 Poster: A snowHead
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So I've got some cash burning a hole in my pocket so thought about a new jacket for this season, really like the look of the Sidewinder and Formular jackets but wondered if anyone had any experience of both? I don't generally see much Kjus stuff out there but lots of Arcteryx, although also seen mixed reviews on the build quality of Arcteryx recently.
Current jacket is insulated and I get really warm in just a t-shirt, no need to layer at all, what's the general opinion, do most people have shells or is it personal preference? Formular is insulted I believe, Sidewinder is not.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I made the same switch to shell + layers and it's much more comfortable than before.
Have you looked at Norrona kit?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Defo layers plus breathable shell the way to go... IMO of course. I find with all the amazing base and mid layers that are available jacket insulation isn't really needed except in the harshest conditions. Creates great flexibility for different conditions. I've bought a Black Diamond shell this year which I have yet to test but by all accounts it's a great jacket, it's the Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell, might be worth having a look?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| swishtony wrote: |
| Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell, |
Currently 1/2 price at our old friends "slush 'n' rubble"
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I've got loads of Arc' kit, including a Sidewinder SV (which has done about 20 weeks) & their build quality is superb, as is their customer service/lifetime warranty - but I only buy it at sale prices. Wouldn't put Kjus in the same bracket. Shell + layers = 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I recently took the decision to go to shell + layers (after spending so much time feeling too hot and sweaty, followed by freezing cold!) in insulated jackets. In the end I went for the Haglofs Couloir Pro Jacket from Sport Pursuit, and I have to say I'm delighted with it.
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Interesting stuff, is Kjus a 'new' brand? I guess from the various threads Arc seems to have been a premium buy for ages, don't see much about Kjus but they're similar in terms of pricing. Have to admit I'm attracted to the brands primarily due to style rather than function, but most seem to think Arc has the function too.
Not seen black diamond or Norrona, I'll google about for them.
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@red 27, Are they still? That's the deal I got a while back!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@swishtony, Yes - all the sizes still there at £130
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I can only see them at £180?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@red 27, ah you're looking at the standard shell, I have the hybrid which is down to £180. When you said £130 I was confused as I know i paid around £180! Cheers.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@swishtony, oh yes - silly me. That looks a nice jacket
I go either soft shell (mountain hardwear Alchemy) or waterproof Mountain equipment Changabang (sp) but if that hybrid is the best of both worlds I might take look 
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I'm a lucky person who has both thanks to a very very sharp price at slush and rubble a few years ago on Kjus and acquiring a sidewinder arcteryx jacket not long after. I use them differently. My Kjus jacket is a great fit and perfect in cold weather. My arcteryx jacket is better for more variable or warmer temperatures where need to regulate my own temperature more.
For a trip in January I would prefer to take my Kjus jacket for fit/comfort but practically as I will be skinning and limited on luggage it will be the arcteryx.
So, if I could only have 1 jacket I would choose my arcteryx shell which is great quality, no concerns that at all despite several trips with it.
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You know it makes sense.
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I have a new Arcteryx Sidewinder Shell in XL - worn for a three day weekend trip so literally as new.
£300 posted if if you are interested
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