Do I really need a softshell?

[shastahntr]

I wear first lite llano 1/4 zip, kuiu pelton 200, Super down hoodie, Sitka Stormfront raingear for uppers. This takes me anywhere. Never needed a softshell.

 

[SUMMIT75]

I'm with a lot of people here, I own both the Kuiu Guide Jacket and First Lite North Branch jacket.

I'd never wear them for back country hunting, specially the North Branch material,loud and heavy and the collar is tight and doesn't allow for fully zipping up with layers on, the Kuiu is probably he best thought out soft shell, much quieter but still have no use or efficiency in back country. I have them simply for wearing around and deer camp.

I come from a heavy rock climbing background and never took one with me. Layer like an onion and use a puffy and hardshell when the temps really drop and the wind kicks up.


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[Elkfitness]

I have one of the older Russell apxg soft shells. I like it. They are nice and quiet, block the wind, are form fitting, and have good DWR (I've had to freshen it up). I think I bought it for $50 when they closed shop. I love it for archery when it's just cold enough to need something at sunrise and sunset. I hate being chilled and pulling the bow, so it's great early and late in the day. It's quiet when drawing the bow and I think I've had it on for my past 5 or 6 harvests.

 

[elkduds]

Depends on the November. Last year I hunted 4th rifle season in CO, around 10K elev. Inch of snow opening morning, after that lows were in the teens, highs in the 50s. I had merino base, c4e midmountain vest, fleece insulating layer, 90% jacket. When it warmed, I lost the fleece layer. Couple afternoons I had the pit zips open on the 90. More typical for mid Nov. in CO @ 9-10K would be lows in the teens, highs in the 30s, subtract 10-20 degrees if storming.

 

[Jimbo V]

No


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[JP100]

Soft shells have no real use for back packing. No water proof and not a real insulation layer. Most are very heavy when wet and don't dry out

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[5MilesBack]

Soft shells have no real use for back packing. No water proof and not a real insulation layer. Most are very heavy when wet and don't dry out

Then what exactly do they do? What is their purpose?

 

[fngTony]

Then what exactly do they do? What is their purpose?

A little of everything, a lot of nothing. Which is what Colorado gives 90% of the time. Great for a incase jacket when not far from base camp or truck, they are durable so it can save wear on puffy or rain or merino layer. I may pack one in but not to replace a rain shell or puffy.

 

[JP100]

Then what exactly do they do? What is their purpose?

They are great for wearing around town which I use mine for.
If you live some place it does not rain they can be great.
But most cases it'll rain and you need a rain jacket aswell.
Packing two items when you only need one is a waste of time

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[jtw]

I love my marmot hooded softshell for around town and on day hikes in chilly weather or light rain. But would never take it on a backpacking trip or hunt.

 

[5MilesBack]

They are great for wearing around town which I use mine for.

What are they great for? You said they aren't a real insulation layer, and aren't waterproof. So what is it? Something you just throw on around town for looks???? Not getting it. The more I hear about soft shells, the more I realize I have no idea what people are talking about.

 

[mallacootasmoothie]

What are they great for? You said they aren't a real insulation layer, and aren't waterproof. So what is it? Something you just throw on around town for looks???? Not getting it. The more I hear about soft shells, the more I realize I have no idea what people are talking about.

What's no to get? They are a compromise in every way. They're kinda warm, not waterproof, not wind proof and heavy.
I wouldn't carry one on anything more than a day hunt.

 

[JP100]

What are they great for? You said they aren't a real insulation layer, and aren't waterproof. So what is it? Something you just throw on around town for looks???? Not getting it. The more I hear about soft shells, the more I realize I have no idea what people are talking about.

Yep that's all I use mine for. I wouldn't bother buying one if you intend on using it for back pack hunting. I am not really sure what their intended purpose is either but it's not mountain hunting haha

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[5MilesBack]

What's no to get?

The better question would be "what's there TO get". No good for rain, no insulation, and heavy.......yet people like to wear whatever these are around town. They sound pretty useless to me.......even for a fashion statement. I'm going to have to do some searching and see if I can find one of these worthless garments just to see what the heck we're talking about.

 

[fngTony]

The better question would be "what's there TO get". No good for rain, no insulation, and heavy.......yet people like to wear whatever these are around town. They sound pretty useless to me.......even for a fashion statement. I'm going to have to do some searching and see if I can find one of these worthless garments just to see what the heck we're talking about.

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[warrior80]

There are a lot of different types of softshells. Some are thicker some are thin. They are nice because they do provide warmth, they are much more durable than insulation, base layers, or rain gear, most are quiet, and some are more breathable to be able to wear while hiking and some are more windproof. They typically have a dwr coating so they will shed some rain and the outer fabric it usually somewhat smooth so they don't pick up burrs and things like that. I wear the Kuiu Guide jacket fairly often in the later seasons when there is snow and not rain. They are great for that. You can hike in them where you typically wouldn't in a puffy or rain shell. The Guide vest is very versatile. I'll wear that from early season through late season. The lighter softshells you can wear early season as well. Softshells definitely have their place.

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[MT_Wyatt]

There are a lot of different types of softshells. Some are thicker some are thin. They are nice because they do provide warmth, they are much more durable than insulation, base layers, or rain gear, most are quiet, and some are more breathable to be able to wear while hiking and some are more windproof. They typically have a dwr coating so they will shed some rain and the outer fabric it usually somewhat smooth so they don't pick up burrs and things like that. I wear the Kuiu Guide jacket fairly often in the later seasons when there is snow and not rain. They are great for that. You can hike in them where you typically wouldn't in a puffy or rain shell. The Guide vest is very versatile. I'll wear that from early season through late season. The lighter softshells you can wear early season as well. Softshells definitely have their place.

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This.

They are designed to give you protection and some warmth in high output activities. Jack of all trades master of none kind of deal, and I agree they have their place. Most of the time it isn't in my backpack when I'm out on a weight driven trip, but they are great in the colder, drier months here.

 

[Takeem406]

What I liked the Jetstream vest I had for was when I just wanted a little something for blocking the wind but needed my arms free. Like field hunting waterfowl from a layout. Or hiking around when it was cold but a heavier vest or jacket would be too warm. But I think I'd buy a fleece piece instead next time.

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[5MilesBack]

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Thank you. Based on that, I am not a soft shell kind of guy. The one on that link almost looks like neoprene. And the article explains why I have never used or seen them......they haven't been around that long.....since the early 2000's.

 

[fngTony]

Thank you. Based on that, I am not a soft shell kind of guy. The one on that link almost looks like neoprene. And the article explains why I have never used or seen them......they haven't been around that long.....since the early 2000's.

I wasn't either at first. After having over ten ( mostly work issued) I found that some are junk for any use. Find one with little to no spandex, pit zips, a chest pocket or two and size it to be a mid layer then you have gear storage weather protection except extremes and versatility to vent but not dropping your pack and changing so often.
I haven't found a fleece with all those features so I will take a slight weight increase for what the softshell gives me. Also fleece isn't very reflective but it holds burs, tears easier.
Both are poly and will melt near a fire but the small thin fleece fibers go up quicker.
Imo they are not as wothless as a square wheel but for pack in style it isn't necessary.

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