Something for the Americans to think about... French mega sporting goods store Decathlon has arrived Stateside. They are not "the best" for everything, but they are quite economical and a lot of their stuff is "good enough." Very popular in France/Switz/Europe etc. but maybe still under the radar here?
Example: I have a 20l Simond Cliff pack I use for traveling or light skiing, for instance, and it's really nice, well though out, is durable and has been through the ringer, and cost me $25. It also fits my tall torso better than the REI Flash 18 which usually retails around $45+. A bonus.
Anyway, clothing wise things are more Euro-shaped (bonus for my skinny ass), so keep that in mind, but if you want to save some $$$, keep it in mind.
Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
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Woodserson
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Stephen
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6’3” / 191cm — 172# / 78kg, size 47 / 30 mondo
Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
Any retailer (Decathlon) that offers free returns seems like a no-brainer to at least try out.
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lowangle al
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Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
Phoenix what did you end up with I need a pair in a hurry.
Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
wow. that Decathalon site is very cool. I like the Winter Hiking and Mountaineering category. I can' believe how cheap their stuff is. well under $100 for pants that would be suitable for skinning? crazy. makes me wonder how they keep their prices so low...
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Woodserson
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Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
*It's not super high quality, but it's good enough. (though some stuff is really good and simple-- like their backpacks)
*Chinese manufacturing
*It's a giant global brand with presence around the world-- mass
Size up with some clothes, think Euro sizes. take advantage of the free returns to get your size right.
I love my Quechua MH500 microgrid fleece. Perfect. 20 bucks on sale. I'm 6'2" 160lbs, about a 40" chest give or take, and the L fits me great. The Tribord fleece sweater I got, also Large, I can't get into, XL is perfect. Sizing is different across their different brands.
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joeatomictoad
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Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
@Woodserson , believe you and I have similar metrics for assessing value. Proud to call myself a "shopper", not a "buyer". (Nevertheless, I would prefer to be the "producer", not the "consumer".)
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Laurence C
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Re: Suggestions for some soft shell pants?
Late answer,
I found my comfort in Montbell Termawrap UL pants (the japan site also sells knickers). Outside of softshell or hardshell. Yes it is insulated but breaths a lot (it's the bad insulating materials type that companies started to sell as active insulation), has a lot of space (can climb without any discomfort) and is very lightweight, and mostly wind shield, and has underfoot elastic attachment. I just wear underwear under, baselayer if really cold, and keep a snow wrap (EE) or snow skirt (swix) to add over (even if I m a boy yes, we are in the woods) if crossing lakes or wide windy spaces.
I found my comfort in Montbell Termawrap UL pants (the japan site also sells knickers). Outside of softshell or hardshell. Yes it is insulated but breaths a lot (it's the bad insulating materials type that companies started to sell as active insulation), has a lot of space (can climb without any discomfort) and is very lightweight, and mostly wind shield, and has underfoot elastic attachment. I just wear underwear under, baselayer if really cold, and keep a snow wrap (EE) or snow skirt (swix) to add over (even if I m a boy yes, we are in the woods) if crossing lakes or wide windy spaces.