UKC

I'm looking at getting a new goretex, and sort of set my eye on the ME Lhotse. But it has pit zips. And all other similar jackets have pit zips. I always was of the opinion that its just somewhere else to leak and/or go wrong. Has anybody got the Lhotse with the pit zips? Or any advice/opinion on them in general?

In reply to mh554:

I don't get on with them. I was tempted by the Tupilak for a while but ended up with a Morpheus last season after trying them all on - was delighted with it. However I've just picked up a RAB Neo jacket from Needle and so far have also been very pleased.

In reply to mh554:
Built-in, variable venting strategy. I love pit-zips! They work well on my 'last season's' Kongur.

In reply to mh554:

Really dislike them on waterproofs - just another hole / failure point. I find I barely ever use them, and have a zip fail in the past leaving me with a gaping hole in my waterproof.

I do like them on my Buffalo though, but they are integral part of how you get the top on/off in that case.

ME Ogre is a good jacket if you don't want pit zips. Has a proper storm flap on the main zip as well rather than relying on water resistant zips. Hood is just big enough for a helmet (i.e. covers the head), but doesn't allow you to close it right down around the face.

Stu

In reply to StuDoig:

Yes, I have the Ogre currently and like it. ME no longer sell it though...

In reply to mh554:

ME Morpheus is almost the same as Ogre, but just shorter in the back.

In reply to mh554:

Shame - one of the few jackets I could find with no pit zips, a helmet compatible hood and a proper storm flap!

Not bought a jacket in years so can't really offer any more advice I'm afraid.

Cheers,

Stuart

In reply to mh554:

I've just always been put off pit-zips because they bend right in the crook of your armpit - especially the thicker PU laminated zips. Just never felt right.

In reply to mh554:

Got them on my Tupilak which is very similar, love them. Makes the jacket a bit more versatile at no loss.

In reply to mh554:

Another pit zip hater - I never use them, so they just add weight/bulk and are something to break.

But I'm also another who hasn't bought a new shell jacket in years, so no help either.

In reply to mh554:

Depends how sweaty you get, if you don't - they're a pointless distraction, if you do - they're a godsend

In reply to mh554:

I run hot, so pit zips are great for me. Have had 2 ME jackets with them, no issues of reliability.

Imho it just makes your jacket mor versatile.
Davey

In reply to mh554:

Whilst I regard them as generally useless. Mine have never leaked. Besides, being under your arms, they are quite well protected from the rain.