I'd like to capture a discussion accross the next couple months on late season outer layers. What's working and what is not. Photos and hot washes are very welcome here. Every year there's more options, updated models, updated tech, hybrids, change in DWR and breathability, blah blah. And there's also the idea that no real changes are seen, just rehashes on same truths.
So - simply, I'm looking to hear from those with field experience, in real time this fall (or the past), on a couple things.
1. What do you like to use and why (base/mid underneath as applicable are helpful for folks researching).
2. If applicable, what did you try that's "new" for you and why? How did it work (venting, precip, wind, packable/all day wear, etc).
3. Feedback on specific experiences with pieces - conditions, wind, precip, temps, drying, wear, layering ability.
Lots of threads on specific pieces - I'd like to have something compiled here that's a better survey of what's out there and what people's field experiences are for piece types as well as models. Although I'm asking about outer wear, the way you layer that outer piece obviously matters. If you're anti-soft shell, for example, please tell us what you're using for a weatherproof layer instead.
To start I'll give some examples:
- Stone Glacier M7 lined/taped soft face hard shell - softer/quieter, vents, layers well, drys relatively quickly, lighter, water and wind proof. Can get overheated pretty quick in this unless < 20F.
- Arctyrex Beta AR gortex pro hard shell - best for the rain but too loud once snow hits/freezing.
- Stone Glacier DeHavilland soft shell: too trim to layer much under, but optimal collar height, wind cuts through a good bit. Not large enough piece to be flexible as an outer layer. Easy to wear and keep on all day. Not super useful < 20F to me.
- Kuiu guide jacket: a bit too trim, not as flexible to layer with, good breathability but late season winds cut down on its usefulness. Somewhat clammy to wear. Not super useful < 20F to me.
- Stone Glacier Cirque: not as windproof but there is a bit of resistence, only an outer on the extremely cold days, does vent well, layers decently (arms very trim), good warmth, dries well.
- FL catalyst - best as a mid layer replacment, decent drying and breathability, odd fit, not as useful for colder conditions, much softer hand than most soft shells.
- Arctyrex Gamma MX - best true softshell I have ever used, best fleece lining and face, flexible cut, not crazy heavy, decent wind and water resistance. No membrane.
*lots of the past winter shoot to hunt guys talking about mega wool sweaters?
This year I am testing a FL North Range syn puffy some, and I am going to test a Kuiu Guide Pro for softshell days (day hunts late season moving most of the day, always wearing as out layer moving, puffy over the top when stopped) - this is a bonded piece and nylon exterior vs poly, no windstopper. My go to has been the M7 for past couple years and I see it as being tough to unseat as "optimal" for my use. I have used the sitka ambient hoody a TON as a dedicated later mid-layer and like it. I'd like to hear users of the new Jetstream and LT model, for example.
So - simply, I'm looking to hear from those with field experience, in real time this fall (or the past), on a couple things.
1. What do you like to use and why (base/mid underneath as applicable are helpful for folks researching).
2. If applicable, what did you try that's "new" for you and why? How did it work (venting, precip, wind, packable/all day wear, etc).
3. Feedback on specific experiences with pieces - conditions, wind, precip, temps, drying, wear, layering ability.
Lots of threads on specific pieces - I'd like to have something compiled here that's a better survey of what's out there and what people's field experiences are for piece types as well as models. Although I'm asking about outer wear, the way you layer that outer piece obviously matters. If you're anti-soft shell, for example, please tell us what you're using for a weatherproof layer instead.
To start I'll give some examples:
- Stone Glacier M7 lined/taped soft face hard shell - softer/quieter, vents, layers well, drys relatively quickly, lighter, water and wind proof. Can get overheated pretty quick in this unless < 20F.
- Arctyrex Beta AR gortex pro hard shell - best for the rain but too loud once snow hits/freezing.
- Stone Glacier DeHavilland soft shell: too trim to layer much under, but optimal collar height, wind cuts through a good bit. Not large enough piece to be flexible as an outer layer. Easy to wear and keep on all day. Not super useful < 20F to me.
- Kuiu guide jacket: a bit too trim, not as flexible to layer with, good breathability but late season winds cut down on its usefulness. Somewhat clammy to wear. Not super useful < 20F to me.
- Stone Glacier Cirque: not as windproof but there is a bit of resistence, only an outer on the extremely cold days, does vent well, layers decently (arms very trim), good warmth, dries well.
- FL catalyst - best as a mid layer replacment, decent drying and breathability, odd fit, not as useful for colder conditions, much softer hand than most soft shells.
- Arctyrex Gamma MX - best true softshell I have ever used, best fleece lining and face, flexible cut, not crazy heavy, decent wind and water resistance. No membrane.
*lots of the past winter shoot to hunt guys talking about mega wool sweaters?
This year I am testing a FL North Range syn puffy some, and I am going to test a Kuiu Guide Pro for softshell days (day hunts late season moving most of the day, always wearing as out layer moving, puffy over the top when stopped) - this is a bonded piece and nylon exterior vs poly, no windstopper. My go to has been the M7 for past couple years and I see it as being tough to unseat as "optimal" for my use. I have used the sitka ambient hoody a TON as a dedicated later mid-layer and like it. I'd like to hear users of the new Jetstream and LT model, for example.
