Shell Jackets

[KayOss]

After many years my Arc'Teryx shell gave up the ghost and the taped zippers and snow skirt delaminated and fell apart. This was most concerning on my pass pocket which could have been made for a really bad day. Coincidentally, my husband's The North Face shell had the same issues this year, with all zippers dangling from their ends. Both manufacturers have limited lifetime warranties on workmanship; The North Face gave him full current value ($525) for his jacket and Arc'Teryx gave me 40% of the original purchase price ($180).
So, we are both now shopping to replace our jackets but the higher end shells by either of these companies do not have pit zips. This is a feature that IMO is a must especially for a shell. I'm a one jacket girl and prefer to adjust my layers to the conditions of the day so I am not interested in a insulated jacket - and I do not need to make a fashion statement; I try to blend in and not draw attention to my lack of ski-style.
#1: Anyone have an explanation on lack of pit zips?
#2: Recommendations for a shell that has good performance (windproof, water resistance)

 

[geargrrl]

Also look at Patagonia, MH, OR... these are all top quality brands. Pit zips will be in your more technical oriented shells designed for alpine climbing, etc. Rab and Narrona from Europe have some beautiful garments.

Lack of pit zips may be a price point issue, or the target activity of the coats you are looking at.
There are also companies out there that can add aftermarket pit zips. Rugged Thread, Mountain Soles are just a couple of names.

Were the jackets that aged mostly glued together? This is a feature that drives me nuts as the adhesive seams do fail faster than sewn seams, especially if the coats are ever put in the dryer. Look for a jacket with sewn seams and seam taping, not sonically glued ones. Proper care - minimal trips through a dryer and low temp only at that - is essential for getting the most out of your coat.

Jackets SHOULD have limited warranties. They are not supposed to last YOUR lifetime. If you get 8 or more years out of a jacket you've done well.

(retired from 25 years as GoreTex repair specialist)

 

[elemmac]

#1: Anyone have an explanation on lack of pit zips?
#2: Recommendations for a shell that has good performance (windproof, water resistance)

#1 - Most of the high-end shells that don't have pit zips are weight saving efforts, or to keep them within a retail-able price range.
#2 - I'm surprised you're not finding a high-performance shell from either of these companies with pit zips? Just from a quick search (and sort by price), Arc'teryx's most expensive, $800 shell has them. North Face's 2nd most expensive shell, also has them. This is not a suggestion to just purely sort by price. But I'm just a bit confused on the comment that "the higher end shells by either of these companies do not have pit zips". If you're searching their websites, I would recommend waiting until fall when next year's gear gets posted...you should have more options.

If you're not adamant on using the credits you have, and would like other brand options, I have been incredibly happy with my Flylow jackets...their Billie Coat (women's) is bomber.

 

[KayOss]

@elemmac When I searched the other day the Arc'Teryx did not come up with pit zips and even in the comments but I'll recheck (same with TNF). I'm open to other brands and may use the credit for other goods.
@geargrrl Thanks for your comments on the construction. I try not to wash and dry any of my performance gear to keep them in tact (unless they get stinky).

 

[Bookworm]

I have the shell from Black Crows. It has pit zips. They are expensive but really solid and well-constructed. THis time of the year you might find their shells on sales. They always markdown last year's colors.
I have their pants, too, which I love, even though they are the color of a school bus.

 

[geargrrl]

@elemmac When I searched the other day the Arc'Teryx did not come up with pit zips and even in the comments but I'll recheck (same with TNF). I'm open to other brands and may use the credit for other goods.
@geargrrl Thanks for your comments on the construction. I try not to wash and dry any of my performance gear to keep them in tact (unless they get stinky).

Washing is important as sweat, salt, grime can degrade the laminate. But not too much, and certainly never a hot dryer. I've done many posts on this topic over the years.

 

[diymom]

I have the shell from Black Crows. It has pit zips. They are expensive but really solid and well-constructed. THis time of the year you might find their shells on sales. They always markdown last year's colors.
I have their pants, too, which I love, even though they are the color of a school bus.

I love the colour of your school bus pants. But then again the only pair of black snow pants I have I only plan to wear for shoveling or playing with the dogs (Goodwill find this winter.)

 

[TiffAlt]

Not sure what size you are, but I seem to have good luck with evo

They are in winter clearance, so here's a link to no insulation women's shells:

Women's Shell Ski Jackets | evo

Shop Women's Shell Ski Jackets at evo. Best selection, authentic reviews, and helpful humans. Enjoy Fast FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders and our Lowest Price Guarantee.

www.evo.com

 

[MissySki]

My Arcteryx shell has pit zips, love that jacket!

 

[santacruz skier]

Patagonia Refugitive shell w pit zips and no longer made. I would buy another one in a heartbeat if available. The replacement is not as good. Even Patagonia said I should try to find one on eBay or wornwear patagonia.

Arcteryx makes nice jackets but way too long for my short body !

 

[TiffAlt]

I filtered the evo sale I linked above by Patagonia and all of the shells have pit zips:

Women's Patagonia Shell Ski Jackets | evo

Shop Women's Patagonia Shell Ski Jackets at evo. Best selection, authentic reviews, and helpful humans. Enjoy Fast FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders and our Lowest Price Guarantee.

www.evo.com

 

[AJM]

My son who works in the industry loves his Rab ones and I have the Burton (ak) Upshift and find that its great in all conditions and it has pit zips xx

 

[MrsPlow]

My son who works in the industry loves his Rab ones and I have the Burton (ak) Upshift and find that its great in all conditions and it has pit zips xx

I bought a Rab hiking shell this year (think it's the Ladakh) to use for skiing and it's been excellent - pit zips, enough pockets and fits me well. It's robust enough to keep the wind out on cold days and the waterproofing didn't let me down either. Looks as good as new after about 70 days on the slopes. I got mine half price but would honestly have paid more. I've also had some Rab shell mittens and they've lasted for years.

It was to replace a Berghaus Mera Peak jacket that my husband has 'borrowed' permanently for cold days on his sled. The Berghaus is heavy as, but makes you feel invincible in cold weather. I don't think Berghaus makes jackets of that quality any more unfortunately.

 

[AJM]

I bought a Rab hiking shell this year (think it's the Ladakh) to use for skiing and it's been excellent - pit zips, enough pockets and fits me well. It's robust enough to keep the wind out on cold days and the waterproofing didn't let me down either. Looks as good as new after about 70 days on the slopes. I got mine half price but would honestly have paid more. I've also had some Rab shell mittens and they've lasted for years.

It was to replace a Berghaus Mera Peak jacket that my husband has 'borrowed' permanently for cold days on his sled. The Berghaus is heavy as, but makes you feel invincible in cold weather. I don't think Berghaus makes jackets of that quality any more unfortunately.

My sons Rab hiking shell looked fantastic when he showed me a couple of weeks ago , Hubby has just bought a Spyder shell but to be honest I thought the Rab hiking shell would probably have been a better choice as its lighter but still has all the specs you need when skiing.

 

[arbusch]

My flylow jackets have pit zips. I am really liking their jackets. I got too frustrated with arcteryx and switched to flylow.

 

[Chuyi]

Sentinel shell jacket. No more chest pocket though

 

[beane]

I had an arcteryx shell I got on sale for like $170 in 2005, and when it finally died they let me pick out whatever I wanted (got some really nice shell pants), so I'll always respect them. But...

They're spendy but if you can get one on sale, I love my strafe meadow jacket (shell). The material is durable without being stiff, cut is flattering (it's more freeride than groomer style), lots of functional pockets, and pit zips.

 

[Soujan]

The lack of pit zips serves 2 purposes. Less weight and less things that can fail. Both are very important in mountaineering.