Favorite softshell

**TeleMang** · 12-01-2006, 09:38 AM

I am in the market for buying a new softshell this year so i thought i would consult the collective wisdom of the gear whores at TGR. I am just wondering what is your favorite and what specific features make it so (what material is it made of, what extra features does it have, etc.)?

**Affix Snow** · 12-01-2006, 09:40 AM

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy.

Only one ive ever had so i cant compare, but i love it. Simple. Warm. Versitile.

**smmokan** · 12-01-2006, 09:41 AM

I love my TNF Apex Bionic softshell. I need to wear a mid-weight baselayer underneath, but it breathes well and fits perfectly.

**Superstar Punani** · 12-01-2006, 09:45 AM

One of my favorite appetizers is the soft shell crab

Mmm Mmmm mmmmm mmmm mmmmmm!!!!

**~mikey b** · 12-01-2006, 09:46 AM

Ibex Icefall

**ECbum** · 12-01-2006, 09:47 AM

FlyLow's Kung Fu Jacket is the tits!

Do it!

http://www.flylowgear.com/

**Daywalker** · 12-01-2006, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by telemike

Ibex Icefall

I've got the Ibex Neve jacket. It's pretty sweet but I have no other softshells to compare it with. I'm not sure what the difference is between the Icefall and the Neve though. The nice thing about the wool is the lack of odor retention. I've noticed it a ton on capilene vs. wool baselayers and this jacket has been pretty much impervious to smell too. I sat out by a campfire for a night and the jacket smelled for about two days of smoke. After that, nothing. It's held up well to stupid hiking escapades like shimmying up trees. It's a bit cool to wear by itself skiing, but a midweight baselayer + it works well in the 30's. If I'm running or doing something more aerobic it's enough down to lower temps. The fit is active, I would say more similar to ArcTeryx than Patagonia/Marmot.

**TeleMang** · 12-01-2006, 10:05 AM

Lots of good info guys, keep it coming.

Thanks!

**Dromond** · 12-01-2006, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Lloyd Christmas

I love my TNF Apex Bionic softshell. I need to wear a mid-weight baselayer underneath, but it breathes well and fits perfectly.

I love mine as well. I wear it almost every day and add layers underneath for colder temps. I usually save the shell jacket for ski days with nasty weather or deep snow.

**Dromond** · 12-01-2006, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Affix Snow

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy.

Only one ive ever had so i cant compare, but i love it. Simple. Warm. Versitile.

on sac RIGHT NOW

**shmoesmith** · 12-01-2006, 10:13 AM

I really love my REI softshell (cant remember which one it is though - they have several different styles)

I've tried on some others from the north face, marmot, mountain hardwear, etc, but the REI softshell fit better and allowed better movement than the others.

One thing I would look at in a softshell is whether it uses the gore windstopper or the polartech powershield. powershield is softer and stretchier than the windstopper, but it doesnt stop as much wind (I have both so I can objectivly compare), and i do notice the difference on ridgelines etc between the two jackets in different wind conditions.

**goldenboy** · 12-01-2006, 10:18 AM

Eider Whistler jacket. It's a bit heavier/warmer with a hood so it's good on it's own. You might still be able to get pro form:

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=64639

**oftpiste** · 12-01-2006, 10:21 AM

Have one custom made for you at beyondfleece.com. Competetively priced, high-tech fabrics, perfect fit, quick turnaround, lots of options for pockets etc. No, I'm not a shill, just a happy costumer.

**jon turner** · 12-01-2006, 11:12 AM

I have the original version of the cloudveil serendipity and i like it. Just wish it had a hood. The latest patagonia softshell looks pretty sweet, but I don't have any experience with how it performs. I'm partial to cloudveil and patagonia as far as softshells go. Prices are somewhat reasonable (I've always thought patagonia's outerwear prices were alright, but their clothing is a bit pricey).

the totem telemark stuff is pretty cool. small company owned by a local guy here in boulder. beyondfleece stuff is nice too.

**Viva** · 12-01-2006, 11:21 AM

I recently ordered the Cold Fusion softy from Beyond Fleece. Maybe another week and I'll get it. I previously ordered a fleece vest from them and I love the fit. I can comment once I've tried it.

Up until now, I've been using the original Coudveil Serendipity. I love this jacket, but it let's in too much wind when I'm skiing and is only moderately waterproof. It's usually fine if I layer appropriately, but sometimes I want just the jacket alone.

I also have the Cloudveil Shadow Peak, which is a Windbloc fleece jacket (Shoeller dryskin back) and no longer made. Again, I love the jacket, but for whatever reason, it never appealed to me for skiing.

I also have a concept softshell made by Cloudveil. I'm not sure that this model ever went into production. It's very light, has an attached hood, fits kinda loose...I like it. Not very warm, however. Good for spring/summer/fall mountain fun.

**riff** · 12-01-2006, 11:34 AM

I've got a Mountain Hardwear Heliark. It's very similar to the Alchemy, using the same Windstopper fabric. The main difference from the Alchemy is the inclusion of pit zips, which I consider essential. The Windstopper material is definitely oriented more towards weather protection than breathability, but this is an acceptable situation for me, and the pit zips make up for the comparative lack of breathability. The best part is when you zip up the pits, no trace of wind gets through the fabric. The jacket has a bunch of welded seams and water resistant zippers too. I am pathologically suspicious of zippers, and the main zipper is kind of small, but so far no problems.

**homerjay** · 12-01-2006, 11:48 AM

I've had good experiences with Polartec Powershield fabric in my Arc Teryx Gamma MX jacket, and just got a lighter GoLite jacket with the same material. Excellent compromise between breathability and weatherproofness.

It's a shame TechTalk is broken...oh wait, it's not!

**skinny_kid** · 12-01-2006, 11:52 AM

I have the Marmot Genisis Jacket and like it alot. Its seam welded, great hood, stretch soft shell and has a nice thin but fuzzy liner

They claim that its water resistant but it definately works well in a complete downpour. http://marmot.com/products/product.p...style_id=I8094

In general, I think it all really depends on the fit of the jacket for you and what features you want. I liked the Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket until I tried it on. Its still great but not for me. I guess what I'm saying is, try them on to see which one fits you best and then go from there.

Hope I helped

**El Chupacabra** · 12-01-2006, 12:00 PM

I have the same Helly Hansen one shown here, but in a different color:
http://tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65892

I like it because it's a lot thicker than most, has a powder skirt, and has sort-of-pit-zips (slash zips). No hood -- if I need a hood, it's snowing hard enough for a hard shell.

Got mine at STP last year sometime. I think they're discontinued now, but if you can find one, they should be cheapish ($100-150) and I like mine a lot.

**skiaholik** · 12-01-2006, 12:05 PM

Marmot dryclimb. One of the best purchases I have ever made. $100. In the winter all I wear is base layer, the dryclimb and a shell, even when its really really cold.

**SLAYER** · 12-01-2006, 12:05 PM

I've used Patgonia's Dimension jacket the last 3 years. Bomber jacket. Never been bothered by the wind, rain or snow when using it. Great for touring. Only thing I ever need when wearing it is my down vest when the temps drop. Best jacket I've ever owned.

**daver** · 12-01-2006, 12:05 PM

i have two of these- http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

the ones i have look different, but they're pretty nice. i usually wear them over a hoodie if im going out.

**Meadow Skipper** · 12-01-2006, 12:27 PM

It might be better to ask if anyone has one that sucks - there are a lot of really good ones out there so the list of crappy ones might be shorter. I just tried a new Patagonia Superguide yesterday and I was impressed (especially at the pricepoint). I also like my original Cloudveil Serendipity (and their Rayzar is a nice jacket) and warmer Patagonia Core Skin jackets. Those Arc'teryx Gammas (MX and SV) are really nice, and the thread lists beyondfleece, Mtn Hardwear, Ibex and Marmot, all of which make really nice ones. The Arc'teryx catalong alone lists 6 softshell,s and they're all pretty damn good at something. I even picked up a $59 one from LL Bean just to wear around town that I like for that.

Some hardshells have a membrane (like Gore windstopper or Schoeller WB400) in them to increase the wind/weatherproofness, but that cuts breathability and makes the fabric a touch stiffer and hotter. Some have hoods, some have fleece linings of various thicknesses, some have fabric reinforcement panels, and there are different pocket and cuff configurations.

So pick some features you want, and like I suggested above, see if anyone has one that sucks ass, then go look for a price and pick one.

**cinnepa** · 12-01-2006, 12:28 PM

llbean has a few different models and tall sizes if you have ape arms. quality stuff, really like mine.

**powdercow** · 12-01-2006, 12:45 PM

Golight Kinetic
I got it because it was cheap, I wear it because it defies physics (so light but so warm).
The proving point was a surprise spring blizzard while lift skiing. I decided to ski till I got too cold to bear it and then go back to the car for my shell. I never went to my car and was comfortable the whole time. The only bad part was constantly explaining to people on the lift that no I was not in the late stages of hypothermia.

p.s. Agree that there are tons of good options, most people love what they have because lots of companies make very good stuff.