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Best Softshell ???
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I got the dragon last year for christmas and absolutely love it...used for ice climbing, ski touring, resort tele, and around town. plenty warm, plenty windproof, vents well, the inner pocket is a little small (won't fit iphone). my only complaint, wish i had the tiger orange one instead of the black one. |
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I have a brand new patagonia guide jacket I want to sell. It's too small for me. It's a medium and is black. |
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Reviving this thread from the depths of MP. Thoughts on current softshell offerings for climbing? I was thinking priority on abrasion resistance, wind-breaking capability and breathability? Thinking about getting OR Ferrosi hoody. I've never owned a softshell but considering it after grinding up some climbs and giving my R1 a beating. Current reviews: Outdoor Gear Lab & Switch Back Travel |
Ethan Gwrote: Since you've never owned a softshell, ANYTHING in that category will be better at cutting the wind and shedding a bit of water than the R1. Ferrosi is great but it's on the light end of SS fabrics. I like the breathability; I used my Ferrosi hoody as a running jacket for a couple years. My only issue is that it stretches and stitches on stressed seams can be easily cut. In 4 years that hasn't been an issue at all with the 2 Ferrosi tops I have, but it's a sigif. problem * with the rear seams of Ferrosi pants. * Nothing that can't be remedied with 30 seconds at the sewing machine, as long as you catch it in time. |
Ethan Gwrote: This highly depends on what your ultimate usage would be. A Ferrosi would work well on alpine rock, for instance, but in deep winter in northern latitudes, for me, it's not enough protection. I live/climb in northeastern U.S. and find the discontinued Alpha Comp Hoody to be a great option for ice. I also own a Gamma LT Hoody, which is a great winter option, too. |
Good point. Usage would be in the Southeastern mild winters w/ summer alpine trips out West. So probably nothing super warm but could layer with. Thanks for the feedback. |
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Ferrosi would be a reasonable choice for milder climes and it's bargain priced. |
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I just added a Mountain Equipment Squall hoody to my quiver of jackets and it is ticking a LOT of my boxes. Thin, light, breathable, stretchy and athletically cut. Has a fully helmet compatible hood and cuffs roomy enough for light to medium thickness gloves. I am 178cm/69kg and fit a size small with just enough room underneath for a thin puffy or fleece. I haven't really put it through the wringer but all the reviews I've read mentioned that the material is quite abrasion-resistant. I prefer layering with a thin softshell over heavy membrane style softshells as they are not as versatile, but I can imagine they have their uses in pure winter climbing. |
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I recommend a non-membrane softshell of your choice. I use the Patagonia Levitation Hoody which is a simple, relatively burly non-membrane softshell. I generally use it for ice and mixed climbing. I also just picked up an arcteryx gamma sl hoody - thinner and more breathable. Great for rock climbing. I think softshells with windproof or waterproof membranes are terrible. they are thick, don't breath, and don't give you the weather protection of a true hardshell. Nonmembrane is where its at. And bring a hardshell for the conditions whether that be a windshell or a full on goretex pro shell... |
