Freeride Systems outerwear
Seems like there should be a thread for these threads! MiCol's been cranking out stellar jackets and other gear for a bunch of years and supporting maggot-events and bringing general stoke, but apparently not everyone knows about the best jackets made in USA. And it looks like he's re-vamped the line a bit lately with a lot of light weight Neoshell options, so hopefully he'll fill us in on what's new.
http://www.freeridesystems.com/
https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...729__forum.jpg
My first experience with the Neoshell came thanks to his caption contest last year (above), and I think anyone who gets one of the new jackets in this stuff will be very impressed with how well it beads and breathes--especially when combined with the flow-through ventilation for which Freeride Systems' jackets have been known. The jacket above has a wider temp range than anything I've owned, which I credit to the breathability and the fact that it sheds water instantly on any surface steeper than what you see above--that pic was harder to get than it was to post!
Every feature on the Antero jackets seems completely thought out and tested, from the bomber zippers to the hood and cuffs. It's unusual not to see well-used maggot gear in Gear Swap, but in this case apparently none of us are parting with them, so that maggot discount looks pretty good!
Oh, if you're looking for the Sneffles hooded mid-layer, I think I just saw a L and XL on the site--awesome hoodie, I hope they make more!
Freeride Systems outerwear
I dunno. In my opinion Neoshell is too cold on the lift in storms and too warm when hiking in the calm and sunny (in my baselayer usually). I have no use for it at the resort.
I also do better in softshells when touring and needing protection. Neoshell just doesn't breathe enough. Its pretty rare that we get rain in winter, so a softshell has never let me down - never fully wetted out. Even with wet snow. When its snowing really heavy out here, they're usually decently cold and nasty storms and a very thin puffy is warranted for extra warmth which also provides enough of a barrier if its wet snow.
Its a good 3-season activity material though, imo. Hiking and climbing, etc.