<p>OK, the compnay I bought the original 3-in-1 jacket from is EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) Columbia women’s jacket with Omni-Tech (comparable to Goretex). </p>
<p>Today, I bought these to use as a combined replacement. I admit I like the fabric on my old jacket better (it feels more like cotton or at least poly/cotton than the new jacket I bought–in the boy’s department. I do like the shell tho, which moves very nicely, has a hood and is very soft and breathable.</p>
<p>I think these two combined will keep me quite toasty. The problem I have with buying on-line is the hassle factor of how the jackets will really fit and feel. It was good trying on different ones at the store today, to see and feel the differences.</p>
<p>EMS said I could return the old jacket, but nearly any jacket with a membrane will break down after some years. This jacket is probably about 10 years old, since they stopped carrying Columbia around that time. Of course, I no longer have a receipt, but they said they would try to work with me if I wanted to return it. It doesn’t feel right to return a jacket that provided many years of good service because it aged. I will probably just have to decide if I want to waterproof it or use it as a windbreaker or donate it.</p>
<p>By the way, how long is the membrane on these jackets/outerwear supposed to last? How long does Goretex last? I am curious because the EMS guy on the phone said that they tend to break down after 5-8-10 years. Is he correct or feeding me a line? He also wasn’t able to distinguish for me the difference between the Columbia OmniTech and Goretex.</p>
<p>Thanks for anyone who can shed some light on all of this.</p>
<p>I guess my question – if anyone knows – is there a time when the membrane is supposed to become brittle & flake out for these Columbia jackets? The fabric itself looks great (nearly new), but it’s the membrane that is getting brittle and coming out in little white pieces. </p>
<p>Is this what happens only with Columbia’s Omnitech? </p>
<p>Does it also happen with other membranes/coatings?</p>
<p>Columbia’s customer service is only open M-F, so I haven’t been able to ask them yet. Thanks!</p>
<p>I do have some NikWax products for my garments & have used them from time to time.</p>
<p>When doing restoration horticulture work- I work in all weathers- ALL weathers- sometimes for 10 hrs a day.</p>
<p>I have this jacket ( and the pants) [Sierra</a> Designs Hurricane HP Rain Parka - Women’s at REI.com](<a href=“http://www.rei.com/product/772606]Sierra”>http://www.rei.com/product/772606), or should I say * my daughter* has this jacket, because * her rain* jacket ( which was a Helly Hansen shell), was washed with something that bled on it & I really don’t care what it looks like so we traded.</p>
<p>They usually have a 10/15% when you buy a set.</p>
<p>If you are active, say you are going to be even walking alot, look for ones that have zippers under the arms, cause you will need it.</p>
<p>HIMom, membranes and other coatings are synthetic polymers, and just like many other polymeric materials they are prone to oxidative damage caused by the radicals formed from atmospheric oxygen and exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV and O2 are the major culprits that damage windhield wipers). So it is inevitable that they will break down at some point, especially if they are exposed to sunlight. There are additives that can slow down this damage by trapping the radicals, but eventually the radicals win. I’d say if you got 10 years of wear out of that coat, you got your moneys worth. Plus it never hurts to update the style once in a while ;)</p>
<p>^^^ I have a carhartt ad for a waterproof jacket at the top.
So funny.
I have carhartt * pants*, but most of their jackets * aren’t * waterproof and are very heavy to boot.</p>
<p>It is kind of creepy that “they” know what we are discussing on CC. I had never heard of those Scott vests until earlier this year when someone on CC mentioned them. Since then I constantly see the ads. I am surprised that North Face or Columbia don’t pop up - must have a different marketing strategy.</p>
<p>Thanks, BunsenBurner. That was my thinking–in HI, the jacket has been exposed to a LOT of sunlight & now hubby says he has never been all that fond ot it! ;)</p>
<p>I think I’ll try going back to Sports Authority & having a 2nd look at the jackets with pit zips and taped seams. There’s no point in having a jacket/shell that will get me wet at all the sames, even if having a zipper there does feel a bit a bit stiff & odd against a t-shirt or lining. I guess it beats wet & cold.</p>
<p>I did fiind a $25 off coupon for Sports Authority that will help reduce the price. Definitely want a LIGHT jacket/shell. Hopefully my SportsAuthority will have the NorthFace Venture that everyone’s raving about & I can try it out again, with the shell I may wear under.</p>
<p>Went back to Sports Authority this morning & got some more nice items. Got a technical long sleeved top for niece (she’s running the 1/2 marathon in a few weeks & it’s a belated bday gift. Also got a vest & a technical long sleeved top for me. The 3 items together were just over $50 because they were on clearance & an additional 25% off plus I had a coupon I printed off the internet.</p>
<p>Couldn’t find a jacket that I really LOVED, so have decided to stick with the cheapo boy’s jacket, that should see me through until I can do in-person shopping at REI or other good outdoors store. I think the jacket should meet my current needs pretty well, as hubby pointed out we will NOT stay outdoors if the weather is bad–will change our plans & do indoor things (museums, dining, castles & other indoor activities). None of their gear is totally waterproof anyway!</p>
<p>I am planning a trip to New Mexico next week and wanted a light weight waterproof jacket to stick in my backpack. I got one from Redledge. Here is the link to where you can can find it online. </p>
<p>Looks like a very nice jacket. How “true to size” is the jacket for you? When I clicked on the page, it allowed me to put one in my shopping cart but didn’t let me select the color or size I wanted, which seems rather odd to me, so I have no idea what was placed into the shopping cart (usually there’s a dropdown menu with colors & sizes available).</p>
<p>Yea, our one “outdoor store” in HI is SportsAuthority & it’s selection is quite limited. I have a hard time knowing how a garment will fit without putting it on, as fit does vary tremendously. I have a boy’s XL, women’s S, M & L for my warm clothing gear. Many are even the same brand!</p>
<p>Have just got some warm socks from Footwear etc. It’s 5 pairs of Thorlo walking socks for $63 (including shipping and no tax). I LOVE my Thorlo socks! They are the best and with black shoes and slacks, the black socks are great!</p>
<p>I’d be happy to try to help, tho I live on Oahu rather than Maui. My brother lived on Maui for a year, when he was working at a newly opened 5* hotel, before he decided to go to law school. You’ll have to go & visit her–it’s a lovely island! What part of Maui is she planning to live in?</p>
<p>I am very pleased with it. It takes up no space and lives in my car, where it has come in very handy for Oregon’s sudden rain showers. It is not very warm but that’s not the point.</p>