ARSENALFAN

Hey Gang. Received a $1500 bonus today for the first time in years. I can finally purchase the goretex jacket/pant combo I have always wanted. I was thinking about going with the AK3L pants because pants take a beating, but was thinking about the 2L for jacket. Or should I just say screw it and buy the 3L jacket as well? What the hell is the difference and is it worth it? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Skinny Bam

3L has pow grips! Lol it says its a 3 layer but the warmth rating is the same as the 2L. I think there may be more pockets in the 3L too

hktrdr

It is a shell, so of course it is going to have the same rating for insulation/warmth...

Lamps

It's a bonus buy, got the 3l.

Note that the 3l comes two ways:

Pro shell, and soft shell.

I prefer pro shell, feels more bulletproof to me.

poutanen

I think you should get in on my virus group buy instead!!!

That said, if both will have the same warmth, but the 3L will have better moisture resistance, etc. I'd get the 3L. Gear lasts me a LONG time so it's worth buying good stuff. I still wear a jacket from about 10 years ago!

ARSENALFAN

Thanks for the response Poutanen. I may have a few bucks left over once the purchase is made - enought to buy ya some beers on the hill this winter! See you out there soon. I will be in touch.

Skinny Bam

I did a little research because I always wondered what the big difference is between 3l and 2l and found a very technical description. Ill save you guys the reading and it just comes down to the 3L being more durable and having more breathability in really instense conditions. The 3L will also feel and sound crunchier If I were you I would probably just go with whichever model has the better look that I like because all AK gear has a lifetime warranty. Unless you do splitboarding or BC riding the 3L is probably overkill

ARSENALFAN

Thanks for helping out Skinny! I appreciate your help. All the best!!

Skinny Bam

There are lots of shells with insulation so the warmth rating can vary...smart ass.

BigmountainVMD

The AK Stagger jacket has some zonal insulation, so it is warmer than the other 2Ls. I went with that jacket last season and have absolutely no regrets. I used to have some Burton Stagger pants years ago, but they fell apart at the cuffs... I have since gone with some Volcom Gore-tex pants and they are much more functional and feel more bombproof.

If you like to layer, get the 3L and call it a day. If you hate layering up a bunch (like me), go for the Stagger with a bit of insulation.