Gore-tex Pac-lite?

**Neil** · 01-03-2007, 04:28 PM

I have a Golite Phantom jacket with Pac-lite which weighs just over a pound. It's not as breathable as I'd like (not even close) but that may be the Golite product more than the gore-tex itself. Still, I wear it 4 seasons and don't carry any other shell or raingear. (I'm currently looking for a softshell that is just as light and will combine the 2.)

**mikeharo** · 01-03-2007, 09:19 PM

I have pieces made with xcr and pieces made with pa****e. I have not had the pa****e in wet conditions yet so I can't say about the foul weather ability. I can say that gore says they are just as waterproof as full blown xcr but in a smaller package to reduce weight. A disadvantage of this savings is that they are not as burly as xcr pieces. I have only good things to say about gtx xcr. The footwear is excellent and the outwear is phenominal.

Neil, several companies have gtx softshell jackets. Mammut makes a really really really very nice one and mtn hardwear makes one too called the maneuver. I know the hardwear one is really expensive. The mammut gtx softshell looks really nice.

**chrisbuon** · 01-08-2007, 05:42 PM

Hey Rob,

I wore hardshell pants last year (a mix of xcr and pa****e). They were fine as far as being waterproof and pretty flexy for hardshell material. However, as I am a full-on sweaty bastard, they didn't seem to breathe at all. For example, on just about every uphill (no matter length) I had to pretty much fully vent the side zips from the tops of my gaiters to my butt. That helps, until the wind blows through me. Remember, though, these are lighter weight fabrics and prone to tears/rips. I was displeased to find a tear in my pants that I didn't even realize was there until I got home.

Neil, on the softshell side, I just purchased an Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody and am extremely pleased with it. Yeah, super, ridiculously expensive (I randomly got mine for insanely cheap) but worth it. The fit is somewhat slimmer (in the sizes) than most other brands, but the Powerstretch material is fantastic. Just a nice, smartly made, not stupid-fancy jacket (other than that dumb radio pocket on the upper left arm). Breathes amazingly well (see sweaty bastardness above) and moves with you even better, especially the hood (helmet or not). I've yet to use it in winter conditions, but I wore it pretty much nonstop over some long AT days a couple weeks ago. I can easily fit two base layers and a thin fleece layer beneath it. But yeah, stupid expensive.

Hope this helps,

chris

**coolrobc** · 01-09-2007, 11:57 AM

Thanks Chris!

I'm torn (pun intended) on the whole durability vs. packability issue.

Any amount of breathability would be better than what I currently have, it's a pvc impregnated cotton. I'd really like a small light weight shell that's at least somewhat breathable but it's gotta be durable. I'm just not certain it that what I'm looking for really exists.

I'm going to look at an Orvis packable/breathable jacket too. It even has neoprene cuffs.

I think I'm just going to end up getting something that's not so packable.

**wildbrookies** · 01-09-2007, 01:37 PM

Hey coolrobc,

Have you checked out the one that www.llbean.com has?...its called the Gore-tex Pac-lite Stowaway Wading jacket...it is alittle pricey at $149.00 and is kind of fashioned for fisherman, but definitely sounds like it would fit your needs and actually , the price is`nt that bad compared to other companies carrying Gore-tex jackets...just an idea...

Wb

**coolrobc** · 01-09-2007, 01:51 PM

WB-

Thanks! The Bean jacket is pretty similar to to the Orvis one I'm looking at.

Like I said durability is one of my big concerns. From what I've seen of pac-lite it's pretty thin. Wish there was a way I could check out the Bean jacket without ordering it, their stores are just a bit to far away.

**Boreal Chickadee** · 01-09-2007, 07:43 PM

their stores are just a bit to far away.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately, this will be changing! I hiked with someone a couple of weeks ago who saw the plans for a Bean's that is coming to the Albany area. So why do I say unfortunately? Because as of the day they open in New York State we will be charged sales tax on all our mail order purchases from Bean's in Maine! I get free shipping and with no sales tax, it was another way to save a bit of money. Too bad it wasn't an outlet instead of a retail store, at least then I could scrounge around for some bargains.

**coolrobc** · 01-09-2007, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by Boreal Chickadee

Unfortunately, this will be changing!

Still 4+ hours for me, but closer than PA or Mass. I guess I can hold off a little longer.

**eddogg12** · 01-10-2007, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by Boreal Chickadee

I hiked with someone a couple of weeks ago who saw the plans for a Bean's that is coming to the Albany area

...I think I seen the Sign in Colonie Center, in Colonie NY. I think April or May, don't quote me. It is unfortunate, like EMS their stuff comes lightning fast, along with the bill for the TAX!!!!

**mikeharo** · 01-13-2007, 02:43 PM

I hiked the last three days in gore tex pac lite pants and an xcr jacket. On thursday, it was 7 degrees at the trailhead and 20 by the time we were done. Friday it was 25 at the start and 30 by the end of the day with some light precipitation during the day. Today was about the same temperature with much more precip. I hiked in the mammut taku pac lite pants with 3/4 zip. They breathed very well and the 3/4 zip was great to help vent. I definitely think that the pac lite is more breathable than the xcr - probably because of the construction process. Pac lite does not require an outer layer like xcr - that is how the pieces are lighter. With less material for heat to breathe through, it makes sense they are more breathable.

Gore-tex Pac-lite?

Gore-tex Pac-lite?

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