Mountain jacket - Ecuador

[warren481]

Arrived in Quito, Ecuador in January.
I am working here for one year.
Before I arrived have been strictly a city dweller, so came totally unprepared for Ecuador. I am spending every weekend trekking up mountains/volcanoes and plan to climb Cotapaxi (5,879m) later in the year. Anyhow I desperately need a good jacket and the only stuff they sell over here is locally made rubbish.
I am going to buy a jacket on line and get a friend to bring it over in a couple of months, but of course I can't try it on!

So I'd be really grateful if someone could advise me on a good jacket, given my dimensions.....budget up to $400.

6 ft 1" tall,
Slim build
Weight 13 stone (156lbs)
41" chest
16” neck
Long arms!

Happy to give advise for anyone coming over to my neck of the woods.

Warren

[brad nicholson]

i suggest lowe alpine alpine flash, or any of their other jackets. they are not goretex technology which is a laminate but are triple point ceramic which is lowe's proprietary fabric. the fabric itself is actually what is waterproof breathable, not a laminated layer like goretex items.

i have an alpine flash jacket that i have had for about 8 years and have used for everything, cycling, sailing, climbing, hiking, skiing, etc. i have never been wet yet.

[MN Josh]

Arrived in Quito, Ecuador in January.
I am working here for one year.
Before I arrived have been strictly a city dweller, so came totally unprepared for Ecuador. I am spending every weekend trekking up mountains/volcanoes and plan to climb Cotapaxi (5,879m) later in the year. Anyhow I desperately need a good jacket and the only stuff they sell over here is locally made rubbish.
I am going to buy a jacket on line and get a friend to bring it over in a couple of months, but of course I can't try it on!

So I'd be really grateful if someone could advise me on a good jacket, given my dimensions.....budget up to $400.

6 ft 1" tall,
Slim build
Weight 13 stone (156lbs)
41" chest
16” neck
Long arms!

Happy to give advise for anyone coming over to my neck of the woods.

Warren

Warren,

That's a pretty tall order (no pun intended) for any jacket. I can't think of any that come in a tall length, though LLBean's stuff usually does (their XCR shell got pretty good reviews from Backpacker if I remember correctly). Also, if you could specify the conditions you anticipate, that would help. Is this a rain shell, a wind blocking layer? Beyond Fleece will custom build you a jacket for no extra charge and they have some scholler dynamic or dryskin jackets (the "Cold Fusion") that would be nice in town or in colder mountain climes.....just not a tropical rainstorm. You can customize all the features you want or need like a hood, etc.

Hope this helps,

Josh

[JohnK]

Hey Warren ...

I've all but given up on Goretex/Goretex-like jackets with the exception of when I need to walk in the pouring rain (e.g., going to work for the day in NYC). My issues with any jacket that is waterproof is that they do not breathe that well and if you are doing anything strenous (e.g., hiking up a steep slope), you are going to sweat your ball$ off. For the past few years I have switched to using a water- resistant, wind-proof shell. Benefits include: breathes better than Goretex/Goretex-like jsckets, is lighter, packs smaller, is cheaper to purchase. A jacket you may want to consider is the Patagonia KruShell jacket ($169.00). Also, don't forget a thermal you can put over that shell on your way up the Volcanoes (even at the ecuador, it gets cold at higher altitudes).

Also, even though I have given up on Goretex-based jackets, I still use a Goretex-based pant since I want something that will keep me totally dry when I sit in snow or on ice. Just my $.02

[brad nicholson]

Hey Warren ...

I've all but given up on Goretex/Goretex-like jackets with the exception of when I need to walk in the pouring rain (e.g., going to work for the day in NYC). My issues with any jacket that is waterproof is that they do not breathe that well and if you are doing anything strenous (e.g., hiking up a steep slope), you are going to sweat your ball$ off. For the past few years I have switched to using a water- resistant, wind-proof shell. Benefits include: breathes better than Goretex/Goretex-like jsckets, is lighter, packs smaller, is cheaper to purchase. A jacket you may want to consider is the Patagonia KruShell jacket ($169.00). Also, don't forget a thermal you can put over that shell on your way up the Volcanoes (even at the ecuador, it gets cold at higher altitudes).

Also, even though I have given up on Goretex-based jackets, I still use a Goretex-based pant since I want something that will keep me totally dry when I sit in snow or on ice. Just my $.02


john makes a great point but i would also look at the fact that you are going to climb a HUGE mountain. you need something as rugged as a triple ply or heavy duty waterproof breathable. the optimal thing is to have not only heavy duty stuff for mountaineering and a lighter set for general backpacking....however as always this is expensive. but i think you would be surprised at how well the lowe jacket breathes, esp with the pit zips open and proper layering.

[MN Josh]

Hey Warren ...

A jacket you may want to consider is the Patagonia KruShell jacket ($169.00).

Just my $.02


Now that you have brought up this jacket, I'm going to offer my opinion......in a word, perfect! I've used one over the past year for everything from climbing (rock and ice) to backpacking, to cycling, to skiing, to just going to work. The Krushell sits perfectly, breathes and only wets out in a hard rain. I have never had a piece of clothing fit this well, even suits I've had tailored. These can be had for $99 on REI-outlet.com and maybe patagonia.com.

All that being said, or gushed, the person who asked the original question has a more unique body type (tall and thin) which is the opposite of my short (I prefer compact) and broad (especially in the shoulders). The beyondfleece stuff looked like it would fit the bill for that reason.

Josh

[JohnK]

I used to believe as you do, but I have done a complete about face in this regard. In a Big G jacket, triple play = outer nylon skin bonded to a Goretex layer bonded to a thin inner layer over the Goretex to protect the Goretex, and does not imply that the jacket is any more rugged than a single ply made of high quality materials.

I've used my Patagonia Essenshell on a climb of Mt. Rainier, a winter traverse of the Presidential Range in NH, many winter climbs of Mt Washington in NH, abusive snowboarding through trees, rock climbs, etc., etc. the jacket is rugged and has held up real well through all kinds of abuse. Your point about being heavy duty is just my point - I think most of the heavy duty jackets out there are overkill. The beauty of this jacket is that it is extremely light, is not stiff and allows for complete freedom of movement, is completely windproof, breathes exceptionally well, dries quickly, and will keep one dry except when one is in a torrent. Currently I own 4 Goretex jackets, including one XCR. I have relegated all of them to my closet except on those days when it is really raining heavily out - only then I'll take one out and wear it proudly (so I can look pretty ;-) ). Am condsidering a climb of Denali (a HUGE) mtn) in a year or so - if I do go, I will take my Essenshell with me and leave all big G jackets behind. Can't speak to the Lowe Alpine jacket.

john makes a great point but i would also look at the fact that you are going to climb a HUGE mountain. you need something as rugged as a triple ply or heavy duty waterproof breathable. the optimal thing is to have not only heavy duty stuff for mountaineering and a lighter set for general backpacking....however as always this is expensive. but i think you would be surprised at how well the lowe jacket breathes, esp with the pit zips open and proper layering.
;)

[JohnK]

I don't own a Krushell - I have the older Essenshell. When I looked through the Patagonia catalog it looked to me that the Krushell has replaced the Essenshell.

Now that you have brought up this jacket, I'm going to offer my opinion......in a word, perfect! I've used one over the past year for everything from climbing (rock and ice) to backpacking, to cycling, to skiing, to just going to work. The Krushell sits perfectly, breathes and only wets out in a hard rain. I have never had a piece of clothing fit this well, even suits I've had tailored. These can be had for $99 on REI-outlet.com and maybe patagonia.com.

All that being said, or gushed, the person who asked the original question has a more unique body type (tall and thin) which is the opposite of my short (I prefer compact) and broad (especially in the shoulders). The beyondfleece stuff looked like it would fit the bill for that reason.

Josh

[MN Josh]

I don't own a Krushell - I have the older Essenshell. When I looked through the Patagonia catalog it looked to me that the Krushell has replaced the Essenshell.

It is roughly the same thing. Water-resistant, highly breathable, 14 oz. The fabrics are different I believe, but have a similar DWR/Encapsil coating. When you need to replace the Essenshell, take a look at the KruShell.

[warren481]

It is roughly the same thing. Water-resistant, highly breathable, 14 oz. The fabrics are different I believe, but have a similar DWR/Encapsil coating. When you need to replace the Essenshell, take a look at the KruShell.

Josh, John, Brad

Thanks very much for you input, really appreciate it.
You’ve highlighted the problem that I face, which is that I think I am going to need to buy two jackets, one light shell and one medium/heavy and just use my best judgement on the day. This is especially since in the andies mountains you basically get three seasons in one day. It is common, especially at this time of year to get very hard rain in the afternoon, followed by extremely strong sun, which dries clothes quickly. Then it gets pretty cold at night and in the early mornings.

The trekking is quite tricky, because often you have to go through cloud forrest on the way up, which is warm/humid, wet and rainy, before you get above about 3,500-4000m and it starts to get cold. I will need a heavy jacket to fight off the cold at Cotapaxi, but there is also a fair chance I’ll be too busy being sick with the altitude to be worried about being cold. Also there is a base camp just at the snow line, where I can stay the night undercover and in relative warmth.

Will take a look at the Patagonia KruShell and Lowe Alpine Flash or more precisely my unfortunate friend will, who is roughly my build. If no luck, then will take a look at beyond fleece.

Thanks again

Warren

[JohnK]

Outer shells have little to no R value - so, althought they may be good at stopping wind, you will still need a thermal to keep you warm. When I am moving on a big mtn I typically wear the minimal clothing to keep me warm (shell outer plus thin inner). To keep me warm when I stop, I carry a prmaloft parka (Integral Designs Dolmitti jacket) that I can throw on over everything (including my outer shell jacket. Have found this system works well for me. Good luck!

Josh, John, Brad

Thanks very much for you input, really appreciate it.
You’ve highlighted the problem that I face, which is that I think I am going to need to buy two jackets, one light shell and one medium/heavy and just use my best judgement on the day. This is especially since in the andies mountains you basically get three seasons in one day. It is common, especially at this time of year to get very hard rain in the afternoon, followed by extremely strong sun, which dries clothes quickly. Then it gets pretty cold at night and in the early mornings.

The trekking is quite tricky, because often you have to go through cloud forrest on the way up, which is warm/humid, wet and rainy, before you get above about 3,500-4000m and it starts to get cold. I will need a heavy jacket to fight off the cold at Cotapaxi, but there is also a fair chance I’ll be too busy being sick with the altitude to be worried about being cold. Also there is a base camp just at the snow line, where I can stay the night undercover and in relative warmth.

Will take a look at the Patagonia KruShell and Lowe Alpine Flash or more precisely my unfortunate friend will, who is roughly my build. If no luck, then will take a look at beyond fleece.

Thanks again

Warren