What is the Best Soft Shell

I thought I would ask... What is the best soft shell? I am looking for a warm, breathable, and light soft shell. If it has to have pit zips to breath I am not interested. I do not want a waterproof jacket either because they don't breath well. I have been looking at the Arc Teryx MX hoody and the Patagonia winter guide just to give you ideas. I am open to other brands. I would love some input on this...

This'll get a lot of opinions, but here are mine.

The most breathable soft shells tend to be the least warm. I would look at something with Schoeller Dryskin if you want something that breathes very well, yet is somewhat warm. If warmth isn't as important, I'd go with a superlight, water resistant, hooded wind jacket, like an Arc'teryx Squamish or even something cheap from Dick's Sporting Goods. Wear something warm and light underneath it. I personally wear a Power Stretch Suit as a base layer, with a Marmot Driclime top and softshell bottoms. I have a cheapo (paid 50 bucks for it at 50% off) stretch woven North Face Quark jacket that completes the deal for enough warmth down to about zero F as long as I'm moving. The limited experience I have makes me think Polartec Power Shield doesn't breath as well as Dryskin. Anything beyond a simple stretch woven fabric will need pit zips to breath well enough to make you happy, if you are someone who sweats a lot when active. That means stay away from anything Windstopper or Windbloc.

PS According to Arc'teryx, the Alpha Comp Hoody breathed better than any of their other soft shells, MX Hoody included, and it had a completely waterproof hood and shoulders. It's apparently discontinued, but you might find a good clearance deal on it somewhere. Westcomb makes a couple of jackets that are similar in design (Flex HX and Rampage HX), using eVent for the hood and shoulders.

crab

Brian Abram wrote:According to Arc'teryx, the Alpha Comp Hoody breathed better than any of their other soft shells, MX Hoody included, and it had a completely waterproof hood and shoulders. It's apparently discontinued, but you might find a good clearance deal on it somewhere. Westcomb makes a couple of jackets that are similar in design (Flex HX and Rampage HX), using eVent for the hood and shoulders.

The Venta SV is also a good one too look at and alsmot as breathable as the Alpha Comp.

I've had an REI softshell that's performed well, but I know that Arctery'x makes really solid gear.

On another note, if you want something truly breathable, just buy gore-tex. I've got the Arctery'x Sidewinder AR (a hardshell, waterproof) that breathes like no other jacket I've ever owned. Anything Gore-Tex is expensive, but you can bet it'll do what you need it to do. They make a softshell fabric, as well.

gore-tex.com/remote/Satelli…

there are links and MSRP prices, but i'm sure you can find stuff cheaper. check out spadout.com or just google the item.

marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/o…

The Marmot Super Hero softshell is the best jacket I have ever owned. It is great for skiing and climbing. It does not have pit zips but it uses highly breathable material in the arm pit area. You have to check out this jacket before you say no because it does not have pit zips.

I've had this jacket since Jan 2007 and it is holding up great. It made it all the way around the world on a 9 month adventure.

I like my Montbell Nomad Parka. Breathes really well, windproof, hardshell/waterproof hood and hem and pretty lightweight. It's got a soft fleecy lining too. No pit zips, just a few pockets, and the hood adjusts nicely and fits over a helmet. Oh and the price ain't bad either, about $140.

Westcomb Recon Il if you don't want a hood or a Westcomb Skeena if you do.

Haglofs Savage softshell...the best. Period!

I have both the Arcteryx Gamma (I forget which one it is,) and the Marmot Superhero. I love the fit and construction of the Arcteryx and have found it to be perfect for climbing. The Marmot is not as fitted and works very well for snowsports, but the damm zipper is so flimsy.
Who else misses burlier zippers on jackets? Do they really add that much weight?

Check out Mammut Laser, I wear mainly for ice climbing and I love it.

I've got a Marmot Genesis that I just bought. I think it fits great, and is very functional, but the arms are a touch too short for me. I have only wore it twice, and would like to sell it for $160. It really bums me out because it is an extremely nice hooded jacket. It is size large, blue with a hood. Arctery'x seems to fit me better with a good, svelt fit around the torso, and arms that accomodate a greater ape index-but that's just me. Has anybody checked out Rab gear, they make nice bomber softshells. Jaaron

I personally like the O.R. Mithrill soft shell. very supple and easy to move in yet super sweet protection from the elements. My only gripe is the hood could be a little bigger. Iwill only cover just barley over the brim.

Mammut Laser is a good one. Very stretchy windstopper. I don't think it has pit zips.

the one that fits you and your activities the best. no simple answer to this one. find a good gear shop and ask a knowledgeable salesperson. tell them what specific activities you will need it for. generally, alpine climbing will require something lighter and more breathable, while cragging will require something thicker without a hood.

I've had good luck with Beyond Fleece, although the Cold Fusion cut is more like a sport coat than a coat for outdoor sports. Custom built, so you're guaranteed a good fit. As long as I'm moving, I've stayed warm in just the jacket and long underwear while attempting Torreys from Loveland Pass after Christmas last year. It also has held up to Vedauwoo offwidths fairly well. It replaced another Cold Fusion I'd bought 4 years previously whose zipper finally gave up the ghost. The rest of the coat is in great condition.

beyondclothing.com/