[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Good Wind PROOF fleece (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 9/15/2010 5:03:58 AM EDT
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I have been trying to find a good windproof fleece type jacket for a while but have yet to come across one the has all the features i want.
All i really want is something that is truly windproof elastic or adjustable cuffs and a drawstring hem a hood would be nice but not a must have. I was really looking at the Patagonia Men's R4 Jacket but this years model does not have the drawstring hem and elastic cuffs. Dont really want any TAD gear stuff either. |
| One other thing i don't want is those damn built in pit vents, bought an under armour jacket last year and just wearing it outside in really cold temps the cold would pull all our body heat out through the vents horrible idea if i wanted to vent hot air i would unzip a little. |
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There's a reason why fleece got its start as coat liners, the material is good insulation when under a protective layer (but so is newspaper), but sucks as a stand alone fabric. Fleece (unlined) alone is really a fashion statement or a 60 degree jacket.
I've got plenty of fleece, but it's really taken the place of sweaters, not coats. |
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There's a reason why fleece got its start as coat liners, the material is good insulation when under a protective layer (but so is newspaper), but sucks as a stand alone fabric. Fleece (unlined) alone is really a fashion statement or a 60 degree jacket. I've got plenty of fleece, but it's really taken the place of sweaters, not coats. I know thats why i wanted a windproof jacket, the R4 i was looking at weighs almost two pounds and would be perfect for what i want to use it for, but the son of a bitch isnt adjustable at all this year and i cant find any from last year that are my size. I would be willing to go with another material besides fleece i just need a little direction. |
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Take a look at Cabelas. They have several versions of windproof fleece. The ones I have work well and are well built. Which one do you have? I have a couple of them let me see if I can find some links. ETA. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?id=0041285&navCount=3&parentId=cat604566&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat21082-cat604566&parentType=index&indexId=cat604566&rid= The other one I cannot find on the site it might not be made anymore. |
| Try the Shoreman's fleece from Duluth, I order the next size up for CCW. |
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You need a shell layer to block wind. Wear the fleece underneath. Can you recommend a good shell? Arc'Teryx Even with the discount on steep and cheap that stuff is expensive. Yeah not to be a cheap bastard but i will definitely have to pass on that stuff. |
http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA
I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable. |
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You need a shell layer to block wind. Wear the fleece underneath. Can you recommend a good shell? Depends what you need it for? Walking around town or doing heavy work or very bad weather? being outside for long periods of time in windy cold weather, not strenuous activity thats why i dont want built in pit vents etc, i dont mind zippered pits but thats just one more area that could possibly bring in cold air. |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable. Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? |
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Is that one you wear? it looks like a good jacket to me. |
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That have a drawstring hem? |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no  ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes.  BTW, no hate to Mountain Hardwear, but this jacket will probably provide twice as much warmth as it.
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes. What about the arm pit vents it looks the same as the under armour jacket i bought and they make that son of a bitch frigid. |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes. BTW, no hate to Mountain Hardwear, but this jacket will probably provide twice as much warmth as it.From the reviews i just read on the mountain hardwear jacket it looks like you are right. |
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You need a shell layer to block wind. Wear the fleece underneath. Can you recommend a good shell? Depends what you need it for? Walking around town or doing heavy work or very bad weather? being outside for long periods of time in windy cold weather, not strenuous activity thats why i dont want built in pit vents etc, i dont mind zippered pits but thats just one more area that could possibly bring in cold air. I would go to a sports store or somewhere and try a few fleeces to find a comfortable one, then find a light outer jacket with a hood that fits good over the fleece. That way you can just wear the fleece when its cold but still, or just wear the shell if it's rainy but warm, Or wear both if it's cold and windy/rainy. Get a breathable shell (like goretex). |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes. What about the arm pit vents it looks the same as the under armour jacket i bought and they make that son of a bitch frigid. There are no arm pit vents. I dont like them either; especially on a fleece. You might also like to know that the windproof layer also keeps water out too. The fleece will get wet, but you will remain dry. I would still recommend a light shell if you are planning on hiking in the rain though. |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes. What about the arm pit vents it looks the same as the under armour jacket i bought and they make that son of a bitch frigid. There are no arm pit vents. I dont like them either; especially on a fleece. what are the under arm panels they are talking about in the description? from the picture on the website it looks like some kind of mesh underneath the arm pits. The only reason i am asking is because that is the one i really wanted but it looked like that would be a spot that would let out warm air or let cold air in. |
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Is that one you wear? it looks like a good jacket to me. yes and I've worn it in helicopters during door-off operations. It's not as windproof as a good shell, but it's pretty damn windproof |
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http://www.altrec.com/patagonia/lightweight-r4-jacket-mens?sku_id=669180&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Patagonia-_-32016-669180&mr:trackingCode=6AE308CA-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/PAT/24714.32016_d.jpg I have had two of these over the past 10 years (I ruined the 1st one by drying it in a dryer...big no no ) They are EXTREMELY warm. So warm, that you can only really comfortable wear it if it is really cold outside. They retail for about 250.00, but you can usually find them on sale for 150~200. I would highly reccomend this. Oh and BTW, if you are driving down the highway in the winter time and hold your arm out of the window, you will not even fell the slightest breeze because of the high quality wind blocking material, which I might add is very breathable.Is that the lightweight R4? does it have a drawstring hem? Yes and yes. What about the arm pit vents it looks the same as the under armour jacket i bought and they make that son of a bitch frigid. There are no arm pit vents. I dont like them either; especially on a fleece. what are the under arm panels they are talking about in the description? from the picture on the website it looks like some kind of mesh underneath the arm pits. The only reason i am asking is because that is the one i really wanted but it looked like that would be a spot that would let out warm air or let cold air in. I am not really sure what they are referring to. I have only used my second R4 a few times since I bought it recently and I have not even noticed them. There is NOT a mesh area that allows air to move freely in and out. They must be saying that they use a slightly different fabric here. Believe me, the underarms are also windproof. They must just add a more breathable layer here to keep moisture (sweat) from building up. If you read the reviews about them, you will find little if any complaints. Reviews |
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I have one of those, it sucks. Its not really any warmer than a lite sweatshirt. I bought a columbia titanium I like ALOT better. Also a LL Bean. The LL Bean is made by Polartec IIRC. ETA: Might be this one...not sure 10 times the warmth of my MH for 25% the price. I don't think I'll buy another MH jacket. |
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Another vote for Cabelas. I have an early version of this that is just about worn out:
Cabelas Windproof Fleece I've hunted with it in 4 states and South Africa, and will wear it out to dinner as well. |
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These have always looked like a good quality item at a pretty fair price. Discouted at Steep and Cheap would be good |
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This is what I have and it is an amazing piece of gear. Highly recommended. |
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You need a shell layer to block wind. Wear the fleece underneath. Can you recommend a good shell? Arc'Teryx Even with the discount on steep and cheap that stuff is expensive. I get all my outerwear from S&C. If you don't have to have it now, S&C is a great place to pick up clothes. In fact, most of my wardrobe comes from there. I'm a veritable S&C junkie. Damn arfcom for turning me onto their website and the firefox add-on they have! 
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http://www.beyondclothing.com/products/fleece/ I have an ll bean windstopper type fleece from years ago that's good, but who knows if the current stuff is the same? |
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There's a reason why fleece got its start as coat liners, the material is good insulation when under a protective layer (but so is newspaper), but sucks as a stand alone fabric. Fleece (unlined) alone is really a fashion statement or a 60 degree jacket. Agreed. Buy the right tool for the job. Fleece is not intended, nor is it suitable, as an outer layer if there is any wind involved. The only people who use it for such are soccer moms and college kids whose idea of "roughing it" is staying at a three star hotel. Good thermal management means being able to add and remove layers depending upon the situation. Leave the wind/water proof to your shell layer. The fleece can do its job of trapping air, not blocking wind. Oh, and pit zips are a gift from Heaven in terms of thermal management. If you're driving to the mall you won't need them. If you do any physical exertion outdoors in cold weather, they can save you from hypothermia. |
I have this jacket from Cabela's and love it … I pretty much wear it all winter long as my running around town jacket … Only time I really need to go up to the full parka is if it's the middle of a storm, or the temp gets way down into single digits or below.
http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21082-cat604566&rid=&indexId=cat604566&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat604566&id=0041285 I like it so much that I bought another one when I lost a bunch of weight and no longer needed a XXXL and could fit into a L. |
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I remember seeing A Carhartt Softshell in brown that had the features you're looking for. Throw a light fleece jacket under it and you've got warmth, water resistant, and breathable protection from the wind and light precip. They were around $60 IIRC.
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You need a shell layer to block wind. Wear the fleece underneath. Can you recommend a good shell? Arc'Teryx Marmot. All those as well as Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, that Helly Hanson, and that Nordanvansk Noordavarksksk Nardanoske you know, that Scandinavian brand that starts with an "N". I've owned all these (including a pair of (Scandinavian brand) hardshell pants I just bought last week. |
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Arcteryx - Expensive but top of the line quality and great cut(IE long length but not fat in the middle)
Mountain Hardwear - Good value and well made(not as good as they used to be but still good). Good cut North Face - Cheap stuff is cheaply made and everybody and their mother wears it. Also tend to run short and wide in cut Marmot - well made and good value but I run short and wide Patagonia - Good cut but can be expensive. I havent quite decided on if I like their styles though Mammut - Great cut and medium priced. Left handed zipper is odd. Well made stuff Tad Gear - Expensive but looks to be well made and good cut. I just cant quite get to liking the velcro patches. Makes me feel like a wannabe |
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http://www.beyondclothing.com/products/fleece/ I have an ll bean windstopper type fleece from years ago that's good, but who knows if the current stuff is the same? aw man im going into fleece overload here, too many good suggestions! |
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There's a reason why fleece got its start as coat liners, the material is good insulation when under a protective layer (but so is newspaper), but sucks as a stand alone fabric. Fleece (unlined) alone is really a fashion statement or a 60 degree jacket. Agreed. Buy the right tool for the job. Fleece is not intended, nor is it suitable, as an outer layer if there is any wind involved. The only people who use it for such are soccer moms and college kids whose idea of "roughing it" is staying at a three star hotel. Good thermal management means being able to add and remove layers depending upon the situation. Leave the wind/water proof to your shell layer. The fleece can do its job of trapping air, not blocking wind. Oh, and pit zips are a gift from Heaven in terms of thermal management. If you're driving to the mall you won't need them. If you do any physical exertion outdoors in cold weather, they can save you from hypothermia. i agree with you but this will be for when im at work not outdoors hunting or hiking in winter, i want a fleece because they are generally nice looking and most of them would be ok to wear to a meeting if i had to. |
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Wind? You know nothing of wind, my friend. 
I prefer Gore-Tex as a wind breaker out here. I bet not, its not too bad in Georgia but i dont have as much natural insulation as my well fed co workers they think its funny to watch me freeze my ass off when we are outside. |