Hi Ozbargainers,
Do you guys believe on spending almost $300 on a insulated jacket? Is it generally worth the hype that people make it out to be in terms of quality, warmth and durability?
I have heard from friends and family that the quality is great but 'be prepared to pay premium'
Looking to buy relatively soon. Main purpose would be general attire and travelling purposes.
Kathmandu is an NZ company. Their gear is suitable for NZ style hiking weather, so rather mild. Lightweight, comfy and reasonably cheap on special (buy when 70% off).
North Face is US company. Their gear is very popular in North America even as common urban winter wear. Bit more heavy duty for winter on snow environments (generally overkill for Australia/NZ).
"Kathmandu? I don't think they're ever used in Nepal" So the brand is like Fosters beer? :P Everyone thinks Kathmandu might be good in Nepal (because it's named after the capital of Nepal) and a lot of people wear the clothes outside of Nepal (like foreigners thinkibg it's our national beer to drink with the Southern Cross) but when it actually comes to trekking Nepal they realise it's piss weak for the conditions and hardly popular to wear (drink) in the area it's associated with.
While I haven't purchased super high end $300 jackets from TNF, they are my choice for my winter gear due to their durability and style. One purchase I've never regretted buying (and paid full price of US$200) back around 2007 was a Apex softshell jacket and still looks and feels great to this day. I have other various jackets, fleeces and vests from TNF and they all hold up. I know it's the label that makes it expensive - but as long as it lasts, I don't mind.
I'd just take part in the annual Aldi Winter gear sale
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/193117
however it's a bloodbath every year
reviews on the clothing
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/193117#comment-2747528
Never any love for the >2XL sizes at these places. Don't they know we are a nation of obese and overweight? They are cutting out half the population!
Go to northern Vietnam and you can get genuine North Face gear for very low prices. It's genuine but it's not official. It's been smuggled out of the factory or something. I got a Goretex jacket for $40.
North Face I'm not sure of but they are at least, an international brand, and I believe they are actually used on Everest and proper climbing etc.
Kathmandu? Nah, I dont think they're ever used in Nepal. I've bought a few of their jackets notably when they've been on special (under $100) and they are fine for that money. Normal sort of wear patterns.
Their strategy seems to be that they put a high RRP that no one has ever paid ("$399.95") and then they are always on special ("$149.99").
I question that kind of pricing policy but if you find them on special, go for it.