My .02...a buff is better for running. I wear a cap or light fleece hat. The buff can go over your whole head, use as a neck gaiter, can bring it up over your mouth/nose if you are breathing very cold air, headband if its not that cold, etc.

I have it and have used it both running and sightseeing. Its not really breathable. Better for low aerobic/walking/hiking activities to keep chill off. If the trail gets steep, you may need to remove it. It is super light and packable.

They make a vapor rise with a hood...but this isnt it. Nothing hidden nor detachable.

Arc-warmer, more fitted, less outer stitching=more durable imo, 2 hand pkts (convenient) & chest pkt, breathable side panels, hood not adjustable...works best with helmet or layered under hooded hardshell (so it can take on fit that you get from hardshell)

Nano puff pull-over - lighter, more compressible, boxy cut relative to arc jkt, i treat it as more of a sweater

Both layer easily over & under other layers

XL...it will fit you better in the waist and allow you to layer underneath if you wanted to, but the arms will probably be long.

I am similar at 6', 185-190lbs, 41-42" chest, 34-35 waist and a large fits perfectly. I can layer most any close fitting base layer. Layering over something like a sweatshirt would be uncomfortable.

I am fairly certain the wind flap is simply the piece that goes behind and down the length of the zipper (usually a piece about 1/2 inch wide) to make sure no wind gets by the zipper.

While the theta ar doesn't have a powder skirt, it does have both waist and hem draw cords which make an effective double barrier against the snow.

Also, the sidewinder ar has a powder skirt, and marmot makes a couple of pro-shell jkts w a powder skirt too (less that $600)

You better check yourself b4 you wreck yourself.

From Westcomb:
- The underarm venting zippers open to cool you down during a humid summer rain.

http://www.westcomb.com/product/waterproof-breathable-shell/1/cruiser-lt-hoody.html

In terms of warmth, its the insulated, hi, and lo.

Depending on what floats your boat, the thick pile of the hi, or the synthetic fill of the insulated, their both good. But I think the insulated is warmer and you dont have to worry about the pile getting wet.

The general answer is no. If you plan to wear the vest underneath another jacket or shell, the Denali will be warmer due to its thick/plush fleece. But worn alone, wind will cut through if its windy. The Windwall 1 will do a better stand alone job keeping you warm b/c it will cut the wind, but if worn under something else, it will not be as warm as the Denali. It just depends on how you plan to wear the vest. If you can accept the lack of wind resistance the Denali gives up for some added warmth, go with that. Also, the Windwall 1 will probably be a bit less bulky if that factors into your purchase.

I don't have this jacket but i have 2 others (retro-x and down sweater) which are "regular fit". I'm 6', 190 and i find them loose in the mid-section/waist/lower back. As this jacket is also a regular fit, i would think at worst the large would fit like your other patagonia, and at best it would fit you very good.

This jacket is 13 oz of gore-tex pro-shell. Its one of the stronger light-weight hard shells out there, but it has no insulation whatsoever. You will definitely need to layer some synthetic/wool and/or a soft shell/fleece underneath.

Both jackets happen to be very good. The Windstopper is cut a little larger so you can layer underneath it I actually find it warmer than the G50. It has pit-zips which should not be underestimated. Since it is a fleece exterior, it will absorb water (even with dwr) but....windstopper (the membrane in-between) is highly water resistant. The g50 is more of a classic soft-shell. The body is cut to the waist (ie...right at the belt line, so not that long). Conduit is probably more water resistant/proof than the windstopper. The exterior, being nylon or something with a dwr, will shed the water better.

Both jackets are durable, but if you plan to be on rocks, abusing your jacket or in wet environments, then go the G50. If you are looking for more of a hiking/backpacking jacket, warm mid-layer under a hard-shell or casual jacket, go with the Windstopper. Mind you, both are very capable jackets.

If you're still undecided, order the g50, try them both, and eat the 6.99 return shipping fee. Small price for peace of mind.

Yes..more of a heavier/tougher shell that some of the lighter weight shells out there. AYOI...add your own insulation...ie base layers, fleece, synthetic/down sweater/jacket, soft shell.

At temps that high, i would lean more towards synthetic/compression for high aerobic activities, or loose fit/light colored synthetics for most others.

This is a fabulous and versatile top, but i think the above options would be better suited to temps near 100 degrees.

The compressor is a 15d nylon outer layer. It compresses great, but the trade-off is durability. I don't own this Arc jacket, but have others with wind stopper. They are thin, but don't compress anywhere near as good as the compressor.

Instruction Manual
http://www.highgear.com/manuals/english/N2manual_ENG.pdf

Without owning the watch, I am not 100% sure, but as noted by someone else, I believe you have to have the stopwatch running for it to start to count calories.

No, the zippers are not waterproofed, but they have a tight seam.

Yes, a pack w waist belt would interfere with the pockets (you can zoom in on any of the above pictures (click them again once its in the window)...the one w the 3 people in it gives a good shot)

I am similar build w 41-42 chest, go with the large if you want an athletic fit. You'll be able to layer a heavy, close fit base layer. Layering over a fleece or soft shell jkt (like you might with a hard shell) would be very tight but not necessary as the welder has good insulation. Note: If you have huge forearms (popeye), the sleeves may be tight. I returned the luft insulated b/c the arms were too tight, but this was ok. If you have a gut or waist equal to or more than 36, it may be tight. I'm a 34-35 and it fits just right. Also, as of today, the jacket is also listed on bcoutlet.com. You can get additional 12% cashback by purchasing through bing.com. If saving some $$ is worth it, you'll need to set up an acct and purchase through their site. Either way, its a sweet jkt.

Without knowing your exact measurements, I would lean towards the medium. The down sweater has their "regular" cut/fit which tends to be a bit more roomy.

AR- all around...slightly lighter pile lining and outer shell
SV-severe-a bit heavier/sturdier
Both are powershield

http://www.arcteryx.com/naming-scheme.aspx

You are probably better off looking for a soft shell or hybrid soft shell. Hybrids use a hardshell like material on the shoulders and more breathable/warmer shell on the body.

Schoeller and Polartec Powershield are both good materials that are water resistant and warm. Windstopper can also be considered water resistant depending on how its crafted.

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Columbia-Single-Track-Softshell-Jacket-Mens/COL1601M.html

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/MHW0913/Mountain-Hardwear-Dragon-Softshell-Jacket-Mens.html
(almost sold out)

No. The product description appears wrong. There is also the hooded compressor, and this is not it.

Hey Nuke....what are those $150-$200 shells made off? Are they made of eVent....the most breathable waterproof material there is? Are they made of merino wool....very soft, warm, breathable and it retains warmth when wet? Do they have Schoeller Dry-skin? Are those products you reference made in Canada or a third would country whose manaufacting detail is subject to quality? Do the products you mention combine multiple materials/technologies to bring you a hy-brid/composite combining the best of all worlds?

Bottom lime...this is a high-quality luxury item that appeals to a particualr market segment. Can one make due and even thrive in a suppossedly lesser product...probably. But this is the case with most goods...there is high end beef and the stuff at your local mkt which when properly prepared, still tastes damn good. Most people can make due with a 600 fill down coat and dont need 800 or 900 fill. Hec....Marmot, MH, Arc, etc have softshells that can range from $150-$350. Is the $350 one more than 100% better than the $150 one...really depends on what you use it for and how much of a premium YOU are willing to pay for the suppossed (and proven) advantages.

I'm 6', 185, 42 athletic and the large is a borderline fit. In addition to being an athletic cut, the hi-loft insulation actually decreases the available spacing inside the jacket. I really think you would be better off w the xxl. Hit the chat button for the xxl stats. I'm sure they can dig them up somewhere

Sometimes you just have to look...from some guys post below...By: DakkaGuru
July 29, 2009
Weight of Large is .95 lbs on a digital scale. I'm sure all the other sizes are really close to that.

I'm a 34W/32-33L and the pants fit well. There's probably about 1/2-1 inch of space in the small of my back. I can wear w/o a belt, but dont. The belt just makes them feel more secure and 1 less thing to bother me.

Micro fleece. I have the men's jacket, and its very good for active cold weather pursuits or around town in the 40's-60's.

Hi, I just picked up a Titanium Alpha SV and did not notice this problem. I just got it a week ago so other than quickly trying it on, it went in the closest. I just dragged it out and took a picture of how i hang it. I hang 90% of my outerwear with the collars open like in the pict. I dont know if this helps or not, but it just makes the collar more comfortable for me as it keeps the front of the collar off my neck unless it is fully zipped.

Ironically, I'm going out tomorrow morning in a 200wt icebreaker mondo (no outer layer). Conditions will be dark (530 am), 40deg, feel like 36. I'm doing 6M tempo run, slower than race pace but definitely hard. I am expecting for there to be some sweat, expecially at the elbow crease, and lower back. I could go with a lighter synthetic top, but i like the insulative/warmth of wool...even when wet. The zip will dump some heat, but i'll still sweat.

If its going to be colder, then i would go for a synthetic t underneath, a very light jacket, or light synthetic top over my mondo vs going w a heavier wt layer.

Assuming your hard runs are in the cold (30's or less), i think the 260 is on the cusp of being too heavy. If your talking 40's or more, than i definitely think you can go with a lighter top. If it were more of a steady run, then the 260 would probably be fine as you wont be pushing your heart rate too high.

The Sharp Point is my favorite all around soft-shell, but I could never see myself running in it. It is a large cut, burly, warm piece of clothing. The zips aid in dumping hear while hiking, but i really think its too warm a piece to run in. No matter the size of the zips, your back and arms will sweat and get the inside of the jacket moist. I took a quick look at the Leaadville description and comments, and while I have no experience with it, it sounds like a better choice for running/town, than the SP or Alchemy which i think would be too warm (unless your winters are way up north).

What type of winter conditions are you talking about running in. In 30's and 40's, I'll use the BC Rhime or Marmot DriClime. Below that, I'll just add thicker layers underneath those tops....a midweight wool top or maybe a polartec powerstretch fleece layer.

North Face is generally cut longer than other soft shells. Marmot and Patagonia also tend to run a bit longer than MH. You can try checking their center back length measurements or see if the staff at BC can measure for you.

Regarding MH XL sizing, you can hit up the BC chat folks and they should be able to get you actual measurements on an XL Synchro. They may need to get it from the warehouse so it may take a few minutes. Be sure to describe how you measured yours so they can apply the same process.

It is definitely a snug/athletic fit with long arms. I think you're right with leaning towards the M.

MH Transition Zip T - windproof, deep zip...cut longer than rime...not as warm as the rime b/c it does not have the fleece backing...durable but probably not as durable as powershield

My .02 from a hiking perspective...regardless of my mid-layer, i try to manage my sweat levels. In a hiking situation going uphill, i usually have my base layer and hardshell on. If i start to get hot, i open the pitzips or front-zips. At rest at the top of a climb, i break out my insulation. Downhill, depeding on temps and exertion, i manage my sweat through the zips or adding/removing my layers.

I agree that your sweat might hinder downs effectiveness, but you're talking about quite a bit of sweat to wet out your inner jacket to dampen the down. Before it gets to that point, i would open my zips or even remove the down if possible.

So you're asking if there is anything like top of the line Arc that wont break the bank? Um no. Thats like asking if there's anything like a Mercedes or BMW that wont break the bank.

Having gotten that off my chest, there are plenty of choices out there for backcountry hiking/camping that are cheaper. Most of the big name manufacturers have their own proprietary waterproof breathable fabrics (Mountain Hardwear-conduit, Marmot-precip and membrain, North Face- hy-vent, Backcountry.com-bombshell, etc). You can usually catch these on sale for under $200. Go to the outlet, narrow down to technical shells and search on 50% disc or more. There seem to be plenty of choices. If this is just for the backcountry, i wouldnt worry too much about color, and would rather save a few bucks.

Are you serious? Its in plain english, big as day in the product description. Now, if you ordered a plain old Denali, then you may have a legitamate gripe, but if you ordered the KCS Denali, you have nothing to be surprized about. Its in the desciption, and if you had any questions, you could have hit up the chat or 800# before placing your order.

6', 35 sleeve, 34 waist, 42 chest....large is good. room to layer, but does not fit like a box. This is not a fitted jacket though. If you're looking for a very close fitting jacket, those made w polartec powershield tend to be cut more athletic due to the strechability of the material.

6, 190, 16-16.5, 35 sleeve & 34 waist, 41-42 chest and I went w the large. Definitly room to layer under it. Not really sure that I could squeeze into a med and still have the right sleeve length though. I hate sleeves that ride up on a jacket Given the jacket weighs next to nothing, you could order 2 and return the other....should only be a few bucks to return plus the hassle of mailing.

If you're concerned with overheating, whatever hardshell you choose, I would make sure it has pit zips. You might even try a soft shell like the ascenionist. It doesnt have pit zips, but it would breath better than a hard shell and should be decent protection in all but the worst rain....then again, if its raining that hard and you're wearing the down, its probably coming down as snow. Quite a few sales going are on the ascenionist.

My .02...

You're better off calling them or clicking on the chat button above then waiting for an answer here.

Hi. The description actually says performance shell and not pro-shell. Gore-tex has 4 lines right now...Paclite, performance shell pro-shell and soft shell.

http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/fabric-technologies-outerwear

I'm 6'0, 190-195, 35 in sleeve.. The large fits well..room for thin baselayer ss or ls, but not much else(closer to form fitting than loose). You could order 2, get free shipping to you and return the one that doesnt fit. Probably about $4-5 to return depending on where you live.

6', 190, 16/35/42-44 athletic - large in the bc ss merino, and its fitted....these t's...at least on me were fitted and a bit long as they have a drop tail...very soft/thin/light weight...happy w purchase...i think at 6'2" and 215, an xl will still be fitted on you and more comfortable than a l. you can also "manage" the size by throwing it in the dryer at med heat for 10 min at a time until you get to the size you want. It might minimally affect some of its properties but not by much...just dont forget about it or else you'll be regifting it to someone much smaller (it will shrink if not watched)

I think to properly answer the question some more background is needed (on a boat not really moving vs treking through the woods, spring/summer vs fall/winter, do you get cold easily?, etc), but i'll fire away.

I'm 6'0 185-195.

I have the SW and BC Stoic 2.0 (non Event but will use it for size comments).
The SW is definitely cut bigger and I would go with the large. Room to layer, not to baggy. It has the pit zips to help you vent, breahability is good and the material will probably be a bit thicker/more durable (realtively speaking).

The BC is definitely cut a bit more narrow/athletic. Look at the comments here and Stoic 2.0 for cut of the jacket. I order l & xl of the 2.0 and kept the xl. If its just a summer shell with little/no layering, then you can get away w the large, otherwise i would suggest the xl. Event is generally regarded as beiing more breathable.

W/out actually having used Event, I would choose it for warmer weather activities. If its more winter/cool weather oriented, I prefer to self regulate w pit zips (which can drop heat quickly) and go with the SW which also has the powder skirt.

I have an 07 jacket and it is 550 fill...looks identical to the one in the picture.

1) The rime is definitely lighter than the welder. The fleece in the rime is not as full/plush as the welder. Also, the outer material is a bit rougher/tougher than the welder which is smoother. This is not a detriment...the rimes outer surface is similar to many other soft shells out there.

2) I have the rime in summit blue and the picture at the outlet is a pretty good represenation....I would call it 80% blue/20% grey...so its a muted blue. I havent seen the tahoe in person but all the comments seem to make it out to be a teal like color and the summit blue is defineitely not teal like.

3) I have similar build 6/190-200...about 35 waist, 35 sleeve, 42ish chest, run marathons and the large fits well with a light base layer (short sleeve or long sleeve). I might get a midweight on but that would be overkill for most situations. The deep zipper makes it easy to pull on/off.

Overall this is a great layer. I wouldnt worry too much about color if you get a good deal on sale or if you have time/patience at steepandcheap.com (bc owned site). Check out history at http://sac.gearattack.com/search?q=rime

Where is the pocket? For most jackets, the process involves turning the pocket inside-out and stuffing the jacket into it that way... If that doesn't do it, see here: http://marmot.com/serviceI bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas. You do exactly that, you turn the hand pocket inside out and stuff the rest of the jacket in... there is not a separate pocket or anything like that.There is a specific pocket that will have a zipper handle on the inside so when you do turn it inside out, you'll be able to zip and unzip it.

Both of those jackets have the same exact fill power. The shell on the Montbell is 15d Ballistic Airlight nylon with DWR coating. So it may be a bit more water resistant by itself w/o an outershell. The MontBell is also warmer due to the outer shell.The Zeus also has a DWR coating (check marmot.com for detail). I would say the zeus is warmer than the mb ultralight. Both have same fill power and similar shells but the avg weight of the ul is 7 oz vs 14 oz for the zeus. Even if the shell/zips/etc are 2-4 oz more on the zeus, I am guessing the additional weight difference is the amt of fill being used...which for the mb ul is about 2 oz (montbell site).