Forum rules
TIP: The online Bushwalk Inventory System can help bushwalkers with a variety of bushwalk planning tasks, including: Manage which items they take bushwalking so that they do not forget anything they might need, plan meals for their walks, and automatically compile food/fuel shopping lists (lists of consumables) required to make and cook the meals for each walk. It is particularly useful for planning for groups who share food or other items, but is also useful for individual walkers.Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Sun 18 Mar, 2012 10:58 am
Ok, I really need to eat a huge slice of humble pie on this topic. Just returned from the OLT. On the second day, it was cold and windy, although only a light drizzle of rain. I was wearing a merino thermal top, a merino polo shirt and the Lowe alpine soft shell, with thermal hat and gloves. This combination worked really well. It kept out most of the wind and breathed enough to stop excessive sweating, while hauling a 20 kg pack.
I still think these jackets are too expensive but technically, they do seem to breathe very well and keep the wind out. Like to see my fleece try the same thing.
Thanks for all the posts and I hope I prompted some worthwhile discussion.
I still think these jackets are too expensive but technically, they do seem to breathe very well and keep the wind out. Like to see my fleece try the same thing.
Thanks for all the posts and I hope I prompted some worthwhile discussion.
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Sun 18 Mar, 2012 5:24 pm
Merino POLO??
Link please, I wasn't aware they were still available.
My EPIC just arrived so I am going to have a go at making one, so would you describe the fit of the Lowe top as loose, tight or normal??
Link please, I wasn't aware they were still available.
My EPIC just arrived so I am going to have a go at making one, so would you describe the fit of the Lowe top as loose, tight or normal??
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Sun 18 Mar, 2012 6:31 pm
I was contemplating purchasing a softshell till i was adviced against it. Because of breathability. Instead i went for a Patagonia R2 jacket and a Montane slipstream windproof jacket at only 80 grams
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Sun 18 Mar, 2012 6:47 pm
Moondog55 wrote:Merino POLO??
Link please, I wasn't aware they were still available.
My EPIC just arrived so I am going to have a go at making one, so would you describe the fit of the Lowe top as loose, tight or normal??
A outdoor research merino blend polo shirt. Similar to the new merino blend thermals. Warmer than synthetic and they don't stink up after a few days.
The Lowe fit is Supposed to be quite snug and follows your torso's shape, but I bought one a bit oversized to allow for additional layers underneath.
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Mon 19 Mar, 2012 1:14 pm
Mutley, if you had breathability issues I would've taken off one of the merino layers first while still keeping the softshell for the weather beating.
Phillip, not all softshells are created equal. And there is often a compromise between breathability and weather protection too.
As far as I am aware and relating only to the bigger brands that I am familiar with, Powershield is the most protective and Dryskin extreme? the most breathable. You definitely get what you pay for. Look for fabrics and designs not brands.
Ski touring where you will be quite aerobically taxed, DRyskin. Ice climbing where there is considerable drainage, ie you will probably get more wet, Powershield.
With windshirts, it is also the same. The advantage of this layer is you can trap some warm air against your skin by reducing the breathability a little bit. Like a plastic bag/VB effect. Again, optimal fabric depends on end use. But often one can normally alter another variable, your exertion level/speed which has an effect on your heat output.
Softshell v Windshirt
Softshell is heavier, it has to be. But it often looks smarter which can be handy if that layer is also to be used when you hit the town afterwards, esp when travelling. Mine get used a lot around town and often get stolen by the gf. Often a lot more durable too. And stretchy. Downside, slower drying due to stretch. They also tend to last longer.
Windshirt, fit is more important due to lack of stretch. Packs away small and weighs a couple of ounces. Not suitable for abrasion.
That's my understanding anyway. Be really keen to hear others' take on specific fabrics. In the windshirts I've really only tried Pertex (which I love) and Windstopper (which was too much blockage for me) and a few proprietary ones (mixed results). Softshells, I still think Schoeller Dryskin is the gold standard and was looking at the WB400 as a winter option. Since found a better solution mainly with fit through NW Alpine. Would be interested in trying the Powershield more but money is an issue.
Phillip, not all softshells are created equal. And there is often a compromise between breathability and weather protection too.
As far as I am aware and relating only to the bigger brands that I am familiar with, Powershield is the most protective and Dryskin extreme? the most breathable. You definitely get what you pay for. Look for fabrics and designs not brands.
Ski touring where you will be quite aerobically taxed, DRyskin. Ice climbing where there is considerable drainage, ie you will probably get more wet, Powershield.
With windshirts, it is also the same. The advantage of this layer is you can trap some warm air against your skin by reducing the breathability a little bit. Like a plastic bag/VB effect. Again, optimal fabric depends on end use. But often one can normally alter another variable, your exertion level/speed which has an effect on your heat output.
Softshell v Windshirt
Softshell is heavier, it has to be. But it often looks smarter which can be handy if that layer is also to be used when you hit the town afterwards, esp when travelling. Mine get used a lot around town and often get stolen by the gf. Often a lot more durable too. And stretchy. Downside, slower drying due to stretch. They also tend to last longer.
Windshirt, fit is more important due to lack of stretch. Packs away small and weighs a couple of ounces. Not suitable for abrasion.
That's my understanding anyway. Be really keen to hear others' take on specific fabrics. In the windshirts I've really only tried Pertex (which I love) and Windstopper (which was too much blockage for me) and a few proprietary ones (mixed results). Softshells, I still think Schoeller Dryskin is the gold standard and was looking at the WB400 as a winter option. Since found a better solution mainly with fit through NW Alpine. Would be interested in trying the Powershield more but money is an issue.
Last edited by icemancometh on Mon 19 Mar, 2012 1:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Mon 19 Mar, 2012 1:17 pm
which powershield? theres also powershield pro which has a water resistant membrane that powershield doesnt...
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Mon 19 Mar, 2012 4:39 pm
My Montane Slipstream Windshirt arrived today, I just been trying it on, currently have it stuffed in it's supplied Stuff Sack, This jacket is so light and small when packed. Amazing.......
I got the large size, perfect fit for me depending on what I wear underneath, I tried it with a Patagonia Capilene 3, great fit. Put on my Patagonia R2 Jacket, good fit. just a little tight around waist, but not to bad. I little bit more hiking and I'll be right.
I think I could easily wear this up town, it looks great. Although these days, I usually don't worry about what I look like when I go up town, as long I'm wearing clothes I guess is the most important thing.
People that judge me only by what I wear, I don't like to have anything to do with. I don't believe you should judge people by what they look like, unfortunately this day and age a lot of people do.
This shirt is so light weight, it worry's me if I can wear my backpack with this jacket. Durability has me a bit worried, but than I'm not familiar with this Pertex material.
I got the large size, perfect fit for me depending on what I wear underneath, I tried it with a Patagonia Capilene 3, great fit. Put on my Patagonia R2 Jacket, good fit. just a little tight around waist, but not to bad. I little bit more hiking and I'll be right.
I think I could easily wear this up town, it looks great. Although these days, I usually don't worry about what I look like when I go up town, as long I'm wearing clothes I guess is the most important thing.
People that judge me only by what I wear, I don't like to have anything to do with. I don't believe you should judge people by what they look like, unfortunately this day and age a lot of people do.
This shirt is so light weight, it worry's me if I can wear my backpack with this jacket. Durability has me a bit worried, but than I'm not familiar with this Pertex material.
Re: Soft shell jacket...waste of money ?
Mon 19 Mar, 2012 5:42 pm
Again, I've had no issues with any premature wear besides normal wear and tear. But do be warned, when you sweat the colouring can stain your layers underneath esp if they are white
Without sewing, I'm not likely to try the Powershields as the fit and custom for a charge tailoring of the NWA means I'll go with whatever they can make me. Yes, the fit is that important for me. Some of their garments are dryskin anyway. So have you used the Powershield/s Wayno or anyone else? As I said, I've used and own/ed a lot more Schoeller than other SS fabrics
Without sewing, I'm not likely to try the Powershields as the fit and custom for a charge tailoring of the NWA means I'll go with whatever they can make me. Yes, the fit is that important for me. Some of their garments are dryskin anyway. So have you used the Powershield/s Wayno or anyone else? As I said, I've used and own/ed a lot more Schoeller than other SS fabrics
© Bushwalk Australia and contributors 2007-2013.