Oversized Clothing

Hello,

I'm new to the site and am trying to get back into Hiking & Backpacking. I have traditionally had problems finding gear adequate for a large man (6'4" 315). Clothing is my main issue at this point.

Are there any brands or stores that might have over sized products? I'm talking 2xl-4xl range?

thanks

I am enjoying the site. Great wealth of info.

Welcome aboard! REI has extended sizes in lots of their clothing. Also, Sierra Trading Post is a good source for larger sizes...but colors and styles are hit or miss there. There are other stores like Cabella's that have a good selection. You need to surf the internet to find styles and such that you might like. Try contacting the manufacturers directly. If price is no object, try Beyond Fleece, of Eugene, Oregon. All their clothing is custom, reasonably priced and i have heard good things about the products.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Like Bigfoot said, check places like Sierra Trading Post for XXL and XXXL clothing. They quite often have some on hand. Ditto on Cabelas, too. They have extended sizes for most of their store brand and most of it is very good for the price, if not especially lightweight.

Some other comments
-Mountain Hardware tends to be fairly large sized. I think Columbia is, too. Patagonia and Marmot seem to be one half size to a full size smaller for XLT and up.
-Canadian and European clothing is usually one size smaller than US (XXL Cdn = XL US), so Arcteryx, Mammut, etc are probably out. And don't even consider Moonstone, they use Japanese sizes for most of their range.
-If all else fails, there is some nice, fairly lightweight gear in golf shops that can work for backpacking, too.

For your size, I'd be very careful about ordering from Beyond Fleece. I ordered a custom jacket for my dad (who's the person I buy the large stuff for), and it looked like their sizing algorithm goes badly off the rails for people over 250 pounds. They also lied repeatedly about delivery dates, or were woefully incompetent; and trying to return the totally wrongly cut garment was the worst customer service nightmare I had in the last 20 years. Since I've heard very good things about them in the past, I won't post my correspondence here. I'd definitely call them and get some written/email assurances if you consider them.

Oh, and do get some trekking poles.

I'd also avoid Montbell--their sizing runs really small. I am a (OOPS--EDITED) 5'3",150# woman and their women's size Large is a snug fit. Their clothing is made for slender Japanese folks. It's wonderful stuff, but not for you!

For whatever you order, check size charts carefully and be prepared to send stuff back if it doesn't fit. An extra $10 return shipping charge is cheaper in the long run than clothing (or any other gear) that is the wrong size!

As I recall Cabelas and LL Bean have extended sizes in clothing. Perhaps not the lightest, cutting edge stuff, but if the clothing fits that may be worthwhile.

Excellent. I will begin hunting those sites down.

Generally I have trouble finding jackets and whatnot that fit. I have wide shoulders and long arms and it seems most companies think that people my size don't like the outdoors!

Anyways I will continue searching and report back on any good finds I see.

Thanks for the advice.

Matt

Double check the workwear stores too. In canada was have something called "Work Wearhouse" and there are similar things in the states - the kind of stores that sell to people working on construction crews. A lot of the stuff is tough as nails and heavy (like Carhartt Cotton duck overalls and the like) and not the kind of stuff I'd take backpacking, but most of them also carry waterproof breathable jackets, fleece, and nylon stuff that is suitable - often in larger sizes.

Lars,
I had not heard that of Beyond Fleece...thanks. I was going to place an order. I am in Eugene, only minutes away from them and will probably go there and talk to them before i buy now. If you have any more problems, let me know since i am local and can go down there and "bugg" them for ya' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Excellent. Yes now that you mention it there is an old surplus store down the street that carries old army surplus, new army surplus, odd camping equipment and oversized work clothing. i will have to browse their goods as well.

so much to do!


Thanks for the tips gentlemen


Matt