Ski Touring Softshell recs??1

[RowB1]

I lost my OR Ferrosi that I've been touring in the last 6 or so years. Anyone have recs on something better? I live in the eastern cascades so prefer a light softshell for breathability while still shedding snow. Usually worn over a baselayer.
Would ideally like something lighter than the ferrosi if that exists and is good for touring. Have been looking at the BD Alpine start, Mountain hardwear Kor preshell, Arcteryx gamm LT vs SL. Other thoughts? Or stick with the ferrosi?
Thanks!

[rfconroy]

Recently went through this as well, skiing Western side of the Cascades. Bought both a Ferrosi, and San Juan softshell to see which I like better. While the SJ has more pockets and features, the Ferrosi is definitely a better jacket all around - and still highly rated.

[MHSP1497]

I’ve been wearing the Mammut Aconcagua Light Hybrid and it’s worked out great. I like the puffy portion in the chest as I get cold easily, but the Light ML version is the same minus the puffy in the chest. I’ve worn it with a long sleeve base layer and on warmer days (30*+) just wear a merino t-shirt underneath. It breathes well and sheds the light rain/snow I run into on Mt. Hood frequently.

[XXX-er]

I been liking the patagonnia R-1 techface for a lighter soft shell,

I like to go light for the up and cover up with a puffy when i stop

2 zipper hand pockets and a zipper breast pocket

[Jongle]

Another vote for the Patagonia R1 Techface hoody. It's perfect in a stupidly wide range of conditions, I'm comfortable wearing it over a base layer from 0C to at least -15C and just throwing a puffy on over it when I stop moving. I don't wear it in warm wet storms but it sheds lighter/dryer snow just fine.

[sloChinoMalo]

I been liking the patagonnia R-1 techface for a lighter soft shell,

I like to go light for the up and cover up with a puffy when i stop

2 zipper hand pockets and a zipper breast pocket

The current R1 TechFace jacket seemed to have lost its breast pocket. That would be no bueno for me.

[Viva]

I've used a Ferrosi quite a bit the past three seasons.

I recently picked up an Ortovox softshell that I really like. Very good quality.

Doesn't have a hood- I fucking hate hoods!

Kinda slim-fitting, but enough room for layering.

[plugboots]

2nd Ortovox. Like their Swisswool stuff.

[Jongle]

The current R1 TechFace jacket seemed to have lost its breast pocket. That would be no bueno for me.

It's still there, just moved to the inside of the jacket.

[sloChinoMalo]

It's still there, just moved to the inside of the jacket.

cool. thanks. There's no mention of that either text or on the video clip on their website. Will run down to the shop check out this and the Ortovox.

[dschane]

I'm a fan of Montane's Dyno XT jacket, but if the Ferrosi weight is what you like, then Montane's Alpine Edge would be closer.

[skis_the_trees]

I have a Arc' Gamma SL Hybrid (they don't make the Hybrid anymore) and also a Squamish hoody, which is a wind breaker with a touch of stretch. I think the Squamish is better for touring unless you need 3 pockets and not just one breast pocket. The Squamish is really the best ever for 9-10 months of the year, at least where I ski and climb in the Selkirks. I have also read great things about the BD Alpine Start.

[jacob_dbu]

Another vote for the Patagonia R1 Techface hoody. It's perfect in a stupidly wide range of conditions, I'm comfortable wearing it over a base layer from 0C to at least -15C and just throwing a puffy on over it when I stop moving. I don't wear it in warm wet storms but it sheds lighter/dryer snow just fine.

Do you guys run the hooded or hoodless versions?

[whyturn]

Do you guys run the hooded or hoodless versions?

I like hooded so I can pull it up over my baseball style cap for sun protection. Also if I get cold


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[kootenayskier]

I lost my OR Ferrosi that I've been touring in the last 6 or so years. Anyone have recs on something better? I live in the eastern cascades so prefer a light softshell for breathability while still shedding snow. Usually worn over a baselayer.
Would ideally like something lighter than the ferrosi if that exists and is good for touring. Have been looking at the BD Alpine start, Mountain hardwear Kor preshell, Arcteryx gamm LT vs SL. Other thoughts? Or stick with the ferrosi?
Thanks!

Lighter than a Ferrosi? Perhaps the Patagonia Houdini Air.

[Toddball]

The BD Alpine Start is a paper-thin windshirt-style jacket, like the Patagonia Houdini but with a bit more stretch and sheds water just a little better. I wear mine on every tour, usually with an R1 underneath and either a burlier shell or a light puffy over top while skiing or stopped. Looks like the Ferrosi is about twice the weight of the Alpine Start, so if you're looking for something of comparable durability and weather resistance you'll probably want a heavier softshell.

BD Schoeller is the best softshell fabric ever as far as I'm concerned, but it doesn't look like they still use it in their Dawn Patrol softshell? Confusing.

[I've seen black diamonds!]

^^^^ What is the fit like on the Alpine Start?

[fleaches]

Another vote for the alpine start, that's a great uphill jacket. I also have one of the older schoeller dawn patrols but haven't used it since moving to a warmer climate. Alpine start up and puffy over down is hard to beat, so long as it isn't raining.

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[stealurface831]

I love my Gamma LT. Super light. Sheds precip well and cuts wind adequately. Excellent breathability. Nice hood and large pockets. I recommend.

[XXX-er]

maybe easier in production to put that pocket in a lining than the jacket face it wouldn't matter to me as long as it has one cuz i really want a breast pocket, my favorite light puffy (faction) has an outside breast pocket but also big unzipped pockets sewn into the entire inside of the jacket face which is something everyone should do this

I been using the r-1 around town in doors and I'm suprised at how much warmth there is in such a thin materia, I'm thinkng of getting another one before they discontinue it

I like hoods on everything cuz its going to add warmth to a piece especialy to something so minimalist, some times I don't use the hood aiso I don't put my hands in pole loops i know ... crazy talk

[Bronco]

^^^^ What is the fit like on the Alpine Start?

The Alpine Start has pretty long sleeves and boxy body.

Regarding the original question, I think the OR Ferossi is hard to beat for the $$.

[plugboots]

OK, I found this finally. This is my favorite BC ski soft shell, I own this exact one, and I am sharing this because I am nice.
It has a mesh back because you’re always wearing a pack, it has stretch net pockets on the front to hold crap during transitions, it has 2 side pockets for more crap and ventilation, and has a chest pocket. I wear only a wool t shirt underneath unless it’s below 15 degrees, and then I switch to a long sleeve. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dynafit-Jac...4AAOSwDvZgKSx~

[sruffian]

Interesting - does the back mesh work? I also notice it looks like dynafit discontinued the jacket and doesn't make any w a back like that?

I've been thinking about this as I run warm and am almost always in a softshell and baselayer (older patagonia simple guide softshell). I remember that a few years ago there was an interview with an arcteryx designer where they said that the future of jacket improvement lay at the interface between the pack and jacket...wondering if anyone has taken that seriously / made any improvements there

[Toddball]

The Alpine Start has pretty long sleeves and boxy body.

Regarding the original question, I think the OR Ferossi is hard to beat for the $$.

Agree on the long sleeves. Mine is pretty slim (slimmer than a Houdini), but it's a size S and at least 6 years old.

[DGamms]

I remember that a few years ago there was an interview with an arcteryx designer where they said that the future of jacket improvement lay at the interface between the pack and jacket...wondering if anyone has taken that seriously / made any improvements there

Removable back sweat pads? Never tried them but was intrigued when I saw them in a shop last season.

https://www.dynafit.com/removable-sw...-08-0000071283

Another vote for the R1 Tech Face. I own the Ferrosi as well but haven’t used it much since picking up the R1 TF last year. For Utah, it’s plenty water resistant. Not sure how it would hold up in maritime climates.