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'Bombproof' HardShell Suggestions

BWIce · · Ithaca, NY · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 70

I've taken bombproof hardshells on extended trips and always found them overkill. I've done probably 200 miles on the AT over the past 10 years and an all-mountain shell is overkill. For 3 season hiking I take my Patagonia Torrentshell Pullover. It's a great hardshell, doesn't breath as well, but is very light and protects well.

If you talk to hardcore thru-hikers, they usually send their shells home and buy a cheap sil-nylon poncho/tarp that doubles as shelter and rain protection for themselves and their pack. This is the one I see a lot of thru-hikers sporting:

basegear.com/sea-to-summit-…

With that said, my new favorite shell is my Rab Stretch Neo, but it is much more of a soft shell - which is why I like it. It replaced my Patagonia Stretch Element, which wasn't nearly breathable enough.

Mark Wyss · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 255

I have no idea why I was thinking "pants" when I gave my first suggestion, must have been one of those late-night MP sessions when I just couldn't sleep.

Anyway, I know your original post said you preferred gore or event, and a lot of people followed that by suggesting that a $325 shell might be overkill. I suppose this is relative on what kind of deal you can land but overall, I would have to agree. I have an Alpha LT now that fits my skinny-ass great! I found it for $380 and even though its only 13oz, I wouldn't use it for hiking only. Assuming your sole purpose for this jacket is hiking, I wouldn't shell out the extra cash. There are cheaper alternatives.

I have been looking into the Marmot Essence jacket, ~8oz. $190. I have not tried it on yet so don't know how athletic the fit will be. I also considered the OR Helium ~6oz. $150, but when i tried it on at the store a climbing helmet wouldn't really fit under it too well so that jacket isn't practical for my purposes. Marmot also has a jacket in the same "category" as the two aforementioned. It's a tad lighter than the Precip. I'm sure its decent but there is some ugly black crap they decided to put on the shoulders that really annoys the hell out of me. Didn't even bother trying it on.

Have fun on your trip!

DOGM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 0

If you plan on keeping it a while, go heavier (nice shoulder and waist protection), but, honestly, I bet a $100-$150 ultralight would get you a couple seasons with a full pack. Get lots of vents. 10 weeks in Costa Rica during the rainy season with an Arc'Teryx Theta felt like overkill until my 2 buddies' jackets went down; then I felt like a king.

phil wortmann · · Colorado Springs, Co. · Joined Feb 2005 · Points: 1,186

+1 on the Patagooch M10. The best compromise between breathablitiy and waterproof that I have found.

Arcteryx jackets are definitely more bomber, but don't seem to breathe as well, which would not be a good thing on the AT.

Kyro · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 5

have you thought about the MH quasar? Ultra light and breathable. I have tried both the alpha and quasar and def would choose the quasar due to its weight, compact storing and just how breathable it is.

backcountry.com/mountain-ha…

Nick Votto · · CO, CT, IT · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 320

I'd sell you my Arcteryx Alpha LT if your still looking, thing is sick and light...retails $500, yours for $100

Stephen Ackley · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 642

I recently discovered sectionhiker.com/

There's a wealth I info in there that will help on anyone's hiking endeavors. I'd look into "wetting through" before you pull the trigger on something really expensive.

I often don't bring a shell for summer AT hiking because if it. The shell I do have is the Patagonia torentshell pull over. I like it a great deal and almost bought a second when I thought I'd lost it. You can get one too for 70 or so dollars.

willeslinger · · Golden, Colorado · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 25

I have the Alpha SV, if you're going for a "bombproof" jacket, that's the definition of one. But honestly, it's pretty overkill, I find myself wearing my soft shell jacket instead most of the time.

flynn · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 25

Ponchos are okay as long as the wind isn't blowing. At that point, they're about as useful as a big, wide skirt (remember that iconic pic of Marilyn Monroe?). I carried them a few times, thinking I'd use one as a tarp. Never happened, probably since I had a tent with a floor. Just my experience.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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