Ditching the softshell for hardshell this year. What do you think?

[jolemons]

My next hunts will be late season NM javi and mule deer in Feb-March, so I've got plenty of time to research some new clothing. I'm thinking of ditching the softshell and using the Kuiu Yukon jacket as my only shell. This will be coupled with merino base layers, synthetic shirt and vest and a puffy. My thought is that I can ditch the rain gear and softshell to save weight and volume and use the Kuiu is my sole outerlayer. I always have a vest with me, so during times when I need to protect myself and my puffy from abrasion, but it's too hot for a jacket, I can just throw on the vest.

I know a lot of you guys use a similar system, so I'd like to hear what you use, what works and what you've learned while experimenting with this setup. I typically hunt dry areas, like NM, so I'm a little hesitant about spending so much on the Yukon when it might only see rains a few times each year. Perhaps I could get away with a more economical alternative to serve as my hardshell? For my hunting style, durability and weight are more important than waterproofing ability. And yes, I want the hardshell to be in camo.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Matt W.]

Have you heard about the Good Idea Gear Fairy? : )
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-12-00/backpacking/257-good-idea-fairy

I agree with Aron, a softshell is extra weight, but every year, despite telling myself this, my Guide Jacket finds its way into my pack. I know better, yet I just like that darn thing (even with its flaws).. ; )

 

[jolemons]

Yea, I agree. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Chugach NX holds up in the rain gear test.

 

[Ozz08]

I ditched my soft shell and sitka Celsius vest for a kryptek puffy and cabelas space rain jacket. Saved me over 1.5 lbs and I was way warmer during morning and evening glassing sessions. I was worried about the system blocking wind but I had a steady cold 30mph wind 1 day and the puffy jacket alone did well blocking wind.

 

[dryflyguy]

I only take a soft shell when it is going to be very cold and more likely to snow than rain.

 

[Lawnboi]

Will you be bow hunting? If you are the noise my hardshell makes would make me still carry my softshell. Pretty tough to get too sneaky in kuiu chugach in the brush

 

[jolemons]

I use bow and rifle, but the main reason I have always opted for the softshell is its abrasion resistance. I often find myself glassing against rocks, cactus, etc and don't want to rip an exphardshell. That's why I'm thinking that I could use my softshell vest as an olayer

 

[KMT]

I only bow hunt, and I use a hard shell and a puffy. The two can handle any weather that I will see.

 

[InDeep]

I have decided to go down this road as well. I have been carrying a 90% jacket and a vest to give me my warmth ..done with it time to save some lbs

 

[mtnkid85]

Ive been considering this with the Core4 Torrent shell. With its brushed exterior it seems like it would do well enough as a main layer.

 

[Snipershirt]

Ditched the soft shell (sitka jet stream) last season. My outer is now a stormfront, never looked back!

 

[Screamrider]

I just can't ditch my Sitka jet stream! I carry it along with an arc teryx puffy and Sitka dew point rain jacket except in the early season. I find that in anything other than actual rain, I highly prefer the feel and quiet of the softshell. If it gets cold, I put the puffy underneath, and if it's wet, put the dew point over top. Otherwise just the soft shell on its own serves a huge range of conditions. The dew point jacket is super light and compact, so I'm happy to just have that for back up if it gets nasty out. Just my 2 cents.

 

[trdhunter]

How do the hardshells work for breathability for you guys that run them exclusively. Do you have problems with condensation while hiking?

 

[KMT]

How do the hardshells work for breathability for you guys that run them exclusively. Do you have problems with condensation while hiking?

I use the core4element torrent or a kimtah REI jacket for a hard shell. The C4E torrent is NOT breathable. If exerting myself, I take it off. A smartwool shirt is plenty to keep me warm if I'm working hard and it isn't super windy. The REI jacket is much more breathable. In fact, it doesn't have pit zips, and I don't even miss them. But honestly, even a soft shell doesn't breath well enough for me if I'm climbing or hauling a heavy load.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Ditched the soft shell (sitka jet stream) last season. My outer is now a stormfront, never looked back!

I did exactly the opposite...had to peel my Stormfront off IN THE RAIN because it made too much noise. Got the Russell Cyclone L5 and never looked back. Also like the Nat Gear rain suit. I would never bowhunt wearing that Stormfront, especially in a light, windless rain. My buddies were giving me dirty looks because of the sound it was making...I bowed to peer pressure and hunted in my Jetstream the rest of the day. I would only consider using it for still hunting, never for spot and stalk.

 

[mtbshark]

Oh so I wrestle with this one a lot, but I did purchase a kryptek dalibor jacket and I have to say its not staying at home anytime soon.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Jet stream is NOT a soft shell rain suit so let's not pretend it is. Russell L series and Natural Gear are. The L5 Cyclone is the perfect blend of dry, light and silent.

 

[doverpack12]

I agree with the Russell L5 Cyclone but have heard the C4E Torrent is Quieter and its a little less weight.

 

[huntography]

My late bow season deer and elk outer shell will be the Yukon.

Merino base layers.

Spindrift or Super Down tops and bottoms as needed.

Rudy

 

[BigSurArcher]

Last few hunts I have left the Softshell at the truck and carried only Merino, Super Down, and Chugach jacket- even though wet weather was not in the forecast. In my opinion for the weight you get much better all around protection from the wind and cold with the down + hardshell. The noise of the Chugach never entered my mind as an area of concern while in the field, albeit I have been rifle hunting lately.