which softshell: Gamma LT vs Borealis vs Alpine Start

[lorcar]

So you had convinced me to buy the Arct Gamma LT Hoody, only to discover is impossible to find it.
So looking around for an alternative softshell to use while splitboarding, i came across:
1- https://www.blackdiamondequipment.co...rt-hoody-mens/
2- https://rab.equipment/eu/borealis-jacket

and obviously the new
3- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/procline-jacket
however i know many of you here do not like a membrane because they breathe not so well (however I have heard greatest things of Gore Infinium)

So, which one would you recommend? have you had the chance to try both the BD and the Rab?
how do they compare to the Gamma LT? Should i just wait for the Gamma to become available again? or buy Borealis/Alpine Start?

thanks a lot in advance

[davjr96]

Borealis. Most similar to Gamma. The BD is lighter and a bit less breathable from my experience although if you are going for weight and packability it is the best option.

The procline should barely be considered a softshell and is not what you want if you are considering the other 3.

[nyskirat]

Norrona makes a solid softshell jacket (part of their Lyngen line) that you may be able to find on sale as it was discontinued this past year.

Here's a lightly used one- https://www.skithewhites.com/collect...e-tex-like-new

[Lindahl]

So you had convinced me to buy the Arct Gamma LT Hoody, only to discover is impossible to find it.
So looking around for an alternative softshell to use while splitboarding, i came across:
1- https://www.blackdiamondequipment.co...rt-hoody-mens/
2- https://rab.equipment/eu/borealis-jacket

and obviously the new
3- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/procline-jacket
however i know many of you here do not like a membrane because they breathe not so well (however I have heard greatest things of Gore Infinium)

So, which one would you recommend? have you had the chance to try both the BD and the Rab?
how do they compare to the Gamma LT? Should i just wait for the Gamma to become available again? or buy Borealis/Alpine Start?

thanks a lot in advance

OR Ferrosi is a popular option. Way better pricing too.

[PNB]

Borealis. Most similar to Gamma. The BD is lighter and a bit less breathable from my experience although if you are going for weight and packability it is the best option.

The procline should barely be considered a softshell and is not what you want if you are considering the other 3.

I used lately the Alpine Start for cycling uphill in Winter, temperature around the freezing point, quite steep road and I cannot complain about the (lack of) breathability.
I have also the Borealis and the ME Squall (I got the ME and the BD used and cheap and I wanted to compare them with the RAB) and in my opinion they work pretty similar and well for the intended purpose.

[lorcar]

I used lately the Alpine Start
I have also the Borealis and in my opinion they work pretty similar and well for the intended purpose.

thank you very much PNB, that's useful and good to know. Anything you'd point out as difference between these two?

[PNB]

thank you very much PNB, that's useful and good to know. Anything you'd point out as difference between these two?

To tell more I should use both jackets more extensively and under the same conditions of temperature, humidity, effort level...
For the rest, the BD has just one chest pocket instead of two, it's a bit lighter and has a hood with a drawcord and a sort of laminated brim while the Borealis has just an elasticated hood.

[skis_the_trees]

Just buy the cheapest one, use it a bunch and figure out what you like and don't like, then do that again with a slightly different shell, then on #3 geek out about it.

[climberevan]

OR Ferrosi is a popular option. Way better pricing too.

Everyone should own a Ferrosi. It's my choice for touring 80% of the time (unless it's dumping, basically), and also works for moto riding (unbelievably durable), mtb, running, etc.

[lorcar]

have pulled the trigger on the BD Alpine start, let's see. However i believe these are pretty different from the Arc Gamma, and more similar to a windshirt/thin layer, rather than a thicker jacket like i imagine the Gamma.
here some of the best comparisons/reviews i came across, for future reference

https://theflamingohiker.com/best-softshell-jackets/

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-softshell-jackets

[HotSchmoo]

Good god dude^^^