Arcteryx help

[jeepxj13]

Can someone recommend me a Arcteryx winter jacket for Alabama. I am new to the company and would like to buy a high quality jacket for the up coming winter. It will be a graduation gift so price is not a huge deal. $600 or so. I just want on I only have to wear a tee in the winter time and can layer if I go up north any.

[Honu]

what is the company ?


not sure if you have REI out that way or other store that carries them ?
I tried on a bunch ended up with one of their soft shell setups that have some stretch its light nice for cold dry mornings with just a shirt put on a fleece and its good in the snow for me with a turtle neck under it on sale at REI for under $200 its kinda like the current gamma jacket

for a harder shell I preferred the Mountain Hardware stuff in a more true SHELL design meaning non stretch type fabrics but can say the new stretch type stuff I love but I live in a dry climate for the most part

reasons I like the stretch type stuff is it comfort super wind resistance nice fit over true shell type setups

not sure if you know about TAD
http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/
worth a look also makes some really nice stuff

[Flounder]

I work for an Arcteryx dealer. For starters, I guess you have to decide if you want this thing to be waterproof and breathable. If that's the case, I think you're barking up the wrong tree. Arcteryx is proper backcountry gear. As such, most of what they provide are layered systems. Base layer (moisture management) + Mid Layer (insulation) + Outer Layer (water and wind proofness).

They do make some jackets that provide shell protection from wind and water while incorporating some insulation, but we're talking jackets for some pretty hidious winter weather. We're talking high mountain gnarl. Most people prefer to buy a shell and then apply the appropriate layers beneath it to achieve the desired warmth. This way you can have a blingy, fancy shell you can use in July rain storms and January ice blasts. If you get something like the Arcteryx Mako Jacket, you'll love it for the ten days a year you get to use it.

Personally, I think you'd get more versitility out of something like a combination of: Alpha SL Jacket ($319) and a down or synthetic jacket to go under it.

[jeepxj13]

Thanks for the help. Flounder can you recommend a layer setup for top and bottoms.

[Flounder]

Thanks for the help. Flounder can you recommend a layer setup for top and bottoms.

What I would recommend would be relative to what you want to do with this stuff. If you want to rip ski turns in hellish weather, that would require one system. If you just want to stay warm and dry on your way to the bar (I do that as much as I rip ski turns), then that would be a different system. What outdoor pursuits do you have in mind for this stuff?

I'd also point out that Arcteryx is often criticized for being ill-fitting. It's made for highly active backcountry enthusiasts. Those types are pretty lean and athletic. So, many people don't fit their duds.

[jeepxj13]

I'll be wearing it around campus and mostly hiking. I'll also have to use it on SAR type activities. No skiing in Alabama. Haha

Lucky for me I'm 6'4 and a lean 200, courtesy of the fire department. Thanks again for the help.

[Retarius]

I have a the LEAF (Law Enforcement Armed Forces) Atom AF jacket and love it. It is warm and very compressable. I have worn it with just a tshirt down to about 20* F degrees and a long sleeve shirt down to 0* F. Definately want to keep moving at those temps to stay comfortable but it would be more than enough for what your looking for. You may want to look at the LEAF Atom LT Pullover if you are going to be active in SAR. My buddy has one which I really liked. In my experiance (light infantry) the AF is good for being in a static location (or walking around ski towns) and the LT is better for on the move due to its lighter coreloft. I think that you qualify for the LEAF pricing as a Firefighter but you should email them. If your looking for something you can get at dealer like REI, I would look at the Atom LT Hoody.




Atom AF
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.asp...acket#Coreloft

Atom LT Pullover
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.asp...lover#Coreloft

Atom LT Jacket
http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.asp...acket#Coreloft

Atom LT Hoody
http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx...Hoody#Coreloft

[Bighead]

I love those surprisingly cold Alabama winters. I occasionally work in Huntsville during the winter and have used my Alpha SV shell along with a Gamma AR softshell. This combo worked well for me with Patagonia mid and base layers under the Gamma.

[jeepxj13]

You can never tell what the weather is going to be like in the south. Hot one day then snowing the next. I have looked at the LEAF gear and would love to have it but right now I'm only on the pro plan for the normal gear.

[ssssnake529]

This would probably work for you:

http://www.6pm.com/patagonia-insulat...jacket-black~2