What do you think of SportChek's Columbia Titanium Jacket or the MEC? Need Ski Clothi

[Azxster]

It is the Snake Run Titanium, 10K mm waterproof, 10K g breathability. Unfortunately the jacket does not come in black. They have the Convert Galatica for the same price too. It is on sale from $299.99 to $149.99

I have thermal underwear (Army Surplus Store is a ripoff) and some cheap fleece clothing (2 sweaters [Old Navy crap], 1 vest [Polo RL], 2 pants [Sidekick crap]. I don't usually wear fleece hence the limited selection.

I am deciding on these as well:

MEC Monsoon Jacket
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444254 2713&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699279&bmUID=1163744279969

MEC Yoho Jacket
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444254 2961&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699279&bmUID=1163744279970

MEC Hydrofoil Jacket
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444261 8349&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699279&bmUID=1163744279972

MEC Hydra Jacket [Youths], obviously not in pink
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444261 7557&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302735117&bmUID=1163743683338


The Misty Mountain Stalker Fleece Lined Pants (http://www.worldfms.com/index_misty.htm) (39.99 from Winners from 70) is a bit too big but it can do. So are these MEC [Mens], but I am thinking of these...

MEC Typhoon 3 Pants
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444254 2853&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699263&bmUID=1163743972522

MEC Gaspesie Pants
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444254 3093&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699263&bmUID=1163743972523

MEC Hydraofoil Pants
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444258 8501&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699263&bmUID=1163743972523

MEC Hydra Pants [Youths]
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444261 7558&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302735077&bmUID=1163743685642


I am ultimately looking for value. I am new to the Ski/Snowboard sport... but I need to prepare for my 4 day trip. I have no problem spending a little bit more as long as its worth it. I need these by Dec 15 and need to return the Misty Mountain Pants this weekend (so should I keep these or return them first)?

Thanks for the help guys!

[fishcurry]

In my experiences, MEC products are usually of excellent quality, where as sport chek's stuff isn't. I don't know this stuff well enough to give a solid opinion but I'm assuming the columbia jacket is insulated whereas the MEC jackets are not. So that means, if your columbia jacket starts to get wet, it will take some time to dry, and that insulation may start to get clumpy after a few years.

Check if the columbia jacket is seam-taped, zipper quality and fabric. MEC has goretex and other "quality" waterproof breathables, check if the columbia has the same. For the pants, consider the jumper style (the snowpants you had as a kid), this helps to ensure snow doesn't get into the cracks.

If you're just skiing recreationally it shouldn't really matter too much. I would recommend you get overmitts that go all the way up the forearm at MEC / Europe bound / decent sports store across the street, none of that canadian tire/ walmart stuff. This really helps seal out annoying snow/water.

[lost~user]

I would recommend you get overmitts that go all the way up the forearm at MEC / Europe bound / decent sports store across the street, none of that canadian tire/ walmart stuff.

:lol: I guess someone would really be on a budget if they had to buy skii/board jacket & snow pants from Can. Tire and Walmart.

I can't imagine not having my snow pants when I'm coming down the slopes!!! Although I only have Ripzone Core stuff, I still find it really good in keeping me dry... plus the air vents helps alot in keeping me cool....

[Anessa]

Í go with the good stuff for skiing because I want to remain toasty and dry...Phenix baby!

[lost~user]

Í go with the good stuff for skiing because I want to remain toasty and dry...Phenix baby!

^^^ it's either that or Spyder! Hey OP, try Sporting Life... they have lots of top of the line ski/board jackets available there... def. quality stuff!