Need a New Jacket
 

Ok, need a little help here. I'm looking for a new inclement weather jacket. I've had an SAS Goretex parka for the last 10 years and I like it, but its time to DX it, I've sewn new liners in it a couple of times and its lost its waterproofing. And it looks like it should belong to Joe Shit the Ragman.

Conditions - about 40 degrees F and raining most of the time. Moderately rough use. Needs to have a hood. Looking for something other than black this time. Maybe an OD type color.

Help a brother out with some G2.

Second Gen Issue Gore-Tex is very nice, currently, I think the Marines are the only ones with it.

Patagonia has some decent stuff, and as AD SF, I get a discount from them.

I REALLY like the fleece SPEAR jackets, and they are relatively inexpensive. You can get them with, or without Windstopper.

Personally, I would get the new PCU parka and wear a SPEAR fleece jacket underneath.

mm has a page on the PCU:

http://www.militarymorons.com/gear/gear.1.html

HTH

TR

My wife found some great Columbia Sportswear Jackets that are waterproof and have a zip on hood & zip in fleece lining. They are made for skiing and when the liner is out they are not hot and really do keep the water out. She found them after-season-sale at Pennies Outlet Mall for under $40.00. I wore mine 4-wheeling several times through the brush, and it is quite durable ripstop weave. Would you want me to take a look over there ?? I'll try and get a pic of mine if you're interested.

Later
Martin

Sounds like your original jacket fit the bill. Why not just get a replacement waterproof breathable smock in OD from a company like Arktis?

A W/B no frills jacket can also be had to wear under BDU's eliminating noise and shine somewhat, if this is a factor for you.

hey NDD,
i really like the PCU soft shell jacket, but i'd hesitate to use in anything but 'occasional' inclement weather, because it's not waterproof, just water resistant (lacking taped seams). if it's heavy rain you're going to see, water will eventually find its way through the seams.
the nextec nylon fabric *might* not be hard-wearing enough for rough use - the PCU could use double layers on the elbows. time will tell - mine's held up fine but a couple of people in industry have brought up some issues with durability.
i'd go with reaper's first recommendation and layer a SPEAR jacket or lightweight fleece top under a gen II goretex parka.
cheers,
MM

Where does one get this SPEAR jacket?

You can buy them commercially or I can look for one here locally.

Usually less than $70, same black fleece jacket you see in the OEF pictures.

At 40 degrees, I guarantee that you will love it.

GEN Franks and the boyz seem to be enjoying theirs in this pic.

TR

That's waterproof? If so I like it.

Negative, that one is fleece, in no way waterproof or wind resistant. Discovered that on a motorcycle one night. There is a windstopper version that I also have with a hood and wristovers. Also not really waterproof, but better than the first.

The issue Goretex has no liner, and requires insulation if it is cold and wet.

They would be outer garments if it is cold and dry, liners in a goretex shell, should it be cold and wet, or could be left behind if it is warm and wet.

Sorry for the confusion.

TR

Roger, the confusion was mine. Is the goretex available there?

Only First Gen, and usually in BDU. Still a good jacket, if you don't mind camo. Occasionally may see one in DCU.

Used start at about $70, run up to $125 or so new. Typically lots of small sizes, slimmer pickings in L and XL.

Marines could probably get you a 2nd Gen.

TR

As much as it pains me to say it, I think the USMC version of the SPEAR fleece jacket is better than the SOF version, as the USMC version has adjustable cuffs and an adjustable shockcorded hem, where the SOF version has permanently sewn elastic on both, so you can't vent out the cuffs or bottom very well. I know, I know...I'll go put on the scarlet 'H' for heretic now.

The ones we were issued have both.

Whaddaya know, I are a jarhead!

Semper Fi!

TR

Naw, you're far too literate (just kidding, Marines). ;)

NDD, got a question for you. Does the shell need to be breathable? I ask, as I feel that Gore-Tex and similar membranes don't work very well unless there's a significant difference between the ambient temp/relative humidity and the temp/RH inside the jacket. In your locale with its rather mild temps and high RH, would a warm fleece jacket or soft shell, with a lightweight, waterproof, non-breathable shell to put on when it starts to really rain be a better solution? Never spent any time down south, so this is more a question than suggestion.

Might I suggest this little gem?

Arcteryx Sidewinder

I work part time in an outdoor shop here in SB to fund my college drinking habit, and I do declare that this jacket here is the cat's ass....

Arcteryx is expensive, but it's one of those lifetime purchases, like a Kifaru or a Wilson .45, that'll last a life time and perform like no other...

And it comes in a nice OD shade which they call Pine.

Don't know much about the performance of these, but they come in decent, muted colors and won't empty your savings account:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...8001&langId=-1

Wouldn't count on you, me, or him fitting into the only size (Small) that remains available at STP.

TR

FWIW, the conventional Army also has the Gen II Gore-Tex in the inventory, though both are still issued. Some non-divisional posts no doubt still have neither or only the 1st generation available at their CIF.

I managed to leave Korea with the new pants, but was unable to swap out my old coat (I have little love for that damn bucket they call a hood).

Aafes Military Clothing Sales stores still only sell the 1st generation stuff - I don't know about NEX.

2d Generation parkas are available commercially at U.S Cavalry - though you will pay out of your ass for it (though comparable to or even cheaper than high end civilian models of similar construction). I am pretty sure they have black, but not sure about OD green.

I've had my ECWCS Gen2 parka for a while now, and have worn it with a decent columbia fleece in very, very cold conditions doing 'active' work. It's still in great condition and kept me warm and dry. Loud as hell to move in, but that goes away as the parka gets broken in.

Solid

NDD,
Check out the "Red Ledge" series of rainshells sold by Campmor (www.campmor.com I think). They have a $50 non Gore-Tex, non-laminate, waterproof, breathable jacket, w/ hood, in OD (or sage, or loden, or whatever). A few years ago it was Backpacker Magazine editors' choice. It's very light; that, combined w/ a thin base layer will be excellent for moderate to heavy activity in 40 degree weather. A heavier insulating layer (SPEAR fleece, Patagonia R-3/R-4 fleece, etc) can be worn when you slow down (to eat, prepare camp/hide site, hunting blind, etc).

Patagonia makes excellent gear, and lots of it, enough that the choices can get confusing. The PCU mentioned above was $5 cheaper than the comparable Patagonia item would have been with the pro deal. Arcteryx also makes fantastic stuff, although very pricey (even with a ski patroller's pro deal).

Razor,
How's that for my first post? And something I'm actually qualified to talk about, too!

I don't know. That SAS parka was just right. If they made it in another color and didn't charge an extra $50 for having "SAS" in front of the name, I would get another one. Its about like Houston in the winter here.

AM, thanks for the offer, but I'm looking for a little more military and a little higher end.

Skibum, glad to see figured out the secret to the keyboard. ;)

Gen II Military Gore-Tex Jackets at US Cavalry.

They have black, woodland, and desert. Depending on your size, they may be out of stock at the moment.

290 bucks! I'm sure you have spent that much on Oakleys, though :cool: .

Or $100 or so at the surplus store or on Ebay.

TR

Don't go there! i'm going to the new oakley store here manana.

Thanks for the link.

If you can't find your size, you can call Sierra and see if they are expecting more in. I've done this before, since I'm usually looking for SM when the web-site shows only LG XLG.

I got my Mountain Hardware Gore-Tex XCR FTX parka through them at half price.

went to the STP storefront in Cheyenne..... not too shabby, but what a BORING town! :D

NDD,

Stay away from camo as its against the law, yes most folks in the business can get away with it, but all you have to have is one dick head gringo hater and they can confiscate it for their own use.

NDD, Are you looking for a jacket or an anoraks?

I don't care, just something to keep me from getting cold and wet.

Try LL Bean

Definitely has possibilities. Thanks.

Only $65 from bean? What's the catch?

I'm thinking this and the SPEAR fleece jacket. make sense?

Just a suggestion: saddlers.

Here is one example:. Not cheap, but this stuff is made to last and be used in all weather.

Dover Saddlery has a bunch of unisex jackets as well. You need
to navigate the page: www.doversaddlery.com (search on jackets)

My .02

No, I don't think so. But the pics of the girl in the boots and riding pants with the little hat is kind of hot. Thanks.

It's waterproof and that is it, no liner. I personally like jackets w/ zip out liners or none at all. With a stitch in liner they are either hotter than hell when it gets above 40 or not worth a shit if it gets below freezing.

Just my .02

I'm going to try the LL Bean thing with the SPEAR fleece. I like the idea of a quick pullover with no liner for the rain as well. That SPEAR thing should more than handle the cold.

I'll wait for the Goretex for later. I like it as well.

Thanks Polar.

Your Welcome, It also comes in tall sizes which is a plus

Thanks everybody for your ideas. The feedback is greatly appreciated. Boss, if you get out around Colorado in your travels and a 10th Group guy happens to leave his Goretex out...:D

I know this is lame, but I live in NE Ohio, and this thread was a great help for me since I haven't bought a warm winter jacket in 10 years. 6 months from now I don't want to walk into a store unprepared. Good stuff.

You just never know what you're going to learn here.

NDD...Here is hoping you keep warm.

(Hijack over.)