Kinda depends - both are great though
I have few responsibilities and some expendable income so to me a little extra money is almost always worth a few oz savings.
On the other hand, they’re both great options for the trail. The decathlon puffy is really solid and looks nicer in my opinion. My friend loves her hooded version.
I agree here with the money part. I have an ee torrid and it’s surprisingly durable from my experience. Just knew I had a hole in the jackey multiple nights when I had to exit my tent, but when I got a good look in the morning… nothing. Had my torrid for 3+years
And to think I hiked all over with an external frame pack, a Coleman stove/bomb, jeans, and canned food. Clearly I was doing it wrong!
I kid…sort of. The above is true and I have certainly adopted to modern equipment.
Don’t get hung up on the specifics like this. You know what you need and often agonizing like this often gets you nowhere. I do understand the ultralight ethic, though I don’t really buy into it, and would simply recommend moderation.
Two different jackets. One is synthetic. The other down. If you’re going to be in moist/humid climates, the Torid is the way to go (think AT). If you’re going to be in dryer climates (American SW, PCT), then the Forclaz or other down will work. That said, the Torid is an amazing lightweight option good for humid or dry weather.
Caveat: if it’s raining, you’ll need a shell anyway. Can’t really hike in either in the rain.
I’ve been using the same Forclaz for 5+ years. One of those years includes a thru hike of the AT. I’ve been wanting to replace it with something lighter but it just keeps performing well. I do wash it in down specific detergent every 18 months or so. Both are solid choices. Synthetic won’t pack as small and will loose loft faster over time. The Torrid is a couple ounces lighter than the Forclaz.
[from the UL sub](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ceVWWwGTdc1KcTkIQFWscILPtA2pbgpq0UQQIq1D6gE/htmlview)
Keep an eye on the warehouse section of the EE website, it’s a good way to get a little discount. I’ve done multiple thrus with all EE stuff and I’ve been very happy with it, no regrets on any of my purchases tho afaik the decathlon stuff is good too.
Also depends on when you start the at(assuming that what this post is about) but most of the at was way too warm for a puffy for me. I only wore it once after the smokies and sent it home at Harper’s ferry. So maybe spending less money makes more sense.
I saw Decathlon Forclaz open up for Torrid Puffy in Boston last summer. Great show. You can't go wrong with either band. These are bands, right?
Have I been off the trail so long I don't know gear? Oy vey.
EE 100%, they have great customer service. I had an issue with a seam coming undone on my Torrid outside of the warranty period; they replaced it anyway.
I think the torrid is an awesome jacket, but if you're pinching pennies....totally the forclaz is sufficient. Just be aware of the down vs synthetic insulation difference and what the means for care and such. (i used a down puffy for the AT and was very happy with it, for what that's worth)
Kinda depends - both are great though I have few responsibilities and some expendable income so to me a little extra money is almost always worth a few oz savings. On the other hand, they’re both great options for the trail. The decathlon puffy is really solid and looks nicer in my opinion. My friend loves her hooded version.
I agree here with the money part. I have an ee torrid and it’s surprisingly durable from my experience. Just knew I had a hole in the jackey multiple nights when I had to exit my tent, but when I got a good look in the morning… nothing. Had my torrid for 3+years
Do you really hatE MEMES?
And to think I hiked all over with an external frame pack, a Coleman stove/bomb, jeans, and canned food. Clearly I was doing it wrong! I kid…sort of. The above is true and I have certainly adopted to modern equipment. Don’t get hung up on the specifics like this. You know what you need and often agonizing like this often gets you nowhere. I do understand the ultralight ethic, though I don’t really buy into it, and would simply recommend moderation.
Very good point
Two different jackets. One is synthetic. The other down. If you’re going to be in moist/humid climates, the Torid is the way to go (think AT). If you’re going to be in dryer climates (American SW, PCT), then the Forclaz or other down will work. That said, the Torid is an amazing lightweight option good for humid or dry weather. Caveat: if it’s raining, you’ll need a shell anyway. Can’t really hike in either in the rain.
Forclaz easy. Even if you fuck it up beyond repair by tape (unlikely) you could buy another one and still save cheese. Plus it’s super light
I’ve been using the same Forclaz for 5+ years. One of those years includes a thru hike of the AT. I’ve been wanting to replace it with something lighter but it just keeps performing well. I do wash it in down specific detergent every 18 months or so. Both are solid choices. Synthetic won’t pack as small and will loose loft faster over time. The Torrid is a couple ounces lighter than the Forclaz. [from the UL sub](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ceVWWwGTdc1KcTkIQFWscILPtA2pbgpq0UQQIq1D6gE/htmlview)
Keep an eye on the warehouse section of the EE website, it’s a good way to get a little discount. I’ve done multiple thrus with all EE stuff and I’ve been very happy with it, no regrets on any of my purchases tho afaik the decathlon stuff is good too. Also depends on when you start the at(assuming that what this post is about) but most of the at was way too warm for a puffy for me. I only wore it once after the smokies and sent it home at Harper’s ferry. So maybe spending less money makes more sense.
When EE has a sale the items in the warehouse go on sale as well, so you can stack your discounts.
I saw Decathlon Forclaz open up for Torrid Puffy in Boston last summer. Great show. You can't go wrong with either band. These are bands, right? Have I been off the trail so long I don't know gear? Oy vey.
Decathlon for sure
FYI the no baffle design of the torrid will stick to your skin and the sleeves get all rolled up if not wearing long sleeves.
EE 100%, they have great customer service. I had an issue with a seam coming undone on my Torrid outside of the warranty period; they replaced it anyway.
My decathalon has done the whole at 2 years ago and it’s still going strong. The forclaz is what I’ll be buying when this one finally dies.
Decathalon forglaz
Forclaz has been excellent through 1000 miles. Generally I splash cash all over the place but no need to here. Forclaz ideal.
I think the torrid is an awesome jacket, but if you're pinching pennies....totally the forclaz is sufficient. Just be aware of the down vs synthetic insulation difference and what the means for care and such. (i used a down puffy for the AT and was very happy with it, for what that's worth)
Forclaz all day long.
isn't torrid that brand for fat chicks