Outer Layer in CO: hardshell, softshell, etc

I like spending time outdoors, particularly hiking, at all times of year. I've had a "waterproof" jacket that I bought 15 years ago which I found out a while back was no longer waterproof. I washed it and treated it, and it was waterproof again ...... for about a month. I've also got an older Gore-Tex Patagonia jacket that I got used. It too was waterproof but doesn't seem to be anymore (though that may be related to it being quite dirty. should probably wash it).

Obviously in Colorado rain isn't a huge deal but when it is, it is. My bigger concern has always been the wind. So given that, should I be looking at a windbreaker or softshell with a lightweight rain jacket to go over it when I need it, or would it make more sense to just buy a hardshell and have one jacket that does everything I need? I'll be using whatever I get for most of my outdoor activities (climbing included, when I get to that point) and durability is a factor. Any suggestions?

Softshell's all great when it isn't raining because of the breathability. I'm always in a soft shell when it's snowing or when it's windy. Soft shells varry in water/wind proofness. I also have a cheaper hard shell for the rain. Hard shells are also good in heavy wet snow. They don't breath well and are sweaty when it's not raining. Consider a different jacket for different situations. I spent a lot on my soft shell (A marmot ROM), which I wear the most and love. My raincoat is a cheaper REI hard she'll that I love and is very beefy. I'll probably update to a Patagonia Houdini soon.

I have a very cheap, packable Sierra Design rain jacket. The just-in-case type of jackets. This design doesn't appear to be available anymore, but it's very light weight and 100% polyester, so truly waterproof. It packs down to less than the size of a chalk bag. Its hood also (I just discovered) fits very nicely over my climbing helmet, almost like it was made to do so (though I doubt it was).

I'm thinking maybe I can get a softshell and just carry this rain jacket for when I need it. I like fleece, but it lacks both durability against abrasion, and wind resistance. So I'm starting to think a softshell plus this rain jacket may be a good way to go for climbing. For hiking, I carry a GoLite poncho which has held up against rain very well, allows for a make shift shelter, protects my pack and upper legs from rain, and is also most breathable due to its open lower.

So I'm really thinking softshell. With that said, any suggestions for something durable, breathable, decent wind resistance and maybe slightly water resistant (for light, short bouts of precipitation)? Hood or no hood for climbing, what do you favor?

As long as the sierra designs jacket you have still works, I would stick with that. There a many models on the market I can think of with a similar description when that needs to be replaced.

Like I said, I've been using the marmot ROM jacket as a softshell for the last winter season here in New England. Its been a great, comfortable, light jacket that is my go too outer layer for all my winter climbing. It is also fairly waterproof, and heavy wet snow, as well as dripping ice hasn't really been to big of an issue. I would also check out the Patagonia Knifeblade. I would definitely go with a hood. You probably wont always wear it over the helmet, but its nice when the weather is really nasty, helmet or not.

Edit: some info on the knifeblade here.. coldthistle.blogspot.com/20…

Thanks Max! I actually found that I liked the Patagonia Simple Guide Hoody after trying some stuff on in most of the local stores. There was a limited selection and price was also a factor, but it seemed like a good compromise. I ordered one online in the color and size I wanted as I couldn't find that in any of the stores, though I tried. I'll be taking the rain jacket along when wearing the guide hoody, just in case. And it feels like my fleece will fit underneath it just fine too. I wish I could have tried a few more designs on, such as the Knifeblade, but I found what I found.