Member of the Month

GayWolf420
June, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Is 3L worth the upgrade?

profile picture
muffMan.
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 27,869
I mean what conditions is a 3L a deal breaker in? I have 2L quicksilver bibs which I feel work great and still very waterproof. But just how much better would 3L be? I’m looking at new jackets
4 years ago
5 0
profile picture
Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5101 - Karma: 18,715
Where do you ski? Someplace really rainy? I don't think it's a very noticeable upgrade and wouldn't switch unless your current jacket doesn't fit or is worn out.
4 years ago
2 0
profile picture
animator
Posts: 4576 - Karma: 26,432
i swear i see a different thread from you every day dude xDD might be worth it to try and read some reviews and do some research whenever you have a question
4 years ago
8 1
profile picture
muffMan.
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 27,869
Damn haha my bad. I just love hearing what others gotta say bout stuff you feel?
animatori swear i see a different thread from you every day dude xDD might be worth it to try and read some reviews and do some research whenever you have a question
4 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tominiemenmaa
Posts: 573 - Karma: 3,387
Just the membrane point of view, from a good condition 2L, no. In most use cases they are equally good. When I'm buying shell pants or jackets, I prioritize the form follows function mantra and design/steeze factor over 2L, 3L or Pro. And I'm a Goretex fanboy. All my outer layer gear is Goretex.
4 years ago
1 0
profile picture
muffMan.
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 27,869
Yeah I’m basically looking at a volcom L jacket and armada Evers. Same color but 2L vs 3L so both goretex. Might just save going with the volcom then
tominiemenmaaJust the membrane point of view, from a good condition 2L, no. In most use cases they are equally good. When I'm buying shell pants or jackets, I prioritize the form follows function mantra and design/steeze factor over 2L, 3L or Pro. And I'm a Goretex fanboy. All my outer layer gear is Goretex.
4 years ago
0 0
profile picture
BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 7550 - Karma: 67,102
3L if you ski in a wet place where you’ll sweat a lot
4 years ago
0 0
profile picture
animator
Posts: 4576 - Karma: 26,432
Coleg55Damn haha my bad. I just love hearing what others gotta say bout stuff you feel?


Nah I’m just giving you shit dude haha all jokes
4 years ago
2 0
profile picture
animator
Posts: 4576 - Karma: 26,432
Coleg55Damn haha my bad. I just love hearing what others gotta say bout stuff you feel?


To answer your question tho there is definitely a difference, but it’s really only noticeable in super wet/moist/heavy precipitation areas like the PNW. I lived in Europe for 10 years and also have been in New England for 5 and I’ve owned all manner of 2L, 3L, shell and insulated, Gore-Tex Pro all that shit, and really the 2L vs 3L made the least amount of difference if that makes sense? I personally am not a fan at all of Gore Tex because it doesn’t breathe nearly as well as other stuff, but I also don’t live in an area where I need that much waterproofing (I ride in a cotton hoodie like 95% of ski days).
4 years ago
1 0
profile picture
GayWolf420
Posts: 38256 - Karma: 131,574
I've been rocking 3L Stokers from dakine for a few years and I like them, but I'm in an intermountain region and climate where its mostly cold and dry, not so much wet, so i don't have much use for them day-to-day besides when its later in the season and we get hotpow, but they're great for daily use though it is a bit excessive. I'm looking at something a bit lighter because I like the bib style but 3L makes me way too damn sweaty and can never perfect the art of layering up.
4 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Chunderface
Posts: 2566 - Karma: 10,058
You talking only about 3L Gore-Tex? Depends on what you need it for. 99% of skiing you do not need 3L Gore-Tex.

The 3L designation means basically nothing outside of Gore-Tex.
4 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 10:41PM