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OR Foray vs. Axiom

Original Post
Edek Falkowski · · Saranac Lake, NY · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 830

I am looking for a shell, and both of these jackets seem like they would fit my use pretty well. A bit of background, I'm a college student (with a budget) and I am a climber (mostly rock, but trying ice this month!), hiker, backpacker, and mountaineer. Spend lots of weekends in the Adirondacks to climb and bag peaks. I'm interested in OR because of their warranty and quality.

The Foray is 2 layers with Gore Tex, and it seems to be superb at keeping you dry. It's the cheaper of the two jackets and seems that it would fit the bill for most of my uses. The Axiom is 3 layers with Gore Tex and is supposed to be excellent for unrestricted movement. However, it is pricier, and would allow me to get into more serious alpine/ice stuff later on.

What is the MP community's thoughts on the comparison of these two jackets, and on their utility for me given my background?

Thank you very much!

Tobin Story · · Woodinville, WA · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 35

The Foray is a good jacket, but it suffers from the same issues as all two layer jackets - it lacks breathabilility and durability. It would be a good jacket for hiking and backpacking, decent 'emergency' use mountaineering jacket. I wouldn't want to use it as a dedicated winter jacket where you plan to wear it for a significant portion of the day - something with better breathability would be better.

I don't have any experience with the Axiom, though it is built with Gore Active - supposed to be more breathable. I have yet to use it in the real world.

jdejace · · New England · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 5

I won't answer your specific question as I haven't used the 2 jackets. One is a more breathable material, one has (a lot) more zips for venting...who knows. The real question is if you need a hardshell anytime soon.

Your chances of encountering significant liquid precip during Winter activities in the Northeast is virtually nil. I much prefer softshells 99% of the time in Winter. More breathable, more comfortable, more durable. I may add an ultralight hardshell (something in the Alpine Houdini genre) on particularly hostile days above treeline but IMO a true Goretex shell is heavy, uncomfortable and unnecessary.

For 3-season backpacking where there's a chance of cold rain, then I bring a proper waterproof shell. You do need one in your armamentarium if you spend a lot of time outdoors, but I wouldn't buy it thinking you need it for "serious alpine/ice." Maybe if you have plans for summer mountaineering in the Cascades.

wisam · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 60

Have the Axiom and love it. Super breathable! Only complaint is the pockets could be better positioned to use with a pack. Also or's warranty is awesome too. Something to consider if you plan to use it a lot.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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