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[clarki]

I tend to be a simple man. Take for example the blue hoody that I am wearing in this pic from 2005 (that's me in the middle) 
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=8841.msg82107#msg82107
12 years later I am still wearing that hoody, and it wasn't even new in 2005!

However, it's getting a little tired and now that the two boys on the right are all growed up and working, I figure it's time that Daddy got something real nice.

I'm looking for recommendations for a outerwear garment (or as a base layer under rainwear) with high tech fabric that is suitable for our west coast climate. Since I'm not paying I'm open to any brand/retailer: MEC, Patagonia, Columbia, Simms...

Lots of options out there so just curious what others use/recommend. Thanks.         

[Noahs Arc]

Might I suggest another blue hoody?
None of those big name brands are going to last that long LOL.
By the way congrats on no more free loaders I’ve a long way to go yet...

[RalphH]

I have  Simms gortex shell (not a Guide model) that must be close to that old and is still going strong - a couple of extended downpours this past few weeks and I stayed bone dry underneath - except for the sweat that a few big salmon brought on ...

[clarki]

I have  Simms gortex shell (not a Guide model) that must be close to that old and is still going strong - a couple of extended downpours this past few weeks and I stayed bone dry underneath - except for the sweat that a few big salmon brought on ...

Thanks Ralph. My apologies if I was unclear, I am looking for a fleece/sweater that could be used as outer wear (on its own) or as a base layer under rainwear.

edit: "outwear" isn't even a word

[armytruck]

https://www.marks.com/en/carhartt-paxton-heavyweight-hooded-zip-front-sweatshirt-35129.html#35129%5Bcolor%5D=BLACK

[RalphH]

I don't spend big $ on my 'outer wear'. Mountain Warehouse in Metrotown and Stormtech on Boundary are good 'outlet' sources. There is also Eddie Bauer in the Tsawwassen Mils complex and all are good places to get fleece and similar stuff.

I really like the Eddie Bauer Travex Atlas jacket I got last spring - it's 6 front pockets provide oddles of room for cellphones, flu boxes etc - only problem is it looks so good the wife won't let me wear it fishing. I think I got mine for $100 at the Victoria outlet store and saw them at the Robson store this summer.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/travex-jackets-for-men/10112126?showProducts=111&color=537

[John Revolver]

I spend big when it comes to outerwear/ ,my comfort out in field is most important to me.

For fishing I use the Simms G4 Jacket. I've had it for 3 seasons now and it is absolutely amazing and bomb proof. I do a tone of bushwacking and this thing has held up perfectly.  Only issue is that when in heavy rain the pockets will collect water if not completely done up

[Baxta]

For a fleece, you won't do better than a Patagonia Snap-T pullover. It even comes in a hoody version, and all sorts of tacky colours/patterns. One of the most comfortable and versatile pieces of clothing I own.

[Old Blue]

I have a few Columbia Omni Heat tops that I really like for work and fishing.

Light weight, have that reflective heat material to keep in the warmth, also has some wind blocking ability and for a very economical price.  I use them 4 seasons 

[bigsnag]

I would check out some of the Simms light weight fleece jackets first, then try and find something from Columbia that may well be half the price but just as good material wise and workmanship.
But then you just might go back to the Simms.......

[Ambassador]

I tend to be a simple man. Take for example the blue hoody that I am wearing in this pic from 2005 (that's me in the middle) 
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=8841.msg82107#msg82107
12 years later I am still wearing that hoody, and it wasn't even new in 2005!     

If you are the type to wear something fairly simple for years that would make an awesome present - I'd check out Fjallraven. They have really nice stuff that is top quality and looks great.https://www.fjallravencanada.com/jacket-no-68.html. The G1000 fabric is great. Wax it up and you are good for another season of waterproof comfort.

If price is not an option - Arcteryx Alpha SV shell is the way to go. I've had mine for about 2 years now and can say without hesitation that it is an extraordinary garment - especially if you are not averse to going outside in the rain. Extremely waterproof - very comfy fit - a close to perfect shell for fishing. https://arcteryx.com/ca/en/shop/mens/alpha-sv-jacket.

[Shinny]

I second Arcteryx jackets. I’ve had multiple for different outdoor activies. I’m always pretty warm so I’ve been wearing is  https://www.arcteryx.com/ca/en/shop/mens/beta-sl-jacket With a couple thin merino long sleeves and it’s perfect for me. I always pack a sweater in the bottom of my bike just in case.

The Arcteryx warrantee is second to none. I had a jacket for about 5-6 years that was worn everywhere, skiing, riding, camping, backcountry stuff, fishing and bushwhacking, sliding down into canyons to fish. It was well used and kept me dry in all monsoons on the river, The gore Tex is incredible . Eventually one of the pockets zipper started to leak, water would get into the pocket but wouldn’t penetrate into the jacket. I brought it down to Arcteryx head office on dollarton highway and they immediately sent it away to get tested. 4 days later I had confirmation that the zipper was leaking. They let me pick out any jacket in the current lineup with a similar price , they didn’t even pro rate the original price of my jacket. This particular Arcteryx jacket was $550, I got it on sale for $300. They gave me a credit for the $550 and I put it towards another one of my choice, not the one I listed above. I should mention that I also did not have a receipt.

Don’t get me wrong. Simms jackets are definitely nice but they are too single purpose for me. I wouldn’t wear it skiing, I wouldn’t wear it just out and about to go get groceries on a rainy day or wear it when I take my dog for a walk...daughter to the park..bla bla..list goes on. I also don’t think the Simms warrantee would be as good or as easy to deal with, get a run around..no reciept....cant beat dealing with a local company where you can bring it into the headquarters. A True fishing jacket will have neoprene cuffs which would be nice on wet days. I wear a couple sweat bands on my wrists and cinch the cuffs down on them and it works quite well.

Just my opinion. If your a die hard fisherman out 80+ days then a true gore Tex fishing jacket would suite you better.

[clarki]

Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

Just to re-state, I am not looking for a jacket, but rather a sweater/fleece that can be worn as outerwear, or as a base layer under raingear.

Some good suggestions though. Others welcome.

[Blood_Orange]

I'd second anything Arcteryx. Had a great jacket that I wore everywhere for ~5 years. Outer layer started to wear through so I brought in in to the store and asked if they had any in stock because I wanted to buy a new one. They told me that it might be covered under warranty and sent it in. Two weeks later they gave me a credit for full $450 original price of jacket without receipt. Been a big fan ever since. Their stuff isn't cheap but you get what you pay for and I've never owned better jackets... owned three over the years.

To get back to the original question I've also owned some of their underlayer fleece-type stuff. Also very good and worth checking out. Their fleece-lined pants (discontinued) felt amazing on the legs 

[Shinny]

Oops... i didn’t really answer the original question either. I searched and searched for the right zip up style sweater/fleece. I eventually found a nice Helly Hanson one with two zip up chest pockets. Quite nice to wear with waders. Chest pockets are easily accessible, it’s warm and quality. I tried to find a pic of I online but it’s about 6 years old and I can’t find a pic.

With regards the Arcteryx underlayers. They are good but I sorta feel they are overpriced for what they are. You can find similar quality garments from Helly, North Face, Mountain hard wear and Patagonia. One thing about Patagonia.. the stuff labeled “made in New Zealand” is what you want. The stuff labeled “made in China” bears the Patagonia name but it’s lower quality.

Atmosphere usually has a Boxing Day sale on Arcteryx. 15%-20% off with an additional 15% off before 9am. Really hard to find deals on this stuff. Don’t waste your time standing in line at the Arcteryx outlet sales...years ago they were good now not so much now. The jacket selection is weak, usually only have the “leaf” stuff and that’s mostly the police and Rcmp jackets unbadged.

Check out www.thelasthunt.com great place for deals... lots of good Arcteryx deals especially if your an odd size like XS or XL or XXL. Last years stuff at great prices.  Lots of other brands

Www.backcountry.com is also good...used both and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either. If I remember correctly the last hunt is Canadian.

Side note...since we are on the topic of gear if anyone is looking for a waterproof backpack I picked up one of these and really really like it. Totally waterproof all around. It’s just one big compartment inside. I put a sweater in the bottom and the back stands up on its own on the ground. 35L so you can pack lots of stuff and still have room to wrap a couple fish in bags and stand them up vertically to walk out with... you can wash the bag out if it gets manky smelling. On rainy days my two fishing buddies are always envious, my stuff stays dry all day. You can lean the bag on its side and make a table for tying stuff...the stormtech outlet is in Burnaby on boundary.
https://www.stormtech.ca/retail/bags-3/technical-waterproof/cascade-waterproof-back-pack-35-l-wxp-1.html

Stay warm, Stay dry... there are no bad weather days, just bad clothing decisions.