 Poster: A snowHead
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Due to a problem with delivering a ski jacket I bought on eBay from France, I am faced with needing to find a new ski jacket before a trip departing on Saturday 17 January.
I am a size 16 with small top half and large hips, and have found Salomon's current 'active fit' jackets to be an ideal fit. Unfortunately I don't really want to spend £300 on just a jacket, as I only ski once or twice a year. Plus, I'm investing in some boots from CEM/Solutions4feet before I go.
For about £150 and under, it seems the range is quite limited. However I've found this: http://www.snowinn.com/index.php?action=ver_detalle_producto&id_modelo=649528&idioma=eng which is Columbia and which I have tried on at Snow and Rock and liked, however I'm not sure how good Columbia is as a brand?
The only Salomon jackets I can find for that cost are very plain and state that they have a relaxed fit, which would probably not be flattering. Not sure about Dare2b as my first jacket was from them and the zip broke straight away. Also, TK Maxx haven't got anything decent in my size.
Are there any other brands I should be looking at in this price range, besides Columbia? Also, any hints on lesser known retailers would be welcome.
Thanks in advance,
Cally
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Objectively speaking, and critically at that, Columbia have designed v. good product for a good many years. I have two of their products that have served me altogether well, one of which I wore today that works just fine. I've never heard any complaints about the brand. I would unhesitatingly continue to look at their brand as one of my first considerations in the future.
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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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I've had a few mid layers of theirs both in the past and currently. Never had any problems with their stuff, in fact I find it excellent. Just realised I also have an Omni Heat base layer by them which is brilliant for really cold conditions, it's like wearing breathable tin foil, clever stuff!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I'd disagree sadly. The seam stitching of the jacket I bought wasn't as wind proofed as claimed, the jacket is fine in normal skiing at lower altitudes.winds but at high altitude (lower temperature) and in strong winds I was frozen and had to wear another layer. By comparison, I still use a 15 yr old north face gautex shell - its used throughout the year & on most ski trips, so I'd recommend buying a budget item for one of the more reputable technical ski wear specialists.
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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 have had a Columbia jacket for about six years and am very happy with it. I have probably had twenty five weeks usage out of it in all sorts of conditions and it still has quite a bit of life left in yet. It is probably the best jacket I have had. Obviously I am talking about a six year old model so I do not have any idea what their current products are like.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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I have a look at Surfanic
The whole family is pretty much kitted out with their stuff. Lot's of great functionality at a good price. No connection other than as a punter.
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They are one of the leading brands in North America. I think they are fine for general skiing - not a technical make such as Patagonia or Mountain Equipment, but the price refelcts that. Fine for general skiing, maybe not for extreme conditions, but good for most recreational ski trips. It looks like 60% of women skiing in North America are in Columbia. Don't know about men.
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I have some Columbia trousers that have had about 10 weeks skiing in them - and plenty of life left yet. Good quality for the price.
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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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@calbris,I have used older columbia titanium omnitech jackets for years, (i purchased 2 at the same time 12 years ago in Canada and they were not cheap) and they seem to last about 6+ years of 8 to 9 weeks skiing a year, lasted much longer than my other halfs north face jackets that have only had a third of the use. I use them in quite tough condtions.
However I purchased a new titanium jacket last year and its relegated to walking duties as its not as good as the old ones, by a long way............................seems to be a drive downwards based on price.
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I also have some Columbia ski trousers which I've used on several trips. The quality is good and theyve kept my legs nice and toasty 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Getting a good fit is probably the most important thing, but another brand worth trying is Tog24. I have one of their goretex ski jackets which was a very reasonable price for goretex and it's been really excellent. Used it for about 12 week's of skiing and it's still in excellent condition, just a little grubby.
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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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I had a fantastic Columbia ski jacket, with a lining... and matching salopettes. Used regularly and also, on a day to day basis with the lining removed. Mind you, it did cost me £200 from Snow and Rock... so frankly, for that sort of money I expected a good jacket.
As for Tog24, they're a good brand but I was told by their sales assistant yesterday that the salopettes I had just bought 'were not waterproof merely windproof and the seams would leak' so only to wear them on a fair day. I decided to keep them as they were only £50 and I can use them in Foy if the weather is good.
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@lynnecha, have you seen the omni heat stuff. Very good technical ski wear.
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You know it makes sense.
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A good softshell shouldn't cost more than £150. Admittedly it was sale time but my Arc'teryx Gamma MX hoody was less than that. The Rab Exodus was also nice and even cheaper but the fit didn't quite work with the ridiculous protection I use but don't need! They aren't particularly warm mind, a good thing for me as the breathability is excellent but I wouldn't want to be sitting on a long lift at a good few below zero without a good midlayer underneath.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Layne wrote: |
I have a look at Surfanic
The whole family is pretty much kitted out with their stuff. Lot's of great functionality at a good price. No connection other than as a punter. |
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually don't mind Surfanic, I have some salopettes from them which although massive, feel really nice and kept me warm. Unfortunately I don't wear them now as I had accidentally bought two sizes up in TK Maxx during a lunchtime rushed visit, then wondered why they were practically round my ankles for a whole day of skiing. 
Surfanic don't seem to have a lot of the nicer styles for this season in a size 16 but I will have another look.
| carroz wrote: |
@calbris,I have used older columbia titanium omnitech jackets for years, (i purchased 2 at the same time 12 years ago in Canada and they were not cheap) and they seem to last about 6+ years of 8 to 9 weeks skiing a year, lasted much longer than my other halfs north face jackets that have only had a third of the use. I use them in quite tough condtions.
However I purchased a new titanium jacket last year and its relegated to walking duties as its not as good as the old ones, by a long way............................seems to be a drive downwards based on price. |
Just wondered, why were you disappointed with the recent purchase? Was it not as weatherproof or warm as you'd hoped?
I wonder if there's a significant difference between Columbia's entry level and more expensive models, and if any negative experiences are based on their cheaper gear? This one is currently £260 in S&R so not the very cheapest jacket and when I tried it on, the material felt no worse than the lower end models of the more known brands. Not too shiny, not obviously a ski jacket so could wear it for dog walking too.
Ahhh... choices! There's also a Salomon jacket I like the look and fit of (icetown, £210) but I'm not sure a down jacket would be a good idea. Would rather have light insulation and layer up when needed. There's a Schoffel jacket for £145 from a ski shop in Cardiff but I'm not convinced the shape/colour would suit me.
As a recreational skier who doesn't do any off piste skiing (at least not on purpose...  ) and doesn't regularly encounter extreme weather conditions, based on most of the advice here it sounds like the Columbia one would do the job. If the weather is really that dreadful I'm probably going to be hiding out somewhere with a vin chaud anyway. Plus, I have invested in plenty of merino layers so should hopefully be warm enough.
Have asked if Snow and Rock will price match Snowinn since I can go and try it on again there without worrying about wasting money on returns if I don't want to keep it. Think I will keep browsing for another day but purchase the one in the link if nothing better comes along.
Thank you for all the help so far, it's much appreciated.
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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 have a gorgeous down jacket, but it only gets used for skiing when the weather is lovely. Out skiing with friends in Foy last year, another girlfriend wore hers and it rained. OMG she looked like a drowned rat, the jacket had no waterproofing and it took her ages to dry it again. Plus washing down is a nightmare. I bought Nikwak down wash and you need a tumble dryer, pair of trainers in socks and lots and lots of patience to dry them. If you don't wash after skiing in heat, trust me noone will stand near you  they do retain 'scents'...
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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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@calbris, Not as well made, noticably thinner material that is not as tough, not as windproof, poorer zip. basically cheaper, which it was, you get what you pay for!! (and its not a fake!)
However at Christmas saw another Titanium jacket in a shop that seemed every bit as good as the older ones i have....at nearly euro 300
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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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I know they probably paid for the privilege, but Columbia did kit out the Canadians at the Winter Olympics.
I've also not had any problems with my Columbia jacket although it doesn't get that much use any more.
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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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depends where you're going. Alpe d'Huez/Morzine any old tat will do, but you'll have to up your game for EK/St Anton/3V/Verbs.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Dr John wrote: |
| depends where you're going. Alpe d'Huez/Morzine any old tat will do, but you'll have to up your game for EK/St Anton/3V/Verbs. |
Thanks for the extra advice everybody. I had a lovely surprise in the post yesterday - my ebay item actually arrived after 5 weeks of waiting! It's a previous season Helly Hansen jacket with supposedly 20,000/20,000 waterproofing and breathability, primaloft insulation, decent adjustable hood, pit zips, lens wipe etc. Quite chuffed for £46, BNWT.
The only thing is that the insulation seems on the light side and it's very fitted so there isn't loads of room for layers, but I'm hoping with a merino base layer, long sleeve top and perhaps a thin hoodie/fleece I'll be ok. Going to Courchevel. Do you think this sounds adequate?
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@calbris,
Not sure what they have in at present but have a look at Epicentre in Ambleside
http://www.theepicentre.co.uk/
I bought a MHW Down jacket new from them last year just before xmas for £90 retailed I think over £200 and it arrived the next day. So very good prices and quick delivery I have seen posts on some sites re delivery issues with Snowinn as they are based in Spain as they sometimes say stock available and it is not actually in stock. That is about the only complaint I have seen posted though.
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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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I can recommend norwegian brand Skogstad http://www.skogstad.co.uk/category/products/men
A good balance of quality and value. I admittedly have a personal interest as we stock the childrenswear but my wife and I also use it and have found it to be very good. Increasingly available in the UK, including John Lewis for this season, so you might get a sale bargain.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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FAQ
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