[Randito]

[Ski]

well, he could try Filson's new $400 River Bank Rain Pants but from my phone call to Filson yesterday they sound like high-priced Precip.

[Randito]

Well if you want to spend money on old-skool -- there is always waxed cotton -- the orignal waterproof / breathable material http://www.fjallraven.us/collections/mens

[Ski]

videos say it's 65% polyester / 35% cotton blend impregnated with an oil/wax, if I'm understanding correctly. looks like nice (and well-thought-out) stuff from the videos. and while it may be "old school", nobody has come up with anything that is more durable- not even close.

[Critter]

When I bought the Arc'teryx Alpha SV rain jacket, I bought the most capable rain jacket in the galaxy. As a result, I've realized that my previous rain gear was even more inadequate than I could have ever imagined. Unlike my other rain gear, my Arc'teryx Alpha SV has been keeping me dry in severe weather like I've never imagined possible. I really wanted to buy something less expensive but when I'm in a serious situation in the mountains I always think of the gear I wish I had. I almost got something less expensive but I believe there is no better choice. I didn't want the Alpha SV bib, 16.4 oz. I wanted the heavier 16.6 oz Arct'eryx Saber pants for durability, added warmth. I also feel the pants will be more manageable than the bib. I may be able to leave my merino base layer bottoms in my pack with the added warmth from the Arc'terx Saber pants. I went with Arc'teryx Sabre pants. $488.25

[ranger rock]

Holy crap Critter.. I hope you stay nice and dry this winter. It makes me cringe when you rip the tags off your expensive pants and coat.

[ScottP]

[Critter]

I don't worry about buying tall now that I have this suit of armor. I'm not sure why you say I need a cagoule. I agree that everyone should carry something like that in the winter. I carry one or two neck gaiters. Don't get polyester to cover your mouth. Guys who are wearing polyester over their mouths are cutting holes to breath through. I don't worry about that with my merino wool.

[Edgewood]

Critter your thinking of a balaclava. A cagoule is a rain coat that extends to the knees. It is named after a monks robe.

[Critter]

Thanks for clearing that up. I thought a cagoule was a hood like a balaclava. That's what bing showed, but then I saw some on Campmor after Edgewoods post.

[Ski]

RandyHiker, are there any Fjällräven retailers around here? Since someone asked via PM about something I mentioned in the rain jacket thread:

filson_wool_mackinaw_field_pants_01

filson_wool_mackinaw_fiele_pants_02

Filson model #89 wool Mackinaw Field Pants. (Old style- no little side pocket.) Heavy. Toasty. For most purposes too warm for here. Great in four feet of snow post-holing up to Blue Lake or standing in the wind on the beach at Ozette in February. (think: heavy wool Army blanket X 2)

mountain_sewn_rain_pants_01

mountain_sewn_rain_pants_02

mountain_sewn_rain_pants_03

mountain_sewn_rain_pants_04

"Mountain Sewn" brand made in White Salmon Washington. 100% nylon. Huge zippers down both outseams. Double fabric on knees, seat, and inside lower legs. Absolutely waterproof. No breathability in the fabric, but the side zippers allow venting. Drawstring waist. Super lightweight. No idea what happened to this company. I own a pair of their gaiters, and they're great- Well made stuff. Wish they were still around.

[Randito]

[Ski]

no retailers in Seattle area carrying mens apparel items in stock, unfortunately. means online only. their people on the phone were very nice and very helpful. just ordered the "Keb" trousers online.

[Schenk]

[Ski]

I have no idea. I've done many Google searches over the years, but just hit dead ends. If you know who made that stuff and if they're still in business, let me know. Those pants and the gaiters were both incredibly well-designed and constructed. I've had both for almost 20 years and they're both still in great shape. I saw another pair of pants they'd made one day in a shop up on the Hoh Road and am still kicking myself for not having bought them!