Question about Patagonia and Similar Jacket

[porsche4life]

I have been looking for a heaver fleece type jacket. I have looked at the Patagonia R4 and was wondering if it would still be warm around 15f and 20mph winds. Does anybody have one of these and is it worth the $225. Also does anyone know of something of similar quality that would be cheaper.
something like this

[CRH911S]

A 20mph windchill at 15f is nasty and if you're talking about just hanging around outside then I'd say no. Xcountry skiing in those conditions is difficult and skating, for me at least, is next to impossible but then again it would depend on the snow. With proper wiking layers and the Pat being the outer layer then I say go for it. But that's me and not you. What are your intentions?

[Tishabet]

I would highly recommend checking out Mountain Hardwear fleeces made with Gore WindStopper. Mine is one of the best pieces of gear I own, and I own a lot of gear.

Patagonia gear does not warrant its price, IMHO.

[VINMAN]

Depends on your activity. A 20 mph wind will blow right through any fleece jacket without an outer shell. Patagonia makes great stuff.
I have two Moutain Hardwear jackets that I love One is the Monkeyman which is a 770 fleece its pretty thick and the Windstopper Tech which I think is a 600 fleece. both are pretty warm. But like I said In a heavy wind you need some kind of wind blocker.(goretex or similar shell).

Both jackets were around $150 and $180

The best jacket I ever had was the Northface Denali. Warmest fleece jacket i ever wore. Bought that about 12 yrs ago. But the newer ones suck, ever since Northface became "trendy" schoolkid wear.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

The best jacket I ever had was the Northface Denali. Warmest fleece jacket i ever wore. Bought that about 12 yrs ago. But the newer ones suck, ever since Northface became "trendy" schoolkid wear.

that's the truth! My NF from 1992 is still an incredible jacket even though it's seen a lot of winter. won't say it looks like new, but I don't think it will wear out in my lifetime. Love the quadruple stitched seams.

[VINMAN]

I agree Shaun. The older Northface stuff is the ultimate. I handed mine down to a friend last yr. That jacket went through hell and still was solid! 12 yrs of ice climbing and other outdoor activities. Not a single stich popped!

[Rick Lee]

I can't find a NF Denali that fits me right. But I got the NF Apex and it's excellent.

[porsche4life]

I'm Looking a good fleece to wear when I'm just kicking around town and stuff. I have a Monkey Man fleece already and it just doesn't stop the wind. Snow isnt an issue here just cold and Fierce winds. That R4 says it has windstop but im not sure.

[Eric Coffey]

For those conditions (and worse), I would be looking at gear from Marmot.

[VINMAN]

The "windstopper" is usually just extra nylon panels sewn on the jacket and a tighter knit fleece.

[porsche4life]

Hmm... I have a Marmot Thunderlight rain jacket hadnt thought about them for warm gear. All this stuff i have is from a back packing trip last year but it was summer time so it was like 25 at the coldest and not much wind. I am trying to avoid layering as this would be throw on and jump in the car and run to town and then run in the store or what ever.

[porsche4life]

http://marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/outerwear/insulated/ama_dablam_jacket/info/proreviews
How would that do?

[gprsh924]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

The best jacket I ever had was the Northface Denali. Warmest fleece jacket i ever wore. Bought that about 12 yrs ago. But the newer ones suck, ever since Northface became "trendy" schoolkid wear.

I agree 100% that North Face is now super trendy. At my school, during the winter at least 70% of the people are wearing it. However, it is still really good gear. I have 3 jackets (the Apex, Condor TriClimate, and one of the cheaper rain jackets, don't remember the name) along with various fleece pullovers, pants and t shirts. All of the stuff has been bulletproof and has been used in harsher conditions than simply walking to class. Between my friend's and I we have MountainHardware, Marmot, Sypder, and Patagonia pretty well covered. I won't necessarily say that NF is superior to any of those other brands. However, whenever it has come down to me actually going out and purchasing a new jacket or fleece or whatever, I always end up buying North Face after a combination of style, fit, performance, and price. I can usually find pretty good deals on the North Face stuff.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

http://marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/outerwear/insulated/ama_dablam_jacket/info/proreviews
How would that do?

Just get it in orange and you can be Kenny from South Park:

[nostatic]

Typical fleece won't cut it in the wind - you need to layer for that.

I have some Patagonia stuff that has lasted for YEARS. My parka is over 20 years old, and my main "cold weather" jacket (SoCal calibration) I bought in '94 when I moved to SF. I've beat the crap out of that thing since then and it is still in perfect condition. I also have old capilene underwear that I used to use riding (bicycles). That stuff is also still in great shape, and functions perfectly.

I have a newer Patagonia shell that I haven't worn much yet, but seems to be up to snuff. For my money every Patagonia garment I've bought has been amazing - well worth the extra money. I can't say that about *any* other brand I've bought (including old NF). Also the cut on the Patagonia seem to fit me better. The cheap fleece like LL Bean, REI, etc just don't hang as well.

ymmv.

[porsche4life]

Well darn now I have to buy the orange one. Oh ya my g/f goes to OSU and their colors are orange and black so my other choice of red would not be allowed.

[MBAtarga]

Quick - go look now!
The North face 60% off - Men's Khumbu Fleece $31.98; Women Pumori Fleece $39.98
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?threadid=926570

[Eric Coffey]

Wait! I found an even better "Kenny" candidate, and it comes in orange/red:




Seriously, here is more on par with what I would be looking at:

http://marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/outerwear/snowsports/gunsight_component_jacket

http://marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/outerwear/snowsports/spellbound_component_jacket

[gprsh924]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Quick - go look now!
The North face 60% off - Men's Khumbu Fleece $31.98; Women Pumori Fleece $39.98
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?threadid=926570

Awesome find!! I have been needing a light fleece for these fall days, but didn't want to spend $75+ for a decent one. For $39 after shipping, this Khumbu one can't be beat. Buying it now. Thanks

[porsche4life]

Geez eric. Those are nice jackets but rather pricey.