Soft shell vs windstopper fleece

[skiHOG]

I need to replace my mid-layer jacket. not sure what I should get. i'm getting rid of windstopper fleece that did really well for about 5 years. kept me warm, definitely stopped the wind, and wasn't bulky at all. i've never owned a soft shell and was wondering if that would be as good or better? who makes a good soft shell? or windstopper fleece?

[MOHSHSIHd]

Well, the DNA soft shell I got for cheap from working for Vail is the shit.....I have even worn it as my outer layer on powder days. Its very light, and waterproof, definitely much better than a fleece.

[jeffmoore]

as far as i ever heard, soft shells weren't really for layering, but maybe you meant mid-weight, i dunno. i just gave away my windstopper fleece, i never wore it anymore with a hardshell, a softshell, down jacket, and windbreaker in the lineup. i dont think ill be buying any more fleece any time soon. my softshell is the cloudveil back ice and i love it, but not as warm as a fleece. there are many different styles of softshells, some thin, some heavier. look for the amount and type of lining. many have fleece linings and can be quite warm.

[skiHOG]

Well, the DNA soft shell I got for cheap from working for Vail is the shit.....I have even worn it as my outer layer on powder days. Its very light, and waterproof, definitely much better than a fleece.

man, you have one of those? i saw them last year every time i went to vail. i tried getting a guy to sell me his. those look warm and not too bulky. and like you said, it could be worn as an outer layer.

[Rontele]

Softsheel is more versatile than windpro

[Pow4Brains]

I use a Pattygucci softshell as a mid-layer and outer when it's nice. It's great cuz it is water repellent and breathes well.

[skiHOG]

I use a Pattygucci softshell as a mid-layer and outer when it's nice. It's great cuz it is water repellent and breathes well.

i found the patagonia scythe jacket for $76. know anything about that one?

[Pow4Brains]

Sounds like a new version of the one I got. For $76 you can't go wrong.

[skiHOG]

Sounds like a new version of the one I got. For $76 you can't go wrong.

yea, i figured i'd go for it using that STP 30% coupon. if i don't like it i can return it and get something else. there were a couple of cloudveil jackets that looked good, too.

[KungFu Eddie]

I had a HH soft shell as part of my uniform at Lake Louise last season and it sucked arse through a tube. It only cost me $60 thank god, because I wore it twice, got a gnarly rash on my neck and it felt like I was wearing a woman skin suit (ahla silence of the lambs). Chucked it on my bed room floor and never saw it again.

[rockdude]

Arc'Teryx Gamma SV Jacket is a great jacket. They are really super in at wicking moisture away and keeping you dry when you are working hard. Not so warm in cold weather. I will find out about the warrenty in a few days. I smacked a tree and ripped the sleeve earlier this year.

[crackboy]

i would keep your eye on SAC, they almost always have soft-shells popping up, have been seeing a lot of arc-terryx ones.

i have had a couple different ones

REI One jacket - was actually pretty nice. had a fairly thicker lining than my others so it was warm, was sad when my dog tore a giant hole in it.

replaced that witha Mountain Hardware one

it was ok, definitely on the lighter side of softshells, held up ok. but not as good as my REI

My moonstone one is my favorite so far, not quite as warm as the REI jacket, but it fit better and has a zip out fleece hood for those extra chilly moments, plus it repels water better. but moonstone was bought by columbia so they don't make them anymore i think