This is a question for all the poor people out there. I am looking to replace my heavy fleece with a lighter alternative. However, I don’t particularly care for the prices of most winter jackets out there. Has anyone stumbled onto a ghetto solution to this issue?
Helium
or wally world. You can find real cheap lightweight fleece for under $10, just don’t expect it to keep U warm much below freezing.
Poormouth
Check out Campmor.com Campmor’s got their own brand of gear and clothing that is as durable as designer brands for much less. For example they make a duplicate of THE NORTH FACE Denali fleece jacket ($165 now) for around $40-50. Virtually the same quality.
A-Train
First, I have to agree with A-train. The Campmor house brand is some good quality stuff. Know a few people who bought their fleece jacket and are quite happy with it. Many of the shops that makes the name brand equipment will also make the housebrand equip; they will just slap a different label on it (and up the price by $100!).
I believe it was Consumer Reports who once did an article on how the same textile shop in China made shirts for Old Navy and Ralph Lauren. Same shirt. They just sewed on a different label!
I suspect outdoor clothing is similar in some cases.
Another alternative is the thrift store. Don’t know where you live, but I am fortunante to live in a very active outdoor area with a college in it to boot. (Boulder, CO) The result? At the end of the semester much good quality outdoor clothing can be found at the local thrift stores that have been left by departing students (who happen to have rich parents). I bought a Patagucci fleece for $4! There is nothing wrong with, it is an A1 condition and sure beats the price of the $100-$120 retail.
There are also some outdoor stores that sell used equipment and clothing.
Below the office where I work there is “Sports Recylcler”. They have a pair of tele skis I am eyeing (with bindings) for $100. They also sell shells, fleece, down jackets, etc.
Finally something to keep in mind come late Feb/early March. Many outdoor stores along the line of Gart Sports/Galyans/etc. are getting rid of their winter inventory and have great sales on winter equipment and clothing.
Mags
I have bought most of my hiking clothes at Goodwill or other thrift shops for a fraction of what they cost new.
Snuffy Smith
Campmor is selling their brand of Polartec 200 fleece pullover for $25.97[womens for $22.97] page 97 “Holiday 2004” catalog.Or try their brand of MICROFLEECE Zip T neck for $19.99 page 25. But as my father used to say:“you pay your money,you take your chance”
old&in the way
Dear Helium,
I interpret your question somewhat differently than those above.
The lighter alternative to heavy fleece is either down or fiberfill, both of which are far superior in warmth and weight.
As to lowest price, well, now your just looking for the best deal. Sierra Trading Post always has something at a significant discount, and sometimes a massive discount. Just a short while ago, they had Marmot down sweaters for $99.00; and in the past I’ve purchased both Northface Polarguard 3D light jackets (ie, Northface Cerro Torre) and
Marmot Primaloft jackets (ie, Marmot Belay Parka).
Finally, I think Poartec Microfleece has the most bang for the buck. Worn close to the skin, it wicks, and is remarkably war; and its comfortable over an extremely wide range of temperatures.
Sincerely–Conan.
Conan
Dear Helium,
I interpret your question somewhat differently than those above.
The lighter alternative to heavy fleece is either down or fiberfill, both of which are far superior in warmth and weight.
As to lowest price, well, now your just looking for the best deal. Sierra Trading Post always has something at a significant discount, and sometimes a massive discount. Just a short while ago, they had Marmot down sweaters for $99.00; and in the past I’ve purchased, from them, both Northface Polarguard 3D light jackets (ie, Northface Cerro Torre, $104.00) and Marmot Primaloft jackets (ie, Marmot Belay Parka, $134.00). The items I purchased, have pleased me no end. I think the Campmoor Brand products would also be worth a look.
Finally, I think Poartec Microfleece has the most bang for the buck. Worn close to the skin, it wicks, and is remarkably warm; and its comfortable over an extremely wide range of temperatures. Microfleece, combined with a down or fiberfill jacket, in my book, is hard to beat.
Big, heavy, fleece garments, still useful around the house during chilly weather in Alaska, and comfortable with their softness, have been superceded, for outside use, by down and the various fiberfills. There’s just no comparison when warmth and weight are the issues.
Sincerely–Conan.
Alternative to heavy fleece…corrected…
That was the answer I was looking for. Although the dried leaves response was great as well. I had the sneaking suspicion that spun polyester under any brand name was still going to be too heavy for the warmth it provided. Thanks to everyone for their input. I checked out all the sites and dealers you mentioned.
Helium