might have to shop online.

I'd also recommend you check out the Patagonia Outlet in Dublin - well worth a look. Similar ethos to the Arc'Teryx stuff, emphasis on form and function. I have a number of bomb-proof pieces of gear from Patagonia that have stood the test of time (including my current jacket).

Thanks for the advice. Yeah i have heard some good stuff about Patagonia as well, i think i will go for either them or Arc'Teryx, will just have to get the sizes right as i will most likely buy online, and want to make sure it fits me ..

majiktripp

Have recently bought some Arc'teryx items from ebay and they are absolute dynamite, more costly than your average but there does seem to be that extra bit of class and finesse about any of their clothing or accessories.You can download the '06 catalogue for Arc'teryx on their website,has a nice layout of their stock and a description of each item too.
Try them once and prepare to settle for nothing less!

Takeshi_Kovacs

majiktripp wrote:

Have recently bought some Arc'teryx items from ebay and they are absolute dynamite, more costly than your average but there does seem to be that extra bit of class and finesse about any of their clothing or accessories.You can download the '06 catalogue for Arc'teryx on their website,has a nice layout of their stock and a description of each item too.
Try them once and prepare to settle for nothing less!

Thanks for the heads up.. how easy did you find it to get the items on ebay. Last time i searched there, they had only jacket that i was interested in and it was size too small.

majiktripp

Searching on ebay can be a bit tedious alright but when you get it down its a life skill! (slight exaggeration there)
My method is simple, firstly for example searching for a North Face jacket. Use quotes to specify the search term ie."North Face" and follow it by all the different terms for your size in particular.For example I'm a medium in most things so my search is "North Face" (m,med,md,medium). This general search will work for all sizes you place in the brackets,you just have to know the different acronyms people use (ie.xlrg,xlarge,x-lrg,xl etc..)
Once you have the search done I usually sorted it by Newly Listed first,then bookmark the page,that way each day you can just load the bookmark and see the latest clothes added in your size
Hope that helps!

Takeshi_Kovacs

majiktripp wrote:

Searching on ebay can be a bit tedious alright but when you get it down its a life skill! (slight exaggeration there)
My method is simple, firstly for example searching for a North Face jacket. Use quotes to specify the search term ie."North Face" and follow it by all the different terms for your size in particular.For example I'm a medium in most things so my search is "North Face" (m,med,md,medium). This general search will work for all sizes you place in the brackets,you just have to know the different acronyms people use (ie.xlrg,xlarge,x-lrg,xl etc..)
Once you have the search done I usually sorted it by Newly Listed first,then bookmark the page,that way each day you can just load the bookmark and see the latest clothes added in your size
Hope that helps!

Thanks for the info.. just one question, how do you get the sizing right.. i.e. i have used the sizing chart on arc'teryx site, but do you measure chest size, waist size with underlayers, fleece jacket on, or is it measured as if you were barechested..
i am a bit confused, but i think i will get the large size, as i am 6'1" height and of a slimmish build (i consider myself in good shape). This should allow for layering options as i've read that arc'teryx tend to be cut to an athletic shape ...
I wish i could walk into a outdoor shop and try one on but there is no stockists of Arc'teryx near me, only your bog standard North Face, and Sprayway stuff...(and at a very hefty price too..)

Roen

I'm 5'10" and slim too and have tended to go for large outer shells for the last ten years so as to leave room for all the layers underneath. They are a little on the spacious side with just one layer on underneath but when you layer up the large is perfect.

Go into one of the outdoor shops near you and try on everything, that way you'll have a good sizing guide and you can still get internet prices.

Takeshi_Kovacs

well i just got my jacket a while ago. It is Arc'teryx Theta AR, i got the medium (going by the sizing chart), and it is a good fit, not baggy at all. Tried a heavy jumper and fleece on underneath and it is grand. The sleeves are just right as well.
I reckon if i was any a bit overweight, then med would be too small, as it does seem to be a fairly athletic cut. Overall, i am happy with it and look forward to a few monsoon showers/blizzards to try it out. Also cant fault the price i got it for 313 euro delivered to the door, compared with 480 euro on barrabes (and thats before delivery)