I thought my winter hiking layers were finally set, but my Kuiu Kenai is wearing out under my backpack straps. It's a mid layer, but gosh it worked well. Anyway, I could use suggestions for a breathable outer shell to throw over the Kenai.

I've heard good things about the Helium, but that windshirt seems too thin since I hike through brush at times. I carry a rain jacket, so I'm not looking for something waterproof. Maybe the Alpine Start by Black Diamond?

Im a big fan of Helly Hansen and Columbia. I'm using a HH shell in Antarctica now as my outer layer while hiking. It is one of the Oden jackets.

For what it’s worth that Kenai is supposed to be lifetime warranty. What’s happening might be considered normal though. I’ve had mine several years but use it mostly as a glassing layer, it’s always seemed a touch fragile but it’s ideal for my needs. I’d say it’s worth a call.

HH is premium gear, I’d look there first.

So, you're looking for a soft-shell or stretchy windbreaker? Excellent direction, lots of versatility that Kenai is pretty heavy and doesn't lend itself for weather warmer than 40F. Lots of clearance sales going on right now, the marketplace is highly promotional for outdoor apparel.

I wear The North Face Stone Castle for a few years, durable, stretchy, not lined but, packable, been pretty happy. Outdoor Research's Ferosi Jkt is a long-time popular style, as is Marmot's Alsek, which replaced their super popular Approach Jkt. Arc'Teryx's Squamish Hoody has been quite popular and was the reason why BD came out with the Alpine Start. Rab's Borealis Jkt has been their most popular jkt, as is Simms' Flyweight Access Hoody both, may fit what you're looking for. I have the Davis Jkt from Flylow, stylish enough and functional for single-track rides.

For the non-outdoor side, Otte Gear's Super L wind shirt has been popular, mainly with the winter camo enthusiasts. Beyond Clothing's Ventum Ultralight is sharp. If you want tactical Gucci, Crye Precision's WindLiner is an option. First Spear Wind Cheater better for husky body types. Speaking of Wind Cheater, Hill People Gear has their windbreaker type of the same name..not sure how there's no trademark infringement.

Thank you for the suggestions. I’ll look at them today.

Yeah, I called Kuiu, and they said it’s only meant to serve as a midlayer, so wearing it under a backpack would cause it to wear down, which I understand. On my hikes in the teens, I’ve been wearing a wool t-shirt, Peloton 97, and the Kenai, and it’s been perfect. It's probably a blessing because I'm always looking for a new shell to keep in my hiking pack.

I'm open to either, but I love the soft-shell feel and weight of the Ferosi (and that it isn’t lined) but wish it had pit zips to temperature regulate. Many of the windshirts, like the Houdini, seem like they would be fragile, and they can be pretty noisy. I’ve seen the Alpine Start mentioned on may Outdoor Gear Lab tests, but I’m unsure where it would fall.

I've also heard good things about the Squamish, but I wish it had pockets.

Kuiu is a lifetime warranty. The Kenai is a very lightweight midlayer per Kuiu. I could see how it might wear in those areas. Worth an e mail to Kuiu.

Kuiu's Guide Jacket is an outer layer. Needs to be upsized for that purpose and Kuiu sizes run small. I have several Guide Jackets and can say they are an excellent outer layer. Kuiu had them in their outlet store for either overstock or color ---> very affordable at the outlet price.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Im a big fan of Helly Hansen and Columbia. I'm using a HH shell in Antarctica now as my outer layer while hiking. It is one of the Oden jackets.

He's asking about WINTER hiking apparel.
It's summer in Antarctica now.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGfourme:
Kuiu is a lifetime warranty. The Kenai is a very lightweight midlayer per Kuiu. I could see how it might wear in those areas. Worth an e mail to Kuiu.

Kuiu's Guide Jacket is an outer layer. Needs to be upsized for that purpose and Kuiu sizes run small. I have several Guide Jackets and can say they are an excellent outer layer. Kuiu had them in their outlet store for either overstock or color ---> very affordable at the outlet price.

It looks like I missed out on that deal. Is the Guide jacket lined? I'm open to a new lined shell, but I'm also looking for something that breathes well that I can throw on top of my insulating layers for versatility. It would also be something I could keep in my pack in the late spring or on hikes to higher elevations in the summer.

Just looked at both Kuiu jackets.
Axis is more of a shell.
Guide DCS has a thicker fleece layer.

Both jackets look the same from outside appearance, zippers, hood, etc.

Axis is 22 oz, Guide DCS is 24 oz

I wear the Axis as a rain jacket, light jacket. The Guide DCS is used more in snow storms-colder type activites.
I prefer the breathable type outer jacket--> sounds like Axis Hybrid is what you are looking for. XXL -- really need oversize!

I don’t think Filson is selling them right now, but there may still be an outdoor store that has their waxed anorak.

Photo, description

I’ve got one, and paired with a merino wool sweater-jacket, it works well down into the mid-20s temperatures. Zippered pocket inside the pouch, great wind protection. I wouldn’t want to spent hours in a steady downpour, but this is a really good piece of outerwear, and I don’t understand why Filson doesn’t still carry it.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
I'm open to either, but I love the soft-shell feel and weight of the Ferosi (and that it isn’t lined) but wish it had pit zips to temperature regulate. Many of the windshirts, like the Houdini, seem like they would be fragile, and they can be pretty noisy. I’ve seen the Alpine Start mentioned on may Outdoor Gear Lab tests, but I’m unsure where it would fall.

I've also heard good things about the Squamish, but I wish it had pockets.

Remember, when dealing with performance fabrics, manufactures are having to make compromises with regards to weight and features which ultimately is reflected in price. Pockets/zippers = weight and costs.
If the fabric is very light, you're not going to have pockets or, the jacket will look like saggy ass with anything heavier than a tissue pack in them. Zippers are the most expensive line-item in production costs, the more zippers a garment has, the more it drives up the weight and the overall cost. Regarding pit zips, unless the stretch-woven fabric is laminated, you normally don't find them on soft shells; the fabric is already highly breathable and brands are trying to keep the weight/cost delta under-control. If you're over-heating, open up the main front zip, get that water vapor out, then seal back up before you get too cold; otherwise take off your hat, sweat through your layers and let the performance fabrics do their thing.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

Remember, when dealing with performance fabrics, manufactures are having to make compromises with regards to weight and features which ultimately is reflected in price. Pockets/zippers = weight and costs.
If the fabric is very light, you're not going to have pockets or, the jacket will look like saggy ass with anything heavier than a tissue pack in them. Zippers are the most expensive line-item in production costs, the more zippers a garment has, the more it drives up the weight and the overall cost. Regarding pit zips, unless the stretch-woven fabric is laminated, you normally don't find them on soft shells; the fabric is already highly breathable and brands are trying to keep the weight/cost delta under-control. If you're over-heating, open up the main front zip, get that water vapor out, then seal back up before you get too cold; otherwise take off your hat, sweat through your layers and let the performance fabrics do their thing.

That makes sense. Thank you! I'll have to compromise, which doesn't sound like a big deal if they breathe well. I ordered the Alpine Start and the Marmot Alsek. The HH options seemed a bit more than I want to spend on something I could rip walking through brush.

@SIGfourme, thank you. I'm looking at the Axis shell now. I may have to wait for a sale to snag one.

@TMats

I never thought of an anorak, but that could be a good idea.

Is this a real Filson retailer site? For $98 I'll try one out, but it seems like a scam site.


https://www.newfilson.shop/fil...-anorak-dark-spruce/

I don’t know, my anorak was something like $250. The color is different and mine is not “rip stop,” a term I only associate with nylon. Still, it looks right, and features seem the same. I’ll have to spend some time on the site you linked at home (I’m on my phone now). Might be a helluva deal. The anorak I have is my favorite piece of outerwear.

Thanks for taking a look. I'm not going to risk it. When something seems too good to be true there is usually a reason. You all have given me some great options, and I'm thankful for the help!

I also bought a new insulating layer because of a friend's suggestion from Fortress. I'm excited to try it out with some of these shells.

.

I have purchased from www.TacticalGear.com but I don't have anything from the "Mission Made" brand.

I'm on Tactical Gear's email list, they do offer some nice sale prices. You just need to have control to buy what you need and not because it's a good deal.

The Mission Made Soft Shell Jacket is on sale for $50 down from $80. It has a windproof outer layer, breathable waterproof middle layer, and fleece inner layer. Sharing in case you're interested.

www.TacticalGear.com/mission-made-soft-shell-jacket-coyote

If you want to view all of the current items on sale at Tachical Gear, this link will take you there:
www.TacticalGear.com/Deals

.

I've been really happy with my Jetstream jacket from Sitka. They've even got them on sale right now.

https://www.sitkagear.com/prod...tream-jacket/eclipse

quote:

Originally posted by ss9961:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Im a big fan of Helly Hansen and Columbia. I'm using a HH shell in Antarctica now as my outer layer while hiking. It is one of the Oden jackets.

He's asking about WINTER hiking apparel.
It's summer in Antarctica now.

Summer at 72 degrees South is colder than anywhere in the USA...

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:

quote:

Originally posted by ss9961:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Im a big fan of Helly Hansen and Columbia. I'm using a HH shell in Antarctica now as my outer layer while hiking. It is one of the Oden jackets.

He's asking about WINTER hiking apparel.
It's summer in Antarctica now.

Summer at 72 degrees South is colder than anywhere in the USA...

I’m sorry I was joking. I should have used a smiley face instead of roll eyes.
The OP asks for winter clothing advice and you’re hiking in effing Antarctica.
Pretty awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Im a big fan of Helly Hansen and Columbia. I'm using a HH shell in Antarctica now as my outer layer while hiking. It is one of the Oden jackets.

Which Oden do you use?

quote:

First Spear Wind Cheater better for husky body types. Speaking of Wind Cheater, Hill People Gear has their windbreaker type of the same name..not sure how there's no trademark infringement.

I have a First Spear Wind Cheater and really like it. It’s roomy and does need an under layer as it’s not very warm on it’s own. Fairly water resistant as well.

The Hill People Gear version has an option for a fur cuff on the hood. It is also made by First Spear under a cooperative agreement, along with some other Hill People gear.