Looking for a do-it-all shell

RockinOut wrote: eVent is where it's at. Its the only waterproof material that hasn't left me feeling clammy or caused me to sweat extra amounts. I also believe Mtn hardwear's Dry Q. Elite is very similar to eVent. Both materials don't need a temperature gradient to be breathable. Also, both eVent and Dry Q. elite are breathable both ways, allowing air to actually circulate through the shell fabric itself. Where as with gore tex inside the jacket has to hit a certain temp before the hot air is forced out, which is why you'll find pit zips on gore-tex jackets and not on eVent. But with the pit zips open the gore tex material isn't breathing, the pit zips are providing the breathability. Here's a good comparison of different shell materials: Waterproof Shell materials

I hear dryQ is a derivative of eVent - basically GE licenses it without requiring people to put the term event on the final product

Jon Frisby wrote: I hear dryQ is a derivative of eVent - basically GE licenses it without requiring people to put the term event on the final product

Yea I've heard that. Decided not to post that since I don't had any hard evidence that proves it. I mean its one thing for it to be actual eVent and just rebranded its another for them to mimic the construction.

I picked up a Marmot Traveler on an impulse a couple of years ago, and it has become my go-to shell for just about everything. From backcountry skiing to the office, it's what I reach for. I don't know if they're still made, but I'd sure buy another one.

RockinOut wrote: eVent is where it's at. Its the only waterproof material that hasn't left me feeling clammy or caused me to sweat extra amounts. I also believe Mtn hardwear's Dry Q. Elite is very similar to eVent. Both materials don't need a temperature gradient to be breathable. Also, both eVent and Dry Q. elite are breathable both ways, allowing air to actually circulate through the shell fabric itself. Where as with gore tex inside the jacket has to hit a certain temp before the hot air is forced out, which is why you'll find pit zips on gore-tex jackets and not on eVent. But with the pit zips open the gore tex material isn't breathing, the pit zips are providing the breathability. Here's a good comparison of different shell materials: Waterproof Shell materials

I own a Westcomb shell with eVent that has full size pit zips btw.
Not sure of the jacket model siince I bought it used here on MP.

RockinOut wrote: Yea I've heard that. Decided not to post that since I don't had any hard evidence that proves it. I mean its one thing for it to be actual eVent and just rebranded its another for them to mimic the construction.

I don't think MH or GE has a problem with anyone knowing - outsideonline.com/outdoor-g…

This is where I saw it

Jon Frisby wrote: I don't think MH or GE has a problem with anyone knowing - outsideonline.com/outdoor-g… This is where I saw it

There really isn't such a thing. You can narrow it down though to just a few outer layers. More specifically, what are your anticipated needs?

WPB Shells are really only needed in wet conditions (Ice Climbing, certain types of skiing, alpine climbing etc). The VAST majority of outdoor shell needs are, IMO, better met with an unlined softshell. Depending on the temp needs things like a BD BDV, Rab Sawtooth etc will serve a much broader range of needs than a true 3L eVent etc shell.

I own a metric ton of jackets and only one is a WPB.

Westcomb Shift LT Hoody is as close as I've found to a do it all shell.

Light enough for alpine, waterproof enough for downpours, breathable enough to climb in.

Kai Larson wrote:Westcomb Shift LT Hoody is as close as I've found to a do it all shell. Light enough for alpine, waterproof enough for downpours, breathable enough to climb in.

I've heard that westcomb is kind of boxy fitting. I have like a 10 inch shoulder to waist drop so fitting things can be difficult sometimes. What's your experience?

mattm wrote: There really isn't such a thing. You can narrow it down though to just a few outer layers. More specifically, what are your anticipated needs? WPB Shells are really only needed in wet conditions (Ice Climbing, certain types of skiing, alpine climbing etc). The VAST majority of outdoor shell needs are, IMO, better met with an unlined softshell. Depending on the temp needs things like a BD BDV, Rab Sawtooth etc will serve a much broader range of needs than a true 3L eVent etc shell. I own a metric ton of jackets and only one is a WPB.

Wet east coast skiing, hiking and Alpine (hoping to get into this and ice climbing soon). Also cragging but that's a bit easier to meet. I was thinking of getting something bomber with a lifetime warranty and then getting something like the ems helix or knifeblade if i can find one after a bit for more aerobic stuff

I've got the Shift LT in men's medium. Best fitting jacket I've bought in a long time. I'm usually an Arc'teryx guy, but I've noticed on their Ascent line that the men's medium is a little tight in the armpit area on me - not at all with Westcomb.

Plenty of room for an R1 Hoody underneath which also allows for great mobility while swinging tools. Only complaint : The hood could be a slight bit bigger for my BD Vector Helmet. Very minimal gripe though.

This Shift LT looks really awesome. Couple questions:
1) has anyone done a direct comparison between the new Gore Pro and Neoshell for breathability and durability?
2) In photos, the shift looks a little short - have people had trouble with it riding up under a harness?
3) Anyone know anything about the Switch LT? Is it more burly than the Shift?
4) I really like Arc's basically perfect warranty - saw that someone returned a 10+ year old jacket and got a brand new better one. How does Westcomb compare - it looked like normal wear and tear isn't covered

I've had no problems with my Shift LT and harness compatibility. Not even close to having a problem.

Here's a pretty good review of the Shift LT Hoody, along with other hard shell jackets.

This is the lightest jacket I have ever worn. You don't even know your wearing a shell. It feels like a soft-shell and stretches pretty well too. Amazing piece.

Jon Frisby wrote: I've heard that westcomb is kind of boxy fitting. I have like a 10 inch shoulder to waist drop so fitting things can be difficult sometimes. What's your experience?

Fits me great, but I'm kind of a "boxy" guy. (43 inch chest, 36 inch waist)

Definitely a terrific alpine shell.

Kai Larson wrote: Fits me great, but I'm kind of a "boxy" guy. (43 inch chest, 36 inch waist) Definitely a terrific alpine shell.

yeah I'm like a 40"/30"which makes Arc kind of ideal - I can never find the Alpha FL in stores because climbers aren't a big enough population, but I've heard it fits like the Beta LT, which fits me perfectly, if a little on the short side - super excited about the Neoshell though...

I know this is an old post, but I have owned both the Alpha FL and the M10 and in my opinion the FL is way better, their prices are so similar but I don't think they even compare. Alpha FL performed great for me. 0 complaints.