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Ely Outfitting Company
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 Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Windstopper Reply
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View BWCA Photo and Trip Report Contest Page
Poll: What is your favorite month in the BWCA/Q?
| Previous Messages: | |
| Author | Message Text |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/14/2011 07:23PM Not committed to the Mountain Hardware jacket. Just looking for comments about it and any/all possible alternatives to similar jackets. |
| airborne4 |
03/14/2011 01:18AM I don't own the MH jacket but I own a similar Marmot jacket in WindStopper fleece. The laminate has its advantages and drawbacks. The piece doesn't provide as much insulation for the weight as a simple fleece jacket but it is dynamite for cutting a cold wind down to size without a shell. If you sweat a lot (like I do), it can still seem like a steam tent inside when you are very active. A full front zipper and the pit zips on mine are a must for me. My pit zips are large enough that I can actually slip out of the sleeves and tie them in a knot behind my neck. It looks pretty goofy but it essentially turns the piece into a WindStopper vest until I stop and have to batten down the hatches again. Nowadays, the piece is used more often for sporting around town on cold windy days. I have found more breathable soft shell to be more useful for high output activities. I have a very lightweight shell from Patagonia that breathes much better than WindStopper(Patagonia Ascensionist)but isn't as windproof because it doesn't use a laminate. It has pocket vents but no pit zips. For most people, the breathability of the fabric makes the pit zips unnecessary but, being a heavy sweater, I am still debating whether to have them put in by my tailor. Unlike a wind shell, the Ascencionist has a full hood and it comes down below the waist. Thus, part of what it gives up in windproofness it gets back in fuller coverage. It is also thinner material than WindStopper which makes it versatile for layering fleece underneath or a Gore-Tex shell over the top. I'm sure other manufacturers offer similar pieces. Another alternative might by a piece made out of Polartec WindPro fleece. It achieves its wind resistance without a laminate. I don't own a piece so others will be more informed on its relative merits. I have never seen a WindPro jacket that came with pit zips and most probably don't need them but if you sweat a lot, that is an easy modification for a tailor. One last alternative is an outer shell made with eVent. I finally popped for a shell by Rab (a British mountaineering outfitter) and it truly is more breathable than Gore-Tex. I can't speak to its long term functionality yet. eVent lacks the polyurethane coating that Gore-Tex (and other WB knock-offs) use to prevent the pores in the breathable laminate from clogging with body oils. REI also produces some gear out of eVent along with Westcomb, a Canadian company. The advantage, of course is that one shell can do double duty as raingear AND breathable wind blocker. I realize your original question was specifically about the MH WindStopper jacket but I figured you can just filter out any info you find irrelevant. |
| Beaverjack |
03/10/2011 06:02PM I prefer my wind shell on the outside, and I carry a wool sweater. good fleece doesn't pack as small nor insulate as well when wet. I have a windstopper wool sweater that rarely gets any use. It's just too sweaty unless used as an outer layer, not enough flexibility. My layering scheme uses merino wool underwear, a shirt, sweater, and raincoat. If it's spring or fall, I'll also take a down vest and extra gloves. |
| nctry |
03/09/2011 04:47PM I really like my bwca.com fleece jacket. No real bells and whistles, just warm and fits good. |
| kiwifish |
03/09/2011 03:02PM Maybe think about a good quality wind breaking fleece vest (not MH as someone pointed out already). Maybe Marmot or North Face or something with a warranty. I'm done with buying cheap crap. I sweat like crazy, even in winter and find that vests seem to keep my core warm enough but I don't get wet with persperation. They pack small and paired with a long sleeve shirt (NOT cotton) make a nice alternative to a bulky full length fleece. Layer good rainwear on that and "Bobs your uncle". |
| ClarkPeters |
03/09/2011 12:26PM The choice between regular and wind-stopper fleece depends on when and where you want to use it. Regular fleece breathes well, but will provide zero warmth by itself if the wind is blowing. Wind-stopper is much better in a breeze, but doesn't breathe particularly well. That's where the details of garments by The North Face, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardwear, etc. become more important. If you want wind-stopper for it's ability to handle cold breezes, look for pit-zips to handle warmer days. The other part of the equation is durability. North Face and others take a rap as yuppie wear, but I have a TNF goretex parka that is 19 years old and has been my primary winter coat the whole time. Not just for camping, but every day. It has to be the best $300 I ever spent. Fleece is much the same. You get what you pay for. You just have to decide how much you want to get. Pete |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/09/2011 12:26PMquote butthead: " Jacket I am leaning strongly in this direction. It would be nice to actually try one on. I was wondering if anyone knows of a store in Minnesota that carries this? I only see the Mount Horeb, Wisconsin store. |
| butthead |
03/09/2011 12:05PM Jacket I have one and do like it a lot. But it would be too warm even in May/Sept. for me. The "Campmor" fleece I use is not wind proof, yet does have pit zips and wear patches on the shoulders and elbows. Teamed with a windshirt it's all I need down to 30 degrees, yet vents well enough to portage in at 60 degrees. It's not available anymore but the "Red Ledge" jacket look identical. It is made in 2x large but may be harder to find. butthead |
| Beaverjack |
03/09/2011 10:18AM Look at Duluth Trading's Shoreman's Fleece Jacket. My son has one and that's about all he wears except in the coldest weather. I've seen it as low as $59.95 when it goes on sale. Couldn't get the link function to work, but here's the addy: http://www.duluthtrading.com/75007.aspx |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/09/2011 08:25AMquote talusman: "I bought an Arcteryx last year. It was about $200 marked down to $65. When I first got it I couldn't understand how they could think it was worth $200. It has now turned into one of my favorite jackets but I still don't think I'd pay $200 for it. I'm sure the MH Windstopper is a good jacket but look around and see if you can find last year's model." That's exactly the way I'd like to come into something like this. Not saying it HAS to be the Mountain Hardware jacket. But, I would like a breathable jacket fleece of that nature. |
| talusman |
03/09/2011 08:08AM I bought an Arcteryx last year. It was about $200 marked down to $65. When I first got it I couldn't understand how they could think it was worth $200. It has now turned into one of my favorite jackets but I still don't think I'd pay $200 for it. I'm sure the MH Windstopper is a good jacket but look around and see if you can find last year's model. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/09/2011 07:56AM I used the Mountain Hardware jacket as an example of the type of fleece jacket I'm looking for. To be sure. Buying something like this definitely qualifies as a luxury item in my books. I've reached a point where I'm willing to spend extra $$$ if the product seems worth it to me. Price is NOT a non-factor but....... In the past I purchased a Kevlar canoe paying easily 5X more than I could've gotten a used aluminum for. I bought BB laminate paddles for 10X what I could've gotten a cheap, but very serviceable, hardware store paddle for. Even having paid extra. I am completely happy with both of these purchases & have no regrets. If I stop and think about it there are plenty of items I could have saved $$$ on? Had I gone with the cheapest serviceable option. This is not to say I will/or won't go with this type of fleece jacket. Just exploring my options. Trying to get as many opinions about these type of jackets as I can. Or other ideas. And yes. I think $165 is a bit much for that jacket. :) thanks again, TB |
| boonie |
03/09/2011 07:01AMquote TuscaroraBorealis: "Looking back. This probably should have been part of my original question . To some people, yes; to others, no. If it does exactly what you're expecting, it will be. If your expectations are not realistic, it won't be. My thought is that a vest will best meet your needs. And that two - a plain fleece and a windproof shell - will be more versatile and probably cost about the same. |
| BearBrown |
03/08/2011 09:38PM I bought my fleece jacket at a thrift store for 3 dollars and am plenty happy with it, fleece is a great material. I couldn't imagine that the mountain hardware jacket is worth an extra $162 though. Just my humble opinion. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/07/2011 07:19PM Looking back. This probably should have been part of my original question . Are these type of fleeces with the extra "bells & whistles" worth the extra $$$ paid for them???? |
| tg |
03/06/2011 08:56PM i have a MH windstopper vest which i like a lot but it doesn't breathe very well at all-probably worse than a std fleece. for 3 season canoe camping/backpacking i take a waterproof breathable shell and either a std fleece or more recently my montbell thermawrap jacket which is insulated with the aforementioned primaloft. it packs down to nothing which is why i like it better than the fleece. but all these synthetic fibers are prone to burning/acquiring spark holes if worn near a fire. this winter i have been turned onto heavy wool shirts as a breathable, warm outer layer. they insulate even when wet. hth tg |
| Exo |
03/06/2011 08:31PM I bought a Mountain Hardwear windstopper for my solo trip last May. And I've worn it almost daily ever since. It's held up REALLY well and taken a beating. I wanted an all in one jacket that was fleece-ish combined with wind-stopping and a little warmth, but good enough to layer up for 20 degree weather. I'm buying the pants to go with it next month. I do have to say it is warm and you will break out in a sweat if you over-exert. Like any clothing. But it does breathe. It also doesn't absorb rain real well. I have worn it during those fine mist days and been OK. I over-exerted and worked up a sweat then jumped in my truck with leather seats. When I got out the seat-back was soaking wet. So that was my proof that the jacket breathes...and breathes the right way. Throw in a LaRue Tactical cap, an eater walleye, and your good to go! 
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| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/06/2011 08:15PMquote Jeriatric: "Good grief! Four of those jackets could get you a fairly decent canoe. Even if you have money to burn, you'd save on weight by having your rain jacket do double duty." I thought I covered that already? :) |
| Savage Voyageur |
03/06/2011 10:30AM Fleece jackets are nice and warm, I like them. I take a Columbia fleece vest and wear it under my rain jacket to stay warm. Layers for me is how I can stay warm or if too warm unzip and cool down. That jacket looks nice but is too much money for the product you get. Try the Columbia outlet store for your needs,great prices on last years styles. |
| Jeriatric |
03/06/2011 03:27AM Good grief! Four of those jackets could get you a fairly decent canoe. Even if you have money to burn, you'd save on weight by having your rain jacket do double duty. |
| ducks |
03/05/2011 08:26PM No problem TB. We have found the best deals when we go in there during the week. Don't know if there's something to that or if it's just easier to find the deals when there are only 5 people in there on a weeknight verses 200 on the weekend :) With the little one on the way it's also a great place for you to get winter stuff for kids. I think I remember vikie asking about a snowsuit type thing for an infant a while back?????? They had infant/toddler stuff very cheap when we were in there 2 weeks ago. Last year right around this time we got $120 winter jackets for each of our girls for $20. Sorry if I sound like a commercial. I have no affiliation with them at all. Just very pleased with some of the deals we've gotten there. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/05/2011 08:15PM Thanks alot ducks! Really appreciate the heads up. |
| ducks |
03/05/2011 08:07PM Hey TB, Since I know you're not too far away. The Columbia Outlet Store in Albertville has Mountain Hardware stuff in addition to their Columbia stuff. If you're lucky enough to walk in there at the right time you can get some great steals. My favorite steal from that store so far was a pair of $45 kids convertible pants for $4. My wife just happened to be in the store when they were putting them out. |
| boonie |
03/05/2011 07:58PM You're best bet is a plain fleece vest for warmth and breathability. I wear one over a tightly woven nylon shirt with pit zips. That works pretty well. When I need more protection from the wind, I slip on a wind shell. Gore Windstopper is more breathable than Goretex, but less so than plain fleece. It is more windproof than plain fleece. Other fleeces are more wind "resistant" than plain fleece. It's the usual tradeoff - the more windproof (and warmer) it is, the less breathable. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/05/2011 07:39PM Butthead, Thanks. That was exactly ther type of feedback I was hoping for. Unfortunately they only offer sizes up to XL. I'll likely need a XXL. Also from the feedback here it sounds like these higher end (priced)fleece do not breath as well as advertised. And I guess that was essentially my original question. Is the extra $$$ paid for these type of jackets worth it? I still need a fleece/outer layer. So maybe I can find something on the steep and cheap or somewhere of the like. Otherwise I'll just go with something similar to what I've used in the past. Thanks to everyone for your input, TB |
| SevenofNine |
03/05/2011 03:18PM Here's my experience. I camp in the shoulder seasons late April/late September-October & November. My experience is with an REI One jacket size XXL. I should have bought a XL but I was going to use this for winter camping and wanted to be able to add additional layers underneath. (I don't use it for winter camping either) It's too heavy and bulky for my liking so I don't bring it on trips any more. Here's some other reasons why I leave it home: The problem with these jackets is they will keep you warm for a certain range and then they need to be augmented when it gets colder. They offer the ability to breathe and that makes things worse when you are really trying to stay warm. They are too warm (for me) to do anything mildly strenuous like hiking a pack over a portage. Pit zips don't alleviate the extra warmth enough versus opening the front zipper. None seem to offer a hood and that would make it a more useful accessory. They are not totally waterproof so I still have to bring a rain coat. I've gone to fleece layering with a windproof vest if it's windy. If it is really cold I pull on an extra fleece shirt and my rain coat. If I know it's going to be cold say 20-30 at night or during the day I bring a light weight Pertex jacket. If you find that this can replace a fleece shirt then you should consider it. I would experiment with it before I brought it to the field. I really like my REI One jacket but only as a street coat for Fall and late Winter when it starts to warm up. Good luck TB and let us know what you find. |
| AndySG |
03/05/2011 11:05AM Keep your eye on Steep and Cheap quite a few name brand jackets come up there for less than 1/2 price. I'm sure you'll do better than $165. |
| CapitalCity |
03/05/2011 10:15AM Windstopper is great stuff. I have only ever used it on colder days when i could have or should have been wearing a hardshell type jacket. If you are looking for light weight thermally efficient clothing I am a huge fan of Primaloft down insulation. I have a Marmot i really like (its extremely thermally efficient even when wet). I feel the advantage over fleece is that it dries much faster once wet. I can always throw my rainjacket over the top of my primaloft when the wind or rain really picks up. Basically its like a down sweater at that point and I have never gotten cold using this combo (even on -2 degree days out ice fishing. Check out First Ascent (Eddie Bauer's new mountain fashion line), Marmot, MontBell. They all use primaloft synthetic down insulation. |
| Corndog |
03/05/2011 10:01AMquote TuscaroraBorealis: "quote kanoes: "i just wear my rain jacket in a driving wind." I like poncho's. |
| nctry |
03/05/2011 08:55AM What? You didn't go with the bwca.com Fleece Jacket? You need to call Adam and hopefully he has some left. :D |
| Mort |
03/05/2011 05:29AM I have a simple, inexpensive nylon wind shell from Redledge that I believe I purchased from Campmor. It works like a charm, and has held up well over the years. For me at least, ...that's the way to go. |
| butthead |
03/05/2011 12:01AM Red Ledge I like their raingear, and am looking to replace my Campmor fleece jacket (same features). butthead |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/04/2011 08:41PMquote kanoes: "i just wear my rain jacket in a driving wind." Me too. Sorry, guess I should have clarified a bit more. :) Looking for something for spring/fall that would provide warmth when cool/cold, yet extra breathability when portaging (or, for that matter, doing anything that might cause perspiration) w/o having to take the time to totally strip down. Then having to put it back on afterwards. Not concerned so much with the water repelling qualities. Basically an all in one fleece. I know, I know. It's not really that big of deal to pull off a fleece & put it back on later. But since I'm in the market for a new one. Thought I'd research what's out there. And the options this one has sounds intriguing. Though expensive. Hence the original post. Corndog, What in particular about that jacket didn't you like? |
| Corndog |
03/04/2011 08:28PM Junk! Buy a new military spec poncho! |
| kanoes |
03/04/2011 08:28PM i just wear my rain jacket in a driving wind. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
03/04/2011 08:04PM Looking for a new outer layer. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the Mountain Hardware windstopper? What cheaper options are out there? That still has the high collar & more importantly the pit zippers & similar warmth retention/outer shell qualities? TB |
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