The North Face or Columbia?

[OUTromBoNado]

Who here has a decent degree of knowledge regarding jackets of these two brands? I know they are both high quality, and generally made for pretty tough outdoor conditions. There are only a couple of stores in Amarillo that carry them, but right now they are selling the rain coats, and that's not what I want. I'm probably going to have to order online, but I'm hesitant since I can't really inspect the product or try it on before buying it. Thus, I've come to the SO for help.

I'm basically looking for a jacket that's good for fall-early winter-late spring type of weather. Temperatures in the 40s-50s and would be good for light rainy days in the 60s. If the jacket has a hood, I would prefer that it detach or stow under the collar.

Recommendations are much appreciated.

[Okla-homey]

Who here has a decent degree of knowledge regarding jackets of these two brands? I know they are both high quality, and generally made for pretty tough outdoor conditions. There are only a couple of stores in Amarillo that carry them, but right now they are selling the rain coats, and that's not what I want. I'm probably going to have to order online, but I'm hesitant since I can't really inspect the product or try it on before buying it. Thus, I've come to the SO for help.

I'm basically looking for a jacket that's good for fall-early winter-late spring type of weather. Temperatures in the 40s-50s and would be good for light rainy days in the 60s. If the jacket has a hood, I would prefer that it detach or stow under the collar.

Recommendations are much appreciated.

Two words:

"Mountain Hardware." Google it. You'll be glad you did.

[My Opinion Matters]

They're both pretty similiar in quality and price from my what can I tell. North Face seems to be the trendier brand at the moment, if that means anything to you. If you're ordering online, I would recommend buying one size larger for either brand. If you're normally an XL, buy a XXL.

Both brands offer a 3-in-1 variety of jacket where the liner zips out of the outer shell. That might best serve your needs.

[StoopTroup]

Two words:

"Mountain Hardware." Google it. You'll be glad you did.

I did and this is all I could find...

http://mountainhardware.com (http://www.biggerbras.com/)

[Lott's Bandana]

Mountain hardWEAR

great stuff, I have lots.

FYI though, MH is a subsidiary of Columbia.

[kbsooner21]

Either one would get the job done for what you are wanting. I've always leaned to North Face because I think they are better for colder weather, and I make 1 ski trip each winter/spring. I'd go with the better price for what you are wanting though :D

[StoopTroup]

North Face Down jackets suck around a camp fire.

[yankee]

you'll fit in the with the fratty crowd more with the north face...

[LosAngelesSooner]

I like Mountain Hardwear, Marmot and Acrteryx.

If you have an REI, you MUST go there.

Or order it off of REI.com (or the REI outlet)

[OUTromBoNado]

Okay, got the brand recommendations. What about specific models?

[LosAngelesSooner]

Search REI.com and check the reviews. That's usually a good start.

[Harry Beanbag]

REI is WAY overpriced.

[OUHOMER]

If your tight with your cash, and yes I am. this is where i got my last jacket.

http://www.aramark-uniform.com/newsletter/outerwear.html

[OUHOMER]

Oh , I wish I could tell you good it was, Because I can not find the damn thing. I think the wife gave it to the Salvation Army by mistake

[King Crimson]

i've got a Columbia down number i bought on sale. it's a nice coat. i can't imagine i'd wear it more than a few times a year if i lived in Amarillo, though.

[Jacie]

White Stag rules.

[StoopTroup]

Mountain Hardware Ascent MCZ Jacket = $325.00 :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Lott's Bandana]

BackCountry.com is where I get my REI style clothing and equipment. Although, as an REI member, I can't stay out of them when I'm traveling.

For styles:

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Fleece is FTW.

North Face Denali is highest-selling style and probably the standard for performance fleece, however these two great jackets are only good to about the mid-40's unless covered by a shell,...anything less temperature-wise and Marmot is the best choice.

Marmot's sub-zero products are literally their industry-leading Mummy Bags with arms and pockets. You could wear a tee shirt under their jackets at a BigXII Championship Game at Arrowhead and be toasty. :D

[Lott's Bandana]

I just re-read your first post. Duh.

40's - 50's or in the light rain, I would go to WestMarine.com (I did this for Fall and Spring Sailing) and check out their fleece-lined rain slickers...they really look nice, are very light and will keep you warm and dry. Columbia does really well with this type of jacket. The bonus is, they almost always have a zip-in hood.

Don't visit their store, their inventory is not good. Online is much better.

The Denali/Monkey fleece is NOT good in the rain.

[49r]

www.patagonia.com

[Lott's Bandana]

www.patagonia.com (http://www.patagonia.com)



www.Ihaveallthemoneyintheworldtospend.com (http://www.Ihaveallthemoneyintheworldtospendonoverpricedb randing.com)

49r, I love the stuff, but it isn't worth the premium pricing, in my opinion. Not really even better than NF or MH and especially Acertryx.

[StoopTroup]

Backwoods here in Tulsa has a Patagonia jacket for $225 that does seem to bad for a decent hard weather jacket. It would seem cheaper than that Mountain Hardware stuff.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-all-time-shell-jacket.html

Heck...this one is on sale right now.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-winter-sun-jacket.html

[SoonerStud615]

Steep and Cheap (http://steepandcheap.com) is a great website to check for deals. They do the "one deal at a time" thing, and if you're not in a great hurry, you can check this site often and get a jacket of your liking for at least 50% off.

[Lott's Bandana]

Steep and Cheap (http://steepandcheap.com) is a great website to check for deals. They do the "one deal at a time" thing, and if you're not in a great hurry, you can check this site often and get a jacket of your liking for at least 50% off.


That's a GREAT deal on an Oracle and I would have bought one if they had my size. Nice website.

This jacket would work quite nicely, Trom.

[Lott's Bandana]

Backwoods here in Tulsa has a Patagonia jacket for $225 that does seem to bad for a decent hard weather jacket. It would seem cheaper than that Mountain Hardware stuff.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-all-time-shell-jacket.html

Heck...this one is on sale right now.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-winter-sun-jacket.html


G, if you like green and are that size, $150 for a Patagonia is a good price. Nice diggin!

[LosAngelesSooner]

REI is WAY overpriced.
HELLZ no they aren't.

Go to the used gear sale, the member's 20% sales, the REI outlet...then factor in all the savings from your member dividends each year AND the ability to return any damn thing in any damn condition with no questions asked at any given time for the full amount you paid for it...and it is a FANTASTIC place to buy your gear.

[JohnnyMack]

Backwoods here in Tulsa has a Patagonia jacket for $225 that does seem to bad for a decent hard weather jacket. It would seem cheaper than that Mountain Hardware stuff.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-all-time-shell-jacket.html

Heck...this one is on sale right now.

http://www.backwoods.com/patagonia/patagonia-mens-winter-sun-jacket.html

there's a 20% off coupon in the new Oklahoma Magazine for any one item at Backwoods.

[StoopTroup]

FWIW...

I like to just throw on some layers when it's cold and top it all off with some Carhartts.

http://geargurublog.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/carhartt-artic-quilt-lined-jacket.jpeg

http://www.getzs.com/images/products/16281/full_16281.jpg

[Harry Beanbag]

HELLZ no they aren't.

Go to the used gear sale, the member's 20% sales, the REI outlet...then factor in all the savings from your member dividends each year AND the ability to return any damn thing in any damn condition with no questions asked at any given time for the full amount you paid for it...and it is a FANTASTIC place to buy your gear.

None of that matters if I think they're too expensive and never plan on shopping there does it.

[soonerinabilene]

Just get a Starter jacket. ;)

[StoopTroup]

Just get a Starter jacket. ;)

LOL!

Members Only?

http://dennisr61684.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/2members_only_jacket.jpg

[Frozen Sooner]

FWIW...

I like to just throw on some layers when it's cold and top it all off with some Carhartts.

http://geargurublog.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/carhartt-artic-quilt-lined-jacket.jpeg

http://www.getzs.com/images/products/16281/full_16281.jpg


This. Carhartt rocks.

[Curly Bill]

If the OP is living in Amarillo Carhart will fit right in.


...and there are several stores there that sell that stuff. :D

Me, I'm a Cabelas and Eddie Bauer kinda guy.

[LosAngelesSooner]

None of that matters if I think they're too expensive and never plan on shopping there does it.
I guess that can't MAKE you save money...:texan:

[jkjsooner]

They're both pretty similiar in quality and price from my what can I tell.

That hasn't been my experience. Given, I usually buy coats at the end of winter when they're deeply discounted. I can usually find a Columbia coat for half price. The North Face stuff is generally full price or close to it and at least $200.

The North Face definitely seems to be trendier. When I'm looking for a ski coat I go with functionality (warmth, pockets, durability) over trend any day.

[OUTromBoNado]

I appreciate all the recommendations. Right now, I think I've got it narrowed down to the TNF Apex Bionic or Apex Pneumatic or the Columbia Crag Mountain. Based on most of the reviews and research that I've done, it sounds like the Pneumatic best fits my needs. Backcountry.com has the Pneumatic for $63 and free shipping right now.

I'm going to take a look at a couple of brick-and-mortar stores tomorrow and see what I find. I'm sure the coats will be more expensive, but I'll be able to get an idea on size.

[Lott's Bandana]

I appreciate all the recommendations. Right now, I think I've got it narrowed down to the TNF Apex Bionic or Apex Pneumatic or the Columbia Crag Mountain. Based on most of the reviews and research that I've done, it sounds like the Pneumatic best fits my needs. Backcountry.com has the Pneumatic for $63 and free shipping right now.

I'm going to take a look at a couple of brick-and-mortar stores tomorrow and see what I find. I'm sure the coats will be more expensive, but I'll be able to get an idea on size.


Good choices...I must add:

I have an Apex Bionic.
It's fit is snugly and is a great jacket for when I ride my bike.

Here's a little detail that to me is really huge...

the iPod pocket on the left breast.

Tiny detail, but I use mine ALL the time. Bought two other jackets from MH and TNF that have them too...and use that pocket every time I wear those jackets to hold my iPhone and/or listen to music.

Not familiar with the Columbia model but it is nice looking and frankly, you would likely be pleased with any of them.