Best Jacket of These Ones? - Your opinion - Page 2 - Snowboarding Forum

DigO · 07-28-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irahi

One thing I've discovered (for myself, at least) is that the breathability number is more important than the waterproof number. Even on rainy days I seem to get wet from the inside out way faster than from the outside in even with jackets as "low" as 10k waterproof rating.

Yea I definitely don`t want to be soaked in sweat.. But this 686 Smarty has a nice waterproof and also breathability rate.. So I think I`d be well served in that point..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarzanman

Where in Colorado are you going? If you check this climate table for Breckenridge (Breckenridge, Colorado - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )
you'll see that the average high during the 3 coldest months of the year (December, January, February) is 32ºF. That is usually measured at the bottom of the mountain. Temperatures on the slopes will be ~5º colder than that, which is on the warm side for winter snowboarding.

As a beginner, you'll want to concentrate on staying dry (because you will be falling in the snow a lot)

Even for a beginner that falls a lot and doesn't have enough endurance to keep moving, an insulated jacket would make you very warm as you were riding. For most people, a (non-cotton) base layer and shell would be enough to stay warm while snowboarding in the mid 20º'sF

You might get chilly on the lift, or on a particularly cloudy, windy day, but that is mother nature's way telling you to shred some more gnar.

Consider using an optional light, cheap mid-layer. I use el-cheapo $10 fleece from Marshall's or sometimes my body armor as my mid layer.

Even on days where it does get cold (like 5ºF at the base of the mountain), your core usually stays pretty warm and it is your extremities and exposed parts that cause you grief (hands, feet, face, head).

-EDIT-
I am 5'7" and 175 lbs. 31" waist and I have plenty of room in most medium jackets.

Well as for the high temps average, I agree with you. But we also have to consider that it would be the peak high, meaning that this temperature lasts for about 2, 3 hours during the day. And at the other times temperatures are lower than that starting to get inside the cold side, don`t you think?

But anyways, do you think this 686 Smarty 2.5 would do the job? I really like the jacket`s reviews I`ve seen around. Besides it`s got great features, as I saw on it`s specs. And I can get a Black Medium for $180.. I think that`s a good price for a jacket that has been sold earlier for over 300.

And knowing that I`ll fall a lot on the snow I even purchased some padded shorts lol.. Want to save my butt and be able to progress faster!

As for the size.. Yea, medium will definitely be mine too..

- EDIT -
I`ll be in Solvista and Winter Park area. Mostly at solvista, where I`ll be working during the winter.

Tarzanman · 07-28-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Well as for the high temps average, I agree with you. But we also have to consider that it would be the peak high, meaning that this temperature lasts for about 2, 3 hours during the day. And at the other times temperatures are lower than that starting to get inside the cold side, don`t you think?
.

No. 22ºF on the slopes in the midwest during the day feels like 40ºF on the east coast because of the low humidity.

Go talk to people who have been skiing or snowboarding a couple of times and ask what they wear and whether they are cold or not. Most people who go regularly have a simple, non-insulated shell.

I would personally not ever pay more than $100 for a snowboard jacket. There's nothing wrong with 686. If you are going to spend big bucks, then spend it on some comfortable boots and decent gloves. Those two pieces of gear will ruin your day the fastest if they aren't up to snuff.

DigO · 07-29-2011, 03:41 PM

That`s true.. low humidity changes things.. didn`t actually think about that.

Tarzanman, do you have any specific jacket model or a brand that you find to be the best in your opinion and that you`d recommend? If so, could you post here please? Then I`ll take a look..

And also, if possible, a good glove model/brand that you`d also recommend.

Thank you!

**killclimbz** · 07-29-2011, 04:24 PM

First off it's the West. The mid west doesn't have big mountains and plenty of humidity.

Otherwise, I'd say that it is spot on. You don't get very wet snow in Colorado. So gear as low as 5k will do the job. Keep in mind though, if you travel out of state, you might need gear with better water proofing. Also, most people do just get a shell and layer according to what the weather is supposed to do. You can get an insulated jacket, but then you are not going to want it during the warmer days. Especially in the spring.

Do keep in mind that it also get's brutal cold around here too. Days that don't get above zero. Not very many of them, but that won't matter to you if you are out in it. Dangerous cold is dangerous cold.

DigO · 07-29-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killclimbz

First off it's the West. The mid west doesn't have big mountains and plenty of humidity.

Otherwise, I'd say that it is spot on. You don't get very wet snow in Colorado. So gear as low as 5k will do the job. Keep in mind though, if you travel out of state, you might need gear with better water proofing. Also, most people do just get a shell and layer according to what the weather is supposed to do. You can get an insulated jacket, but then you are not going to want it during the warmer days. Especially in the spring.

Do keep in mind that it also get's brutal cold around here too. Days that don't get above zero. Not very many of them, but that won't matter to you if you are out in it. Dangerous cold is dangerous cold.

I`m looking for a jacket that I can use either in Colorado, Tahoe, in the east Coast, in Canada or even in Argentina or Chile. I believe that a high Waterproof/Breathability rate is mandatory for that case, since I can meet all kinds of weathers and climates. Of course I can have more than 1 jacket, but for now my budget only allows me one.

**killclimbz** · 07-31-2011, 09:43 AM

I would try to get something with around 15k waterproof/breathability if you are going to be hitting Tahoe next season. That's a big "if", if you are being a snow carnie at Sol Vista or Winterpark. That is a a lot of traveling and requires a fair amount of money. Salt Lake is much more reasonable. The snow in Salt Lake is very similar to Colorado. Almost as light, but definitely not wet. Tahoe on the other hand will come down fast and furious. Five feet of snow in a 24 hour period is not unheard of. It comes down heavy, wet, and completely fun. Your gear just has to be up to it for a great day. The heavy and wet part is in comparison. I've never had a "bad" powder day in Tahoe. It was just as rad as any powder day I've had anywhere else.

DigO · 08-05-2011, 01:14 PM

Its not likely that I`ll be in Tahoe next season, but as I want a jacket that can last for more seasons, I must consider that I`ll wear it in other conditions, not only in Colorado. But for this upcoming season I can say that I won`t go anywhere else but Colorado (Solvista, Winter Park, Loveland, and some others).

I`m really attracted to the 686 Smarty 2.5, even more now that I found it for $160 in Black, but if anybody knows about a jacket that would be recommended, I`d appreciate a post with a link or the name of it, so I could take a look.

jdang307 · 08-14-2011, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killclimbz

First off it's the West. The mid west doesn't have big mountains and plenty of humidity.

Otherwise, I'd say that it is spot on. You don't get very wet snow in Colorado. So gear as low as 5k will do the job. Keep in mind though, if you travel out of state, you might need gear with better water proofing. Also, most people do just get a shell and layer according to what the weather is supposed to do. You can get an insulated jacket, but then you are not going to want it during the warmer days. Especially in the spring.

Do keep in mind that it also get's brutal cold around here too. Days that don't get above zero. Not very many of them, but that won't matter to you if you are out in it. Dangerous cold is dangerous cold.

I bring two jackets with me, an insulated 686 I got on sale, and a very thin North Face my lady got for me. A really thin one. We get a lot of warm days here in So Cal, so the Northface and a couple layers are usually good enough. On the colder or snow days I'll wear the 686. If you only have one jacket I'd probably go with the shell. You can always layer up.

There might be some jackets with removable layers too aren't there? I had just a shell on my trip to Denver, and at the top of Keystone, with several layers (wife beater, thermal and a sweater and the shell) I was still cold at the end of the day.

jpb3 · 08-14-2011, 11:08 PM

The 686 Smarty 2.5 isn't insulated unless you zip the fleece in, or vest, or both. That's the beauty of it, its 3 jackets in one. I have even just worn the vest in the spring on warm days. Its total bomber and breathes really well, a really nice piece of kit. I have worn mine all over the Rockies, Cascades, AK, and the east coast....sometimes in what I would consider vicious weather, blowing sideways and well below 0, with the proper layering you can pretty much tighten it down and bunker through anything.

You won't be disappointed with the 686.

DigO · 08-14-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdang307

I bring two jackets with me, an insulated 686 I got on sale, and a very thin North Face my lady got for me. A really thin one. We get a lot of warm days here in So Cal, so the Northface and a couple layers are usually good enough. On the colder or snow days I'll wear the 686. If you only have one jacket I'd probably go with the shell. You can always layer up.

There might be some jackets with removable layers too aren't there? I had just a shell on my trip to Denver, and at the top of Keystone, with several layers (wife beater, thermal and a sweater and the shell) I was still cold at the end of the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpb3

The 686 Smarty 2.5 isn't insulated unless you zip the fleece in, or vest, or both. That's the beauty of it, its 3 jackets in one. I have even just worn the vest in the spring on warm days. Its total bomber and breathes really well, a really nice piece of kit. I have worn mine all over the Rockies, Cascades, AK, and the east coast....sometimes in what I would consider vicious weather, blowing sideways and well below 0, with the proper layering you can pretty much tighten it down and bunker through anything.

You won't be disappointed with the 686.

All that is making me stick to the 686 Smarty 2.5. Fits all situations with the 3 layers that I can adjust whenever I need. I`m going to get it this week then.

jpb3, what color is yours?

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07-29-2011, 03:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
DigO Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 18	That`s true.. low humidity changes things.. didn`t actually think about that. Tarzanman, do you have any specific jacket model or a brand that you find to be the best in your opinion and that you`d recommend? If so, could you post here please? Then I`ll take a look.. And also, if possible, a good glove model/brand that you`d also recommend. Thank you!

07-29-2011, 04:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,173	First off it's the West. The mid west doesn't have big mountains and plenty of humidity. Otherwise, I'd say that it is spot on. You don't get very wet snow in Colorado. So gear as low as 5k will do the job. Keep in mind though, if you travel out of state, you might need gear with better water proofing. Also, most people do just get a shell and layer according to what the weather is supposed to do. You can get an insulated jacket, but then you are not going to want it during the warmer days. Especially in the spring. Do keep in mind that it also get's brutal cold around here too. Days that don't get above zero. Not very many of them, but that won't matter to you if you are out in it. Dangerous cold is dangerous cold.

07-31-2011, 09:43 AM	#16 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,173	I would try to get something with around 15k waterproof/breathability if you are going to be hitting Tahoe next season. That's a big "if", if you are being a snow carnie at Sol Vista or Winterpark. That is a a lot of traveling and requires a fair amount of money. Salt Lake is much more reasonable. The snow in Salt Lake is very similar to Colorado. Almost as light, but definitely not wet. Tahoe on the other hand will come down fast and furious. Five feet of snow in a 24 hour period is not unheard of. It comes down heavy, wet, and completely fun. Your gear just has to be up to it for a great day. The heavy and wet part is in comparison. I've never had a "bad" powder day in Tahoe. It was just as rad as any powder day I've had anywhere else.

08-05-2011, 01:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
DigO Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 18	Its not likely that I`ll be in Tahoe next season, but as I want a jacket that can last for more seasons, I must consider that I`ll wear it in other conditions, not only in Colorado. But for this upcoming season I can say that I won`t go anywhere else but Colorado (Solvista, Winter Park, Loveland, and some others). I`m really attracted to the 686 Smarty 2.5, even more now that I found it for $160 in Black, but if anybody knows about a jacket that would be recommended, I`d appreciate a post with a link or the name of it, so I could take a look.

08-14-2011, 11:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
jpb3 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: dubV Posts: 255	The 686 Smarty 2.5 isn't insulated unless you zip the fleece in, or vest, or both. That's the beauty of it, its 3 jackets in one. I have even just worn the vest in the spring on warm days. Its total bomber and breathes really well, a really nice piece of kit. I have worn mine all over the Rockies, Cascades, AK, and the east coast....sometimes in what I would consider vicious weather, blowing sideways and well below 0, with the proper layering you can pretty much tighten it down and bunker through anything. You won't be disappointed with the 686.