There are older threads concerning softshells but I was wanting to get more up to date information. Right now I’m trying to decide between TAD and arcteryx. I have several condors, they are great for the price point, but I’d like to get one a little higher end that’s more waterproof. I like the stowaway hood, breathable fabric, armpit vents, etc. I’m an arcteryx whore and own several tad gear pieces but no softshell. Any other new brands I should consider? Anyone have experience with the arcteryx alpha and tad stealth?
Softshells
- Thread starter charger23
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The Arcteryx Alpha is a hard shell..... And it's awesome.
I own an older (2yrs) Arcteryx LEAF soft shell and is by no means waterproof.... If it's raining, you're getting wet.
TAD claims that the Stealth is waterproof, and the materials they use are fantastic.... But I'm a skeptic. I doubt they're as fully waterproof as the Alpha.
I'd like to give the Stealth a try.
If I could only take one, it'd be the Alpha
I'm an apparel and soft goods innovation guy living in Western Oregon... The wet side.
BTW, the arcteryx outlet in Tulalip, WA sells LEAF goods..... Might be worth a call.
I own an older (2yrs) Arcteryx LEAF soft shell and is by no means waterproof.... If it's raining, you're getting wet.
TAD claims that the Stealth is waterproof, and the materials they use are fantastic.... But I'm a skeptic. I doubt they're as fully waterproof as the Alpha.
I'd like to give the Stealth a try.
If I could only take one, it'd be the Alpha
I'm an apparel and soft goods innovation guy living in Western Oregon... The wet side.
BTW, the arcteryx outlet in Tulalip, WA sells LEAF goods..... Might be worth a call.
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I'm also an arcteryx fanboy. I have the Psiphon FL hoody softshell and am super happy with it. I think it's my most versatile piece from them out of 9. I live in TX, so it doesn't get too cold. This jacket breaths so well I can leave it on when I go inside and not get too hot, but it blocks the wind and insulates just enough for short, inactive periods in the cold. It's great for activity in the cold. I'm actually about to get another one because mine is too big now that I've lost some weight.
I don't have any TAD clothing, but I do have a few condor pieces and the arcteryx is worlds better.
I don't have any TAD clothing, but I do have a few condor pieces and the arcteryx is worlds better.
I like Kuiu stuff. Guide series jacket is pretty awesome. I run the Yukon rain coat, but it honestly is more soft shell than hard shell. 4 way stretch but completely waterproof, rubber gasket-like cuff, waterproof zippers. Hood isn't stowable though.
OR makes a softshell jacket that is 100% waterproof.
More of a rain jacket than soft shell for aerobic activity.
Soft shells are water resistant normally. Block 90% of wind, light and brief precip and not 100% of either.
I spend 95% of my active time outside in softshell. I just carry a rainshell.
More of a rain jacket than soft shell for aerobic activity.
Soft shells are water resistant normally. Block 90% of wind, light and brief precip and not 100% of either.
I spend 95% of my active time outside in softshell. I just carry a rainshell.
Just to update this thread. I recently picked up an Arcteryx Gamma MX hoody that I like a lot. The cut is noticeably trimmer than most other of their jackets, but it's not too small. The material is great - it does a great job of blocking the wind and shedding rain. It is much thicker material than my Psiphon and is also fleece lined.
My only qualm is with the wrists. Its a fixed wrist which relies on the material's stretch. While it works just fine, it's kind of a chore to get it over a higher profile watch like a suunto. It does seal the wrists nicely without being too tight. I think similar wrist designs like the Atom LT or even just a Velcro closure would have been better though.
My only qualm is with the wrists. Its a fixed wrist which relies on the material's stretch. While it works just fine, it's kind of a chore to get it over a higher profile watch like a suunto. It does seal the wrists nicely without being too tight. I think similar wrist designs like the Atom LT or even just a Velcro closure would have been better though.
I have an older Drac LEAF jacket from Arc’teryx and love it. It’s a perfect companion to the Atom LT hoody when I need to layer up. I’ve used the Drac as an improvised shooting mat before. Kept me dry on damp grass.
I have a gen 1 LEAF alpha jacket that has been great at keeping me dry-also makes for a great winter shell for an outer layer to keep wind etc out. Not the best for breathing but then again I've always thought Gore-tex was highly overated in this regard. Keeps rain out though. Looks highly tactical if that is or isn't your thing.
I've never had TAD gear so I can't compare. Been rolling with Arcteryx for 20+ years-back when it was all still made in Canada-has always served me well.
I actually have an Arcteryx lightweight summer rain jacket made with Gore-tex pac-lite-that was made in China I got 15 years ago that's got 1000s of hours on it that has never let me down. Still my goto jacket.
I've never had TAD gear so I can't compare. Been rolling with Arcteryx for 20+ years-back when it was all still made in Canada-has always served me well.
I actually have an Arcteryx lightweight summer rain jacket made with Gore-tex pac-lite-that was made in China I got 15 years ago that's got 1000s of hours on it that has never let me down. Still my goto jacket.
I have an arcteryx that I bought about 2000.
Starting to delaminate in a spot or two and the wire that allows you to shape the hood has popped out in a place or two but still the jacket is functional.
The jacket was made in Canada back than and I see now similar would be made in Asia.
One of these days I will need a new shell but Ill look for something not made in a Communist hell hole. I understand LEAF is Berry compliant might go that way.
Starting to delaminate in a spot or two and the wire that allows you to shape the hood has popped out in a place or two but still the jacket is functional.
The jacket was made in Canada back than and I see now similar would be made in Asia.
One of these days I will need a new shell but Ill look for something not made in a Communist hell hole. I understand LEAF is Berry compliant might go that way.
My LEAF was made in Canada. The gen 1s sold for $800 and I would never had paid that-but when the gen 2s came out the gen 1 were selling for half price or lower.
It's the KAC of softshells
It's the KAC of softshells
Wild Things- Berry compliant, made in ??, mil/ tactical line designed for fitment of gear
You pay for it, and I think to some extent that pay is taking advantage of my want to do the right thing, but Id still rather pay.
It seems from your descritipoon that you want more of a hardshell
but
this is a new piece that i have, not a ton of time on it but so far so good.
https://beyondclothing.com/collections/axios/products/a5-stretch-alpha-sweater?variant=34290000653
i also have kuiu guide, dead bird gamma, and i would reach for this one first
but
this is a new piece that i have, not a ton of time on it but so far so good.
https://beyondclothing.com/collections/axios/products/a5-stretch-alpha-sweater?variant=34290000653
i also have kuiu guide, dead bird gamma, and i would reach for this one first
I just recently bought an Arcteryx Alpha AR jacket and am really liking it so far. Its a little loud (gives the ski pant noise when it rubs together) so you arnt sneaking up on anything hunting in it but for everything else its been pretty good so far.
Like I said, Kitanica stuff is over built (and Berry compliant). Their Mark IV is probably the last jacket I'll ever buy (it's built that well).
https://www.kitanica.net/MARK-IV-p/001.htm
https://www.kitanica.net/MARK-IV-p/001.htm
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