It's cold, and I need a new jacket. I have a Carhartt and a comfortable fleece, but I'm looking for something that isn't a dirty work coat and warmer than the fleece.

Needs to be windproof. Water resistant is nice, too, but not required. And warmish. I'd like something I can wear over a t-shirt when it's in the 40-50's and not freeze. I'm not going snow skiing any time soon, so I don't need an epic arctic coat.

I'm attracted to a few of the offerings from The North Face.

Of note are their soft-shells. I really like the cut, but I haven't been able to find many in stores. Also, I like the soft lining they have. Very comfortable.

The North Face® Men's Apex Bionic Jacket - $130 - This is the only one I've been able to try on, and it seemed really light weight. Almost too light, as if it wouldn't be very warm on its own.

The North Face® Men's Chromium Thermal Jacket - $150 - Reviews are mixed. Some say this is warmer than the Apex, others say they're the same.

Men's Sentinel Windstopper® Jacket - $200 - Most expensive of the three. Same general style. Looks to be the warmest.

What does TexAgs say?




edit: Yay BB codes and spelling.

[This message has been edited by Naveronski (edited 12/1/2011 12:29a).]

Get a synthetic insulation of down puffy jacket.

None of my fleeces really get used anymore unless it's too warm now that I have an Arc'Teryx Atom LT. The atom lt, patagucci nanopuff, or the variety of down jackets from companies like montbell, rab, and first ascent will all be good options for what you want.

ETA: All the jackets you linked to are un or lightly insulated softshells. They would be versatile as you can wear them to keep out wind and light rain in warmer conditions, and layer over a fleece when it's colder. I'd recommend looking at Marmot for reasonably priced softshells if that's what you're after.

[This message has been edited by NRH ag 10 (edited 12/1/2011 12:44a).]

I have several NF jackets including the Bionic Apex. It's my current jacket of choice even though i usually don't don a jacket unless it's 40 or below. Only word of caution. The apex does not have armpit vents and you will work up a sweat, so hope your deoderant doesnt stop working because the jacket will cause major BO.

I have a Marmot softshell that I wear during cold weather when I'm moving around quite a bit. I’ve been very happy with the breathability and windstopping of the material. When I was trying on jackets it was easier to move my arms around in the Marmot jacket than with similar North Face jackets. To me the North Face jackets were more binding around the shoulder/arm pit area.

I would avoid the coats that have the Goretex Windstopper fabric (or similar) because despite what it says it does not breath very well. You’ll sweat and then get cold. I think just a regular softshell has enough wind stopping and water repelling ability to do the job. You can always add another layer underneath if it’s real windy. Another note is to not get a real loose fit as you will lose warmth out of it.

I have had good experiences with purchasing from Moosejaw in the past.

Just as an aside since I don’t know your intended use for the coat I wear the Marmot when I’m doing aerobic activities in the cold (i.e. bird hunting, hiking, working around on the farm). However, if I’m going to be basically sitting around (e.g. deer hunting, turkey hunting, running the tractor) I reach for the Carhardt. The Marmot isn’t as warm as the Carhardt when you’re not moving around but if I’m moving around the Carhardt will burn me up.

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I'm not going snow skiing any time soon, so I don't need an epic arctic coat.

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That much is obvious by the fact that you believe you need an epic arctic coat for skiing

Whatever you end up looking for, check out backcountry.com for fairly good reviews and pretty decent prices. Also, you can chat with one of their "experts" about the gear they sell and in my experience, they actually knew WTF they were talking about.

May even ask your question to them, give them your budget and see what suggestions they have. They helped me find a cheap pair of ski gloves last year that worked great when I was looking at spending 2-3 times the price I paid for a "better" name brand.

I have an Apex Bionic I got as a gift. Great jacket. Sheds water, breaks the wind, very warm and lightweight. I will warn you it is warmer than it looks. It may be warmer than any jacket I own, with the exception of my duck hunting parka.

Check Ross or marshalls for a marmot soft-shell. They had several last time I was there. I picked up one from there around this time last year and it's been great.

[This message has been edited by '03ag (edited 12/1/2011 9:06a).]

I recently bought a Columbia Omni-Heat Jacket for $140.

I really like it so far, light weight and is wind and rain resistant. I think Academy sells them, but I bought mine at Aggieland Outfitters. I'll probably never wear my fleece again. Only downside is the shiny silver lining.

www.columbia.com/Men%27s-Sawyers-Creek%E2%84%A2-Softshell/WM3184,default,pd.html

I have been absolutely abusing a mountain hardware alchemy softshell for about 5 years now and it's still going strong. About the same warmth as a light-mid fleece, windproof, very water resistant (fine for snow or light rain). My go to jacket for everyday use.

I like Columbia stuff, but that's just my opinion and not meant to take anything away from North Face.


I don't even know if they're still in style, but 10 years ago I bought one of those Columbia jackets that has the fleece inside that can be worn separately. It's held up great and still looks new.

I'll be the first to ask:
You need a ski jacket in 40 degree weather?

But all kidding aside, down is a great insulator. The drawbacks to it are it sucks if it gets wet. Wool is another great natural fiber. It doesn't lose its insulating properties when wet, but it is heavy comparitavely. Most synthetics don't lose their insulating properties when wet either.

A good hard shell will stop the wind, and you can usually do without most insulation down to the 30s. That said, always layer. Look for hard shells with under arm vents. I have 2 NF jackets for skiing, one was a gift. I don't know if I'd buy another one because there are some great companies out there and I've become more weight conscious lately (not my weight). One not mentioned is GoLite. A little bit pricey (not Arc'teryx pricey), but good stuff, and really lightweight to boot.

If you're looking for deals, keep Steep and Cheap open in your browser at work. New deals every 20-30 minutes, and there have been a lot of jackets lately.

Softshells are just 'OK' in my opinion. Texans don't know how to dress for weather.

I have a Potasi, except mine's whatever the model was called ten years ago when I bought it... and actually, mine has more of the features of the Men's Mountain Guide, but the full seam-sealed waterproof shell of the Potosi. I'd buy the waterproofness over anything else.

The lower grade stuff that you're looking at will last about four-five years if you use it a lot; the higher grade stuff can last twenty years without showing wear. YMMV, buy what your wallet can bear. I'd buy a parka shell before I'd buy a soft shell.

I wear the jacket constantly. It's parka length and has a hood, so I end up wearing it as my all-season raincoat as well as a winter coat. I have an exceptionally warm down vest I can zip into it, but usually in Texas I haven't needed it and I just stick to wearing a normal fleece under it. It's the most useful piece of clothing that I own. I convinced my girlfriend to buy one as well and she now takes it with her instead of an umbrella, because wind will not whip rain up underneath it, and she's often out on job sites.

This is over the top but IMHO there is nothing better. Incredibly nice looking but incredibly hardcore as well.

Fossil Ridge Parka from Wiggy's

http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=30&CFID=3776533&CFTOKEN=80297694

Holy $750, Batman!

We're talking jackets, not guns here.

If you're trying to stay in the "TNF" camp, you might even be happy with just a Torpedo Jacket or a Sentinel "softshell" Try those on and see what you think.

IMO I would consider the purchase of a Triclimate jacket outer and inner combo. Similar to what Superspeck has, and I have two of them (don't ask). I wear the outer jacket in rain and snow, zip the fleece or a softshell in under it if it's really really cold. However, I do realize that this is above your current price point, but something to consider.

You can save money buying last seasons colors, so keep that in mind. If you buy from REI, you've got a jacket for life. If the zipper breaks or a seam tears, you can swap it out for a brand new one if they don't repair it... worth the price premium IMO.

(edited for at least 8 spelling errors... geez)

[This message has been edited by Terk (edited 12/1/2011 10:47a).]

I have a version of the REI NEO ($119) that I wear on a daily basis during the winter (in the rainy northwest). Works great and layers well. I've had mine for 3 years.

http://www.rei.com/product/816058/rei-neo-jacket-mens

[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 12/1/2011 2:12p).]

Once TNF caught on as a fashion statement brand, the thread count went down...

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Once TNF caught on as a fashion statement brand, the thread count went down...

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Exactly. If one were going to the Himalayas back in the eighties, TNF (or Patagonia) is what you would have worn. Now, I view them as a maker of very good and decent winter wear, but I wouldn't choose them for clothing on which to depend my life on.

But, since I'm not going to Nepal any time soon, I have an Apex Bionic that has served me quite well for the last two winters. It's not highly insulating, but as long as it keeps the wind and light rain off me, it's good for the great majority of winter days in TX.

I avoid TNF for that same reason. I also avoid Patagonia - I don't see how they justify their prices. Sierra Designs makes jackets that are about as good for a lot less.

I get a pro deal on Eddie Bauer First Ascent and all that stuff is crap as well...

If you're going with Arc'Teryx, look at the tag to see where it was made. The jackets made in BC seem to have better quality.

I have and recommend the following jackets:

REI Neo. This is a true softshell and gets worn the majority of the time for me. It is extremely comfortable and versatile in most weather conditions here in Texas. The only time I don't wear it for outdoor activities is if it is very windy, heavy rain or some combinations of these which is when I wear the jacket below. I bought it on sale for $99 and since I am a member can return it anytime it fails to perform.

REI Taku. I wear this in the conditions above as well as when snow skiing. I purposely bought it a size larger than necessary to make it more comfortable to layer underneath. Very wind and water resistant and very breathable too. I paid $125 for mine last year.

You should also consider LL Bean's Weather Channel Parka series. My Dad has one: He lives in Maine and its the only coat he ever needs due to its zip out liner that can be worn.

I have had TNF and Columbia soft shell's and neither have performed as well for me as the above products.

Oh wow. Looks like TexAgs loves their jackets. Y'all have given me a lot to chew on. Thank you!

I'm not stuck on TNF brand, but they all seem to have good reviews online. I'll look into Marmot as well.

I'm trying to keep this under $200, also.

FYI - rei-outlet.com is has a 20% off one item coupon up today

I have the all black windstopper and its a great jacket thats perfectly suited for your needs... I had to take off my thermal shirt and just go with the jacket in mid 30s this weekend with 20mph wind because I was sweating my ass off

The first one you listed (the Apex),IS AWESOME. Great for wind and rain/drizzle.

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Whatever you end up looking for, check out backcountry.com for fairly good reviews and pretty decent prices. Also, you can chat with one of their "experts" about the gear they sell and in my experience, they actually knew WTF they were talking about.

May even ask your question to them, give them your budget and see what suggestions they have. They helped me find a cheap pair of ski gloves last year that worked great when I was looking at spending 2-3 times the price I paid for a "better" name brand.

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+1

Old high school friend of mine used to work there... good people there

Go with a Patagonia

i'd go to an REI and try on a bunch of different stuff. the people that work there have always been really helpful in my experience.