Help me find the perfect jacket.

NCMedic

NCMedic

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Fat guy seeking perfect jacket for seasonal relationship....

But seriously...
I'm looking for a lightweight hardshell jacket to wear for work. I have a lightweight hardshell jacket I got years ago from Costco, it's fairly waterproof, lightweight and not too hot, the only downside is it doesn't have a hood, they have never had them again.

I ordered a Rothco Spec Ops hardshell jacket and it's already back to be returned. It's way too short and who doesn't put pockets on the sides in the standard place?!?

Basic requirements:
Relatively water resistant/proof... I have rain gear if I'm going to be out in the rain for long periods of time.

Lightweight. The heaviest coat I'll wear in the winter is a Duluth Alaskan Hardgear fleece jacket.

Something that is slightly longer than waist length.

Solid color, black, grey or dark navy.

Fat guy friendly in terms of fit.

Right now it looks like the Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket or 5.11 Sabre Jacket 2.0 may fit the bill. But let's hear what the group sayeth.
 
I would call this a “medium shell.” It’s probably the best jacket/coat I’ve ever worn. I buy them for my guys at work. Water proof—they didn’t believe me so we went outside and they sprayed me with a hose. Nothing got through. Just the right warmth. Cuts the wind easily. Hooded. Pockets with flaps (no closure system to get in the way).


Edit: the regular length is generous. “Tall” is starting to make its way down your butt length. I have one of each.
 
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I've got a black Rothco M65 in Fatguy and it's pretty comfy. Might need to give it some extra waterproofing spray if you plan to stay out in the rain for long.

I routinely wear one or more layers of hoodie/fleece etc under it
 
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Vertx quality seems to be excellent from the few things of their’s I own. I’d roll with that. Or you could go to REI and buy their brand. For the money REI gear is usually decent.
 
9outof10mms said:
I would call this a “medium shell.” It’s probably the best jacket/coat I’ve ever worn. I buy them for my guys at work. Water proof—they didn’t believe me so we went outside and they sprayed me with a hose. Nothing got through. Just the right warmth. Cuts the wind easily. Hooded. Pockets with flaps (no closure system to get in the way).


Edit: the regular length is generous. “Tall” is starting to make its way down your butt length. I have one of each.
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I actually have one of those sweatshirts, it's one of my favorites. I actually didn't think about Carhartt, but this may fit the bill.

 
CZfool68 said:
For the money REI gear is usually decent.
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I've been an REI member since 1965. I still have some of the gear I bought that year!! Things changed somewhere in between and across the years. Now, for the money, REI gear is usually too expensive -- unless it's on sale. :) :rolleyes:

I picked up a really nice sort of shell jacket from Gander Mountain several years ago, very effective and tough while actually being kind of stylish. Great as a car/truck jacket. Probably hard to get now. :rolleyes:
 
NCMedic said:
I actually have one of those sweatshirts, it's one of my favorites. I actually didn't think about Carhartt, but this may fit the bill.

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I have seen those at our local hardware store. And I may have seen them at Home Depot too. They look pretty good. If I didn’t already have the sweatshirt version and a Columbia soft shell, I’d be after that one.
 

Men’s Antora Rain Parka | The North Face

Essential when facing unpredictable weather, the Men's Antora Rain Parka is waterproof, breathable, and made from a 100% recycled fabric. The unique alpine style delivers protection and functionality when it counts most.
www.thenorthface.com www.thenorthface.com
 
I have too many jackets. Because I like them. Thanks to this thread I’ll probably end up with another. That one posted above looks like it would be great for duck hunting when it isn’t quite full blown freezing cold, or for blue bird days.
 
B00ger said:
I have too many jackets. Because I like them. Thanks to this thread I’ll probably end up with another. That one posted above looks like it would be great for duck hunting when it isn’t quite full blown freezing cold, or for blue bird days.
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Yeah, me too. I think it's something in my DNA, every fall when it starts to get cool I have to get another. I just ordered an Arc'teryx.
 
Chuckman said:
I just ordered an Arc'teryx.
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What did you buy?
The Atom LT Insulated Hoodie or Beta AR Jacket look like they could fit my needs.
 
NCMedic said:
What did you buy?
The Atom LT Insulated Hoodie or Beta AR Jacket look like they could fit my needs.
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I have the Atom LT, it's a great jacket. I think it is categorized as a mid-layer. If you layer under it it is a fine outer layer jacket. Definitely not waterproof. Decent water resistance.

The Beta is a lot more expensive, and definitely better for wetter conditions, and a warmer coat. The Atom is half the price.

The Atom fits fairly true to size, the Beta is a little more snug.

I have the Atom, a Gamma, and LEAF Gamma SL anorak. I just purchased a LEAF Naga hooded zip-up to layer under the Atom.

Edited to add, what's your price range? Also look at OR and TAG. Also look at REI.com, their used gear and outlet sections:

www.rei.com

REI Outlet: Discount & Sale Outdoor Clothing & Gear

Explore REI Outlet & save on great gear and clothing for all your outdoor adventures. Check in for daily deals & new arrivals from top outdoor brands.
www.rei.com www.rei.com

 
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I have the Kickstarter precursor to this jacket. Mine is not waterproof, but I love the way this company does their layouts with pockets.

pleepleus.com

Cascades Jacket (Black)

The Cascades Jacket, named in honor of Washington's North Cascades National Park, is an all-weather jacket made from 100% recycled water bottles. This "polyester" fabric is naturally waterproof, and is designed to handle any environment that your travels take you to. This jacket has sealed...
pleepleus.com pleepleus.com
 
The Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket and the 5.11 Sabre Jacket 2.0 sound like they could be winners. It's all about that balance between water resistance, weight, and fit, especially for us bigger guys. I'd say go for something with adjustable features if possible, like cuffs and hoods, so you can tweak the fit to your liking.
 
Work bought me this:
https://www.kuiu.com/products/axis-hybrid-hooded-jacket-ash?variant=40536244093086

Yes, it’s damn expensive. It is definitely the best cut, best performing, and best fitting jacket I’ve ever worn. Would I spend my own money on it? I’d have to be pretty well off to consider it.

It runs exactly as sized, maybe a touch small for some.

I got a matching pair of pants with it, too. They’re great as well. Again, pricey.
 
Inglis said:
Still looking

M65 Field Jacket XL​

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All over the place. Online, surplus shops. The longer you wait, the higher prices are going to go, bite the bullet and buy one or bump your ad for several more years.
 
Chdamn said:
This is what I wear for work and it’s held up well for a few years now.

It’s a 3 in one. Outer shell is light weight and waterproof. Hood can be removed. It’s good for a cool rainy day.

Inner jacket is shaped like a bomber jacket. It’s good for a cool dry day.

Zip them together and you’re good down to single digits.

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Work provides a crappy knockoff of that minus the hiviz and even the woven Chinesium it's made out of keeps me warm until below freezing.

Two layers is always going to work even if they're layers of cheap trash.
 
9outof10mms said:
Work bought me this:
https://www.kuiu.com/products/axis-hybrid-hooded-jacket-ash?variant=40536244093086

Yes, it’s damn expensive. It is definitely the best cut, best performing, and best fitting jacket I’ve ever worn. Would I spend my own money on it? I’d have to be pretty well off to consider it.

It runs exactly as sized, maybe a touch small for some.

I got a matching pair of pants with it, too. They’re great as well. Again, pricey.
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I have many pieces of KUIU for hunting. I can attest their stuff is top notch (but priced accordingly). With their system I've hunted from a daily high of -5 F in the mountains of Montana to well over 100 F in Africa. Brush, rocks, mud - the stuff both works and lasts. I try not to think about what I've spent, but I try to get it on sale at the major shows.

They are built for "athletic fit", so a size larger is a good idea if "athletic" doesn't describe you - like me!
 
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9outof10mms said:
Work bought me this:
https://www.kuiu.com/products/axis-hybrid-hooded-jacket-ash?variant=40536244093086

Yes, it’s damn expensive. It is definitely the best cut, best performing, and best fitting jacket I’ve ever worn. Would I spend my own money on it? I’d have to be pretty well off to consider it.

It runs exactly as sized, maybe a touch small for some.

I got a matching pair of pants with it, too. They’re great as well. Again, pricey.
Click to expand...

rodell said:
I have many pieces of KUIU for hunting. I can attest their stuff is top notch (but priced accordingly). With their system I've hunted from a daily high of -5 F in the mountains of Montana to well over 100 F in Africa. Brush, rocks, mud - the stuff both works and lasts. I try not to think about what I've spent, but I try to get it on sale at the major shows.
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I put them in same tier as Arcteryx, Beyond, Canada Goose (cha-ching...), a couple other brands. Definitely buy-once-cry-once apparel.
 
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