Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by bindigo on February 25, 2007 at 6:11:44 pm EST
In reply to Soft Shell Jackets and Warmth! posted by John Boyd on January 11, 2007 at 7:57:04 pm EST

I agree with the general consensus that softshells are not very warm. I bought a cheap White Sierra softshell made of neoprene, like the neoprene used to make wetsuits, with a very thin inlay of fleece. I tried a cheap version before laying some bucks down for a more expensive soft shell.

I found in 40-50F weather the softshell is fine, but in colder temps it definitely needs some type of layer such as fleece to keep me warm. I have had luck in temps below 40 to 25F using a Columbia base layer with a 1/4 zip Columbia fleece shirt inside the softshell. The combination does a good job with the wind, however, I have not dealt with snow or rain.

I generally day-hike in the Smoky Mountains at elevations 3K to 5K on average.

One major drawback in cold weather with wind was not having a hood. I would love to see manufactures offer a hood of some type to help entrap and regulate heat. This I think would help make the softshell better; however, it is not going to be a warm jacket unless it is offered with some type insulation.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

• Re: Soft Shell Jackets and Warmth! - Rosh 11:21:11 02/26/2007

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.