I've been looking at outer jackets from the big names: Sitka (Jetstream), Kuiu (Guide), First Lite (North Branch), and few non hunting related from Mountain Research, ArcTerex, Mountain Hardware to name a few. I've been wearing a Kuiu Guide for the past 4-5 years. My only issue with the jacket is the sizing through the chest and arms - with only base layers it fits well. Add a substantial puffy and things get tight in a hurry - too tight for my likes.

I'm intrigued by a couple of the non-hunting softshells, namely the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Ascendant. The only purpose for this outer layer is to shed wind, light rain, and be quiet.

What thoughts or jackets are you all wearing for mid-late October elk hunts?

Thanks.

Interestingly, I remembered a softshell I bought for hiking. It was a bit big for that purpose - but I loaded up my puffy (FL Uncompaghre) and 2 baselayers - fits perfectly. I don't know how well it breathes but it does shed wind and light rain.

https://www.freecountry.com/products/mens-cross-trail-softshell-jacket

My is perfect deer color (tan) which is a drawback to me - I don't want shot. Maybe a little dye job will work......

I've been real happy with a Gore-Tex, camo, un-insulated, Cabela's Whitetail series jacket and matching pant. It has a fleece like very quiet surface and I got it big enough to go over any mid layer puffy and my wool pants.

Following. I have an older Marmot Super Hero. I find the same with the sleeves being to tight and to long. It does have Gore Windstopper which seems legit. I have tried on a few of the name brands and for me, by the time I get them wide enough for my shoulders, the arms length is to long. I normally wear a Large, am 5'9" and 165. In Kansas, along with the cold we need to break the wind.

You and I are almost exactly the same size, except I'm 5'8"" and 165. I can't say as I understand the sizing on 'performance' fit. I work out but wouldn't say I'm big by any stretch.

Anyone have any experience with the Plythal line of Jackets etc. Sourced out of Arkansas. I would assume them boys have a normal build. Lol

Look for something with Polartec. I've two older Patagonia soft shells with Polartec Power Shield Pro and they are very sturdy, wind resistant and breathable. Since they don't make them anymore, I would check Sitka, KUIU, etc., for something made of Power Shield or even Neoshell. Though I have no personal experience with the Neoshell I have heard from reputable sources that it is an outstanding fabric for a breathable soft shell garment. I guess I should note that for a really good softshell that is breathable I would go with the uninsulated types. Use an under layer(s) for insulation. At least that's how I would play it.

Edit: some of the Polartec power shield products are extremely abrasion resistant. Very hard to tear and will last you a long time indeed.

I just had the Outdoor Research Winter Ferrosi in my hands. It is a breathe softshell with 80 grams Thermore insulation. It is light, breathable, and water/wind resistant. I see this as an outer layer when it's cooler out. The outer fabric is also soft and should be quiet. I found them online for $131. I may snag one and try it out.

First lite is coming out with a new hooded soft shell that is supposed to be lighter and more roomy than the North Branch.

For the type of backpack hunting I do I don't use a soft shell and probably won't but I am interested in one for kicking around the woods and for out in the skiff on days that the weather isn't to bad. Maybe for day hunts here during the blacktail rut as well.

I have a Kuiu Teton which has much larger sleeves than the Guide jacket. It’s a large vice the medium Guide. Fits well as a top layer. A super down fits perfectly under it. I too am 5-8.

My Dad was at Dallas Safari Club this week. I had him look at and send me pics of it. It looks interesting but a bit thin. I'll likely buy one
Supposed to come out in spring. Price be $225 ish.

+1 for the Power Shield. They used that in the now-extinct Patagonia KnifeRidge jacket. Heck of a jacket, I was real bummed to see them go, but I stocked up and have a couple waiting in reserve. It seems like pretty darn breathable stuff too.


The OP should also check out the Patagonia Nano Puff. Wind proof, DWR, light, silent, etc.

I've come across 2 interesting jackets. Both seem interesting but distinctly different.

http://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-dual-aspect-hoody/83200.html

https://nomadoutdoor.com/products/nomad-dunn-primaloft-jacket?variant=5720230428700

I found the Nomad for cheaper and ordered one. I think I'd like a bit of insulation for the hike in and sit for 2-3-4 hour situations I seem to do. We'll see, for $10 I can send it back. $10 is cheap R&D......

Cabelas has had some good jackets. I have fleece like jacket with a wind blocker that I really like and a primaloft jacket that is really warm for its weight.

My Cabela's lightweight fleece jacket / hoodie with the wind blocker is the schizzel. I'm 6'2" and go about 235 and the XL is perfect. If you want to wear it over a down jacket, you might want to get a 2XL, though. Definately my favorite everyday jacket by far.

Here's the non-hooded version on sale right now.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/barg...dshear-jacket-tall/1966909.uts?slotId=12

Softshell and windproof don't really go together well, though many manufacturers sell them. Softshells are most efficiently used as an "action suit"...weather resistant enough to get through most conditions, while breathing far better than hard shells and drying fast. WindStopper and similar windproof laminates handicap softshell performance big time. Polartec Powershield and Powershield Pro are indeed excellent cold weather soft shell fabrics. The Ferrosi is very light weight, a great piece but not in the same class. I use Ferrosi pants for about May-Sept and they are great for that, same with the jacket. It dries insanely fast and breathes very well, but it really isn't very wind resistant. I pair it with a windshirt in the pack unless I'm just out for the day. If you keep up the DWR on a Winter Ferrosi it could be a useful piece, though to me it's kind of a tweener.

I have an Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody on the way. Should be able to start trying it out this weekend. It is DWR coated and they claim wind resistant. We'll see. As part of a system, I have a Teton Rain jacket to deal with serious moisture or to add to the wind protection.

https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/atom-ar-hoody

The one thing I don't like about my Guide jacket is the tight sleeves combined with the really "grippy" lining. If you wear a base layer underneath that can ride up your arms when you put the jacket on, it will.

Deleted, wrong thread.

I have the OR Ferrosi (regular non insulated & no hood). Lightweight soft shell, very breathable. I use it in fall and spring, once temps get down into the 20s it's time for me to use something else. I have been impressed with its water resistence.

The thing to do is get the American companies that make their stuff here to offer a custom service for a reasonable price so that anyone who wants to order a custom size can do so.

I'd do that...........

Custom sizes and appears to work with a wide array of fabrics. I've long thought about getting something from him but haven't yet.

http://foxwear.net

Wonder if he'd make a pair of bib overalls patterned after a pair of Carhartts but with something more advanced and lighter than canvas?!?

Pointer,

Foxwear.net is certainly interesting. What caught my attention were the shirts made of power wool. Polartech website says they are made by combining a merino wool interior with a synthetic fiber exterior, thereby taking advantage of both fabrics. Sounds like First lite aerowool. The big difference is price. Short sleeve Aerowool is $80. The power wool shirts from fox wear are $35. Plus fox wear will custom fit.

Thoughts??

I've never used an item from them, but the prices there for the fabrics they use seem more than fair. You've probably spent $35 on worse things...

I really like Sitka’s Jetstream. Just be sure to try one on before buying. I normally take a large, and found the XL jacket perfect. This was also true of the Dewpoint jacket (lightweight rain gear) and the Kelvin Light puffy. Like them all, though pricey.

I too have the Sitka Jetstream and love it. Sheds light snow and rain, really blocks the wind and breaths nicely. It has been a great outer layer by itself, layered with the kelvin vest or jacket under it, or with the cloudburst gortex shell over it.

Marmot's M1, M2 and M3 softshells offer choices of breathe ability, windproof and waterproof capabilities depending on activity.

Layer: Merino light to medium weight or synthetic (never cotton in Winter) next to skin.

Fleece light to medium -- midlayer. Vest depending on movement to be considered.

Dryer and/or windy conditions -- softshell jacket over other layers.

Really cold, but dry -- puffy over everything.

Really wet or really windy -- waterproof parka...highly recommend Tru-Spec Military Style Contractor's Parka.

Add overwhites or select camo overcloth treated with DWR.

CARRY synthetic or merino spare baselayer for trip back from your furthest point hiked to be dry.

Highly recommend silk sock liners under your regular sock or sock layers.

Pants: merino or synthetic baselayers, thickness depending on temp and activity to prevent overheating.

"Mountain" pants (softshell type material) such as the major brands; Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, Patagonia,
Arc'teryx, etc.

OR:

Waterproof ski, snowboard or climbing bibs for rough terrain or really harsh conditions.

Head: Nylon balaclava. White is especially good in sunny conditions or snow in Summer or altitudes.

Heavier or second layer in harsher conditions.

Hat with neck protecter for sunny OR altitude will keep you cool and protect you from sunburn and "chicken neck".

Various knit caps or hats as layers.

Hard hat or helmet if you are hunting or traveling where rockfall is possible or winds while in forested terrain.

Hands: White knitted work glove liners for summer or sunny conditions.

Glove "systems" (layered) are very good.

Shooting gloves for better dexterity when needed.

Mittens...rarely needed, but can save your fingers from frostbite.

Learn to use trekking poles while hunting, especially for a long approach to your area. Can allow you to safely travel tough
terrain, streams and logs, etc.

BOOTS: Get the right boots and layer your socks. Dress socks or silk sock liners and then proper thickness, preferably wool socks.

I tend to agree.

Yeah, you need to know which one to buy.

No, you just need to know what works and there are many more ways to skin a cat than one.

But tell me, do you always feel compelled to offer advice on socks, boots, and underwear when a guy asks about soft shell jackets?

Yeah, am compelled to do so. Am sincerely sorry if that upset you...

Not at all sheriff.

For soft shell, I’ve gone with Otte Gear, when I can find their close outs. Heavy stuff but I think I’m set for the rest of my days.

I don't know if they make a softshell jacket with the WINDHSHEAR, but if they do that'd be an option worth looking into. I have one of their WINDSHEAR lined wool sweaters and although it's heavy, it's a warm SOB

The whole point of a softshell jacket is to have a wind and water RESISTANT jacket that is breathable so you can wear it during periods of high exertion. Think cross country skiing, mountain climbing, etc. If you need warmer or wind proof there are better products out there

Ive tried a few different technology high wind/water resistance technical soft shells over the decades, now I typically prefer
a regular soft shell with a wind/waterproof hardshell over the top if need be....but each persons needs can vary.

but As technology keeps advancing , it good to visit whats new on the market in soft and hard shells or hybrid shells
and what may be of better service to you.