high dollar gear

“Has anyone bought either the REI one jacket or Marmot soft rock jacket? I would like to know if the $200.00 pricetag fits the jacket. thanks”

“I have my doubts about the REI-One jacket's claim that you won't need to worry about layering anymore. What if you start sweating and need to shed a layer?

I'm not an experienced winter backpacker, I've just starting going frequently this winter, but for what it's worth, I think getting a goretex shell, and wearing a fleece jacket and a long sleeve coolmax shirt underneath is the best way to go. It's worked for me on several trips in the freezing weather so far. Just my 2 cents.”

“i read a market report on the soft shells. i can't remember where i saw it, but it said that none of the softshells, no matter who the maker is, is a replacement for a waterproof shell in heavy precipitation. might be okay for snow and light rain, but would soak through in heavy rain. they talked of companies being misleading in their advertising and how it has the possibilty to leading to dire consequences if somebody were depending on this jacket in the cold and it soaked through. some did do better than others, with the arc' teryx getting the best rating. the rei jacket did not get a good rating if i remember correctly. can't remember what they said about the marmot soft rock or mountain hardwear alchemy.

my opinion is it would not be worth the risk (or cost for that matter) for me.”

“Just can't justify a fleece jacket that costs more than my tent and backpack combine, no matter how good it is. Just something wrong with that.
Unless of course the jacket had magical powers of some type.”

“From what I've seen, the soft shell concept is overrated unless you're doing one aerobic activity in one set of conditions for a relatively short period of time, e.g. mountain biking or running.”

“So now the trend is "soft shells" -- another place to deposit your $200 and I agree with Baume -- sorta a scam.

Just get the $15 uncoated nylon jacket from Campmor. Does the same thing at a fraction of the cost and weight.

The only exception I would make is for a Marmot DriClime jacket. Layers are always going to be more versatile.”

“I never saw a One jacket or soft shell, but I sweat too much when hiking to wear a jacket over a base layer unless it's really cold, so I think it would be too warm for me to wear in most conditions. For 95% of my winter hiking a lightweight polypro base with a 100 wt. microfiber pullover works for me. If I get cold with that I wear a breathable wind jacket over that. I think a softshell would get sweat soaked and stay that way too long, at least on me.”

“The REI One jacket looks very similar to the Arcteryx Gamma SV. I think they are even made of the same material, Polartec Power Shield. The prices for most of these jackets are comparable. I think a softshell is worth it if you're doing a lot of aerobic activity”

“I like my coats like I like my crabs.......hard shell

I love my Marmot Alpinist. If I get to hot it has full pit zips. I wear that in combo with my North Face bibs. In those I can zip down each side from the top as much as I want. I can regulate my temp very good this way. The last time I was out I experimented with this and stayed very comfortable through out the hike.

full gortexx all the way!

2c”

“Although I don't have ANY firsthand experience with these softshells, and my gut feeling is to trust the layer w/breathable waterproof shell, my instinct feels that the companies have something here, something that we all have yet to discover/realize, or they wouldn't be putting so much effort into this garment.

From what I've read in the past the soft shells are geared toward the 90% of the time a person is outdoors and it is NOT pouring down rain...that 90% of the time for only hours or a day. These shells are very lightweight, packable, windproof yet extremely breathable and will even shed water in a light rain. Sounds good to me for dayhiking when you pretty much know what the weather conditions will be...and if the weather turns for the worse, the jacket will keep you warm and relatively dry until you get back to where you came from.

In a few years the cost will be dramatically lower than what it is now. Trust me! That is the ay it is with all new gear technology.

I can't knock 'em till I try 'em.”

“Unless you are backpacking in high altitudes or in the winter, early spring, late fall, shells are worthless. If it rains, you are going to get soaked anyway, might as well get a poncho, or go commando.”

“I checked out the REI One jacket. Won't keep you dry in a downpour? $200? That's a really pricey non-waterproof shell.

Again, Marmot Driclime windshirt. Half the price. Less than half the weight. Does the same thing. No need to re-invent the wheel.”