New Gear

“I know there is a thread for new gear, but I wasn't able to access it.

I wore my brand new (drove in to Montreal in a snow storm) MEC Aegis jacket - www.mec.ca. It is a 3 ply Gore-Tex XCR parka.

To backtrack, I bought a Sierra Designs 3 ply G-Tex XCR a few years back. It delaminated and they exchanged it for a new one. I have never liked it because the new model is more a ski jacket than a full-on expedition parka. It has a slim cut that is useless for layering and a hood that zips into the collar.

FYAO was coming up and the Rainier climb this July and I felt I 'needed' a mountaineering parks. I bought the Marmot Precip for the cut and because the price was right. It's a nice jacket, but not G-Tex and it seems it might be somewhat less durable (it's advertised for 'low abrasive' activities); it also doesn't breathe as well as the G-Tex XCR. I noticed this while Nordic ski-ing.

Anyhoo the MEC Aegis is a kick-@$$ jacket and I don't know how they do it for the price, Cad 340$ and made in Canada too! Even the zips are YKK USA.

It has a combination of welded and sewn seams and the semi waterproof zips are flapped, except for the pitzips. It is cut for layering and is supposed to be bombproof and it feels that that is true.

Also, I bought TNF expedition mitts and they are rugged and unbelievably warm. My only complaint is that the gauntlets are tight and difficult to fold over sleeves with a down parka under the G-Tex. Pennsy's OR mitts have gauntlets that are flared and I think I'd buy those had I to do it over again.

My new G3 backcountry skis are a dream. I got them long (184 cm) for a wax pocket and they were really fast on the slopes at Tremblant. They are G3 Barons and the graffics are outstanding. I can't wait to take them to Mount Washington soon.”

“thanks for the info grem. i'd like to get a good set of backcountry skis for next winter. i'll look into the G3s”

“woot!”