i really need to get a new jacket for snowboarding (as my old one is completely functional and has hardly even been worn, but the color is *gasp* outdated).
so i really like the look of the puffy north face parkas that people wear in town, but i have never really seen one of these on the slopes and am wondering if they are not really that warm or functional? they are definitely shorter, so i could see that snow would get up under them. are these strictly off-slopes type of jackets? will i look like a dork if i wear one to the mountain? like this one:
my other option is a style like this
but i don't think i would ever want to wear it except for snowboarding. this is the style of the jacket i currently have, and i never wear it unless i am snowboarding. help.
Have you tried one on? Sometimes these puffy jackets can be fairly movement restricting and that's not what you want for boarding. I think the trusty fleece/shell formula is best for skiing/boarding, just in terms of movement and the fact that they come down farther and that snow up your back thing when you wipe out? Not. Good. And I can see it happening in a shorter jacket. Maybe some other people have advice, though, I don't want you to take my word for it alone!
Have you heard of M(Mountain)E(Equipment)C(Co-op)? It's like Mecca for Canadians...they have great, cheaper ski gear.
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"Don't be cool. Cool is conservative fear dressed in black. Don't limit yourself in this way." - Bruce Mau
and yes, i was pretty sure of the functionality issue and that's kind of what i thought myself, but as you can see, i am looking for an excuse to buy myself one of those puffy jackets just because i like the look of them, and i really have nowhere to wear it in LA. maybe i will troll ebay and see if anyone sells them for cheap (doubtful, though, huh?)
the first one is kind of bulky. i've tried it on before and it can really impede movement. i agree with mia re the fleece. i have this northface and i love it
it's really lightweight and keeps me really warm. it's the denali jacket, here's the link
Actually I've seen a number of the North Face puffy jackets on eBay - def. check it out.
MEC's website is http://www.mec.ca/ - I recommend them if you're looking for gear, they do their own line that is just as good as the branded lines but quite a bit cheaper (still not 'cheap' though - outdoor gear is soooo expensive).
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"Don't be cool. Cool is conservative fear dressed in black. Don't limit yourself in this way." - Bruce Mau
thanks, honey and mia--that is really helpful. it does get a little confusing with all the different styles of jacket, and i don't want to make a mistake because they're rather expensive for something i'll prob. wear once a year. i do find the fleece/shell combo to be very comfortable--it's what i've always worn, so i guess it really is the best thing. thanks again, i really appreciate the opinions.