Forum menu
Time for another winter jacket thread as I haven't found what I'm looking for 🙂
Its time for a new waterproof and I'm looking at the likes of the Gore Fusion and the new Alp-x. Both are made of Active Shell material, which if hype is to be believed, is more breathable and waterproof than eVent.
Does anyone own either jacket and can share their experiences?
I'm replacing an old venturi jacket that is beyond reproofing and would like something that packs down small, but is still breathable and waterproof.
Are there other good alternatives that I should also be considering?
I tried the Fusion first from Wiggle but sent it back and got the Alp-X instead. Fusion was light & high quality but I wanted the hood and features and somehow the fit was better. Didn't ride with it though as I'd decided to return it but the fabrics seems very similar so expect both to have very good breathablity.
There was another thread on this recently and I agree the quality of Gore is ahead of the Endura.
Other thread mentioned Paramo etc but Gore from Wiggle was an easy choice.
I have a RF Aquanot too which looks good but doesn't breath well.
Thx - is there much difference in size between the fusion and alp-x in terms of packing them down to put in a camelback or jersey pocket?
The appeal of the fusion is that it may fit in a jersey pocket. The appeal of the alp-x is that it has more pockets...
I think the fusion also has a hood but it's a stow away jobbie
I've had a Fusion for a year now. It does indeed have a hood and yes, it is compact enough to fit into a jersey pocket (at a slight push). Breathability seems to be at least on a par with eVent (I have a walking jacket of eVent). I wouldn't say it was "more waterproof" though.
The 2013 Fusion no longer has the hood. Otherwise it's pretty much the same (I've had both 2012 and 2013 versions)
Also worth mentioning that I sent my 2012 Fusion back to Gore as the arms were wetting out (I'd used it a lot in the rain). Gore gave me the option of a 2013 version as a replacement, which I received a couple of weeks ago, but haven't yet used it in the rain. Gore said that the problem was a "breathability failure on the arms" ❓
On eVENT vs Active Shell. Again, I've had both (an OMM event smock). Tbh I prefer eVENT just a fraction over AS. It just feels a bit less clammy to me, but really I don't think there's much in it.. I can say that my eVENT bivy is brilliantly breathable and waterproof.
If I'm going for the fusion I'd be a 2012 from wiggle (same for the alp-x but I think that's 2013 as its AS). Both have 10% off and there's an extra 10-20% off if you pass the £200 barrier so will probably get some alp-x wind proof gloves while I'm at it.
My old jacket is event and that's a good fabric but I want something that packs smaller with the intention of using my wind proof phantom more.
Is it possible tu put the sleeves up a bit to expose your lower arm for cooling or are they very slim fit?
I was looking at these jackets also but am swaying towards the lightweight event jackets from montane (air) and rab ( momentum) because they are more versatile, pack down small and have a great reputation but I can't find anyone selling them.
Is it possible tu put the sleeves up a bit to expose your lower arm for cooling or are they very slim fit?
The sleeves are tapered so you can't really do this much. I can scooch them up a few inches but that's it.