Recommended Places to buy Gore Tex Jackets

[tokugawa]

I am looking to purchase a new Gore Tex Jacket. I was wondering if any of you guys out there can recommend a good shop or two to shop at.

But please do not recommend MEC as their quality has definitely regressed in the past 10 years. Seems they have become a department store of outdoor goods; not the specialized store they once were.

 

[mistressfreyja]

My first thought is Mark`s Work Warehouse.

I haven`t shopped there in a year or so, but have bought good quality jackets there, at a reasonable price.

Sportmart is probably more expensive, but another choice.

I might check out the factory outlet myself. I need a new ski/winter coat.

 

[snif]

mountain equipment co-op , dont buy anything until you check them out....awesome stuff and lots of variety and grades.

 

[tokugawa]

I would recommend the Arcteryx factory outlet in North Van. You can probably get a pretty good deal there.
http://maps.google.ca/local_url?q=h...SqrMGQCw&s=ANYYN7k9XQoDnYi8K-pYIOSfiwJ7QgKDKQ

Good call on the Factory outlet. That's exactly the type of brand I am looking for; something that's different. Found something I like on their online store; hopefully they got it at the factory outlet store but with my luck probably not.

 

[vancity_cowboy]

I would recommend the Arcteryx factory outlet in North Van. You can probably get a pretty good deal there.

i was in there a month ago and frickin' near passed out from sticker shock!!!

whatever it is, it sure as hell doesn't have 'factory outlet' prices...

avoid, i'm sure you can find better prices on Arcteryx gear at regular retail stores - especially when they have their sales

 

[johnniejetpack]

i am sorry to say this is a bad time to buy a gore-tex jacket. If you can wait a couple months you will get a better deal. Coast Mountain is now called atmosphere and they have a few locations. They carry brands like Arcteryx and other good stuff, but you have to wait for a sale. You get what you pay for.... if you buy a cheap jacket you will be unhappy with performance. Good luck ;-)

 

[vancouver1992]

There is a place on Broadway called Taiga. Not cheat and good quality.

 

[Cock Throppled]

DUH - people, he asked for rec's other than MEC.

Can buy the same crap they have cheaper at Mark's or Sportsmart.

I:ll also recommend Taiga. Have been pleased by their stuff. Very durable and reasonably priced.

 

[Adriana✿]

https://www.taigaworks.ca/

I second that! I buy all my skiing, hiking,outdoor racing, rugged camping stuff here and at Coast Mountain. MEC is good for some stuff but def buy your goretex at taiga.

I am still wearing my ski jacket from 3 years ago, no rips etc. just like the day I bought it. I also have a pair of $150 rugged outdoor flip flops that are over 5 years old and still look and feel like I bought them this year.

 

[Oldfart]

Factory outlet on Burnaby side of Boundary Road just south of Lougheed. I think it's called "Champion." They often have great deals.

 

[ReluctantPooner]

Just thought I'd add my name to the chorus of people recommending Taiga. I've had mine for 12 years or so, and have never even had to reapply a waterproofing agent to it, not that I wash it very often though.

 

[badbadboy]

Arcteryx in N Vancouver is good but make sure you check which flaws are on it. It is primarily seconds at that store along with some discontinued products. If the flaws are on a seam, you will have endless problems with leakage (Like one I bought 3 years ago). Retail Arcteryx stuff is way over priced IMHO.

If you don't mind shopping on line from the USA, I recommend

http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets/Spectre-Jacket

I own a number of their softshells, fleeces and I have had my eye on this hardshell for a while now

They are sort of like REI or MEC but on steroids if you will

Their stuff is top quality and if you ever have a problem with any of their stuff their customer service is top shelf.

 

[tokugawa]

So I dropped by the Arcteryx factory outlet in North Van today. Not as expensive as one of the repliers had made it out to be but not cheap either. As someone already noted, these items are seconds and when you walk out the store, there's a sign that says 'All Sales Final'. So with all this in mind and like most retailers in Canada the selection in terms of colors and sizes suck big time, I decided to take a pass.

Note: They did have a jacket that I was interested in and it was $100 off what most places would change but it was not in the color I liked.

That being said, I am thinking of heading down to the states next week for their Black Friday sales. It might be hell but at least the selection and pricing will be very competitive.

 

[visiting]

Here are a few more places...

http://www.farwestcanada.com/store.htm

http://www.kanuk.com/ang/index.html

 

[FloridaGuy]

MEC's store brand GT jackets are rock solid and well-priced. I'm not sure what your problem with MEC is, but if you want high quality at the best price you will find, go to MEC.

 

[Walk Softly]

I too will recommend Taiga! I have one of their "Expedition Parkas" that must be 15 years old and it took 2 winters working at a ski hill to finish it off. I'm seriously considering the Alpinist jacket as a replacement.

 

[tokugawa]

OK today I ended up visiting MEC, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Taiga and Atmosphere. Looked at the following jackets:

1.) Westcomb Cruiser LT hoody at Valhalla - http://www.shop.vpo.ca/p-258763-cruiser-lt-hoody-mens.aspx
2.) Taiga Intrepid at Taiga - https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=547
3.) Arteryx Beta AR at Atmosphere - http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Beta-AR-Jacket

After a bit deep thought I ended up buying the Arteryx Beta AR at Atmosphere. I also ended up with a $100 gift card out of it as well.

Anyway, thanks guys for all the recommendations.

 

[badbadboy]

Nice.

I would buy the same if I could get a deal on it. I always like to support local business and Arcteryx stuff is top shelf.

 

[tontos]

at least you can find your size!!! try finding a 4xlt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MasterRPC]

you may want to check out stormtech
http://www.stormtech.ca/