Q for softshellers

[optics]

I'm looking at getting a softshell for all but the drippiest days.

With any hardshell I've ever had, pit zips were crucial - I run hot, and if there's hiking involved, I'm a swamp.

I'm thinking the increased breathability of a softshell will help with that as well, but it seems like very few have pit zips.

Is the breathability that good, that a sweaty pig like myself might not care about venting the pits?

[karma]

I have the Cloudveil Serendipity jacket. I have noticed that it breathes substantially better than any water resistant clothing ive had before. It doesnt have any pit zips but the two large pockets on front are actually vents and are way better than pit zips at allowing in a nice breeze.

[Spats]

www.beyondfleece.com

Pit zips if you want them. Custom fit kills, esp. with insulating layers. So much warmer.

[summit]

I'm definately interested in the answers here.

Optics is a sweaty pig. Who knew that optics and I had something in common?

Front zips as vents suck if you are trying to carry stuff in the front pockets

[Buster Highmen]

I pool vast amounts of noxious unguents when I hike. Cloudveil roolz, except on howler days.

It's more a trade off for wind resistance. If it's really pouring, even gtx doesn't cut it for more than an hour. This __is__ the PNW, ya know.

Get one, you'll be really happy you did, just retain the old gtx for the really crappy baler days.

[optics]

Originally posted by SummitCo 1776
Optics is a sweaty pig. Who knew that optics and I had something in common?

I'm also a gaper and talk out of my ass a fair amount, so there ya go. smirk

Thanks for the advising advices.
Think I'm headed toward one of the arcteryx hybrids w/softshell bodies and hardshell shoulders/sleeve tops. When it gets blowing I can just roll up in a ball.

[El Kabong]

if you are looking for a softshell that will stand up to the real windy/wet days I would recommend the Mounain Hardwear Synchro Shell. It has a conduit layer in it which makes it almost totally windproof and waterproof. I used to always have to take of my hardshell when i hiked or be swamped, but i have hiked a lot in the Syncro and though it doesnt breathe quite as well as a Schoeller or something like that, I was comfortable on all but the hottest days. I am however 100% happy with mine, definitely the best outerwear I have tried yet.

[Ski Monkey]

Originally posted by Spats
www.beyondfleece.com

Pit zips if you want them. Custom fit kills, esp. with insulating layers. So much warmer.

Spats are you using a beyond fleece softshell? Positives and negatives?

[CantDog]

beyond fleece all the way. I used it this past week on vancouver island as my hiking/fishing/mulling around in the rain jacket. Poured most of the week, and by the end of my excursions I would only be marginally wet. Its awesome. I've sung its praise on many threads here, just do a search for beyond fleece. The only complaint after about 8 months of use is the zipper is a bit finicky, but it might just be because I opted for the waterproof zipper.

Awesome awesome jacket. Keeps the rain out, light weight, completely breaks the wind, fits better than anything else, and warm. No reason not to buy it.

[Big Hit77]

I would definately check out the Patagonia Dimension Jacket or the White Smoke jacket from them. Both are super breathable, but repel all sorts of crazy weather. Both have hoods, but the White Smoke has a detachable one. I have had my Dimension for about a year now, and I love it. My boss used his for everything but Summit day on Denali this past July, so that says something about it. Of course they are a bit pricey, but they work. In all but the worst of downpours it has kept me dry.

[basom]

i go for full Schoeller, breathes amazing. pants too, no sweaty.

windshirt layer for the windy days.

[homerjay]

I have a bling arc teryx soft shell and I wear it every single day, unless it's blazing hot. Uphill and downhill, it never comes off.

[doofdoof]

Marmot Sharp Point has pit zips and is on special at a few places right now

[Spats]

Originally posted by Ski Monkey
Spats are you using a beyond fleece softshell? Positives and negatives?

I´ve got the light Windbloc fleece, not the soft shell. (I use it under a hard shell.) Features and cut are all the same, and the custom fit really works. Get the zip-off hood, it´s incredibly warm.

They have two different soft shell fabrics; one is lighter but less waterproof/windproof than the other.

[Hugh Jass]

I've worn the Patagucci Dimension the last 2 winters, and it's proven to be durable, relatively light, and breathable. When the wind is blowing hard, I wear a windblock fleece vest under it. I've never had it soak through, but I don't ski in the PNW.

I think the Dimension has changed since my version, and it's become thinner and more streamlined. I fingered the Patagonia White Smoke jacket last year and it looked sweet. Lots of features, a zip-off hood, and durable enough for inbounds abuse.

Wearing the soft shell inbounds - including bootpacks, traverses, and even short skins - worked well for me. On a full blown tour I do the hot work in capilene, but carry a light gore-tex or equivalent for going down or if the weather turns.