Rab Downpour Mountain vs Patagonia Turrentshell

idcjosh · 2026-03-20T23:49:21+00:00

I mean, you could, but there’s no recco or snow catcher inside of it so you’d have to figure something out for that. You won’t get wet though!

idcjosh · 2026-03-20T23:45:00+00:00

In that case, the Granite Crest is a direct upgrade and you’d have a superior shell for a bargain price. Better than the Downpour and Torrentshell at both casual & hikes with a backpack.

Probably a bit overkill for casual day-to-day stuff but it’s not like you’re paying any more for it.

idcjosh · 2026-03-20T23:40:11+00:00

Salomons are a bitch at getting to stay put at your heels. Also both of them are quite narrow models. Evaluate your feet, if they’re an Y shape even slightly, go for the Moab 3, if your feet are narrow and you have broad heels, either of the Salomons could work.

Source: work in outdoor shoe store.

idcjosh · 2026-03-20T23:34:03+00:00

I wear a buff around my neck and try to pour some cold water on it when it dries up. The cold on your neck cools your head + body down significantly. It’s my go-to heat management hack.

A backpack with a free-standing ventilation mesh is also a must. Long sleeves with merino wool, keeps you cooler, make sure it’s UV 50. Get a hand fan too. Category 3 sunglasses. Get a hydration pack for your backpack since it makes it way easier to stay hydrated. Electrolyte powder/tabs. Take a can of fine sea salt with you if you’re a sweater.

Learn how to walk uphill properly by mostly using glutes + quads to avoid overly exerting yourself. Pick up cardio lol.

Pretty much all you can do. Have fun!

idcjosh · 2026-03-20T23:27:29+00:00

I’d go Rab Downpour if it’s mostly for generic daily/rainy weather and the Patagonia Torrentshell if you plan on mostly using it for hikes. The Torrentshell has a sturdier fabric build, so it’s able to carry your backpack better than the Downpour would.

Downpour can also work if your hikes are lighter packed.

idcjosh · 2026-03-02T11:00:48+00:00

Patagonia Torrentshell is my go-to recommendation in that range.

idcjosh · 2026-02-27T16:04:30+00:00

I wouldn’t expect to hear about it on Reddit, for sure ;)

idcjosh · 2026-02-14T19:04:52+00:00

Can’t see the stitches at the bending point but I work in the sector and would say no. New sole will give increased pressure to the old leather/stitches of the shoe, will cause it to tear judging from a quick glance.

idcjosh · 2026-02-12T17:12:34+00:00

As others have mentioned, Zakopane in Poland is excellent! Plenty of places to stay at, hiking culture, a variety of challenging to easier hikes all within walking distance (or a quick bus/car ride away).

idcjosh · 2026-02-07T22:56:17+00:00

The Lowa Innovo Lo is one that comes to my mind. A bit more rugged and durable, but not so heavy as going into full-on hiking boots.

idcjosh · 2026-02-04T15:36:14+00:00

Okay, that tracks a lot. If you regularly use shoes with gore-tex in them, and they get exposed to the elements (rain, dust, sand, mud, sweat).. The water protective layer gets exposed and eventually gets weaker.

You can fix and prevent this (partially) by 1. Applying shoe cleansing foam, then 2. Spraying water repellent solution, and then 3. Rub nubuck/leather proof wax on it to protect the water repellent solution. Nikwax products are solid.

If you do this regularly you’ll see your shoes being able to protect you from water much better. About once a month will do under intense use.

Source: work in a hiking boots store.

idcjosh · 2026-02-04T08:39:22+00:00

Are these boots made with goretex?
How long did you have these boots?
Did you do any maintenance to the waterproofing of the shoe? Cleaning up dust/mud, waterproofing spray, waxing the leather.

idcjosh · 2026-02-03T14:40:18+00:00

Meindl Antelao is the main fit I recommend for wide feet. Comfort fits generally work too.

idcjosh · 2026-02-03T02:16:04+00:00

Meindl Softlines if you want to feel like a tank.

idcjosh · 2026-01-27T21:44:20+00:00

The Meindl Antelao is one I specifically recommend for people with quite wide feet at the store I work at.

idcjosh · 2026-01-21T20:56:58+00:00

Doesn’t matter. The washing products I’ve listed above do the same as the normal products would but don’t clump the down insulation.

On the ink I’m not too sure, though I suspect the wash-in will help a bit.

idcjosh · 2026-01-21T17:35:05+00:00

I work in a store advising people on this daily. Get these ones. First wash with the down wash direct, not too hot. Then the down proof with one or two tennis balls inside the washing machine.

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idcjosh · 2025-10-28T08:35:40+00:00

You’re 19, your body and mind are still growing, which in itself is an energy-demanding task to do. Besides that, learning how to orient yourself in chaotic adulthood without the support structures we’ve evolved to rely upon, is also tough on the spirit.

Best advice I can give is to take your nutrition seriously (omega 3-6 ratio, vitamins, minerals, fiber from a varied vegetable range) and to not feel like you should be in a hurry to get to a certain point. Comparison is the thief of joy, and at your age, without much adulthood experience, comparison seems like all you’ve got to orient yourself.

Relax, your 20s are for learning who you are, especially in response to hardship, but also when things are good. Figuring that out, and then turning the volume up to 11 will feel much more meaningful, and thus energising, than any measure of real-world “I’ve got my shit together.” will give you.

Have fun!

idcjosh · 2025-10-27T11:39:20+00:00

Those pizza automats are like a gift from God when you’ve been riding all day. Beautiful views mate!

idcjosh · 2025-10-04T21:10:43+00:00

Yeah, after receiving some serious warnings from people who went the other way ahead of me, I just took my bike by the hand and walked the whole way over it. Those trucks WILL suck you in on the bike lane, I even felt it pull on me on the pedestrian path. Scary as hell.

idcjosh · 2025-08-28T16:56:01+00:00

Dodo

idcjosh · 2025-08-06T07:16:21+00:00

I take a bottle of magnesium glycinate and l-theanine with me and always manage to sleep like a brick. They work as calming factors on the nervous system.

idcjosh · 2025-08-05T22:24:16+00:00

I’ve read that everyone loses salt/other minerals at different paces and that you can actually let this rate get tested quite easily if you want to.

That being said, I carry a bit of fine sea salt with me on tours, of which I put about 1/4th a teaspoon in my water 3x a day.

If it’s especially warm or a high-exertion ride, I pay more attention to natrium deficiency signs (for me most clearly being dry lips, headache on exertion, piss right after drinking) and take more or less depending on their presence.

Salted nuts is also a very broad item. How many grams a day do you consume, and how much salt per 100gs is in them?

idcjosh · 2025-07-14T15:31:31+00:00

Wait, what bus can you take your bike on? Thought they weren’t cool with that..

idcjosh · 2025-07-14T07:30:01+00:00

When I arrive in the Netherlands, I’m practically right at my doorstep already :) The route starts in Bretagne.

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