January 29, 2018, 03:30 PM
iron chefquote:Originally posted by corsair:
You've pretty much listed every attribute to getting a soft-shell:
- Around $150-200
- Doesn't need to be waterproof but, needs to be water repellant.
- Functional down to 20-25F
- Durable, able to deal with some abrasion but, not abuse.
- Versatile to use during commutes and for work
- Not too bulky
Yup, soft-shell, it's all about being comfortable throughout a range of temperatures. Anybody who's worn them will sing their praises and wonder why they wore a hard-shell for so long.
Every outdoor company makes them, the bigger brands make a giant range of them, for a range of activities, the most popular are around $120-180. Below are the most popular an enduring styles from their respective brands consider:
The North Face Apex Flex- An actual waterproof jacket that stretches and functions like a soft-shell.
The North Face Apex Bionic
Arc'Teryx Gamma LT
Marmot Leadville Jkt
Marmot Gravity Jkt
Patagonia Adze Jkt
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Jkt
I agree w/ corsair. I got a decent soft-shell several years ago that has held up well. I hardly wear my hard-shells anymore, since soft-shell covers at least 95% of the inclement weather I encounter. If it's raining hard enough to penetrate my soft-shell, then I probably don't want to be outside. If I must be outdoors in driving rain, then OK, I'll put on a hard-shell.
The company that made my soft-shell went out of business. I got mine on clearance for well under $100. The soft-shells they sell at Costco and Sam's for ~$30 are pretty dang good for the money. They have fewer technical features (fewer pockets, & drawstrings) and tend to have a boxier cut, but they'll keep you warm and dry.
I saw a buddy w/ new Carhartt soft-shell yesterday. It looked good and well-made.
CROWLEY HOODED JACKET $119.99 – $129.99 STYLE #102200
