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Best Light Climbing Jacket

Original Post
Preston Sparks · · Augusta, GA · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 30

Im looking to get a light jacket to climb in. I used to climb in this thing called the "wind shirt" and I think patagonia made it but I can find it anymore. Im looking for something light that will block the wind. Anyone have anything they really like using?

Preston

Allen Corneau · · Houston, TX · Joined May 2008 · Points: 80

My vote goes to the über-classic Marmot DriClime Windshirt...

marmot.com/products/driclim…

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

+1 there and also a DriClime vest very good

Adam Catalano · · Albany, New York · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 355

Amen to the marmot. Great in every season. Best piece of clothing I ever purchased

Preston Sparks · · Augusta, GA · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 30

thanks!

DannyUncanny · · Vancouver · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 100

OR Helium, also water proof.,

Sunny-D · · SLC, Utah · Joined Aug 2006 · Points: 700

The Marmot Driclime Windshirt. Like said before the best piece of clothing that I have purchased. I have had one version or another of it for more then 20 years. It works well as outerwear, Midlayer and underwear. i don't think there is a more versatile piece of clothing out there.
Dallen

Paul-B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 115

Is the marmot more of a stretchy softshell or a microfiber shell?

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Yoo may want to check out Wild Things as well.. they seem to have come around quite a bit.
last I saw thermo-lite jackets for $85

i have used this stuff forever

Brandon Gottung · · CO Western Slope · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 1,613

Check out the Rab Boreas.

us.rab.uk.com/products/mens…

I've worn mine for months on multipitch routes. Paired with a merino hoody - the perfect action suit for rock. Just don't wear it on the approach, otherwise it'll get all stinky.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Paul-B wrote:Is the marmot more of a stretchy softshell or a microfiber shell?
It's a lined windshirt. Very light outer shell as in an ember would burn through it. Comes in a few different variations like pockets, no pockets etc.

But it's probably one of the most versitile pieces out there that can be used as a layer or stand alone. Too bad there isn't a hooded version.

The marmot ion or patagucci houdini are good windshirts as well.
Ben Brotelho · · Albany, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 520

I am wearing the Marmot Driclime Windshirt right now, actually. It is a surprisingly versatile piece given how god damn simple it is. It is a thin polyester shell (not really water resistant), attached to a fleece liner (polyester as well.) The two layers trap a decent amount of air, which warms you up quite a bit. Say it is 10 degrees outside, and you're getting a little chilly in your down jacket...pop this puppy on underneath and it quells all those minor chills! Say it's 45 degrees outside and you want just a lil something to protect your skin from the slight breeze coming off the cliff...just fire this piece on and Blamo...you're perfectly regulated and content.

My only gripe with the jacket is its lack of water resistance, but that is not what it is designed for, so that's alright.

I've used it for everything from a midlayer between a shell skiing, spring, summer, fall rock climbing, layer between a shell ice climbing, drinking inside with the heat off...etc.

Get it!

Gargano · · Arizona · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 1,535

Patagonia Houdini. 4 oz.

Cuts the wind. Works well in light rain. Hood fits over a helmet and it clips to the harness.

bit.ly/15w7iOD

Brie Abram · · Celo, NC · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 493
Scott McMahon wrote: Too bad there isn't a hooded version.
The Marmot Ether is a Driclime with a hood and a lighter weight face fabric.

I agree that the Driclime is hard to beat for price and versatility. With nothing under it, it's my go to top for subfreezing trail running. Mine is years old, torn, stained, and ratty looking, but I wear it more than any other top.

If Preston wants an unlined windshirt, there are quite a few options. The most well-reviewed would probably be the Patagonia Houdini or maybe the Arc'teryx Squamish. A more rain resistant but less breathable option would be the Feathered Friends Jackorack
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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