What jacket am I?

[Duffman]

Ok, so I have and love an old Patagonia White Smoke hybrid soft shell jacket that I use pretty much every day. IIRC, it is made of their proprietary soft shell material on most of the body with the waterproof /breathable H2NO material on the neck, shoulders and upper arms. I tend to run warm ND sweat like a mule, so I've been using this in all conditions from spring with a T shirt underneath to Zero degree days with multiple layers. I find the extra breathability to be much better at keeping me dry and comfortable than my old Gore XCR shell.

The problem is after years of heavy use, it now looks like I sleep with it in a coal mine nightly, or worse in a van down by the river with an out of work lifty. And the main zipper is starting to get wonky. So I want a new shell. Like I said I tend to soak gore tex so I wanted something similar, like a hybrid soft shell. I think the soft shell material that Patagonia used to make wasn't terribly breathable as far as soft shells go, which was a bonus as I am using this primarily in the resort.

What other material or jackets compare to this style?

[hopelesslyadolescent]

I use the same jacket for the resort and love it. I bought mine used maybe eight years ago and it's still in great shape. Only use it at the resort, as it's a dense weave that doesn't breathe as well as some softshells, but it's much better than a full on hardshell and it really keeps the weather out It seems every manufacturer is making something similar these days in various thicknesses of softshell, so you can find something as light or as heavy as you want. I've got an old Arcteryx hybrid that was the first of its kind that I'm aware of, and it's still going strong. Breathes better than the Pati because the softshell is Schoeller. I've got a Westcomb that is event with a lightweight sofshell that is great for touring. Look around and you'll find something perfect for your needs.
If you want to stay with Patagonia, I know they make a hybrid in their guide series, which I imagine would be geared more toward touring than the resort. I'd be surprised if they don't make a more burly version similar to what you have, but I haven't looked at their lineup recently.

[Duffman]

Yeah, I don't necessarily need a soft shell, just something that breathes much better than traditional Gore XCR. Even on storm days I tend to get more damp from exertion than outside water coming in. How do the Neoshell or Dry Q Elite membranes compare?

[LC]

the main zipper is starting to get wonky.

Take whatever they will give you as a warranty. Sell it if you don't like it. Speak to their staff about models.

[TahoeJ]

You want something that is backcountry oriented - meaning it's designed to breath well. I'm the same way (I run warm) and I've been very impressed with the FlyLow LabCoat 2.0 this season. I've worn it while skiing in pouring rain and stayed dry, but also in warmer weather hiking bootpacks with too many layers underneath and still managed to stay dry.

[gregL]

I like the Arc'teryx Alpha Comp Hoody, which is back in production after being out of the line for a few years.

http://arcteryx.com/product.aspx?lan...pha-Comp-Hoody

[Tye 1on]

I've been digging the Patagonia Guide Jacket. Not a hoody tho. They have their 50% off sale going right now, at the outlets as well...

[Happy Fun Ball]

I like the Arc'teryx Alpha Comp Hoody, which is back in production after being out of the line for a few years.

http://arcteryx.com/product.aspx?lan...pha-Comp-Hoody

I don't have any experience with it, but I just picked up the Alpha Comp Hoody on SAC. 12 hours left on the sale....might be worth looking into.

http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-ca...cteryx-on-sale

[whyturn]

BC has westcomb neoshell apoc for $350. Closest I found to soft shell breathabity. Event is also good. Westcomb in general is great

[hcski25]

I believe the closest thing Patagonia has now is the mixed guide hoody. I love the white smoke and still have a pair of the pants that are going strong.

Breathability is also key for me. I have a Rab Baltoro, which is polartec power shield and breathes really well but has pretty good water resistance. I picked it up recently on Sierra trading post for around $85 using a discount code.

I'm also a really big fan of the Mountain Hardwear Dry Q Elite and have a few of their jackets and pants. Breathes way better than any gore product I've ever owned. I actually won't even bother trying any other hard shells going forward. I've never tried eVent so don't know how it compares to that.

I have a mountain Hardwear minalist jacket for sale (large and blue) that has been worn twice if you're interested.

Good luck with the search!