Time for a new hardshell

[char]

What replaces my Patagonia hardshell from 2006 (no idea on the name, had Patagonia proprietary breathable membrane, very similar to the current Torrentshell or Super Cell)?

Old jacket had chest pockets/vents, inside pockets, hood and was above all simple. It was pretty the only waterproof breathable shell I've had since I bought it. Worked great for anything from skiing, fishing to climbing. I think I got it on sale for $100.

I want a similar jacket, simple, hardshell, mid height pockets, some sort of venting and a hood. No insulation, no liner if possible. Patagonia Super Cell is looking tempting.

[mfa81]

depends on the price you wanna pay... paclite might not be so durable but the pro shell super pluma is much more expensive! What is the use you are gonna give the jacket? I think de super cell might be pretty good as a hiking, rain shell. not so much for skiing/boarding

[char]

Um, everything.

Raft, hike, climb, ski, wear around town, fish in the rain, fish in the snow, snowshoe, etc etc.

Last jacket cost ~199 retail, was a Patagonia proprietary fabric and lasted for 6 years (180 days a year? Not sure). Granted it has a few repaired tears, but those weren't the jackets fault.

I'd say 300 tops, and at that price I'd feel like I was getting ripped off based on my last jacket.

And no, I'm not interested in a multi jacket solution.

[TomCrac]

I have a new, never worn Patagonia Super Alpine, blue on blue in medium, believe I paid about $260 .....

[Lord Thomas]

Take a look at Westcomb shells. Event rules. Bomber construction. Good stuff all the way around and can be had at reasonable prices if you look

[oftpiste]

I have a nice, nearly unused Westcomb Mirage with pit zips. Burnt orange, XL....$200 shipped?

[stuckathuntermtn]

thread hijack: Can someone tell me about the Mtn Hardware Alakazam, specifically in reference to the Cloudveil RPK?

[lowsparkco]

I just bought a new shell made out of this new Gore Tex Active - can't vouch for durability, but the weight and performance is on point.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Ans further hijack: What is the difference between the Mtn Hardwear Snowtastic and Alakasam?

[bern43]

I have a nice, nearly unused Westcomb Mirage with pit zips. Burnt orange, XL....$200 shipped?

Further hijack. Any idea how much bigger this is than the large size? I've got a large and it's starting to feel a little tight. Maybe I just need to go on a diet.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Looks like the snowtastic is still a 3L with a soft brushed liner to keep out the clammy and it has a little stretch. So yeah. Compare that to the RPK for me, someone.

[chuckh]

Hardshell waterproof/breathable material info:

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hardsh.../buying-advice

[gramboh]

Definitely look at Mountain Hardware, they use a house branded eVent fabric they call Dry-Q. High quality/performance and significantly cheaper than Gore Pro stuff like Arcteryx. Backcountry.com has had some great sales on MH stuff this year.

[char]

I have a nice, nearly unused Westcomb Mirage with pit zips. Burnt orange, XL....$200 shipped?

Sorry, that's like 3 sizes too big for me.

Thanks for the info thus far.

[mfa81]

Ans further hijack: What is the difference between the Mtn Hardwear Snowtastic and Alakasam?

bigger hood, bigger cuffs and strech panels on the alakazam. so hood over helmet, under the cuff gloves and probably more mobility than the snowtastic!

for MH stuff also good to take a look at STP, lots of current season gear including alakazam, drystein 2 and others... good deal if you pair of a coupon

[Stairmaster]

My suggestion would be a Arc'teryx Beta FL jacket. Goretex, light, breathable, shell, no insulation, and a hood (storm hood which means you can wear a helmet under the hood)

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx...Beta-FL-Jacket

One of the best jackets ever. And it will last forever!!

[lynchdogger]

I have a new, never worn Patagonia Super Alpine, blue on blue in medium, believe I paid about $260 .....

love mine! but I would wait until next season if ya can. patagonia will be using the new gore-tex pro shell. 30% more breathable?! should be nice.

[TomCrac]

Yeah ... I love the Super Alpine as well (I just need it in large) ... The medium I have is Gore-Tex Pro Shell. It's a sweet shell for sure.

[chatton18]

Don't know what size you are, but there's an Arcteryx Beta SL for $150 on SAC right now (goretex paclite). Might be a little light for everyday ski shell in EC trees, but probably good for occasional/tour use.

[chatton18]

I'd also check out some of the stoic stuff. Bombshell jacket and the stash are both good products and can be had for a good price with the tgr code.

[stuckathuntermtn]

bigger hood, bigger cuffs and strech panels on the alakazam. so hood over helmet, under the cuff gloves and probably more mobility than the snowtastic!

for MH stuff also good to take a look at STP, lots of current season gear including alakazam, drystein 2 and others... good deal if you pair of a coupon

Is the Ala fuzzy on the inside? That extra felt is something I really like.

[whyturn]

Westcomb vapor fx
2 chest pockets
Articulated hood
Event 820 weight

[Metric22]

Don't know what size you are, but there's an Arcteryx Beta SL for $150 on SAC right now (goretex paclite). Might be a little light for everyday ski shell in EC trees, but probably good for occasional/tour use.

I saw this one too and had to resist pulling the trigger. I tried it on when looking for my hardshell last season and it's a very cool piece of gear. I wound up in the Beta AR which is quite a bit more durable (and heavier/less summer-oriented), but with a solid mid-layer and good care I think the SL could do the job for years in all seasons.

Great deal if it comes around again or if it's heavily discounted on Backcountry.

[mfa81]

Is the Ala fuzzy on the inside? That extra felt is something I really like.

pretty much like a shell in terms of construction but the stretch panels feel good!

[54-46]

Buy my M Patagonia Powder Bowl, black. Gore Tex. lightly used.