Do I really need a softshell?

[luke moffat]

This is how I am looking at it right now:

Soft shell + rain poncho = ~$200
Puffy + Rain jacket = ~$600

I sure can use the extra $400 in my pocket right now.

No doubt, the puffy + rain jacket will perform better, but triple the price just isn't practical right now. Plus, from the people I've been talking to and who I am going on my trip with, they told me to not waste money on a rain jacket, and cheap poncho will do the job. So, for me, I think a soft shell will be the better choice. It definitely serves a purpose.

I would gladly run this rain jacket and puffy jacket over a soft shell and a el cheapo rain poncho.

30% off coupon code would make the rain jacket-$49
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ma...or-men~p~2283a/?filterString=s~marmot-precip/

30% off coupon code would make this puffy coat-$84
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kr...ed-for-men~p~115ya/?filterString=s~primaloft/

Heck even get this puffy vest for $56 if you like and still be sub $200:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kr...=s~primaloft/clothing~d~5/mens-clothing~d~15/


But if you feel the need to spend more money on a soft shell and a rain poncho go for it.

 

[Kotaman]

I have traded out the mid weight fleece for a jet stream light jacket. There is really no difference in weight, but the jet stream light is a wind blocker. I was anti soft shell, but I think these super light wind shells are a pretty good deal.

For insulation I have a kelvin light vest for early season and a thorium full puffy jacket for late season.

If you like the Jetstream Lite Jacket, you'd love the new Sitka Timberline Jacket. For mountain hunts, I am not a fan of packing a softshell, but for "drive up"/"Cabin" hunts I like to have a softshell. I look at a soft shell as a "luxury" item. Not necessary, but nice to have. The new Sitka Timberline is light, has a hood, water resistant and wind proof.

My mountain "system" involves either my Sitka Cold Front or Storm Front for a shell and the Kelvin Ultra Lite Puffy.

 

[Gumbo]

I quit using my Jetstream last year for backpack hunts in lieu of a Yukon and FL Labrador. Worked pretty well and is a more versatile setup, especially considering I rarely wear the outer layer when I am hiking/hunting (I use it more when glassing or in camp) so noise/breathability isn't an issue. But I do love the Jetstream for day hunts in sage country when there is little chance of significant rain/snow.

 

[5MilesBack]

This is how I am looking at it right now:

Soft shell + rain poncho = ~$200
Puffy + Rain jacket = ~$600

I sure can use the extra $400 in my pocket right now.

That's ridiculous. My 800-fill down puffy was $15 on clearance from Costco, and my Walls 10x rain jacket was $30 on Ebay. The down jackets can still be found on Ebay for around $40, as Costco doesn't carry these ones anymore. I actually use them more during the off-season than I do while hunting.

The more I read about softshells.....the more I realize I have no idea what a "softshell" even is?????? So when someone asks if they need on for hunting, my reply can only be "I've been hunting for 35 years and don't even know what they are......so probably not".

 

[KMT]

I archery hunt with a blue and green down jacket and a rain jacket. Those two items pack down really small and are light weight. I bought a soft shell 5 years ago and have worn it one day. Not as warm as down and packs down to the size of a VW Bug. Weighs almost as much too.

 

[Aventus]

I would gladly run this rain jacket and puffy jacket over a soft shell and a el cheapo rain poncho.

30% off coupon code would make the rain jacket-$49
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ma...or-men~p~2283a/?filterString=s~marmot-precip/

30% off coupon code would make this puffy coat-$84
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kr...ed-for-men~p~115ya/?filterString=s~primaloft/

Heck even get this puffy vest for $56 if you like and still be sub $200:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kr...=s~primaloft/clothing~d~5/mens-clothing~d~15/


But if you feel the need to spend more money on a soft shell and a rain poncho go for it.

Thanks Luke.

I probably should have gave a bit of a back story. This is going to be my first big game hunt. Heck, this is going to be my first hunt ever. My dad was a big time hunter. But, he never took us as kids. And by the time I got into my teens, he back and shoulder gave out on him and he had to stop hunting. So, I have always wanted to hunt. Just never happened. Now I am 30 and I am heading out to Colorado in November. We are not backpacking in. We have a cabin that we are staying out. We will set out first thing in the morning and come back in the evening. I can definitely understand the points that people are making who are the ones who backpacking in and stay in. For them, having the perfect gear is a must, and choosing wrong can screw them. With me, since I am not packing a tent, stove, sleeping bag, several days worth of food, etc. I can afford to bring some layers and backup clothes.

However, since this is my first hunt. I had to buy EVERYTHING but a rifle. My dad gave me his rifle. So, what I did was I purchased the Kuiu Guide Jacket and Pants during their Memorial day sale. And I purchased some First Lite layers. The people I am going with told me to NOT spend the money on a rain jacket for this trip because if it starts raining, we will be huddled under a tree waiting for it to pass. so, I was told that the best thing to get is a cheap $20 poncho and not a $300 rain jacket. So, that is what I did.

Now, you have to understand that I was coming in blind to all of this. It wouldn't surprise if I come to find out after the trip the Guide set wasn't the perfect gear for me. Who has ever got it right on the first try? So, I know my choices are far from perfect, but I had to start somewhere and then go from there, and after a lot of research on here. People pointed me in the direction of the Kuiu Guide set.

Over the years, I will be able to add to the arsenal and over the years I will be going on different hunts in different places at different times of the year. So, I will be gear geared towards those conditions. But, right now, I purchased gear based on what will suit me for November in Colorado. After posting on hear about that trip, I was told to get the Guide set.

I am for sure going to be getting the FL puffy. But, I don't think I will be purchasing a $300 (FL, Kuiu, Sitka, etc) rain jacket any time soon.

This is what I have:

Kuiu Guide Jacket and Pant (Verde)
Kuiu Attack Pant (grey)
Patagona Nano Vest (grey)
First Lite LLano short Sleeve (Pine)
First Lite Chama quarter zip (Pine)
Kuiu 145 merino long sleeve x2 (Brindle)
Kuiu, Darn Tough and smart wool socks.
Llowa Tibet boots
Exo Mountain Gear 3500 pack

 

[pyroducksx3]

The guide jacket is the best softshell I've used. With that said though I used it during Washington deer and elk, I imagine Colorado will be a little colder

 

[Cgeb]

Love my Sitka 90% jacket. May be a little lighter/thinner than "conventional soft-shell's". I just layer under it with the Traverse, wool shirts and Sitka vests, depending on the condition. I'm not a backpack hunter though, mostly cabin based but can cover some ground on any given day. Add layers as I get in the stand or stop to watch an area.

Turkey hunting this year just went with the Traverse and a mesh leaf suit over it was fine in the morning but got a little hot packing out a turkey at mid day. I would have been in deep do-do if it poured rain.

 

[luke moffat]

Thanks Luke.

I probably should have gave a bit of a back story. This is going to be my first big game hunt. Heck, this is going to be my first hunt ever. My dad was a big time hunter. But, he never took us as kids. And by the time I got into my teens, he back and shoulder gave out on him and he had to stop hunting. So, I have always wanted to hunt. Just never happened. Now I am 30 and I am heading out to Colorado in November. We are not backpacking in. We have a cabin that we are staying out. We will set out first thing in the morning and come back in the evening. I can definitely understand the points that people are making who are the ones who backpacking in and stay in. For them, having the perfect gear is a must, and choosing wrong can screw them. With me, since I am not packing a tent, stove, sleeping bag, several days worth of food, etc. I can afford to bring some layers and backup clothes.

However, since this is my first hunt. I had to buy EVERYTHING but a rifle. My dad gave me his rifle. So, what I did was I purchased the Kuiu Guide Jacket and Pants during their Memorial day sale. And I purchased some First Lite layers. The people I am going with told me to NOT spend the money on a rain jacket for this trip because if it starts raining, we will be huddled under a tree waiting for it to pass. so, I was told that the best thing to get is a cheap $20 poncho and not a $300 rain jacket. So, that is what I did.

Now, you have to understand that I was coming in blind to all of this. It wouldn't surprise if I come to find out after the trip the Guide set wasn't the perfect gear for me. Who has ever got it right on the first try? So, I know my choices are far from perfect, but I had to start somewhere and then go from there, and after a lot of research on here. People pointed me in the direction of the Kuiu Guide set.

Over the years, I will be able to add to the arsenal and over the years I will be going on different hunts in different places at different times of the year. So, I will be gear geared towards those conditions. But, right now, I purchased gear based on what will suit me for November in Colorado. After posting on hear about that trip, I was told to get the Guide set.

I am for sure going to be getting the FL puffy. But, I don't think I will be purchasing a $300 (FL, Kuiu, Sitka, etc) rain jacket any time soon.

This is what I have:

Kuiu Guide Jacket and Pant (Verde)
Kuiu Attack Pant (grey)
Patagona Nano Vest (grey)
First Lite LLano short Sleeve (Pine)
First Lite Chama quarter zip (Pine)
Kuiu 145 merino long sleeve x2 (Brindle)
Kuiu, Darn Tough and smart wool socks.
Llowa Tibet boots
Exo Mountain Gear 3500 pack

Its all good man. You'll be just fine with what you have. Didn't realize you had already purchased stuff. I am just glad you are getting out there and going hunting cause in the end thats all that matters.

Which I guess why it bugs me when people think you need to spend gobs of $$$ in order to hunt....as if you'll die without brand X rain jacket or brand Y pack.

Just the fact that you are going is WAY more important than what you are bringing. I sincerely hope you enjoy your first hunt and wish you the best of luck. After this trip and you find what did or didn't work for you and you want to talk gear or maybe swapping items out and such shoot me a PM with your number and we can talk about affordable ways to do so without breaking the bank. Hunting doesn't have to be nearly as expensive for gear as one might be led to believe reading on here. Gear is nice but time afield trumps all!! Good luck man.

 

[5MilesBack]

But, right now, I purchased gear based on what will suit me for November in Colorado.

That changes everything IMO. November can be downright miserably cold. No.....I wouldn't bother with a rain jacket that late either. If it's "raining" then it will be in the form of snowflakes. That late I wouldn't even bring my down "puffy" jacket......way too cold for that. I'd bring my full on heavy winter down coat. When I'm rifle hunting I'm always on the move......mostly to keep warm. But when I do stop, I load up the insulation layers to keep somewhat warm.

 

[Trial153]

It's a rare hunt that I go on that I am not taking my Jetstream jacket... So I would say a soft shell fits into hunting very well.

 

[Pramo]

November + Colorado rifle = very cold. I wouldn't bother with a rain coat and the guide jacket and pants would be fine. I would think about some nice gaiters and kelvin style pants for glassing.

I bowhunt west every year but have been rifle hunting once in late October in SW Colorado and wore a down puffy and jetstream jacket and timberline pants with kelvins underneith if I was sitting for a long time. It was cold with 60+ mph winds I was ok and really liked having the windstopper.

 

[Aventus]

Its all good man. You'll be just fine with what you have. Didn't realize you had already purchased stuff. I am just glad you are getting out there and going hunting cause in the end thats all that matters.

Which I guess why it bugs me when people think you need to spend gobs of $$$ in order to hunt....as if you'll die without brand X rain jacket or brand Y pack.

Just the fact that you are going is WAY more important than what you are bringing. I sincerely hope you enjoy your first hunt and wish you the best of luck. After this trip and you find what did or didn't work for you and you want to talk gear or maybe swapping items out and such shoot me a PM with your number and we can talk about affordable ways to do so without breaking the bank. Hunting doesn't have to be nearly as expensive for gear as one might be led to believe reading on here. Gear is nice but time afield trumps all!! Good luck man.

Thanks Luke. I will definitely contact you after my trip. I am sure I will find things that didn't work for me. But, hopefully, what I have will at least prevent me from being miserable out there and will help me keep my focus on the hike and hunt rather than the gear.

 

[Aventus]

November + Colorado rifle = very cold. I wouldn't bother with a rain coat and the guide jacket and pants would be fine. I would think about some nice gaiters and kelvin style pants for glassing.

I bowhunt west every year but have been rifle hunting once in late October in SW Colorado and wore a down puffy and jetstream jacket and timberline pants with kelvins underneith if I was sitting for a long time. It was cold with 60+ mph winds I was ok and really liked having the windstopper.

Yup, I have some OR crocodile gaiters.

I am probably going to add a few more pieces to the arsenal before November, but they are most likely going to be insulation layers rather than outer layers. I need some gloves too. What about neck gaiters/Balaclava?

 

[RustyHazen]

I don't understand any of the "no softshells for backpacking" talk. Early in the morning when it's very cool but your actively "hunting," what are you going to do? Sweat around hiking in your puffy or rain shell that doesn't actually breathe well? A softshell is a very versatile piece that offers decent warmth, good breathability, and some weather resistance. Also, when stalking or still-hunting, a softshell is ten times quieter than a puffy, and infinitely more durable if you end up busting brush or crawling around on the ground. I love my 90% jacket, it's 14.7 ounces. Wear it every morning and evening. There are a ton of other places you can save weight. The 90% weighs less than a lot of "mid layers" and does more. Really, weigh a couple of "fleecy" mid layers or heavier wool base layers, you'll see. Just my opinion, I carry a puffy as well, but I actually wear it 10 percent of the time of my softshell.

 

[Poser]

I like a soft shell, but only carry it on late season trips or if I'm going without a puffy in the early season. It's comfortable to wear and great for brush busting, too, but I can't justify the weight on a longer trip when there will be wide swings in temps.

 

[5MilesBack]

Early in the morning when it's very cool but your actively "hunting," what are you going to do?

If I'm actively hunting, I'm not wearing much up top.......maybe my merino base, microfleece, and my Microtex camo shirt if it's very cool out. If it gets colder than that then I'll throw on my heavy fleece that weighs 12oz. Dead quiet, light weight, comfortable, warm, breathes extremely well, and if it gets wet I just shake the water out of it. I think I paid $20 for my heavy fleece camo jacket. I love fleece. I seriously probably have 50 pieces of fleece clothing........it's not just for hunting. I rarely ever wear any other type of jacket in the off-season even in the dead of winter.

The only time I use my down jackets or rain jacket is if I'm stationary and cold or wet out.

 

[jspradley]

All I know is I look damn sexy in my Arcteryx softshell... that's gotta count for something right? :-D

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[airlocksniffer]

I have an ArcTeryx windstopper soft shell I love for snowboarding. I did have a FL Northbranch jacket but wasn't crazy about. I'd get way too hot when hiking but it wasn't very warm when stationary. During archery I use FL tops (Chama and Springer Vest) and have a puffy and rain shell in my pack. For rifle or when it get's snowy I have a Mountain Hardwear windstopper fleece. It breathes much better than the North Branch and is silent. I'm a pretty active hunter so fleece works the best for me when the temp drops.

 

[slick]

Agreed. I wear an Arcteryx pull over fleece, rather than a soft shell. It's always with me, and wear it 75% of the time. Layers and breathes well.


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