Softshell recommendations?

[El Chupacabra]

Search function doesn't lead to precisely what I'm looking for... so...

Anyone have a softshell with all these features: powder skirt, pit zips, and some sort of waterproofing membrane? (don't really care if Goretex, Membrain, Event, etc.)

Alternatively, what about a hybrid (part hardshell part softshell) with these features?

I'm too hot most days in a Goretex hardshell. I have a cheap Columbia softshell with their house brand waterproofing membrane, and I like the breathability, but on warm days it could vent better, and on pow days I'd like a powder skirt.

Suggestions?

[Lurch]

Look at beyondfleece.com they have venting but no pow skirt.

If a jacket has a waterproofing membrane it's not a soft shell. Waterproofing membranes are what block most of the breathing in a jacket. When it's really coming down I have a light weight TNF jacket that I through on over my soft shell.

[robokill1981]

I try not to pump up the home team too much but this soft shell honestly kicks ass. Only 10,000mm if it matters to you though (5K next season so this is your best bet):

http://www.backcountry.com/store/SPD...softshell+mens

[L7]

Check out Halti.

[blissard]

I'm happy with mine: Norrøna Lofoten Softshell Jacket
Detachable powder skirt, pit zips, very breathable Schoeller fabric. I particularly like the hood.

[ljm]

Helly Hansen Front Jacket is close: http://www.evogear.com/Ski%20Shop/He...em_2773_3.aspx

I got one a few weeks ago and have been quite happy with it. it's got pit zips, but no powder skirt. Waterproofing seems good so far too. If you order one online beware, it runs big. Medium is quite roomy on me (about the same fit as my L mtn hardwear shell).

[pointedem]

if you find 500 extra bucks
http://www.backcountry.com/store/ARC...ml?id=Nydc8Z8C

the thing is sicky

[marshalolson]

buy my ak rocket jacket.

stretch XCR = $$$

[Teletori]

I'm happy with mine: Norrøna Lofoten Softshell Jacket
Detachable powder skirt, pit zips, very breathable Schoeller fabric. I particularly like the hood.

Been drooling over that one... very nice!!!!

[lemon boy]

I have a Mtn Hardware that I like a lot, it has their conduit stuff that is kind of a hard/soft hybrid.

Much lighter, more windproof, water"proof" than schoeller stuff and much much much much more breathable than a regular hardshell. I run really hot and it's been treating me right. Great for CO/UT/WY storm skiing unknown if it'd stay dry in CA/WA/OR

[lemon boy]

Tried on one of those lofoten softshells the other day. Definitely a sweet coat if you have their pants the pow skirt actually buttons to them (whoa?). I would likely be way way way too hot in such a thing.

[schindlerpiste]

I will second the Spyder Jackson softshell. It is great for fair-weather skiing.

[igBand]

I just got a Marmot Genesis off of REI that I love. No powder skirt, but it's got a hood and the much-needed pit zips. The things seems fan-tabulous. Loving it.
They had some lime green ones (think granny smith apple) for $199 which was a steal.
Backcountry.com link:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/MAR...ml?id=hf3WqLCH

[team ftb]

I'll second the Moutnain Hardware Windstopper jackets. I wear mine as an only jacket until it starts dumping. Technically it is not waterpoof, only windproof. great pit zips, no powder skirt. I have worn this in 86 MPH (Carson Pass)winds and the thing was bomber.

[CANADASTEEP]

Love my Gamma SV. IF powder skirt is a must. stay away from the whie smoke patagonia jacket. the cuffs suck, I returned mine to mail order.

The alpha comp is nice too but light - mix of softshell and goretex, but no storm skirt or pitzips, it's light enough to cool fast enough

[hop]

buy my patagonia white smoke...M green

[El Chupacabra]

I'm shopping....

REI Outlet has some nice prices on some of these too.

This one from Mtn Hardware looks pretty good, but no powder skirt:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...=OUTLET_SEARCH

hop, I need a size large, sorry.

[daPig]

I got this one for Christmas.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm


It has served me well thus far in storms and sunny days. The only thing it is missing is a hood. Im not real crazy about the wrist closure (vertical zipper) but for $119 I can compromise a bit.

[XtrPickels]

Mountain HardWear Maneuver... just what the doctor ordered ('cause he's got some cashflow)

http://www.backcountry.com/store/MHW...cket-Mens.html

[bklyn]

I've got this Helly Hansen. It has a powder skirt and nice cuffs, but the pink color & the whole women's thing might be a tough sell.

[wildstyle]

I'm happy with mine: Norrøna Lofoten Softshell Jacket
Detachable powder skirt, pit zips, very breathable Schoeller fabric. I particularly like the hood.

I just found my new ski clothing supplier ... thanks man

[f2f]

i've been salivating over norrona clothing since that link was posted!

nice commercials on that web site too.

[bio-smear]

After seeing DaPig's post, I rolled down to STP today and picked this one up:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm

So, El Chup, you can't get the red one now, else we might look like a team. Of course, we could have "Maggots" embroidered on the back like the Mt Rose Falcons.

[Professor]

Was too busy skiing all weekend to post on this subject, but I thought I would give a little feedback on the Norrona Softshell. I have the Lofoten softshell and it is REALLY nice. I had been looking for a plain black softshell with a fixed hood, pitzips and a powskirt for a long time. Found it The only problems I have had with it are the fit is a bit snug. Since it stretches, it doesnt cause any problems, just doesnt have the baggy fit I am used to in ski clothes. The chest pockets are made with super light material inside so they can be used as vents as well. However, this means your nipples get cold if you stuff beer in there The only other issue is a lack of hand pockets. Took a while for me to stop looking for them when standing around. But other than those small issues the hood is really nice and fits over a helmet, the wrist cuffs are extra long which is really nice for those of us that wear short gloves, and the pow skirt does in fact snap to Norrona pants. However since the pow skirt works so well, I have yet to actually use that feature. Best part about softshells though is it really helps avoid overheating when lapping the tram. When riding chairs I do have to wear one more layer and then it works just fine. Bottom line, two thumbs up! I would give their pants a glowing rating too, but no one asked about those

[El Chupacabra]

After seeing DaPig's post, I rolled down to STP today and picked this one up:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm

So, El Chup, you can't get the red one now, else we might look like a team. Of course, we could have "Maggots" embroidered on the back like the Mt Rose Falcons.

Quest is over... I think.

Mrs. C. picked up this same jacket for me today, in the blue/gray color (last one at Reno STP in size large). As I'm in Phoenix, I won't get to try it on until tomorrow night. This has all the features I wanted (powder skirt, pit zips, waterproofishness), and at $119 it's looking pretty good.