Best down jacket for Switzerland?

peachy · #1 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 14:29

My Rab Summit jacket has served me well for many years but the down is now not what it was so I'm due a replacement.

The jacket has been so good I'm seriously considering buying the same jacket again, but I do have some options.
1. Norrona Lyngen
2. Mountain Hardware Sub Zero

I have had Mountain Hardware kit before and always been happy with it, I also have Norrona ski gear which is really well made + I'd rather buy European given the choice.

Any comments on which I should go for or recommendations of other jackets?

Cyrus · #2 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 15:35

I have a Norrona fleece which is super nice.

I can't wear those down jackets, they remind me too much of the puffer jacketed youths of the nineties.

Dingbat · #3 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 18:02

what, precisely, is a soft shell? Somehow I missed the beginnings of the technical clothing industry and am now hopelessly lost.

peachy · #4 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingbat

what, precisely, is a soft shell? Somehow I missed the beginnings of the technical clothing industry and am now hopelessly lost.

It's a waterproof, breathable fabric by Goretex that is more flexible and softer than Goretex XCR.

BigD · #5 (**permalink**) 20-10-2009, 08:33

Avoid puffy jackets unless you want to look like a (fat) chav. No exceptions.

BigD

Quote:

Originally Posted by peachy

Any comments on which I should go for or recommendations of other jackets?

peachy · #6 (**permalink**) 20-10-2009, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigD

Avoid puffy jackets unless you want to look like a (fat) chav. No exceptions.

BigD

Maybe I do want to look like a fat chav, you can take the boy out of Folkestone....

Grum · #7 (**permalink**) 20-10-2009, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigD

Avoid puffy jackets unless you want to look like a (fat) chav. No exceptions.

Yep. I bought one once. It was on a bargain rail outside a shop so I didn't look at what it looked like in a mirror.

Good price.
Lovely and warm.
Saw myself in a mirror with it on.
Got recycled.

HAT · #8 (**permalink**) 20-10-2009, 21:24

I call this the Michelin man jacket...

I had one, cheapo one , threw it away last year.
I am also looking for a new winter jacket...but not a thick one.

Any more suggestions?

Dingbat · #9 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by peachy

It's a waterproof, breathable fabric by Goretex that is more flexible and softer than Goretex XCR.

Sorry to be a bore on this subject (fishing) but I bought a wading jacket some time ago and, being the hot blooded chap that I am, would have expected to be drenched (inside) within about 10 minutes as is the norm with waterproof clothing I have. Instead I nearly got hypothermia, I have never been so cold, I mean the wind stopping part worked but hell did I lose body temperature. I can only presume that one is expected to wear a fleece underneath which, I presume, rather negates the ability of the jacket to breath. I suppose these soft shells are for autumn/spring weather, not waterproof - is it normal to wear a soft-shell under a hard shell when it rains?

nope - now I get it, a soft shell is a hard shell without the crinkly noise.

peachy · #10 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingbat

Sorry to be a bore on this subject (fishing) but I bought a wading jacket some time ago and, being the hot blooded chap that I am, would have expected to be drenched (inside) within about 10 minutes as is the norm with waterproof clothing I have. Instead I nearly got hypothermia, I have never been so cold, I mean the wind stopping part worked but hell did I lose body temperature. I can only presume that one is expected to wear a fleece underneath which, I presume, rather negates the ability of the jacket to breath. I suppose these soft shells are for autumn/spring weather, not waterproof - is it normal to wear a soft-shell under a hard shell when it rains?

nope - now I get it, a soft shell is a hard shell without the crinkly noise.

You need a top from Buffalo
Buffalo Systems Performance Outdoor Clothing - Mountain Jacket designed for mountaineering, winter walking and standing about in howling whiteouts

Stays warm even when wet.