Hi all,
After doing a probably excessive amount of research this summer Im back on the hunt for my first "big boy" shell. I thought my search was finished when I found a screaming deal on an Arcteryx Macai, but I spent one day out in it (and only a t shirt) sweating profusely and decided it wasnt the right choice for me . I feel Ive narrowed down the type of jacket I want, but I cant seem to find something that meets all the wickets.
Im primarily a resort skier from the DC area that runs pretty hot while active, but also very cold when stationary. For reference, I typically for for runs in 20-40 degree weather Ill wear with track pants and a t shirt- never a sweatshirt. But I will be in full sweats lounging around the home in my 70 degree house. This is the heart of my predicament.
This is where I turn to you good people. Have you guys stumbled across this elusive "perfect" jacket?
My criteria ( which are of course open to thoughts/criticism):
-As breathable as possible while still being waterproof enough to handle wet snow and light rain (neoshell? or maybe a true softshell could accomplish this? Im not totally clear)
-hood separate from collar (doesnt have to necessarily be removable, but I really like that the hood doesnt pull the collar into my face on these)
-decent Pit zips
-powder skirt. I fall too much not to have one
-not hugely baggy ala "freeride" fit. Im a pretty average build with semi-broad shoulders and a thinner waist, and Im not super keen on my midsection swimming in the jacket. Id like to be able to layer, though.
-preferably a non-insulated shell, but light breathable insulation wouldnt be the end of the world for an otherwise "perfect" jacket.
What sort of material should I be looking at? I've found something with all the features I want in the mountain hardware tenacity pro but Im worried the Dry-Q elite will not be breathable enough. Ive looked at neoshell, but it seems like the options are limited these days and I cant find a jacket that doesnt compromise one or more of the criteria. The old Outdoor Hardwear boundaryseeker would be perfect, but I cant find it for sale anywhere in my size. The Westcomb Apoc would be great if it had a powder skirt. But Ive also read that all these hardshells are only marginally different than each other, and all will essentially feel like skiing in a garbage bag. Im starting to suspect that a membrane-less softshell might be perfect for my needs, but I dont even know where to begin with that after researching hardshells for weeks.
Can I ask you guys for suggestions/tips?
After doing a probably excessive amount of research this summer Im back on the hunt for my first "big boy" shell. I thought my search was finished when I found a screaming deal on an Arcteryx Macai, but I spent one day out in it (and only a t shirt) sweating profusely and decided it wasnt the right choice for me . I feel Ive narrowed down the type of jacket I want, but I cant seem to find something that meets all the wickets.
Im primarily a resort skier from the DC area that runs pretty hot while active, but also very cold when stationary. For reference, I typically for for runs in 20-40 degree weather Ill wear with track pants and a t shirt- never a sweatshirt. But I will be in full sweats lounging around the home in my 70 degree house. This is the heart of my predicament.
This is where I turn to you good people. Have you guys stumbled across this elusive "perfect" jacket?
My criteria ( which are of course open to thoughts/criticism):
-As breathable as possible while still being waterproof enough to handle wet snow and light rain (neoshell? or maybe a true softshell could accomplish this? Im not totally clear)
-hood separate from collar (doesnt have to necessarily be removable, but I really like that the hood doesnt pull the collar into my face on these)
-decent Pit zips
-powder skirt. I fall too much not to have one
-not hugely baggy ala "freeride" fit. Im a pretty average build with semi-broad shoulders and a thinner waist, and Im not super keen on my midsection swimming in the jacket. Id like to be able to layer, though.
-preferably a non-insulated shell, but light breathable insulation wouldnt be the end of the world for an otherwise "perfect" jacket.
What sort of material should I be looking at? I've found something with all the features I want in the mountain hardware tenacity pro but Im worried the Dry-Q elite will not be breathable enough. Ive looked at neoshell, but it seems like the options are limited these days and I cant find a jacket that doesnt compromise one or more of the criteria. The old Outdoor Hardwear boundaryseeker would be perfect, but I cant find it for sale anywhere in my size. The Westcomb Apoc would be great if it had a powder skirt. But Ive also read that all these hardshells are only marginally different than each other, and all will essentially feel like skiing in a garbage bag. Im starting to suspect that a membrane-less softshell might be perfect for my needs, but I dont even know where to begin with that after researching hardshells for weeks.
Can I ask you guys for suggestions/tips?