Softshell suggestions?

[tombodad]

In the market for a new softshell...
Have had both an REI One and a Columbia Titanium, liked both.
Any other suggestions? Good deals?
Brands I like are exofficio, marmot, mountain hardwear, etc etc etc

[MotoDave]

I'm a huge fan of a company out of San Francisco called TAD Gear. I have the older version of their Stealth Hoodie (http://www.tadgear.com/shop.php?id=649), and its by far the best softshell I've owned. Very wind proof, its kept me comfortable with appropriate layering from a range of ~40 degrees to room temperatures.

[mountainpete]

I just bought two (and returned one).

I purchased:
Outdoor Research Logic (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/m_s_logic_jacket.html)

http://cache.outdoorresearch.com/outdoorresearch/images/thumb/55210_001_s.jpg

Cloudveil FirsTurn (http://www.cloudveil.com/mens/jackets/softshell/firsturn+jacket--6012/).

http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/MoosejawMB/10089775x1040138_zm?$product325$

The OR is $50 less then the Cloudveil, but they are both high quality jackets. The Cloudveil has a hood, the OR does not. The Cloudveil has better sealing zippers and was also rated as 2010 gear of the year from Outside magazine.

Surprisingly, I kept the OR and returned the Cloudveil. For the price, the OR is simply great value and is a great fit (although an XL OR is the same as a large Cloudveil). I also decided that I didn't want a hood on my soft shell. I prefer toques in weather where I would wear a softshell anyways. Plus, the OR fits perfectly under my OR GoreTex shell.

Bottom line is the Cloudveil is probably a better jacket, but the OR suited me best.

Pete

[mountainpete]

To add: keep an eye on www.steepandcheap.com. There have been some decent softshell deals running through there lately.

Pete

[tombodad]

To add: keep an eye on www.steepandcheap.com. There have been some decent softshell deals running through there lately.

Pete

I forgot about steepandcheap!
I used to use firefox, and had their plugin to always run at the bottom. Now, with Safari... not so much. Will have to go back.

[alexrex20]

mountain hardwear G50
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-G50-Softshell-Jacket-Mens/MHW0476M.html

http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/MHW/MHW0476/G50PSO.jpg

[tombodad]

I like that one. Keep it up guys!

[climber-420]

Working in a ski town defenitely has its perks. All my friends and co-workers use Marmot. The Exum Mountain Guides in Jackson Hole Wyoming use marmot,and is actually the location for Marmot's testing grounds. They have the best softshell hands down. I have personally used an Alchemy Jacket by Mountain Hardwear for the past 6-7 years. Great jacket,but could be better. The Marmot softshells shed precip,and wind better than any other brand i have tried. Just my 2 cents.

[trailsurfer]

Arc'Terxy, Cloudveil, or Patagonia. I buy and wear a lot of gear and you these are my favorite brands. Guaranteed for life and great variety to choose from.

[Flounder]

Arc'teryx has the most complete selection of softshells the industry has ever seen. They really defined that market early on. I have a few different Arc'teryx soft shells of varied levels of insulation and protection. Tough to beat. The OR jacket is pretty crude in my opinion.

Keep in mind, many of these companies are sourcing the actual fabrics from the same mills, so the material itself won't always be the quality driver. Fit and feature might be. With Marmot, Arc'teryx, Mt Hardwear and Patagonia, the level of product is pretty darn nice.

My new killer piece for the year is an Arc'teryx Atom MX jacket. I can't wait to go ice climbing with that piece.

[tombodad]

Sounds like Ill keep a lookout for al things marmot and arc'teryx.
Good times. :sombrero:

[mountainpete]

Arc'teryx is awesome stuff. Made in Canada, super high quality and usually has a price point to reflect that. It's doesn't fit every body type though. It's definitely an "athletic cut". So a little tighter for us guys with so much to love we have handles. :elkgrin:

I had a jacket from them years and years ago before they went international. Loved it.

Pete

[apsilon]

I'm a huge fan of a company out of San Francisco called TAD Gear.

I'll second that. Have a closest full of their gear.

[Bad Voodoo]

TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 'Classic' (Made in the USA) $259

http://www.tadgear.com/uploads/products/large/sh_f09_bkd2_650w_1.jpg

http://www.tadgear.com/shop.php?id=510

Limited, occasional quantities available on the Classic because they're manufactured in small lots. They also have a 'Reloaded' version of this softshell that's imported, though I don't immediately know from where. The Classic is the best soft shell I've ever owned - LOVE it!

[MotoDave]

Yeah, that's exactly the one I have. Good stuff, made by good guys.

Ive been wanting to pick up one of their Garage Jackets next time I am up in SF.

[Bad Voodoo]

If you're willing to pay a bit more for small-lot US-made technical clothing, TAD Gear is about the only option out there. Quality stuff all around and a great staff of folks over there in 'The City.' I don't mind supporting them or their US sources in the least! http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/42.gif

[tombodad]

that does look pretty sweet. And I am all for supporting the US of A. [While we still have one left... :Wow1:]
Wasn't thinking about a hood, but I guess I am not opposed. Never owned a hooded softshell before.

[tombodad]

On second review, that jacket seems to be a bit looser fitting than the "ice-climbing" style softshell. Is this true, or just a misconception from their pictures?

[MotoDave]

that does look pretty sweet. And I am all for supporting the US of A. [While we still have one left... :Wow1:]
Wasn't thinking about a hood, but I guess I am not opposed. Never owned a hooded softshell before.

The hood on these is designed so it sits very flat against your shoulders when not in use. I like it a lot better than loose floppy hoods that catch the wind.

As far as fit, I'd definitely say they are 'Athletic Cut'. I ordered one size larger than the site recommended and am happy with the looser fit.

[Bad Voodoo]

'Athletic Cut' describes the fit pretty accurately, as a second layer over say, a Merino wool or other synthetic mock turtleneck.

[tombodad]

I do really love TAD gear. The more I look over their site, the better they look. :wings:
Only bad thing is they are too small to find on the discount sites... although I don't feel too bad supporting the little guys. Especially American little guys. Just have to save up my allowance a little longer... lol.

[Alacrity]

Have a early Tad Gear Hoodie - just a great jacket. Tough as nails, sheds better than I expected, dig the collar/aero hood. Extremely well made, likely a permanent fixture. I've heard good things re: the Spectre as well.

Also have some kind of Mountain Hardware SS - maybe a G50. Picked it up out west on clearance. Yea I buy my gear careful - I pack well too. :coffeedrink: Its been very good as well, had it for a number of years - like new, but its been cared for well (Nikwax stuff).

Can recommend any of the 3 - but you'd be well served by any of the topflite mfg.

[Stan the Man]

I like Eddie Bauer clothes. IMO they are camparable quality to the leading companies listed in this thread, offer the same warranties as the others, and are just as warm. Mainly I like EB clothes because they fit me, I'm a tall lanky guy and they offer just about everything in a "Tall" size. I've said goodbye to tiny sleeves.

Here's a budget soft shell. I tried this on today and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and buy it. Good price, warm, and it looked promising. $130

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/EddieBauer/EB09AR_0014088_233B3?$canvas$&rgn=509,277,279,419&align=0,-1


EB also has a newish line out called, First Ascent. This is more pricey, but is a top dog with the competition. $230

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/EddieBauer/EB09IB_0013997_255C1?$canvas$

[tombodad]

I also like Eddie Bauer. I actually wear a lot of their clothes... Hmm...

[SpaceWrangler]

the best softshell i've found is the marmot sharpe pointe jacket. ..it's super durable and fits like it was taylor made.

http://images.usoutdoorstore.com/usoutdoorstore/products/full/mrmt_8083_hedge_08.jpg

[Amontgomery]

For posterity's sake, and I know it has been a while since anyone posted in this thread.

I just want to throw my vote behind TAD.

I have a Spectre LRPv2 (Last fall model) and it is awesome. I grabbed it up for a heavy-duty cold weather jacket (doesn't get below 20*F here) for when I have to ride my bike extended distances in the rain (happens more than you think).

Even at the coldest time last winter I still never needed to layer any more than a T-shirt with it, and after 30 minutes in HARD rain, no water had made it through.

I also grabbed one of their Explorer half-zip jackets and a neck gaiter and both work very well for layering in colder weather than we have here (perfect for standing still outside for extended periods of time while not exercising)

[MattScott]

I bought a Mammut, they really have some technology behind their products, this jacket is tiny, and amazing.

That being said I´m never caught dead outside of my Belstaff :)

[Speaker]

Here's a budget soft shell. I tried this on today and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and buy it. Good price, warm, and it looked promising. $130

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/EddieBauer/EB09AR_0014088_233B3?$canvas$&rgn=509,277,279,419&align=0,-1


Hah. What a great photo. A guy standing on a rock with a bunch of quickdraws clipped to a backpack. That's pretty extreme stuff.

[goldenbeagle]

mountain hardwear G50
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-G50-Softshell-Jacket-Mens/MHW0476M.html

http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/MHW/MHW0476/G50PSO.jpg

I say the best.... MH is a great company! :iagree:

[Tacoma4life]

I have had bad luck with Mt Hardware products. Their taped seams seem to dissolve and fall apart.

Marmot has been good in the past, though I haven't bought any Marmot gear in quite a while.

Though expensive, I highly recommend Arc Teryx. I own an Arc Teryx hooded soft shell and I can say it has held up amazingly well for 7 years. In fact it looks brand new, no wear anywhere, and it has been used a LOT. Their materials and craftmanship are truely above the rest.

[daniel3507]

I actually just ordered an Arc'teryx softshell that should be here monday. Im very excited to get it.
http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Gamma-AR-Jacket#Softshell

[Colorado Jeeper]

I've had the Mountain Hardwear Synchro hooded soft-shell for the past two years. Could use a little more insulation but over all great coat.

[zags]

the best softshell i've found is the marmot sharpe pointe jacket. ..it's super durable and fits like it was taylor made.

http://images.usoutdoorstore.com/usoutdoorstore/products/full/mrmt_8083_hedge_08.jpg


I second that, I love mine! :)

[tombodad]

Wow, can't believe this thread is still alive! A few months ago, I bought the "Black Diamond" (no relation to the mountaineering co.) softshell from Costco. at 26 bucks, it's the best one i've ever owned. Fits great, warm, flexible, seems to be built very well, and hasn't let any wind or moisture in. did I mention it was 26 bucks?!?:wings: For a tenth of the cost, you can't go wrong. I thought it would fall apart, but Ive probably worn it 45 plus days, and nary a loose stitch!