First Lite North Branch Softshell?

[Hi Line Hillbilly]

Anybody have any experience with this? I'm looking for a good windproof jacket that I can layer under on colder days, so also looking for some sizing advice. I'm 6'1", 200 lbs, so I'm thinking XL. My typical layering would be a Icebreaker 200 1/4 zip top under the jacket. I also have a C4E down puffy for super cold days. Mostly still hunting in Montana, with some strenuous climbs as well.

They have what seems to be a pretty sweet deal on the Max-1 on Black Ovis now, but if anybody had a coupon code that would be great. Thanks!

 

[Edge]

North Branch won't stop the wind...goes right through.

Edge

 

[airlocksniffer]

North Branch won't stop the wind...goes right through.

Edge

Nope. Had one and sold it but it definitely is windproof. To the OP, I'm 6'1", 185-ish and the medium was perfect. FL tends to run big IME. I think you'd be swimming in an XL.

 

[ahlgringo]

North Branch won't stop the wind...goes right through.

Edge

Disagree as well, have one, does great in wind. I run similar with merino base and +\- puffy. I am 6'0 and 190. Have a L. Wouldnt want any bigger, agree you should get m if you want it tight or L for a bit more room. Def not the xl


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[COlineman78]

I'm in the doesn't do much to stop the wind camp. Sold mine because I found it pretty useless as there were other options that performed better for the weight and money. Very heavy for the little warmth it adds. I love my NB pants for late season and wouldn't give them up for anything, but I really wasn't a fan of the top. I'd think about the Cirrus for a light windproof top and my Uncompaghre is much better against the wind and I am assuming the lighter Cirrus is just as good.

 

[Hi Line Hillbilly]

Thanks for the info. I may save the bucks and go with a non-hunting brand windstopper jacket, like an OR or Marmot in a solid color. I've realized that camo doesn't mean squat if you don't have the wind in your favor.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

Just buy a solid color Sitka Jetstream jacket. It's also great for everyday wear.

 

[airlocksniffer]

I'm in the doesn't do much to stop the wind camp. Sold mine because I found it pretty useless as there were other options that performed better for the weight and money. Very heavy for the little warmth it adds. I love my NB pants for late season and wouldn't give them up for anything, but I really wasn't a fan of the top. I'd think about the Cirrus for a light windproof top and my Uncompaghre is much better against the wind and I am assuming the lighter Cirrus is just as good.

So the NB pants are windproof in your experience but the jacket isn't? Strange. I do agree with your other criticisms though. It's pretty heavy/bulky and not super warm while stationary (although almost too warm when hiking). I keep going back to my Mountain Hardwear windstopper fleece I've had for 15 years. Not that warm either on it's own but breathes really well and is silent.

 

[COlineman78]

So the NB pants are windproof in your experience but the jacket isn't? Strange. I do agree with your other criticisms though. It's pretty heavy/bulky and not super warm while stationary (although almost too warm when hiking). I keep going back to my Mountain Hardwear windstopper fleece I've had for 15 years. Not that warm either on it's own but breathes really well and is silent.

No, the properties really aren't all that different. It's just that I use them for different conditions. I was trying to use the jacket for late September stand hunting at dawn and dusk for the 30 minutes where the sun is absent and found it insufficient especially with a brisk breeze. The pants I used for late season slowly walking around in 1-2 feet of fresh snow. I also really enjoyed them for a very cold (sub zero) pheasant hunt.

 

[Hi Line Hillbilly]

Does anyone have any experience with Midway USA clothing? Pretty cool looking softshell for $70.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/994494/midwayusa-mens-full-season-softshell-jacket#pr-header-back-to-top-link

 

[Cactus kid]

No it is windproof. It borders on waterproof. It has a membrane similar to goretex windstopper. It can stop wind but it cannot stop convective cooling, i.e. The cooling effect of wind, which no jacket can.