Would be unlikely you’d get it cheaper unless you lucked out on a sale. But do be aware that a heavier Gortex jacket like that (it says it’s light but it doesn’t really look like it to me) is not much use in taiwan unless you will be headingn to the high mountains a lot. They are useless for walking or hiking around Taipei except a few days a year as they make you too hot. A light shell is more versatile. Maybe this is but again it doesn’t really look it.
Agreed, and thanks, Mucha Man. In the summer, I carry around a little tiny thin nylon shell which rolls up into one of its own pockets. It’s not breathable except by virtue of being so thin, but it works well enough. I’m thinking more about wintertime and real hiking (and three-season wear here in Seattle). 
They are really light, actually. It weighs about as much as a thin hoodie sweatshirt of the same coverage. Also, most of the time, I’d rather be overheated than soaking wet, so I might get more wear out of it than some people would.
Guess I will proceed to watch sales at REI…
My point was that you will be soaking wet from your own sweat and the humidity. As blasphemous as it may sound, an umbrella or gortex hat is more useful in Taiwan.
That said, a good Gortex jacket should be part of your wardrobe for Taiwan. It just may not be used as often as you may think considering how often it rains.
Around Xindian, there are plenty of sport stores, as there are many factories around. Sales are also popular, and off season items are also on discount. Having a look around the area’s smaller stores may get you an even better price.
These days, a light Goretex jacket and a windproof hat/scarf set will defend you better from the chill than any thick, Michellin mascot kid of suit.
Waterproof shoes, however, are cheaper and eaisly found in teh States. Dunno why they haven’t caught here. And no, blue sandals don’t count.
[quote=“DiaFun”]It’s been a year and a half since anyone’s posted in this thread. Can anyone give me an idea if a jacket like this one http://www.rei.com/product/795419 is going to be cheaper in Taiwan or here in the US at REI… and whether or not I’m going to get my size in Taiwan? It does NOT have to be this particular jacket or brand… I like good pit zips, comfy pockets, and critically, LONGER THAN HIP LENGTH. The jackets that sit at the waist make me end up with a wet butt, and at that point, I’m unhappy enough that I might as well have skipped the damn jacket altogether. :fume: I would try them on, of course, but likely would buy an L or an XL; I wear size L/XL clothes but tend to like things loose.
This jacket seems to run about NT$10,000 at most stores in the US; I’d get a 10% member rebate from REI next year which might sway my purchasing decision IF everything else were equal.
Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.
[quote]The streamlined Arc’Teryx Theta SL combines 2 great waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® textiles. This PacLite® jacket features Gore-Tex® Pro Shell reinforcements in critical areas.
Below-hip length offers maximum coverage, and a short list of critical features keeps the Theta SL light and packable
2.5-layer Gore-Tex PacLite is engineered specifically to be light, packable and more breathable than other 2- or 3-layer Gore-Tex fabrics
Lack of need for a separate liner allows fabric to be light and compact; combines durable wind- and waterproofness with exceptional breathability
Shoulder, collar and sleeve areas are reinforced with 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell with an ultra-thin backer for added durability
Micro seam allowances increase breathability and suppleness, and save weight; all seams are sealed for complete protection
Trim-fitting Stow Hood™ with molded brim compresses to hide within the jacket’s collar; it’s accessible through a watertight zipper
Lightweight Stow Hood™ with molded brim compresses to hide within the jacket’s collar; it’s accessible through a watertight zipper
Pit zippers allow easy and efficient ventilation; WaterTight™ zippers do away with bulky zipper flaps
Features laminated hem and waist drawcords and a quick-dry chin guard
WaterTight front and pocket zippers; jacket has 2 hand pockets
Articulated elbows and No-lift gusseted underarms let jacket remain in place when arms are raised, and ensure unhindered movement
Trim athletic fit enhances performance[/quote]
[/quote]
I’ve got pure paclite for about 7k, and it’s sufficient for Taiwan. However, I don’t go slow, so warm up quickly (and I would like a proshell for casual days). This one combines pro shell and paclite. If you’re using it for casual around the city-it’s nice. It won’t be needed that much, but it looks nice, and is useful. A bit heavy for hiking.
It’s a good brand, and is cheaper (with your discount) than you can get in TW. I’d say have that, and possibly a lighter jacket for exercise.
I think one of the shops by Taipei Main Station specialises in Arc’Teryx. Worth having a look there