Theringworm
WKR
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2019
- Messages
- 823
I figured I would do a side by side comparison of the older Chugach NX versus the newer Chugach TR. I have owned the NX for a couple of years and have always been impressed with its performance. I really strive to take care of my gear and though it’s a couple of years old, you would think it’s brand new. When the TR arrived straight out of the package I could immediately tell there material was a lighter weight smoother construction. As I laid the new TR jacket and pant down next to my NX I began to notice slight differences between the two and thought I would write up a comparison here.
Sizing: Both sets are LARGE jacket and pant. For reference I am 5’10” 155lbs w/ a 30” inseam. The NX fit me perfectly. I ordered the same in the TR and it became immediately apparent the sizing has indeed changed as others have mentioned.
TR Jacket - the body is quite similar to the NX width wise. The bottom hem is now more straight across on the TR where the NX had more of a longer hem in the back with the front hem raised about 2” higher. Zippers appear to be the same/similar. The big difference can be seen in the upper torso body, armpit and sleeve length. The TR has significantly more room in the chest, the armpits and the sleev length is at minimum an extra 2”s longer than the NX. For me, the TR is way oversized and will need to be returned for a medium. The sleeve closures appear similar as to the TRs. The side hood loop closures are rearranged but function the same. The finish in the TR us definitely smoother than the NX. The NX had this “1000 grunt sandpaper texture” to it that I honestly like but I feel it did make the material louder than the TR is. The TR material also feels thinner adding to the reported weight loss I am sure. I cant speak on durability or performance as I haven’t worn it but the 4 way stretch will be a welcomed addition and the lighter weight can’t hurt either. I just need a Medium sis jacket.
TR Pant - to follow the theme of the jacket all materials are the same. The fit is also drastically different than the NX. The initial obvious change is the waistband. No longer does it have an elastic waistband like the NX did. It simply has a static waistband with the integrated static belt. Also the buckle on the TR is different and IMO a cheaper more at risk option of failing/coming unbuckled especially if worn under a backpack waist belt. This is the 1 of 2 major design flaws IMO on the pant. The width of the pant and the waist and mid hips is wider than the NX. So wide its not even wearable for me. The width in the thighs is the same as the NX but drastically narrows below the knee to a more tapered fit compared to the NX. The zipper construction appears similar on both pants. The TR pant legs are longer by about 1-1.5“s. The TR pant leg also now has a “durable pvc like patch” that has been tape seamed into the inside portion of the pant leg opening. This is to minimize wear wear between the two pants leg while being worn. Sitka originally developed this design style however I was never a fan of it as it made the pant louder whenthose tow patches would slap together versus just the pant material doing so. I guess you sacrifice some quietness for durability. I have not tested to see if this is an issue with the TR but it is something I noticed. The 2nd design flaw IMO is the lack of a buttoned closure at the base of the pant leg hem to prevent the zipper from opening on its own. This was a great feature on the NX but is missing on the TR. Once again I can’t comment on performance and durability yet but it’s definitely lighter and quieter (not by much) than the NX. The 4 way stretch in the pant will definitely increase maneuverability.
If you have the NX do you need the TR, probably not. I don’t think enough has changed to warrant the upgrade. The buckle closer on the TR IMO is a major design flaw simply implemented to save weight. The older close was much more secure and robust. I’ll be returning the TRs for a Medium jacket and pant and will reevaluate.
TR in the background, NX on top. TR pants are longer but more narrow.
TR in the background, NX on top. Button closure on the NX is now missing on the TR.
TR in background, NX on top. TR has longse pant legs.
The NX’s belt closure buckle. More secure.
New TX buckle closure.
Sizing: Both sets are LARGE jacket and pant. For reference I am 5’10” 155lbs w/ a 30” inseam. The NX fit me perfectly. I ordered the same in the TR and it became immediately apparent the sizing has indeed changed as others have mentioned.
TR Jacket - the body is quite similar to the NX width wise. The bottom hem is now more straight across on the TR where the NX had more of a longer hem in the back with the front hem raised about 2” higher. Zippers appear to be the same/similar. The big difference can be seen in the upper torso body, armpit and sleeve length. The TR has significantly more room in the chest, the armpits and the sleev length is at minimum an extra 2”s longer than the NX. For me, the TR is way oversized and will need to be returned for a medium. The sleeve closures appear similar as to the TRs. The side hood loop closures are rearranged but function the same. The finish in the TR us definitely smoother than the NX. The NX had this “1000 grunt sandpaper texture” to it that I honestly like but I feel it did make the material louder than the TR is. The TR material also feels thinner adding to the reported weight loss I am sure. I cant speak on durability or performance as I haven’t worn it but the 4 way stretch will be a welcomed addition and the lighter weight can’t hurt either. I just need a Medium sis jacket.
TR Pant - to follow the theme of the jacket all materials are the same. The fit is also drastically different than the NX. The initial obvious change is the waistband. No longer does it have an elastic waistband like the NX did. It simply has a static waistband with the integrated static belt. Also the buckle on the TR is different and IMO a cheaper more at risk option of failing/coming unbuckled especially if worn under a backpack waist belt. This is the 1 of 2 major design flaws IMO on the pant. The width of the pant and the waist and mid hips is wider than the NX. So wide its not even wearable for me. The width in the thighs is the same as the NX but drastically narrows below the knee to a more tapered fit compared to the NX. The zipper construction appears similar on both pants. The TR pant legs are longer by about 1-1.5“s. The TR pant leg also now has a “durable pvc like patch” that has been tape seamed into the inside portion of the pant leg opening. This is to minimize wear wear between the two pants leg while being worn. Sitka originally developed this design style however I was never a fan of it as it made the pant louder whenthose tow patches would slap together versus just the pant material doing so. I guess you sacrifice some quietness for durability. I have not tested to see if this is an issue with the TR but it is something I noticed. The 2nd design flaw IMO is the lack of a buttoned closure at the base of the pant leg hem to prevent the zipper from opening on its own. This was a great feature on the NX but is missing on the TR. Once again I can’t comment on performance and durability yet but it’s definitely lighter and quieter (not by much) than the NX. The 4 way stretch in the pant will definitely increase maneuverability.
If you have the NX do you need the TR, probably not. I don’t think enough has changed to warrant the upgrade. The buckle closer on the TR IMO is a major design flaw simply implemented to save weight. The older close was much more secure and robust. I’ll be returning the TRs for a Medium jacket and pant and will reevaluate.
TR in the background, NX on top. TR pants are longer but more narrow.
TR in the background, NX on top. Button closure on the NX is now missing on the TR.
TR in background, NX on top. TR has longse pant legs.
The NX’s belt closure buckle. More secure.
New TX buckle closure.
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