lauras 0 #1 January 18, 2005 Are they all they're made out to be? At about $180 for just base layers, I'm hoping for some input from people who actively use them. Also, do you wear them while jumping too? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #2 January 18, 2005 I have a pair of gloves and wear them biking and have put a few jumps on them. I love them, it was the best $30 I ever spent. I have a monkey fist though so slipping on a leather hacky wasn't an issue. I'd shop around though you may be able to get the base layers on line cheaper. Also what is your exact aplication because there are may other fabrics out there that work at windstopping but just don't have the gor-tex (which is what is expensive) such as several different kinds of windstoper fleece.Fly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 January 18, 2005 Don't bother using them jumping. They are good in winds up to about 50 mph in my experience. Windstopper ROCKS if you are going to be working up a sweat in cooler, winder environments. I've used one before in the mountians of New Mexico and I remained dry and warm even above 10k with temps in the low 40's. At the most windy points (40 gusting higher) I could just feel a slight draft inside the pullover, but thats since I did'nt have a shirt on under it. I so regretted having to give the jacket back to its owner. Make sure what ever you get if its Goretex is 3ply. 2 ply needs needs a liner or else the oils in your skin and sweet will clog the pores in the fabric and will ruin it in no time. They make a Windstopper PolarTec fleece I've been wanting to try too. Something in the 300+ series (drooooool) Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davedlg 0 #4 January 18, 2005 When I used to work for The North Face, we were trained to never reccomend using windstopper as a base layer under Gore Tex. The reason being Gore Tex needs a high differential between vapor pressure on the inside and the outside to breathe correctly and windstopper, having its own membrane, significantly reduces this vapor pressure and makes your Gore Tex perform poorly. That said, I have worn my windstopper jacket under my 3-ply Gore Tex jacket without much trouble while skiing. Windstopper gloves are about the best gloves I have ever owned! North Face used to make a leather palmed windstopper glove that I would wear biking in even the coldest weather. I don't think they make them anymore. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #5 January 18, 2005 Worked for The North Face? Care to hook me up on some gear? Lets see... I need: New Tent New pack New sleeping bag (Down if possible) New Goretex Rain Gear/shell new gloves new fleece I can get you a list of sizes needed if the price is free Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #6 January 18, 2005 I have the mountain hardware versions, top and bottom, and they are the best. Yeah, they are worth the money, with just a fleece base layer, or the underarmour coldgear stuff, they are warm enough for just about any cold weather activity. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #7 January 18, 2005 Quote They make a Windstopper PolarTec fleece I've been wanting to try too. Something in the 300+ series (drooooool) Dude it's the shit, it's actually called Polartec Windbloc fleece and I've only seen it in the 1000 series.Fly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davedlg 0 #8 January 18, 2005 QuoteWorked for The North Face? Care to hook me up on some gear? Lets see... I need: New Tent New pack New sleeping bag (Down if possible) New Goretex Rain Gear/shell new gloves new fleece I can get you a list of sizes needed if the price is free Yeah, I had to quit working there because it got too expensive. We got an unbeileveable discount, however that meant that everything was a great price, so I would go home every night with a new toy. Now I feel like everything I own says The North Face on it. Now that you mention it though, I do need some new gear... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmanpilot 0 #9 January 18, 2005 I've had the Mountain Hardware windstopper fleece jacket for 3+ years, and it is awesome. I use it far and away more than any other piece of gear I own (it's getting kinda nappy)._________________________________________ -There's always free cheese in a mouse trap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #10 January 18, 2005 1000 series? Even BETTER! That would be about all I'd wear with my UnderArmor on the slopes. I've had to quit going to most my local outdoor stores. I just did'nt feel right leaving there without something so I'm now the proud owner of 4 nalgene bottles, 10 pairs of PolyPro liner socks and 6 pairs of wool hiking socks. I'm currently looking for an overnight/weekend pack. I want a full padded harness and a side/hybrid loading system (Top loaders are a PITA for me). Know of one that would work? Something 2900-3400 cu in? Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #11 January 18, 2005 Best Packs i've used bar none are MacPac. However since they are from NZ the price may be a little unfavourable for you guys. The reason i like them is they have the right balance of padding on the harness - too much is as bad as too little. If you can get them in the states, then have a look - you might like them.Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lauras 0 #12 January 18, 2005 I'm planning on using the Windstopper for a little skiing and a lot of cycling. I'm mostly concerned about getting really sweaty and then freezing afterwards if my base layers don't breath. Is this stuff light & tight? I've got some light & mid-weight Capilene and North Face Vaporwick stuff that I wear while jumping and they're ehhhh... One last thing - where do you find the best discounted stuff on line? www.Backcountrybargain.com seems to have the stuff that I like, but not the sizes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davedlg 0 #13 January 18, 2005 QuoteOne last thing - where do you find the best discounted stuff on line? http://www.Backcountrybargain.com seems to have the stuff that I like, but not the sizes. Also check sierra trading post Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lauras 0 #14 January 18, 2005 QuoteI have the mountain hardware versions, top and bottom, and they are the best. That's exactly the stuff I was looking at. I think they're called "Transition Featherweight" and I found them on www.mountaingear.com. How are they holding up to wear, washing, etc? Are you using them for jumping as well? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #15 January 18, 2005 How about something like this. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39166965&memberId=12500226 http://www.rei.com/product/47801822.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC I just think this one is sexy. Front loading is usually only in the larger packs. I have a Wmns North Face pack from 2000 which is tricked out, but it cost around $300. Derek has a kelty that has tons of options just not front loading that cost about $120. North Face KeltyFly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usskydiver 0 #16 January 18, 2005 QuoteAre they all they're made out to be? At about $180 for just base layers, I'm hoping for some input from people who actively use them. Also, do you wear them while jumping too? ---- I own a ton of Gore Windstopper stuff. The problem is that it's all too thick to go under a jumpsuit. The cold gear from Under Armor seems popular. The Wild Things EP windshirt kicks ass and works well with a light poly-P layer underneath. http://www.promountainsports.com/clothing.shtml Just my thoughts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lauras 0 #17 January 18, 2005 Thanks, everyone, for your replies. Much appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #18 January 18, 2005 QuoteQuoteI have the mountain hardware versions, top and bottom, and they are the best. That's exactly the stuff I was looking at. I think they're called "Transition Featherweight" and I found them on www.mountaingear.com. How are they holding up to wear, washing, etc? Are you using them for jumping as well? Yeah, it still looks pretty new, wears like iron. Yeah, I've worn it under my jumpsuit when doing tandems when it is sub zero at altitude. When I wear that and my underarmour cold gear the vapor transfer is really amazing. The window or the side of the plane will have droplets of condensation and I'll be dry and very comfortable. That's why I like the stuff so much. Tandems especially are a stop-go exercise, and getting damp and then jumping into a sub zero 120mph wind is really uncomfortable, getting worse under canopy. With the underarmour coldgear and the windstopper you'll stay dry and comfy. It's not stretchy, though (the windstopper from mountain hardware) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usskydiver 0 #19 January 18, 2005 QuoteWorked for The North Face? Care to hook me up on some gear? Lets see... I need: New Tent New pack New sleeping bag (Down if possible) New Goretex Rain Gear/shell new gloves new fleece I can get you a list of sizes needed if the price is free I have VE-25 Kelty (med) Dana Designs (Large) 2 Cat's Meow's (not down - sorry) Moutain Light jacket and pants Lots o gloves Lots of fleece and down Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #20 January 18, 2005 Ohhh.... the Illusion is finally out. Lets see, expensive year here forming on the wish list. CO trip planning Canon 20D New pack TNF Cat's Meow bag (I'm a wuss and don't like to stay overnight if its below 20 ) Windstopper Fleece jacket. I'd LOVE to get one of those new softshells like: http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?productId=124 New PC.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usskydiver 0 #21 January 18, 2005 QuoteOhhh.... the Illusion is finally out. Lets see, expensive year here forming on the wish list. CO trip planning Canon 20D New pack TNF Cat's Meow bag (I'm a wuss and don't like to stay overnight if its below 20 ) Windstopper Fleece jacket. I'd LOVE to get one of those new softshells like: http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?productId=124 New PC. I just got the Moutain Hardware one and it kicks ass. I saw the columbia knock off and if I hadn't gotten the MH one for free, would have bought the columbia. The zippers aren't as nice, but overall good design. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #22 January 18, 2005 http://www.rockymountaintrail.com/detail.aspx?ID=9615 Derek got this one this fall and absolutely LOVES it, wears it constantly. Now he is wishing he would have bought another one. sorry for hi-jacking your thread lauras Fly it like you stole it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
