MH Windstopper? Or Denali?

[bryanthebold]

So I am having issues deciding on which jacket I want to buy.

The Mountain Hardware Windstopper Tech Jacket rules my world, and fits me great, but it doesn't seem very warm (granted I wore it at REI for a couple min, its hardly a test of its warmth). I liked all the other things about it, especially its weight.

Anyone have any gripes against this jacket?

I have been looking at the North Face Denali Jacket, but when I went and checked it out, I wasn't too thrilled. It fit like every other fleece, and was a bit heavy, although it did feel very warm. The build quality seemed good, but I wasn't blown away.

Anyways, help me decide on a good fleece. I know I can pick up a fleece, almost anywhere for cheap, but I want to get something that can stand up against the elements. I've worn the Denali and the wind stopper fabric is awesome in the wind, and it even holds up in the rain. So...thoughts, suggestions, kick ass jacket please?

[cj001f]

or better yet, synthetic instead of fleece

[CUBUCK]

I own the MH windstopper tech jacket and love it. I have put atleast 250 days of skiing into it as an inner or outer layer. I have never had a problem with zippers breaking rips tears etc. I was also really impressed with how good it was in the wind. I have had mine for six years now.

The only situation where I am not sure I would wear it would be an extended backpacking trip where weight would be an issue. Otherwise I take it with me anywhere.

[sfotex]

What are you gonna do with your jacket? The MH windstopper stuff is awesome for when you're active and is really versitle. The denali fleece is pretty bulky and too warm to wear when you're working hard... If you just want a warm jacket for hanging out/chilling in camp while cooking dinner get a synthetic or down fluffy jacket...

[homerjay]

Neither. Spend your money on a softshell, fleece is obsolete (esp. windstopper fleece).

[danhikeski]

i agree with homerj, go with something like the patagonia puff pull over, which just replaced my llbean windstopper fleece. much warmer and lighter as well as packs better than a fleece. the denali might be alittle warmer WITHOUT wind than the MH windstopper but any wind and you will realize why gore designed windstopper.

[bryanthebold]

Wow, another suggestion for the synthetic stuff. The guy at REI last night had me tryin' them on and I liked them...My only problem with them was that it didnt seem they would hold up as well to the elements. I want the jacket to be able to handle a little rain or snow and not be totally worthless. I also feel like it would be pron to tearing easily as well.

And the jacket is going to be my all purpose, do everything jacket. I'll run in it when its too cold to wear straight capaline, hike in it, ski in it, bike in it. The MH feels pretty light, so it may end up back packing with me as well.

And I have a puff jacket already...A couple year old MH down jacket, and its sweet, could be a bit warmer, but yeah, it works great.

I also have a Patagonia soft shell, and it doesnt work that well at all. It is a bit warm, but its heavy, and it gets soaked when it rains, and sometimes even gets wet in the snow. Its nice for sunny days, but whenever the weather turns sour, it sucks...

[verbier61]

I have R3 patagonia fleece and the puff, and they are totally different... for what you're looking for, I'd rather buy the patagonia R3 or anyother fleece in polartec thermal pro 200. If the principal need is warm, preference is for polartec thermal pro 200 (I have a millet fleece which is very, very warm), if warm is not the principal need, then the R3 works very well and it's prolly a bit more confortable