How Old Is Your Ski Stuff

I think, as you are aware Tony, he means better quality can easily be found in alternative brands. I agree. North Face has become a fashion item.

Brucie wrote:I think, as you are aware Tony, he means better quality can easily be found in alternative brands. I agree. North Face has become a fashion item.

I'm not arguing that North Face has become a leading fashion brand on the slopes, much of their gear is very on trend, but also wears outstandingly well.

I've had sallopettes from other brands, and frankly none of them cut the mustard like North Face ones. Fit, warmth, pockets, style, etc.

As for jackets, I have had other brands also, and currently have a soft-shell which isn't North Face because the tip broke on the previous NF one I had after 5 years of heavy usage. I'd love a Haglofs jacket but I am not prepared to pay the £450 for it. A mate of mine skis in Eider, their gear is for me too expensive as well, his is a nice looking jacket though. Another friend wears Schoffel, way out of my price range.

So, before you older guys go dissing North Face because its too trendy for you, take into account the fact that if you want sensibly priced smart looking hard wearing ski specific gear, I don't actually think you can go wrong with North Face. And I will defend that over and over again because people who are dissing it are doing so because they think its too fashionable - what a dreadful crime to commit!!!

Ive had Trespass in the past - stitching fell to bits on the bottoms. I had a Helly Hansen jacket in the past, I just grew to dislike the colour of it in the end. I have had a Dare2Be soft-shell, it frayed at the cuffs and didn't have the zips discoloured. I have had Columbia bottoms, they were spot on to be fair but ripped on the buckle of my boots so had to be replaced.

You can of course go to Aldi and Lidl and save a lot of money, if you're prepared to wear that kind of stuff. Some people cannot afford much more than that or the Trespass ranges available in the high street which are, heaven forbid, trying to become more fashionable now.

I would have thought the majority of people bought a jacket or pair of sales not only because they served the purpose but because they "looked smart"???


Maybe I was wrong.

I agree, better quality may be found in the likes of Kjus, Colmar, Haglofs, Norronja and so on. But I for one ain't prepared to pay those prices and therefore North Face fits the bill with good quality, smart styling, wide range of colours and sensible pricing (in the main!)

Stick to Sparyway or Lidl by all means, but I am not sure you can get better quality there.

Calm down, Tone!

My criticism of the North Face was based on a recent trip to one of their own 'flagship stores' with the intention of buying a new jacket and trousers. There was an extensive range but, universally, the cut/designs were uninspiring, colours satisfactory but poorly finished, leaving me with little confidence they would endure. I later looked at Columbia, similar price better build quality. (Didn't buy anything in the end!)

Oh and on the last charter flight I took from Bristol Airport a couple of seasons ago, more than half of the punters were wearing North Face - how common! :) (That last bit was a joke!!!)

Off to the gym now, wearing my 'vintage' North Face shell!

PS - 'dissing'? As we trendy people say, LOL! :D

I wear Descente Tony, not 'Sparyway' or Lidl.

Cool topic, I'm chime in.

My motto: buy quality and use it for a long time. I usually ski between 30 and 40 days per year, except for the year I turned 50 (2012), I'm proud to say I met a goal of skiing 50 days that season. So for me time is more accurately measured in days rather than seasons.

Skis ( 3 sets in use ):
Carving: Solomon X-wing Tornado 6 years old, 30ish days use, admittedly don't use much, carving tech has not changed a bunch in the last few years. Come out on icy days, which thankfully we don't get too much.

Pow/crud Days: 2014 Surface new life, 151-122-151 3 stage rocker. New this season so only 15ish days on them. Western Canada shut down early this season with crazy warm weather.

Go-to: 5 year old Surface (132-100-122) 100ish days, the equivalent of an SUV, goes everywhere, will use them other year or two.

Boots: Dalbello, 6 years old, Custom heat fit and orthos, easily 150+ days, getting a bit packed, but comfy and tight. I love my boots.

Pants: Got a pair new this season, but prior to this year 10 years old North Face bib style, can still use them.

Helmet: 5 years old Giro
Goggles: 4 years old
Socks and undies all newish.... might have to go to the hospital, right?!?!

btw: I've had North Face over the years, always thought they held up well.

Brucie wrote:I wear Descente Tony, not 'Sparyway' or Lidl.

Descente, I like, predominantly for the manufacturing quality. Fashion, Trendy, etc. has never been of a concern, it's a bit like spending time looking in the mirror. I came into skiing because I was a mountaineer and a 50 miles+ fell runner, not a great background for attempting to be trendy.

I have even heard that there are some people that take several pairs of sallos with them, ~ multi trendy... all a bit girly.

I let my skiing do the talking.... was that John Wayne or Clint Eastwood?????

There are plenty of good reasonably priced ski Wear out there
I have worn surfanic jackets now for five or six years great
Price and excellent quality

Brucie wrote:I wear Descente Tony, not 'Sparyway' or Lidl.

Out of my price range. I'll stick to the chavvy north face lol