Alternatives to The North Face?

[IHateMyJob2004]

So .... about 2 months ago some ass hole employee at an airport stole my 9 year old EMS shell that cost me about $250 in 2001. Man I was pissed and still am.

Anyways, the shell is gone and I want a new one. The thing is, when I bought my other shell I bought it because EMS actually had good shells. It was much like buying the Lexus over the Mercedes . You get the same thing but save like 20% on price.

I need a new shell so I went back to EMS. Today EMS is cheap crap. And I hate the idea of buy The North Face because it is much like buying a Mercedes in my mind.

I am not saying that the North Face sells crap. They don't. It is actually quite good. But I hate the idea of possibly paying more for a shell when I don't have to. So, are there alternatives that are on par with The North Face but cost less because their is no brand name to pay for? Budget is in the $300 ball park. A zip in fleece would be nice. That zip in fleece is extra though. I am talking $300 for the shell only.

 

[Woosta]

What about http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomeView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10101

 

[Capt Caveman]

If you're looking for just a shell, you can pick from just about any brand. For $300, I would pick-up The North Face Mountain Light jacket.

Also, REI, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx, Patagonia and even Columbia make good jackets in your budget range.

 

[sjwaste]

That's a shame about EMS, because I bought my shell two winters ago and it's still great. When I saw this thread, that's exactly what I was going to suggest too.

 

[kami333]

Have you looked around for a TNF outlet? They have a couple around the country and have some pretty good deals especially on the shells.

 

[MikeMike]

Patagonia...

 

[SandEagle]

Does Under Armor count?

 

[EvilYoda]

Caveman covered most of my favorite brands...that's a good list to start with

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Thanks for all the starting points. I'll give them a look.

 

[MovingTarget]

The South Butt?

 

[WildHorse]

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[vi edit]

Marmot would be my pick.

 

[velillen]

Might help to know what you want the jacket for.... Justw earing around town? Skiing? Ect

I have a Flylow Higgins jacket and it does great for a shell used for skiing. keeps me warm while hiking around too (and cool when i open the vents). But it has a large hood for going over helmets which you probably wouldnt like if it sjst for around town use.

 

[mHubs]

I got a First Ascent softshell for this winter and so far its absolutely brilliant, and instore it was $100 off normal price. Pair it with a FA fleece or down jacket and you're golden.

 

[Lifted]

Diesel

 

[ChaoZ]

Columbia

 

[Crono]

Spyder

and possibly Arc'teryx, though it's not really cheaper.

 

[kstu]

burton [ak]

 

[TallBill]

Caveman covered most of my favorite brands...that's a good list to start with

You go through that many coats? I've had the same cheap puffy coat from Walmart for like 6 years now.

 

[herm0016]

mountain hardware makes some of the best stuff but is expensive. REI brand stuff is very good also and is a better overall value if you are not using it for a real expedition or don't live on a mountain

 

[Cable God]

too many wear their south butt on their north face

It is real believe it or not: http://www.thesouthbutt.com/

 

[senseamp]

I got a TNF GoreTex store return (lightly used) shell at REI for 25 bucks. You can also try geartrade.com

 

[NetWareHead]

and possibly Arc'teryx, though it's not really cheaper.

You will pay for an Arc'teryx piece but the quality and performance is unmatched.

 

[Maleficus]

I live in South Texas where it never gets cold, but I have honestly never heard of anyone referring to a jacket as a shell before.

 

[Crono]

I live in South Texas where it never gets cold, but I have honestly never heard of anyone referring to a jacket as a shell before.

You really don't need to use the concept of "layering" in a state with fairly consistent warm temperatures.

That said, it's not common to use the word "shell" in normal, everyday conversation about clothing. Usually I only see the word online.