The neoshell thread

[verbier61]

After some 10 days on my Rab stretch jacket in neoshell, I am very happy.
I sweat like a pig, and any XCR or Proshell or active shell or H2No I've used so far ended in a wet (or sometimes very wet) jacket inside after some exercise. Neoshell (or at least the way Rab managed neoshell for this jacket) is a significant improvement, I sweat much less and the inside of the jacket is much more dry.
I still have two major issues that need more time to be discussed:
- durability
- does neoshell need to be frequently cleaned (as eVent needs) to work efficiently? One thing I like of Gore is that apparently it does not need to be cleaned frequently to work.

any other first-hand experience with other neoshell stuff?

[whyturn]

Curios about waterproofness. Went away from goretex jacket for the breathability reasons and event has been good. But some places can have really wet snow, event has been good but not as warm. Is neoshell truly waterproof or more soft-shell? Also durability, can't wait to see more reviews.

[verbier61]

I've got two storm days so far and waterproofness was OK. I believe neoshell can not be as warm as Proshell, simply because it's much more breathable. But then it's a matter of using a warmer intermediate fleece.

[TheCasualLemon]

I couldn't care less about how warm it is. Outer layers aren't designed for warmth - that's what your inner layers are for. What I am interested in is whether or not it lives up to it's claim of being both weather proof and highly breathable.

[GarySanchez]

I'm looking at some neoshell stuff too. I'd love a super light weight jacket like Westcombs Specter event, but with neoshell. Supposedly it stretches well and kinda feels like a soft shell. There's a bunch of hype surrounding its performance, but is it going to keep me dry and not sweaty in an extended downpour? Someone gave me the impression that the neoshell jackets weren't as tough as the event jackets so I'd love to hear more user experiences.

Also, I haven't heard that event needs to be cleaned frequently. Kinda lame.

[jeffro83]

anyone have/tried on the westcomb apoc yet? i'm sure there's a thread on here about it, but in following w/ the neoshell theme, this is the tops on my list, thus far for a neoshell..

[llyon]

Im using the Rab Stretch neoshell this year as well, and so far Im very happy with it.
Breathability is more less what its cracked up to be. When Im hiking wearing the shell and a capilene 1 base layer, its the base layer that is slower to deal with heat and sweat.
I only have about 20 days on it, but I dont foresee durability being too great - its pretty lightweight and feels like it could tear easily. The jacket isnt showing any wear yet, so thats really just a feeling at this point.
I havent given the waterproofing a really good test yet either (no pouring rain or dumping wet heavy snow all day yet), but its been fully waterproof in every condition Ive put it in. My previous shells have been: Stoic event Stash, Flylow Lab, and Arcteryx Sidewinder SV. Id say the Rab, Stoic, and Arcteryx have been approximately equally waterproof in their first couple months of use. The Flylow was approximately as waterproof as a paper bag.
I think this material will be a real solution for those of you are active all the time while riding (hike for your turns), or are constantly dealing with sweat issues. If you spend alot of time sitting on chairs, neoshell is probably not what you need.

[TheDon]

I am waiting to try the Flylow Especial Pants. If the fabric is as good as people are saying they should be the bees knees.

[neck beard]

On the skin track I've been wearing the same well worn base layers, mid layer and outer layer. And insulation. For years now. And doing well enough with what I've got. Is this material really something, or just another way to spend money?

I'll exchange my limited money for boots and skis, but 'mountain clothes' are fashion items that need to last for 500 days a piece (at least!) considering the price they rape me for.

If this fabric isn't genuinely ground breaking in the mountain fashion world, does it really need to exist?

[verbier61]

If you sweat like a pig like me, it's ground breaking. If you don't, mebbe not, i dunno.

[greasyslope]

I've got two storm days so far and waterproofness was OK. I believe neoshell can not be as warm as Proshell, simply because it's much more breathable. But then it's a matter of using a warmer intermediate fleece.

Would you care to expand on the waterproofness? This is what I'm most concerned about. I have no doubt it will breathe better than other fabrics. Thanks.

[verbier61]

Would you care to expand on the waterproofness? This is what I'm most concerned about. I have no doubt it will breathe better than other fabrics. Thanks.

I've not been under pouring rain but I've been under intense (albeit not very wet) snow. Jacket was waterproof, no water/snow inside. That is what I can say. Certainly not enough to draw any definitive conclusion, I know.

[llyon]

On the skin track I've been wearing the same well worn base layers, mid layer and outer layer. And insulation. For years now. And doing well enough with what I've got. Is this material really something, or just another way to spend money?

I'll exchange my limited money for boots and skis, but 'mountain clothes' are fashion items that need to last for 500 days a piece (at least!) considering the price they rape me for.

If this fabric isn't genuinely ground breaking in the mountain fashion world, does it really need to exist?

You're welcome to take my jacket for a test drive if its something youre interested in. Its a large, and a bit baggy on me at 5'9" 150lbs.
I'll be at the powder lodge all winter.

[bendtheski]

I'm expecting delivery on some flylow especial NeoShell pants mid Jan. Don't know how much feedback I'll be able to give in the near future since I'm having ACL surgery Jan 4.

Should be able to post up some epic dog walking TR's by mid-March, NeoShell review to follow...

I'm glad to see flylow stepping up to some techy-er fabrics. Construction on the other flylow stuff I have is bomber. Fabric performance in the past though hasn't been all it should be IMO.

I'm ok with spending a little bit more to get name brand fabric that really works. I've got too many "our version of gore-tex that works just as well" garments that really never were even "nearly as good as gore-tex". Hopefully the Especial will live up to all the NeoShell hype.

[GarySanchez]

Interesting stuff. I'd love to try the Westcomb neoshells, but I don't see one ever making it into my closet. I have a feeling I'd tear that Apoc up.