Waterproof Shell, ME Lhotse or Firefox?

O

Oak28

Day Walker
Hi,

I'm after a 4 season waterproof for general hiking in the UK. I don't plan on using it for mountaineering, bushwacking, or carrying big heavy packs. At most id be carrying a 30l pack. I run hot so breathability is high on the list and pit zips are a must.

The Mountin Equipment Lhotse (goretex pro 40/80d mix) seems to be well recommended but I wonder if its overkill and if I can get away with something lighter.

Trekkitt have a good deal on the Firefox (goretex active 30d) at the moment so I'm tempted to bite.
I'm usually a size L but would probably size up given it's an active fit as I'd like the option to layer up a bit in winter. I'm just not sure if 30d is too thin.

I think if the Firefox had a button at the bottom of the jacket and a two way zip so I could keep it closed but unzip from the bottom for extra ventilation (like the Lhotse does) then I'd be sold.

I've considered the ME Shivling which seems to be somewhere between the two, but I can't find one on sale anywhere.

If anyone has tried both the Lhotse and Firefox I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.
 
Mole

Mole

Thru Hiker
They are two quite different fabrics at either end of a spectrum. Are you fixated on just mountain equipment?
The Lhotse seems overkill for your needs, but more suitable than the Firefox in terms of four season and regular use.

I think I'd look at other brands as well as ME. There are currently good sales about. Rab and montane do suitable jackets. Or other mountain equipment models. I think I'd be going for something maybe not quite as pricey pr full-on as the Lhotse but a bit tougher than a 30 d. .

I recently bought a Rab firewall jacket in the Autumn sale for a £130. I put it through its paces in quite wet and windy weather on Dartmoor last weekend and found it very good so far. It has a better hood in the Lhotse that a companion was wearing - more protective of the face.
 
O

Oak28

Day Walker
Mole said:
They are two quite different fabrics at either end of a spectrum. Are you fixated on just mountain equipment?
The Lhotse seems overkill for your needs, but more suitable than the Firefox in terms of four season and regular use.

I think I'd look at other brands as well as ME. There are currently good sales about. Rab and montane do suitable jackets. Or other mountain equipment models. I think I'd be going for something maybe not quite as pricey pr full-on as the Lhotse but a bit tougher than a 30 d. .

I recently bought a Rab firewall jacket in the Autumn sale for a £130. I put it through its paces in quite wet and windy weather on Dartmoor last weekend and found it very good so far. It has a better hood in the Lhotse that a companion was wearing - more protective of the face.
Click to expand...

No, I'm not fixated on ME. I don't have any ME jackets but I have a few Rab items and they fit me really well, it's just that the ME Firefox is on sale at 40% off and I'd like something quite breathable.

I'l see what offers I can find on some Rab jackets in my size (L) that are on sale, £200 is about the most I want to spend and I can see hardloop have the Firewall for £180 so might look into that. Thanks.
 
S

Snooper

Trekker
Shewie said:
You can find Montanes Paclite Plus jacket for a decent price at the moment, my mate reallly rates his
Click to expand...
Bought one last week from sportshoes, as montane is my preference for jackets as the hoods fit me well. So far it’s proved it’s waterproofness & I have one of their neoshell jackets too along with an OMM aether smock. I rate there gear highly & good offers around at minute on sportspursuit too. I would try a few makes on for fit as manufacturers do tend to differ in sizes & go from there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top