Looking for clothing brand suggestions...

[salty_dog_68]

Getting ready to do my clothes shopping for a trip to Peru. We will be hiking the Inca Trail and ascending El MIsti. Being from Florida we don't really have "GOOD" winter clothes. I am looking for the brands that give the best durability and heat to weight ratio. Has anyone had any experience with Lands End, Underarmor, The North Face, Columbia, Etc. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[sinecure]

In Florida you still have some amazing retailers at your disposal. (REI, Backcountry and more!)

As far as heat/weight I would be looking at some of the higher end brands. But with the higher end brands comes a high price tag.

Brands I've had good experience with are Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Arteryx.

[thecakeisalie]

Head to REI, as Sinecure suggested. They've got lots of good brands (including the ones mentioned above) and they will stand behind every product they sell. But its hard to say whether one brand is good or bad without talking specifics, as most of these companies make more than clothing (packs, equipment, sleeping bags, etc.) For example I've been very happy with North Face winter wear, but not their packs. I bought a North Face Nuptse 700 fill down jacket and outer shell for around $400 total, over two years ago, which has been a great winter pair for a pretty reasonable price. Good luck!

[salty_dog_68]

To be more specific...I am looking for a fleece jacket, hiking pants, and thermals.

[IncaTrail50]

When are you going to Peru? That may decide whether you need arctic clothing or just some layers.

[jaiylin]

If you can find Helly Hansen, they make the best thermal layers that I have come across!

[Zuleika]

The North Face rocks. I have lots of their clothes, fleeces and the poly thermals are terrific if like me you cant afford expensive merino.
And I adore my Nuptse down - its like wearing an ultra warm squidgey comfy pillow!!!