Mountain Project Logo

Next Generation Hard Shells

Original Post
Sam Bedell · · Bend, OR · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 443


Graham Johnson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0

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. 

Jake907 · · Anchorage Alaska · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0
Graham Johnson wrote:

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. 

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.

Kevin Mcbride · · Canmore AB · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 505

They are super breathable and stretchy but the wind cuts through them like a knife, its a very serious downfall when not moving 

Victor Machtel · · Netherlands · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

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. 

Older not Bolder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

Anyone tried one of these?

https://www.nwalpine.com/products/eyebright-jacket

jaredj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 165

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.   

DeLa Cruce · · SWEDEN · Joined Nov 2018 · Points: 0

Anyone here tried jackets with dermizax? Definitely preferred over gore tex 

Forthright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 110

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.  

AlpineIce · · Upstate, NY · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 255

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. 

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5
AlpineIce wrote:

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. 

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. 

Tyler S · · SLC · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 5
AlpineIce wrote:

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. 

BD makes the Cirque.

Rab makes several and so does Mountain Hardwear. 

Plenty of options. 

Sam Bedell · · Bend, OR · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 443
Older not Bolder wrote:

Anyone tried one of these?

https://www.nwalpine.com/products/eyebright-jacket

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). 

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5

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. 

KathyS · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 125
Jared Chrysostom wrote:

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. 

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.  

Jeff Mac · · North Bend, WA · Joined May 2019 · Points: 10
KathyS 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.  

It works well for me in moderate rains

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5
KathyS 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.  

That’s interesting, mine has kept me completely dry so far. Is the DWR on yours worn off?

KathyS · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 125
Jared Chrysostom wrote:

That’s interesting, mine has kept me completely dry so far. Is the DWR on yours worn off?

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.

Jared Chrysostom · · Clemson, SC · Joined Oct 2017 · Points: 5
KathyS 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.

Noted. I may not grab my Interstellar the next time I know it’s going to rain. Thanks for sharing. 

Victor Machtel · · Netherlands · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 0

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.

Andrew S · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2018 · Points: 0
DeLa Cruce wrote:

Anyone here tried jackets with dermizax? Definitely preferred over gore tex 

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

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Next Generation Hard Shells"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.