First of all, each brand will have its own flagship product, and manufacturers will also apply the best technology and design to it, so we don't have to be obsessed with all the products of a brand, but we can learn from each other and spell out a set of equipment that suits us.
Hard shell and soft shell: When brands like Columbia, The North Face and JackWolfskin first entered China, we first heard the name "jacket", but in fact, there is no such thing abroad. All clothes worn outside are called jackets. The recognized classification is soft shell and hard shell, that is, soft shell and hard shell. Regarding the demarcation and function of hard shell and soft shell, I don't know how many arguments broke out in 8264, but there was no result. I can only make a simple analysis based on my own use and fitting.
First of all, the most fundamental technology of hard shell is GORE-Tex, whose meaning is to resist extreme environment. Keywords waterproof, windproof and wearable. Except for a few hard shells that should actually be called ski suits, such as Sabra, most hard shells do not have the ability to keep warm.
Soft shell allows you to complete tasks without being bound by clothes. The key words are breathability, elasticity and warmth retention. Of course, warmth is only to a certain extent. Some soft shells with the ability of Windstopper make windproof no longer the patent of hard shell.
Now, in fact, the boundary between hard shell and soft shell is becoming more and more blurred, just as the selling point of hard shell is how breathable, and the selling point of soft shell is how waterproof and wear-resistant. But in any case, it is still impossible to have a dress with all the advantages of both in a short time. We should honestly plan our equipment according to the outer layer, middle layer and inner layer.
When it comes to choice, it still depends on your own needs. If you are hiking or climbing mountains, an excellent hard shell is essential, but it is also not suitable for cities to wear. First of all, it is hard and noisy. If it is in the classroom or office, the noise of a bird SV rubbing is estimated to be unacceptable to most people. Therefore, a balanced soft shell like gamma mx from torii or Eiswand from torii, or a so-called "three-in-one" coat, is enough.
Mammut's purchase opinion:
Some M and A clothes are still different from what they think after trying them on. For example, M's main hard shell Nordwand Pro is comparable to A's Alpha SV in price and publicity, but there is still a gap in actual wear. First of all, it is very thin and its wear resistance is worrying. In addition, I don't know if offset printing decoration will fall off after a long time. Besides embroidered logo, I prefer A's unadorned style. What M's family deserves most are soft shells and mountaineering equipment.
In addition, M family is a European brand with a small size. Size S is a little big for my family A, and size M is enough for my family M.
Arcteryx purchase notes:
A whole product line from the inner layer to the outer layer is really outrageous. Its product naming rules are generally three paragraphs, such as Beta AR jacket, Beta is the code name, and of course there is information such as length. The second paragraph is the environment, of course, sometimes it will be followed by a hoodie and so on, and finally the type. Generally, the environment should be considered, because the same model may have Beta AR, Beta SL and Beta LT. Generally speaking, AR is a relatively balanced choice for hard shells. When climbing mountains and cities are right, SV can cope with all harsh environments, and urban wear will be problematic, uncomfortable and noisy. If it's hard-shell pants, AR has been open outside from the beginning. There are wear-resistant pieces on the inside of the trouser legs, and they are loose and abnormal, which is not suitable for city wear, even I don't think it is needed below the snow line. If there is a soft shell, there will be three choices: AR, MX and Guide. AR is different. MX increases warmth, wear resistance and DWR, while Guide decreases warmth and slightly increases wear resistance.
Arcteryx grading guide: give a reference to comrades who want to buy birds, and let them know what they are.
SVX- This new classification, officially the most stringent condition, must be an upgraded version of SV.
SV- heavy use guide level (now some new products also have guide level, such as Gamma guide pants).
AR- all-round use and multi-purpose
LT-Light is lightweight.
SL- Ultra-light and ultra-light weight
Mixed use mixed use
Hood-Hood design
Vest-sleeveless vest