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Long and lean outerwear?

Original Post
Scott T · · Alpine Meadows, CA · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 20

Hey taller climbers, what technical outerwear do you recommend/like? I'm 6'4" and a lean 190, with +2 ape index. In most jackets the XL is the only size that will fit my length (arms and torso) but they are far too big. This is fine for ski jackets or a big puffy, but suck for climbing outerwear like a windshirt or rain jacket when I need to see whats on my harness.

I've had quite the obsession with Patagonia as the outlet is nearby, but their XL's are very big and boxy in the torso, and I've realized they aren't delivering the performance for climbing.

Any slim fitting brands out there you'd suggest? Gotta have that arm length, though!

In particular, looking for a superlight windshirt, a slightly insulated windshirt, and a rain jacket. And a superlight insulated puffy, synthetic...any help?

Thanks!

Austin Baird · · SLC, Utah · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 95

Look at Stoic (Backcountry's brand). Their stuff fits tall, slender types.

redlude97 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 5

mammut

J. Nickel · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 100

6'5" here. Check out beyond clothing ( beyondclothing.com/).
They take your measurements and make you custom outdoor clothing. I have two pairs of pants and one jacket that are excellent. Their pricing is competitive and their service is good.

Evan1984 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 30

I've got pretty similiar dimensions. I'm 6'4", 190lbs, with a positive ape index.

Patagonia is pretty much the worst brand for tall skinny folks.

I've found mountain hardware, arc'teryx, and rei. To be the best fitting brands for myself.

I usually wear a XL top in MH and Arc'teryx. These seem to have good length. I know that arc'teryx also makes some long sized clothing.

REI makes the best assortment of tall clothing and everything I've gotten has been good. It might not be a climber specific brand, but it is all excellent stuff at a decent price with a killer warranty.

Evan

Richard88 · · Sheridan, WY · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 65

I'm 6'3 and my weight fluctuates between 160-165 (so i'm tall and super thin) I've found that my chest size a medium, bust most mediums aren't 6'3 anyways mountain hardwear is always to short for me. Arc'teryx is great and the fit is great lean tall guys. Patagonia is hit and miss. Rab makes stuff that fits me great, but a lot of people have to size up with them and i don't (made for really lean guys). Eddie Bauer, l.l. bean, and cabelas all make really nice stuff for tall people ultralight down jackets and gore-tex shells and such. Oh and marmot isn't to bad, but in my experience their customer service kinda sucked and their quality in my opinion is hit and miss.

Sam Stephens · · PORTLAND, OR · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 1,090

I like Marmot. I'm 6'3 170, +4 ape.

I have their Leadville jacket in large and the sleeves come to the base of my thumb. The body fits good. Didn't try on a medium.

Eddie Bauer also makes Med Tall in some of their stuff. I have a down jacket in Med Tall that fits perfectly. I think the Med Tall size is mail order only though. Check their website.

Andrew1371 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 85

I'm 6' and 165 w/ ape arms and have found great luck with Cabelas outerwear and long underwear. They are about the only place I have found that has a decent selection of Med/Tall stuff. And I've found that the Cabelas brand outerwear is some pretty good stuff- same gore-tex as the big names, but with a smaller price tag and the size i need. Their customer service is great too. Its worth ordering in to check it out if you've not tried it yet.

MES · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 0

I'm 6'4'' and go between 195-200. I've had similar problems, but I just picked up an OR pac-lite gortex shell and a soft shell both XL. Not sure what models they are, but they fit well in the torso and have plenty of length in the arm with the harness on. Also gotta give props to my patagonia guidelight pants (XL) they're pretty sweet

Scott T · · Alpine Meadows, CA · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 20

Some great suggestions! Thanks for the infos.

Anybody want a veritable gear store's worth of Paty XL jackets? :)

Ayescotty9 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 15

I'd posted up a similar thread a couple of months ago (I'm 6'6" and slim). I'm linking that thread here too, so that you can add the helpful comments I got to these as well.

I'm still only really 100% happy with the fit/cut of the First Ascent stuff, and on the lookout for long technical pants (without paying a small fortune for custom). Rei has a couple of lines in 36" inseams, that I'll be checking out this summer.

mountainproject.com/v/climb…

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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