polyester, breathable, just covers a lot of territory, cool but not cold weather, eg, wear it over a tee shirt after you've been sweating, easily washed, quick dry etc. Likewise, a Mountain Hardware puff - but not that puffy - jacket that takes me well below freezing, lightweight, doesn't restrict movement, also synthetic, easily washed. Live in it during the winter months, basically, my fashion sense is active wear.

Bought both at REI on sale, yeah, impulse purchases but they've served me well, the Arc'Teryx has a little hitch in the zipper near the top so good deal if you don't mind stuff like that. The Mountain Hardware is lime green so I suspect just not a popular color. Agree with most of the list, I think North Face has dropped off from being the highly technical stuff but maybe I don't buy their top end. Funny b/c I own 1 or 2 things of everything on the list except Rab.

PS Met a guy in Alaska once who swore on Mountain Hardware, worked on microwave towers in -60 weather.

PPS Maybe add Marmot rain coat - as opposed to those technical jackets - functions well, comfortable, good fit,don't feel like you're wearing a bag.



[Post edited by `lag at 05/17/2020 09:25AM]