Lightweight Softshell / Brush Buster

[pnwsteelheader]

Looking for recommendations on a soft/hard shell that is durable enough to bust wet or damp brush in Western Washington hunting and fishing, but also not as heavyweight as a jacket like Kuiu’s Guide DCS.

I typically warm up very fast while moving, even in temps between 15-35 degrees, so it’d be nice having a protective layer over a base layer for these instances. Pit zips would be ideal. Not worried about warmth beyond my base layer and a mid layer I’ll be keeping in my backpack.

Thanks!

 

[pnwsteelheader]

Maybe I’m overthinking it and a regular thin but durable rain jacket will work? Specifically with pit zips.

 

[Manakh]

I too am struggling to dial in my brush busting layers for western WA!!.... Unfortunately I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for....

Best I've come up with for different temps:

Dry conditions- screw it and destroy my Sitka core lightweight base, destroy my pro merino 200 mid, strong fleece 210 (often too warm), or axis hybrid (too warm unless absolutely frigid out)

Wet conditions- strong fleece 210 (not water proof but less sweat than rain jackets or warmer yet options), kuiu axis hybrid jacket, sitka thunderhead (eventually wet brush pushing on the material will wet through), or kuiu Yukon on a full heavy rain.

My issue is I sweat so bad in almost anything it doesn't matter if it's waterproof... The only exception is if it's crazy cold out and I'm severely under dressed, but even then the second I walk 100 yards with any pack on, my back is already sweaty and wet. Last year in Idaho hunting in 2F-16F morning conditions I only had a pro merino 200 on while moving...


So alas my struggle is- more than anything I want a durable shell for brush that adds little to no warmth, breathes, pit zips, and has a full front zip... I actually don't care if it's waterproof at this point cause I'm either going to get wet from sweat, brush, or if it's storming and I wear my Yukon gear then we circle back round to the sweat wet. There's no staying dry for me- it's not possible, so at this point I'm looking to just be less hot and more comfortable while wet.

I want something like a strong fleece but next to zero fleece brushing on the inside and full zip. I could always layer up or down under it instead of the protective shell adding to the layering.
I just want a protective shell for brush with pit zips and a full front zip that's it, nothing more.

 

[mtnkid85]

FIrstlite corrugate. Its not going to be water proof enough for wet weather, but it will standup well to pushing through dry brush. Doesn't add too much warmth, breathes okay, full front zip but no pit zips.

I wear mine alot for day to day, working, etc.

 

[bozeman]

Off brand- baeleaf off of Amazon.

 

[sconnieVLP]

No pit zips on it, but I like my OR Ferrosi hoody for something like what you’re describing. No lining/insulation, just the soft shell fabric so it works well with your layering underneath. Good stretch, ok water resistance, good durability.

 

[pnwsteelheader]

First Lite Corrugate looks like a solid option. Most of my layering is Kuiu, but I’ve been purchasing some solids recently for scenarios like this. Not a fan of mixing camo patterns but I’ll do it all day with solids.

 

[pnwsteelheader]

I too am struggling to dial in my brush busting layers for western WA!!.... Unfortunately I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for....

Best I've come up with for different temps:

Dry conditions- screw it and destroy my Sitka core lightweight base, destroy my pro merino 200 mid, strong fleece 210 (often too warm), or axis hybrid (too warm unless absolutely frigid out)

Wet conditions- strong fleece 210 (not water proof but less sweat than rain jackets or warmer yet options), kuiu axis hybrid jacket, sitka thunderhead (eventually wet brush pushing on the material will wet through), or kuiu Yukon on a full heavy rain.

My issue is I sweat so bad in almost anything it doesn't matter if it's waterproof... The only exception is if it's crazy cold out and I'm severely under dressed, but even then the second I walk 100 yards with any pack on, my back is already sweaty and wet. Last year in Idaho hunting in 2F-16F morning conditions I only had a pro merino 200 on while moving...


So alas my struggle is- more than anything I want a durable shell for brush that adds little to no warmth, breathes, pit zips, and has a full front zip... I actually don't care if it's waterproof at this point cause I'm either going to get wet from sweat, brush, or if it's storming and I wear my Yukon gear then we circle back round to the sweat wet. There's no staying dry for me- it's not possible, so at this point I'm looking to just be less hot and more comfortable while wet.

I want something like a strong fleece but next to zero fleece brushing on the inside and full zip. I could always layer up or down under it instead of the protective shell adding to the layering.
I just want a protective shell for brush with pit zips and a full front zip that's it, nothing more.

Looks like we’re probably running in similar country. A lot of busting brush from January through March, and even then, I’m burning up. Stationary fishing isn’t my thing when I’m not floating, so I’m always pretty warm bouncing from spot to spot.

 

[ForlohFamily]

Looking for recommendations on a soft/hard shell that is durable enough to bust wet or damp brush in Western Washington hunting and fishing, but also not as heavyweight as a jacket like Kuiu’s Guide DCS.

I typically warm up very fast while moving, even in temps between 15-35 degrees, so it’d be nice having a protective layer over a base layer for these instances. Pit zips would be ideal. Not worried about warmth beyond my base layer and a mid layer I’ll be keeping in my backpack.

Thanks!

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Jacket Comparison

Jacket Comparison NOT SURE WHICH FORLOH JACKET IS RIGHT FOR YOU? FIND THE PERFECT JACKET FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE BELOW. SOFT SHELL JACKETS The ideal, mid-weight jacket for fall and early winter when the weather becomes unpredictable. AllClima Soft Shell Mens & Womens Jackets This award-winning...

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[ForlohFamily]

I too am struggling to dial in my brush busting layers for western WA!!.... Unfortunately I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for....

Best I've come up with for different temps:

Dry conditions- screw it and destroy my Sitka core lightweight base, destroy my pro merino 200 mid, strong fleece 210 (often too warm), or axis hybrid (too warm unless absolutely frigid out)

Wet conditions- strong fleece 210 (not water proof but less sweat than rain jackets or warmer yet options), kuiu axis hybrid jacket, sitka thunderhead (eventually wet brush pushing on the material will wet through), or kuiu Yukon on a full heavy rain.

My issue is I sweat so bad in almost anything it doesn't matter if it's waterproof... The only exception is if it's crazy cold out and I'm severely under dressed, but even then the second I walk 100 yards with any pack on, my back is already sweaty and wet. Last year in Idaho hunting in 2F-16F morning conditions I only had a pro merino 200 on while moving...


So alas my struggle is- more than anything I want a durable shell for brush that adds little to no warmth, breathes, pit zips, and has a full front zip... I actually don't care if it's waterproof at this point cause I'm either going to get wet from sweat, brush, or if it's storming and I wear my Yukon gear then we circle back round to the sweat wet. There's no staying dry for me- it's not possible, so at this point I'm looking to just be less hot and more comfortable while wet.

I want something like a strong fleece but next to zero fleece brushing on the inside and full zip. I could always layer up or down under it instead of the protective shell adding to the layering.
I just want a protective shell for brush with pit zips and a full front zip that's it, nothing more.

Jacket Comparison

Jacket Comparison NOT SURE WHICH FORLOH JACKET IS RIGHT FOR YOU? FIND THE PERFECT JACKET FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE BELOW. SOFT SHELL JACKETS The ideal, mid-weight jacket for fall and early winter when the weather becomes unpredictable. AllClima Soft Shell Mens & Womens Jackets This award-winning...

forloh.com

 

[jd1006]

You are describing a jacket that Kuiu used to make called the Chinook—nylon grid face, pit zips. Really light and useful. You might be able to find it on ebay. I wouldn’t recommend using any lightweight rain jackets for durability purposes.