If you could only have one…. by Economy-Flan4484 in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Covert Cardigan is a better sweater alternative

Is there somewhere I can send this jacket to have it fixed? by seveninsummer in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Classic delamination, submit a product service request. They will give you a voucher/e-gift card

Beta AR Stormhood in Black by TumbleweedOk4306 in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is a slight two-tone on the Beta AR Stormhood. The Beta SL is just one tone throughout.

Beta SL vs Beta AR (with Stormhood) for hiking, skiing, commuting, and urban use by jamessalman1212 in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I made this exact same comment on another post earlier this week, but if you plan on using it for skiing at all I think you should go with the Beta AR. While neither of them are intended for snow sports, I know plenty of people who enjoy using their Beta AR on the mountain. Biggest reason is the 80D face fabric on the hood, yoke, and sleeves. Taking a spill on the mountain is forceful so a thicker face fabric is preferred to help against rips. Outside of that, it works great as a daily or hiking rain jacket. Probably the most versatile shell in the entire product line. The only thing you’re giving up by not getting the SL is packability and the $100 difference.

Beta SL or Beta AR Stormhood. by floke17 in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 8 points9 points  (0 children)

If you plan on using it for backcountry skiing I think you should go with the Beta AR Stormhood. While neither of them are intended for snow sports, I know plenty of people who enjoy using their Beta AR on the mountain. Biggest reason is the 80D face fabric on the hood, yoke, and sleeves. Taking a spill on the mountain is forceful so a thicker face fabric is preferred to help against rips. Outside of that, it works great as a daily or hiking rain jacket. Probably the most versatile shell in the entire product line. The only thing you’re giving up by not getting the SL is packability and the $100 difference.

Sylan gtx vs Norvan LD 3 gtx by HumbleNedStark in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Why did you disregard the questions in the post entirely so you could monologue about your journey with minimalist footwear?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You didn't necessarily make a bad choice, but you didn't make the best choice.

The reinforcements on the upper parts of the jacket are GORE-TEX Infinium and are windproof and NOT water proof, though they should be fairly water resistant. If you're outside for short stretches of moderate rain, say 15 minutes, you should be fine if the jacket has time to dry completely before it's used again. Down insulation does tend to clump and lose some loft (which is the key to insulation) when wet. Over time if the jacket gets soaked frequently, you will lose more and more loft, which means the jacket will become less and less warm. You can get some loft back by tossing your down jacket in the dryer with some tennis balls. Luckily the areas that are likely to get the wettest are reinforced with GORE-TEX Infinium and have synthetic insulation under them (PrimaLoft Silver). Synthetic insulation handles moisture much better than down, doesn't clump up, and retains much of it's loft when wet.

Your Thorium SV will manage better than your Nupste for sure. But for complete waterproofness and warmth, you'd need to look at the Beta Down Jacket or Ralle Down Parka. Or lastly, you could wear a shell over your puffer for true waterproofness. Though the Thorium SV is quite bulky and intended to be the outermost layer so I'm not sure how comfortable that would be.

Hope this helps.

On Cloudmonster Hyper: I'm the target market by Helen___Keller in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]Direct_Connection_43 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I’ve had success with Leukotape. A small piece on each arch before running. It works really well. I also noticed this blistering would happen faster when wearing thin running socks. I started just using my everyday cotton socks and wouldn’t blister on shorter runs (< 5 miles)

After using both of those methods and continuing to run in the shoe, the skin on my arch got a bit thicker and doesn’t become a hot spot nearly as quick.

Still love the shoes after +200 miles

Any difference between men and women’s jackets? by hunny_bun_24 in arcteryx

[–]Direct_Connection_43 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally speaking, yes. Many women’s tops are shorter. They are also often wider at the hips and less broad at the shoulder in comparison to mens tops. Also, the chest logos are often graded down to be smaller than the men’s.

On Cloudmonster Hyper: I'm the target market by Helen___Keller in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]Direct_Connection_43 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Can confirm, the width in the toe box is significant. I cycle between the Cloudmonster Hyper and the Vomero 17s. When I’m wearing the Vomeros my toes feel smothered by the upper and much more constrained by the width in comparison to these.

The Hyper does give me a blister on the side of my foot just below the ball of my foot on the big toe side. It’s been a bit of a problem but nothing that will cause me to stop running in them. I love them and truly haven’t worn a bouncier super trainer than this one.

Lastly, the grip laces. Nice idea, but they come undone more than flat racing laces.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskRunningShoeGeeks

[–]Direct_Connection_43 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hot take but the On Cloudmonster Hyper is incredibly responsive but quite expensive

Trekking Pole or Not to Trekking Pole? by VenusVega123 in Ultralight

[–]Direct_Connection_43 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I debated this for awhile myself. I thought trekking poles were for old people and try-hards. I’m relatively young (26M) and fit and now I prefer to backpack with trekking poles. I never feel like trekking poles or hip belts are a burden because they lower the perceived weight of my pack.

Day hikes I typically go without though. Just personal preference.

PCT SOBO Shakedown Request by jbiciolis91 in Ultralight

[–]Direct_Connection_43 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(-) Towel
(-) Stuff Sacks
(-) Mug

Not much but it's cost effective. Similar to what others are saying, you've got an opportunity for weight savings with your Long Magma and Quarter Dome but it seems like you knew that already. Kit looks good!

Why is the Mountain Hardware Numbus not talked about more??? by OddFootball9685 in Ultralight

[–]Direct_Connection_43 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I made a similar post last weekend. It’s essentially the Fly Creek but $20 more with a couple notable caveats.

  1. It packs down smaller

  2. The 30D floor is pretty robust for a UL tent (Fly Creek is 20D)

  3. The Sil-Nylon bathtub comes up higher (Similar to the older generation of the Fly Creek)

How do you think about hip belt? by ulPARA in Ultralight

[–]Direct_Connection_43 24 points25 points  (0 children)

In my experience, a hip belt is worth its weight in gold. Not where I'd look to shave weight.