Westcomb

[Shu Shu]

okay, yeah, then this is strange- I know this isn't the official way to measure the chest size of a jacket, but just laying it down flat and measuring across the chest under the arms, from put zip to pit zip, it's 26 inches, which means its over 50 inches around! even if my measurements are a bit off, it still seems way too large for a jacket that is supposedly a 41 inch chest.

I think I'm going to contact Westcomb first before I send it back to the retailer and see what they have to say about it. Thanks guys.

Something sounds weird, I have a Mirage in M. My chest is around a 38 as well. Could have gone with the small but wanted room for my big puffy. Its a great fit. Sleeves are definitely long, but really great for putting over gloves.

FWIW, mine has been bomber as a ski jacket, and really functional in early spring and fall as well for rain.

[MrSmith]

Had something similar happen once with an OR soft shell. Ordered my typical size large and when it arrived I could barely zip it up. Exchanged it for another large which fit ok. So I do think the odd piece can occasionally get mislabeled, crazy as it seems.

I had an Apoc for a while and the fit was very similar to Arcteryx athletic fit. I liked the cut a lot.

Sounds like somebody made a boo-boo.

[bern43]

Sounds strange to me also. My L Mirage fits similar to Arcteryx's athletic cut, maybe even a bit smaller.

[whyturn]

Had mirage and sizing was defiantly more on the euro side

[MrSmith]

What's up with the Cruiser LT, had pit zips for a while, but not any longer? Westcomb and most web retailers don't list pit zips, but Amazon's picture shows pit zips and campsaver.com lists them, old pics/data in those cases? Campsaver's 465g weight must be for a model with pit zips.

Specter LT lists the same materials for construction, no pit zips and sub 300g weight. So the current Specter LT and Cruiser LT have the same features/construction, but a bit different cut/style (drop hood)?

I'm getting confused, probably time for the second email of the day to Westcomb.

[tehol]

Had something similar happen once with an OR soft shell. Ordered my typical size large and when it arrived I could barely zip it up. Exchanged it for another large which fit ok. So I do think the odd piece can occasionally get mislabeled, crazy as it seems.

I had an Apoc for a while and the fit was very similar to Arcteryx athletic fit. I liked the cut a lot.

Sounds like somebody made a boo-boo.

I sure hope this isn't the case (maybe I'm just not used to the fit of some brands? - my TNF Sonic Stretch jacket in medium was much smaller, but I was still able to put 2 layers underneath it).

I returned it, but I couldn't find any more Mirages for anywhere near the same price, but I wanted to stick with an eVent jacket, so I ordered a small Revenant- we'll see if it's way too small or not.

[tehol]

yep, the Small Revenant fits me perfectly- just enough room to layer a good sized down jacket underneath (which is the most insulation I would ever need).

Most brands, you read the size chart and then go up one size to fit layers underneath, but I guess Westcomb's 39-inch chest size for smalls means "perfect for someone with a 39 inch chest to be able to layer under".

Oh well, now I know, and it looks extremely well made. I'm even going to be able to test it out this weekend for some spring skiing- latest i've ever gone in the season!

[BaNosser]

Hey.. anyone have an iMirage in XL hanging around they don't use anymore? The one with the iPod controls on the arm... been looking for a replacement for a while and thought I'd ask in this thread just in case.. would prefer good+ shape

thanks

[Biggum]

I saw some here

http://www.westcomeup.com/

I'm bidding on some SAGA in Gear Swap so I will be looking for a Westcome jacket to go with it soon. I think it b really core stuff

[austriker]

I was looking at an arc beta AR then I discovered westcomb somehow.. (I sort of lack a serious hardshell and should probably get one being I moved to the PNW recently)

any more recent thoughts mags? I like the Apoc from looking via the interwebs. For some reason I cant figure out which model does what, but I do have a strong understanding of arc's like 50 different model types..

[whyturn]

Call them maybe and ask questions

[austriker]

Call them maybe and ask questions

That i might do. Although i was hoping for some slightly less "enthusastic" (biased?) words of wisdom.

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[whyturn]

There is a thread on polar tech neoshell in tech talk. Covers apoc reviews. I cannot comment on apoc only event based vapor and mirage. Apoc I more tech fit and pretty waterproof from reviews. But some had durability issues
Last Years vapor is at gear trade

[schwerty]

I have the Apoc and would never consider buying another. I have been soaked to the core a bunch of times and not in heavy rain for extended periods. It does breathe! But with that comes very little protection from the wind. Cold, wind rain and snow with this jacket does not seem to work. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice piece of gear but I look at it as a soft shell. It's doesn't fit harsh conditions. At least not for me.

Light snow at the resort +
Short skins or boot packs in any weather +
short summer hikes with a possibility of some rain +

Heavy snow -
Wind -
Rain --

[austriker]

I have the Apoc and would never consider buying another. I have been soaked to the core a bunch of times and not in heavy rain for extended periods. It does breathe! But with that comes very little protection from the wind. Cold, wind rain and snow with this jacket does not seem to work. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice piece of gear but I look at it as a soft shell. It's doesn't fit harsh conditions. At least not for me.

Light snow at the resort +
Short skins or boot packs in any weather +
short summer hikes with a possibility of some rain +

Heavy snow -
Wind -
Rain --

Wow disappointing, i can't see dropping the cash for a hard shell like that only to use it like a softie.. that's exactly what I'm looking for real world info

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[schwerty]

Wow disappointing, i can't see dropping the cash for a hard shell like that only to use it like a softie.. that's exactly what I'm looking for real world info

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I feel kinda bad about sharing my negative thoughts but it is a super pricey piece of gear. Maybe others have had better experiences??

I shoulda stated that it is a really well thought out jacket in terms of fit, (for me), and features.

[whyturn]

Hey Austriker

The event stuff is sweet and last years on sale

http://www.campsaver.com/search/?pag...en%27s+Jackets

[austriker]

Hey Austriker

The event stuff is sweet and last years on sale

http://www.campsaver.com/search/?pag...en%27s+Jackets

Uh oh danger danger, thanks! I might head over to Really Expensive Items to try some on. I've been looking at the crest hoody for a windshield and maybe the Apoc for serious sruff

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[austriker]

I have the Apoc and would never consider buying another. I have been soaked to the core a bunch of times and not in heavy rain for extended periods. It does breathe! But with that comes very little protection from the wind. Cold, wind rain and snow with this jacket does not seem to work. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice piece of gear but I look at it as a soft shell. It's doesn't fit harsh conditions. At least not for me.

Light snow at the resort +
Short skins or boot packs in any weather +
short summer hikes with a possibility of some rain +

Heavy snow -
Wind -
Rain --

I almost bit on an Apoc for $200 via feebay. It was coming from Asia though so i had my suspicions. Although the detailed pics, his 100% feedback and mentions it was 100% real put me on the fence.

All the reviews i read are really positive maybe you got a lemon? I'd want to use it as a hard shell for skiing and such so I'd want it to be quite rain proof. Hmmmm

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[schwerty]

Not sure. I read tons of positive reviews before I got it and did my best to look for reviews that were not associated with a retailer that wanted to sell the product.

It's prolly not a bad jacket. Just don't expect the gore experience when it comes to water and wind proof. The breathability and function are excellent and IMO better than gortex.

[austriker]

Not sure. I read tons of positive reviews before I got it and did my best to look for reviews that were not associated with a retailer that wanted to sell the product.

It's prolly not a bad jacket. Just don't expect the gore experience when it comes to water and wind proof. The breathability and function are excellent and IMO better than gortex.

Hmm okay. I took a peek yesterday at reí, seems quite light and breathable. Maybe I'll wait and use my 20% member coupon on it, rain test, then return it if it's not satisfactory.

Thanks

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[My Pet Powder Goat]

I have the Skeena Hoody and the Recon Hoody softshells. I've been quite happy with both, this years Recon has switched from Powershield to Schoeller matterial which will probably make it more water resistant but the jacket is so warm I only wear it when it is damn cold out so it might not matter much. The Skeena is very water resistant with all the Event panels and I have used it as my rain jacket on spring, summer, fall kayak camping trips as well as a dedicated backcountry ski jacket.

Interesting.... I have been debating eventually getting the Skeena Hoody as a "warmer" softshell. I have an old Cloudveil Rayzer (made with Schoeller) that breathes great but is pertty thin, but the eVent, Schoeller, Merino combo of the Skeena seems really interesting.

Review of the Skeena Hoody in Backpacker Magazine:
http://www.backpacker.com/fall-winte...ody/gear/14652


Apply a weather-resistant shell to your favorite wool sweater, and you get the Skeena. This softshell features a merino wool fabric lining the shoulders, hood, chest, and upper arms, so it’s as warm as many lightweight down jackets. Though the jacket is not seam-sealed, an eVent waterproof/breathable membrane protects those merino zones from wind and precipitation. And on the back, underarms, and sides, super-stretchy Schoeller Dryskin panels deliver top-notch breathability.

While snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park and on a blustery day atop 14,265-foot Quandary Peak, our tester pulled it on during rest breaks to provide much-needed insulation. It also served as a cozy camp jacket during a winter trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. On-the-go, this toaster (it lacks venting options) is best for extreme cold, in the teens or below.

“Hiking uphill in the 20s, I was overheating within 200 yards,” says our tester. The wool-lined front pockets make excellent hand-warmers, and durability is outstanding: After being dragged across sandstone and through pine branches, the Skeena looks brand new—and spiffy enough for city wear. Downside: It doesn’t pack down small, but what you gain in weatherproof insulation is worth the bulk. $360; 1 lb. 7 oz.; m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL.

I just bought a Skeena Hoodie on clymb for under $200. It was by far the best deal I could find online. Many places are now sold out as It appears Westcomb has discontinuing it. (aside; they don't seem to have a very large offering of softshells going forward? ) ....Pity because this thing has some great features and uses some top of the line materials.

The Jacket is sweet. It does fits a little small. I'm 5'11 185 athletic and sexy as fuck (in my demented mind) and I bought the large. it fits wel las long as I'm not layering a puffy under it. arm length is good, but I could use an extra inch length in the hem, not a deal breaker tho.

the Avatar blue color is lighter than the picture online. It really is close to the color of the Movies Character.

get it before it's gone!

[austriker]

I just bought a Skeena Hoodie on clymb for under $200. It was by far the best deal I could find online. Many places are now sold out as It appears Westcomb has discontinuing it. (aside; they don't seem to have a very large offering of softshells going forward? ) ....Pity because this thing has some great features and uses some top of the line materials.

The Jacket is sweet. It does fits a little small. I'm 5'11 185 athletic and sexy as fuck (in my demented mind) and I bought the large. it fits wel las long as I'm not layering a puffy under it. arm length is good, but I could use an extra inch length in the hem, not a deal breaker tho.

the Avatar blue color is lighter than the picture online. It really is close to the color of the Movies Character.

get it before it's gone!

Whoa thanks for the tippage. I might go for it. In red. And those size tips are bomber. I'm probably not as sexy as you (5'9", 185) but think the large should improve my hawtness.

My only concern is it being too warm. I'm in year-round temperate seattle and reviews say it's quite warm. (i grew up in MN, with winter below zero)

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[I've seen black diamonds!]

My new Focus LT just arrived in the mail. I'm 5'10" 180. Ordered a large. In general I have all the properties that work with a size medium, except for a 43" chest. I guessed right with the Focus in getting a large. Medium would have been too small and the arms are not too long (33" dress shirt), as they often are for me with size large outerwear. If you're between sizes go up.

[My Pet Powder Goat]

Whoa thanks for the tippage. I might go for it. In red. And those size tips are bomber. I'm probably not as sexy as you (5'9", 185) but think the large should improve my hawtness.

My only concern is it being too warm. I'm in year-round temperate seattle and reviews say it's quite warm. (i grew up in MN, with winter below zero)

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Glad to help!
I love that red but already have green bibs and didn't want to look like a christmas ornament! Large should be a good fit for you, being a little shorter should give you some extra length along the hemline. I'd say if you're barrel chested and larger than a 42 chest a large will start to get restrictive.
I can't yet comment on how warm it will be during intermittent exercise (skinning) but The MAPP wool Lining the jacket is very thin, not a High loft or anything, and located in strategic spots to help shake off the chill (shoulders, chest) but the Dryskin is very breathable. I'm looking forward to skinning with a backpack and not getting a sweat drenched back! I'm in utah so I was concerned about the same issue. my plan is to just use less, or thinner layers on warmer days. I also have a Marmot Tempo hoodie with M3 fabric for the warmest of days.

additional minor gripes and observations:
Elastic wrist cuffs. some may prefer adjustable velcro.
Collar could go up a little higher. It comes up to above my chin, but still, I like to duck my whole damn head into my collar when it's howling on the ridge.
Inside pocket is relatively small. It'll fit a smart phone, but barely.

pros:
large warm pockets on the outside should fit skins as long as they aren't too wide and pack up small.
Craftsmanship is tight.