Experience with Westcomb Cruiser LT jacket?

I just picked up a sale (Backcountry for $227) on a Marmot Nabu. This is their uninsulated Polartec NeoShell softshell hoody. It's three layer construction (outer fabric – NeoShell laminate – Polartec PowerDry HE grid). The fabrics are super high quality — the lining is the non-fuzzy version of Patagonia Capilene 4.

http://www.hiking-blog.de/wp-content/gallery/marmot-nabu-jacket/marmot_nabu_jacket13.jpg

Stretchy and breathable (for a waterproof). Not as light as a ProShell, but probably a bit warmer. Has two chest pockets (one inside, one outside) and two hand pockets (in the normal place, but high enough to clear a hip belt. No pit zips.

probably no one elses uses event as much as the brits

and no one else has as much shietiest weather as the brits … which means they use it all the time

and of the brits no one else subjects it to as much abuse as brit climbers …

read this and decide …

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=578102

im an absolute fan of the made in canada westcomb, but bulletprood and indestructible?

;)

>> but bulletproof and indestructible? ;)

Eric,

Of course I was exaggerating, but "bulletproof and indestructible" compared to the lightweight options like Marmot Mica or OR Helium, i.e., not likely to wet out or rip open on a thorn bush.

And thanks for the link…very interesting.

hwc –
Glad you've found something you really like…it looks like a great jacket.

I'm more interested in a hardshell like my Exum, and prefer uninsulated. If it comes in somewhere near 16 oz that would be awesome.

I have a Marmot Silverton Gore-Tex ProShell that is unlined like your EXUM, but with ski jacket features: two hand pockets, one chest pocket, one shoulder pocket, pit zips, and removable power skirt. Without the skirt, it weighs 15 ounces.

The Speed Light jacket is the same thing minus the powder skirt and the shoulder pocket. Basic unlined 3-layer shell. Pit zips, hand pockets, one chest pocket. 14.5 ounces. The current version is Gore-Tex Pro membrane. There are some closeouts around with Gore-Tex ProShell membrane.

If I were looking for bullet proof, I'd stick with Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer over eVent. I have concerns about the largely unprotected ePTFE membrane in eVent being truly waterproof over the long haul. That's why I mentioned the unlined NeoShell. If you want something that breathes better than Gore-Tex Pro and still offers decent water protection, it seems like a durable option. Because the membrane is PU, it is not subject to the oil/sweat/dirt contamination issues of unprotected ePTFE. eVent relies on a DWR-like micro-coating on the membrane to protect the ePTFE. I'm not sure that coating is durable enough for me on a very expensive jacket whose sole purpose is to be 100% waterproof.

del

I have a westcomb 3 layer Event Specter LT. Contruction appears to be excellent and I have not seen any deterioration in the 1 1/2 years I have had it. DWR is still like new. Ordered it on line and the fit was exactly what I was looking for. Loose enough for a heavy fleece jacket over a sweat shirt and undershirt. I wasn't looking for a rain jacket to be warn over a very warm down jacket but you could adjust the size t acomodate it.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences/opinions. I looked at a number of jackets I might not otherwise have.

Logging in to REI last night, I discovered this year's dividend…it was a particularly nice surprise. Given the easy returns and that it is essentially "free" gear (some may argue this point) I ordered a Marmot Ridgerock. I have always liked the way Marmot fits and functions, it is made of the newest Gore Pro fabric, has the pockets located where I prefer them and has pit zips.

It is about 6oz heavier that I would have liked, and whether the separate lining is a plus or minus is yet to be determined. Still, since this is a piece I would wear, not pack, that is a price I may be willing to pay. For me, this is a jacket that you select when you expect prolonged wetness on the trip. I will retain my Marmot Mica for "just in case" rain protection.

This seems to be a fairly new model, so if anyone is interested I'll post my findings after I've had a chance to test it out.