S2H winter class 2026 observations and lessons learned

[24valve]

@24valve What fleece are you wearing in this photo. I had a tab open in my phone with it for a long time but can’t remember the name.

Looks like Beyond…

Yep, beyond's alpha direct midlayer. I found it on their outlet for around $50, and is on the thicker side of AD garments. There's several ultralight backpacking companies that make AD tops in a variety of weights. Lighter wieights will wick/dry faster, but the heavier weights will trap more air when layered over with a windshirt.

Also, what wind shell have you been using.

Several at this point - OR shadow, patagonia mars, rab vital, and a dynafit hybrid with alpha direct insulation.

Rab vital - More wind blocking, less breathable.
OR shadow - Balance of breathability/wind blocking.
Patagonia mars level 4- durable but heavier than most wind shirts, balance of breathability/wind blocking.
Dynafit hybrid with alpha direct insulation - More breathable, less wind blocking.

@Small-foot has been using the ugliest, 90's bus seat-looking patagonia houdini I've ever seen, but has been quite happy with its breathability/wind blocking. The zipper did stop working after a year of use, but was fixed by patagonia for free when it was sent in.

There's some good information in this thread as well on different wind shirts: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/wind-breakers-ultra-breathable-raingear.392827/

 

[Ajsomp]

Yep, beyond's alpha direct midlayer. I found it on their outlet for around $50, and is on the thicker side of AD garments. There's several ultralight backpacking companies that make AD tops in a variety of weights. Lighter wieights will wick/dry faster, but the heavier weights will trap more air when layered over with a windshirt.


Several at this point - OR shadow, patagonia mars, rab vital, and a dynafit hybrid with alpha direct insulation.

Rab vital - More wind blocking, less breathable.
OR shadow - Balance of breathability/wind blocking.
Patagonia mars level 4- durable but heavier than most wind shirts, balance of breathability/wind blocking.
Dynafit hybrid with alpha direct insulation - More breathable, less wind blocking.

@Small-foot has been using the ugliest, 90's bus seat-looking patagonia houdini I've ever seen, but has been quite happy with its breathability/wind blocking. The zipper did stop working after a year of use, but was fixed by patagonia for free when it was sent in.

There's some good information in this thread as well on different wind shirts: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/wind-breakers-ultra-breathable-raingear.392827/

I have the Patagonia level 4 and the Patagonia Houdini. The level 4 has a hood, the Houdini I have does not. The level 4 zips all the way up, the Houdini is a pull over with button snaps (at least the version I have).

I actually prefer no hood, but the level 4 rolls up into the collar at least. I get annoyed when I have a base layer, mid layer, and a shell all having hoods stack up. Personal preference I suppose.