Next Generation Hard Shells
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It seems to be falling out of fashion now, but I am really pleased with the performance of my Neoshell jackets. I've heard good things about the futurelight but haven't tried it myself. |
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Graham Johnson wrote: I had some Neoshell ice climbing pants from Rab that were by far the best hard shells I've owned. Unfortunately they were all that durable. I wore them out and unfortunately they aren't made any more. |
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They are super breathable and stretchy but the wind cuts through them like a knife, its a very serious downfall when not moving |
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I've used a number of stretch hardshells throughout the last years and I like them a lot in wet and windy conditions (provided you get one that is actually decently windproof - Futurelight seems to be lacking something here). They are comfortable, move well with you and they are a lot less noisy than traditional hardshells. Also, if you get one that's made from a monomaterial, preferably polyester, they are much easier to recycle and much easier to take care of than ePTFE. That said however, for stuff where I don't expect heavy rainfall I still prefer light softshells. They are cheaper, easier to repair and more breathable and durable than most hardshells except for the totally overbuilt ones. |
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Anyone tried one of these? https://www.nwalpine.com/products/eyebright-jacket |
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I may just be becoming an old man, but I don't think there's a lot of room for fabric engineering to outpace physics when it comes to a hardshell. The amount of breathability you'll be able to get will never compare to a softshell (especially if you're thinking of something like a Ferrosi or BD Alpine Start) if the hardshell in question has a hydrostatic head of >= 10k mm. I think of stretchy hardshells as a niche item like Victor says upthread. |
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Anyone here tried jackets with dermizax? Definitely preferred over gore tex |
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Talked with a few guides (dudes who've been guiding for 20+ years) this winter and they were pretty blown away by Futurelight. So when I actually need a new hardshell definitely going with that. I just mostly use softshells now that I'm in the dry af rockies. |
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Besides for Arc's Gamma series, anyone notice it's getting harder to find an old-fashioned, non-membrane softshell jacket like the Gamma LT Hoody, for instance? Most companies just don't offer a plain-Jane softshell jacket anymore and that's super disappointing. |
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AlpineIce wrote: I’m not familiar with the Gamma and can’t provide a comparison, but OR has the Ferrosi line, an excellent family of soft shell jackets. My Ferrosi Summit goes everywhere with me. |
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AlpineIce wrote: BD makes the Cirque. Rab makes several and so does Mountain Hardwear. Plenty of options. |
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Older not Bolder wrote: If I could justify the $600 price tag I would certainly be considering... seems pretty hefty unless it is legitimately 5x more durable, 100% waterproof and ridiculously breathable compared to anything else on the market. Maybe its the price or the fact that NW Alpine is a smaller producer, but I haven't heard much about it besides their own statements. I feel like I would need a very high level of assurance that it would last me forever and be exactly what I needed. I do have some of their products and really like their company philosophy. Some of their pieces I really like (blackspider hoody), and some I'm not a fan of (older gen softshell pants). |
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To address the original question... I have an OR Interstellar jacket (AscentShell) and have rarely felt like the breathability was lacking. It definitely wears "cooler" than my other shell, which is Gore-Tex PacLite. With that being said, it's still not as good as a softshell if you're breaking a sweat. |
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Jared Chrysostom wrote: I have an OR Interstellar jacket, and it is anything but waterproof. It might be good for dry precipitation like snow, but I got soaked in moderate rain the one time I got caught in the rain in it. |
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KathyS wrote: It works well for me in moderate rains |
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KathyS wrote: That’s interesting, mine has kept me completely dry so far. Is the DWR on yours worn off? |
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Jared Chrysostom wrote: No, it was brand new, on it's first outing. I got it when they first came out, so maybe an early production problem. It suprised me, because I have a lot of other OR gear that has been great. |
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KathyS wrote: Noted. I may not grab my Interstellar the next time I know it’s going to rain. Thanks for sharing. |
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With such differing outcomes for the same jacket, it sounds more like there's an issue with yours, Kathy. Have it checked by OR if it's still in warranty. |
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DeLa Cruce wrote: I have and really like it. My Ortovox 3L Ortler uses dermizax NX and it has held up great. Plus I find it more breathable than Gore-Tex and essentially has the same level of waterproofness in my experience |