Hello everyone!I'm sure this has been asked before but with prices changing so much recently I want to get some fresh advice.

I want to buy a quality soft shell hooded jacket. I'm hoping to stay around $70, i can do $100, max $140 but to justify spending that much it would need to be "twice" the jacket compared to one at $70.

I'd like it to be casual enough to still be worn in town or on a laid-back date. A water resistant coating that doesn't need too much maintenance, and warm enough that combined with a thermal and hoodie I'd be comfortable down to about 15-20 F. I don't know if that's asking too much or is easy to achieve in the price point.

The Lighter and more packable the better but I know with my budget that's limited and I'd prefer not to sacrifice durability or warmth for weight

I travel alot. This would be used throughout Oklahoma, Missouri, and Colorado, and central Mexico on 3-10 camping trips, fast paced hiking as well as around town, ball games, casual dates etc.

I'm 30, wear a medium t-shirt. And have slightly longer arms and torso than average so a short cut jacket wouldn't work for me.


What would you recommend?

It might be worth checking out thrift stores. You could get lucky and get a great deal on a high-end jacket.

Or, look at the garage sale area of your local REI. I found an OR Ferrosi for $44.

REI garage sales are great places to pick up good items for cheap. You do need to be a REI member to shop the garage sales though.

Thanks both of you. ALL my gear has come from thrift stores actually lol but none of it is true camping gear other than my pack and sleeping bag. I'll check into rei and am looking on eBay and I think a few forUms have a sales section.

But still wondering what's out there within my budget or if not what's out there that over budget new but i could find used worth keeping an eye out for.

Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Anorak Is 99 bucks and the finest soft shell I’ve ever worn. I wear it all winter and am wearing it right now. It’s east to layer and is a useful piece of outerwear. You might find some discounts like I did an get it for about 80 bucks.

Thanks, I'm looking for a full zip though. Forgot to say that.
But i appreciate it. Looks real nice

OR makes a Ferrosi jacket as well. $110 retail.