Yeah that’s what I assumed the thing is huge. I’m hoping to look at my ski swap this weekend.
Is gore Tex really a necessity? Or is something 3L from brands like trew, flylow, and strafe work?
DingoSeanThe Saga jackets are/were pretty unpackable and bulky if I'm honest... Certainly a resort-only sorta thing. I wouldn't want to tour with that at all.
I use an Arcteryx Sphene as my everyday backcountry shell, and a my Black Diamond Helio as my ultralight shell for bigger missions where I need more packability. Admittedly, both are quite expensive and both weigh less than a pound/450g.
If you want goretex, youre gonna pay at least in the 300-400$ range for new. Higher depending on the brand (686's Gtex tech shell is probably the best deal I know of and thats like 300$.. I think REI's in-house jacket is about the same as well)
All I would suggest is something really light and packable while being breathable with pit zips... don't oversize either. Gotta look a little more dorky to do the backcountry right. chances are, unless you live somewhere exceptionally cold, or are going to be touring in lots of really wet or windy storms, youre going to be fine touring with your midlayer if not just your baselayer. I rarely end up with my shell on while I am touring unless it's pretty severe. You can find some pretty good deals out there whether 2nd hand or on the outlet market.