Softshell suggestions?

[Bad Voodoo]

If you're willing to pay a bit more for small-lot US-made technical clothing, TAD Gear is about the only option out there. Quality stuff all around and a great staff of folks over there in 'The City.' I don't mind supporting them or their US sources in the least!

 

[tombodad]

that does look pretty sweet. And I am all for supporting the US of A. [While we still have one left... :Wow1:]
Wasn't thinking about a hood, but I guess I am not opposed. Never owned a hooded softshell before.

 

[tombodad]

On second review, that jacket seems to be a bit looser fitting than the "ice-climbing" style softshell. Is this true, or just a misconception from their pictures?

 

[MotoDave]

that does look pretty sweet. And I am all for supporting the US of A. [While we still have one left... :Wow1:]
Wasn't thinking about a hood, but I guess I am not opposed. Never owned a hooded softshell before.

The hood on these is designed so it sits very flat against your shoulders when not in use. I like it a lot better than loose floppy hoods that catch the wind.

As far as fit, I'd definitely say they are 'Athletic Cut'. I ordered one size larger than the site recommended and am happy with the looser fit.

 

[Bad Voodoo]

'Athletic Cut' describes the fit pretty accurately, as a second layer over say, a Merino wool or other synthetic mock turtleneck.

 

[tombodad]

I do really love TAD gear. The more I look over their site, the better they look. :wings:
Only bad thing is they are too small to find on the discount sites... although I don't feel too bad supporting the little guys. Especially American little guys. Just have to save up my allowance a little longer... lol.

 

[Alacrity]

Have a early Tad Gear Hoodie - just a great jacket. Tough as nails, sheds better than I expected, dig the collar/aero hood. Extremely well made, likely a permanent fixture. I've heard good things re: the Spectre as well.

Also have some kind of Mountain Hardware SS - maybe a G50. Picked it up out west on clearance. Yea I buy my gear careful - I pack well too. :coffeedrink: Its been very good as well, had it for a number of years - like new, but its been cared for well (Nikwax stuff).

Can recommend any of the 3 - but you'd be well served by any of the topflite mfg.

 

[Stan the Man]

I like Eddie Bauer clothes. IMO they are camparable quality to the leading companies listed in this thread, offer the same warranties as the others, and are just as warm. Mainly I like EB clothes because they fit me, I'm a tall lanky guy and they offer just about everything in a "Tall" size. I've said goodbye to tiny sleeves.

Here's a budget soft shell. I tried this on today and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and buy it. Good price, warm, and it looked promising. $130

EB also has a newish line out called, First Ascent. This is more pricey, but is a top dog with the competition. $230

 

[tombodad]

I also like Eddie Bauer. I actually wear a lot of their clothes... Hmm...

 

[SpaceWrangler]

the best softshell i've found is the marmot sharpe pointe jacket. ..it's super durable and fits like it was taylor made.

 

[Amontgomery]

For posterity's sake, and I know it has been a while since anyone posted in this thread.

I just want to throw my vote behind TAD.

I have a Spectre LRPv2 (Last fall model) and it is awesome. I grabbed it up for a heavy-duty cold weather jacket (doesn't get below 20*F here) for when I have to ride my bike extended distances in the rain (happens more than you think).

Even at the coldest time last winter I still never needed to layer any more than a T-shirt with it, and after 30 minutes in HARD rain, no water had made it through.

I also grabbed one of their Explorer half-zip jackets and a neck gaiter and both work very well for layering in colder weather than we have here (perfect for standing still outside for extended periods of time while not exercising)

 

[MattScott]

I bought a Mammut, they really have some technology behind their products, this jacket is tiny, and amazing.

That being said I´m never caught dead outside of my Belstaff

 

[Speaker]

Here's a budget soft shell. I tried this on today and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and buy it. Good price, warm, and it looked promising. $130

Hah. What a great photo. A guy standing on a rock with a bunch of quickdraws clipped to a backpack. That's pretty extreme stuff.

 

[goldenbeagle]

mountain hardwear G50
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-G50-Softshell-Jacket-Mens/MHW0476M.html

I say the best.... MH is a great company! :iagree:

 

[Tacoma4life]

I have had bad luck with Mt Hardware products. Their taped seams seem to dissolve and fall apart.

Marmot has been good in the past, though I haven't bought any Marmot gear in quite a while.

Though expensive, I highly recommend Arc Teryx. I own an Arc Teryx hooded soft shell and I can say it has held up amazingly well for 7 years. In fact it looks brand new, no wear anywhere, and it has been used a LOT. Their materials and craftmanship are truely above the rest.