Researching a New Gortex Jacket

[Ed Cordes]

I know this is not directly camera or lens related, but still necessary for photography. My 6 year old Gortex jacket is in need of replacement. It was an EMS brand and performed well. I would like to consider camo colors this time. I do not need any insulation as I like to use the jacket in summer and over fleece in winter. However, it has to perform very well in harsh rain and wind. I have looked at Cabelas and EMS but it is hard to decide when you can't see them. Is there anyone who can provide input or suggestions on what they are happy with?

Thanks.

[Fabs Forns]

North Face?

[Robert Amoruso]

Ed,

Try some of the websites for magazines like Backpacker, etc. Look for reviews.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Ed Another vote for North Face !!

btw for harsh wind and rain you might want to look at the Frogg Toggs Saw Artie using and they are great !!! Keep a pair handy !!

[Mike Tracy]

If Auburn, N.Y. is not too far of a drive you can check out the Bass Pro Shops there. I buy practically everything I own outdoor wise from them. Supposed to be a new one opening in Buffalo soon but unsure when.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...=94&storeID=14

[Rocky Sharwell]

I like Northface and Mountain Hardware a lot....

I might suggest looking at Sierratradingpost.com to see if they have anything that fits your needs--They tend to sell last year's colors and overstock of first rate stuff(no seconds)...

[Charles Glatzer]

Ed,

I do not really know your needs, but if you looking for something relatively inexpensive.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...f-For-Men.html

Personally, I buy black and I have never found much of a the need for camo.

If you are looking for top of the line, and a buy once item- Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, etc have superb quality and warranty. My Arc'teryx shell and pant are among the most used clothing items I own. Buy one size larger for layering in cold weather.

Best,

Chas

[Bill Coatney]

Columbia is a very good brand--
They also have kits that clean and unclog the pores of the GoreTex membrane that lengthen the useful life of such garments

I have a Columbia brand Gore Tex 4 in 1 system that is over 15 years old and has been used and abused from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. I use the outer shell in much the same fashion you mentioned.
Look in the waterfowl hunting section of their site.
Since you are looking for wind and rain proof gear,they also carry GoreTex and similar systems in their rain gear selection.

As far as not being able to see the item-- Cabelas probably has the best return policy in the retail world.

good luck

[Ed Cordes]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I will check each of them out later today.

[john holmes]

Cabelas has some great bargains on goretex now. I have had one 15 yrs so I guess its decent.

[Ed Cordes]

OK, here's what I decided. I visited the closest EMS store in Ithaca abut 45 minutes away. I thought I would look at Mountain Hardware or Patagonia. EMS has them on their website, but not in the store. Bottom line is that they had and EMS jacket of Gortex Performance Shell for 25% off and an additional 20% on top of that. The jacket is regularly $179 and I got it for $107! All the features of the big names except pit zips. The version with pit zips and "Pack Lite" was $100 more!!! It looks like EMS private lables North Face as the jackets (Mountain Lite) look identical.

So I decided to, for once, save a few $$ and buy it. Dark green color and long enough to cover well over the top of my rain pants by 6 inches or so. Hood has several adjustments and the material for the outer shell is rugged enough for what I do.

I will let everyone know if there are any problems.

Thanks for all the advice.