Soft shell jackets

[slingerHB]

I currently have the FL catalyst jacket but am looking for a soft shell jacket that is more windproof and also pretty waterproof. If I can find this perfect jacket then I can shave some weight and leave the rain jacket at the truck on most hunts. The sitka jetstream jacket looks like it would fit my needs but looking for suggestions and opinions from you guys.
The important things are definitely as windproof and waterproof as possible with being fairly quiet and light weight!! I must be dreaming right.

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[Racethesunset]

Would recommend the Sitka jetstream light as an exterior layer. It’s ultralight fabric is windproof, water resistant, and quiet.

 

[slingerHB]

Right now I had my eye on the jetstream as it also comes in lighter than my catalyst and cabela's space rain jacket and would serve as both pieces. Also looking for other options though

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[toadmeister]

Jetstream is an excellent jacket. The pit zips and pocket layout is also perfect.

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[Cole]

Another option you might want to look at is a hard shell and a puffy jacket or adding a wind shirt to your current setup. You’ll save some ounces. But if you want a softshell Kuiu, Sitka, Outdoor Research, and Arcteryx make some nice ones.

I normally wear an arcteryx leaf atom on hunts. It’s breathable and pretty warm. The DWR works well and is okay (not great) in wind. If it gets really windy or rainy I just put on my hard shell. I used to wear a Kuiu softshells but the extra weight wasn’t worth it for me.

 

[TNKnoxville]

Love my Kryptek Bora, windproof, and breathable. No issues with it in heavy snow. Wind was blowing at 30 to 40 mph and no wind got thru! Wore it all week during my CO 3rd season hunt as my outer layer. Held up with no issues busting thru the oak brush.

 

[DogBones11]

I don't understand the hate for softshells I've seen here. What is the benefit of a puffy plus hardshell and in what conditions?

 

[Desk Jockey]

another vote for the jetstream. I wear it and the catalyst and I reach for the jetstream in wind or rain.

as far as soft shell grief, people say they are a jack of all trades and master of none. Not that warm. Not fully water proof. Not fully windproof. Not that breathable. Not that light. If you are ounce counting in harsh conditions there is something to be said skipping a soft shell. A puffy and a wind and waterproof shell can get you more comfort range for less weight without the soft shell.

all that being said, I am wearing a soft shell in the woods more often than not. In fact, I would say the only time I leave it home (except warm weather) is long, light weight trips where I am literally trying to cut every ounce possible.

 

[slingerHB]

Anyone have experience with the stone glacier De Havilland jacket? Wondering how that compares to others

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[Decker9]

I have both a jetstream and the De Havilland, the jetstream is noticeably warmer and cuts the wind better, and is just comfier imo. The SG is a nice light jacket, and it does bead off the rain pretty good, but I tend to use it for my go to town jacket on warmer days. The jetstream always gets the use.

 

[CAD73]

I've been pretty happy with my Kuiu Axis. I'd probably rate it an 7/10 on wind resistance, and a 8/10 on water resistance. As for warmth, you've gotta have an insulation layer under it for sure on cold day sits...but that's the case with any soft shell IMO. Axis kept me dry on a rainy day hunt in VT this year with light to moderate mixed precip for about 6 hours. I'm sure it would have wet out in a total downpour...but again...I don't know of a softshell that's 100% waterproof anyway.

 

[jmo]

The best soft shell I've owned has been the Kryptek Bora jacket. I've been caught in heavy downpours for hours at a time with it when I wasn't able to take shelter. The only water that made it through was a small amount of moisture around the shoulders and arms. It's very effective at blocking wind, and breathes decently well. My only complaint is that they don't offer it in solids. If they did I would wear it every day

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[Hondo]

I have the Sitka Jetstream and Kuiu Guide DCS as well as the First Lite Catalyst and Corrugate. For me the Jetstream is superior overall. It does a better job blocking wind and rain than all. It is also easier to layer under than all but the Catalyst, which has no pit-zips and does not block the wind or rain effectively.

The Guide DCS would be my 2nd favorite due to the pit-zips and decent wind and rain protection. When it came time for a new solid color softshell for everyday use I went with another Guide DCS instead of another Jetstream as the performance for mostly casual wear at $219 retail for the same for the Jetstream at $349 retail seemed like a better value for that purpose. For extended periods of backcountry use I would prefer the Jetstream. BTW, I needed a size larger for the Guide DCS than the Jetstream for close to the same fit yet the sleeves still seem a bit more restrictive for layering under.

The First Lite Catalyst and Corrugate still have their place in my personal system but they are different types of jackets IMO.

 

[slingerHB]

I have the Sitka Jetstream and Kuiu Guide DCS as well as the First Lite Catalyst and Corrugate. For me the Jetstream is superior overall. It does a better job blocking wind and rain than all. It is also easier to layer under than all but the Catalyst, which has no pit-zips and does not block the wind or rain effectively.

The Guide DCS would be my 2nd favorite due to the pit-zips and decent wind and rain protection. When it came time for a new solid color softshell for everyday use I went with another Guide DCS instead of another Jetstream as the performance for mostly casual wear at $219 retail for the same for the Jetstream at $349 retail seemed like a better value for that purpose. For extended periods of backcountry use I would prefer the Jetstream. BTW, I needed a size larger for the Guide DCS than the Jetstream for close to the same fit yet the sleeves still seem a bit more restrictive for layering under.

The First Lite Catalyst and Corrugate still have their place in my personal system but they are different types of jackets IMO.

That's one complaint I have about the catalyst is the sleeves are so tight and hard to layer under. I had a seamstress put pit zippers in my catalyst which was really nice

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[Yukon_Jack]

I have the Catalyst and Kuiu Axis jackets. The Axis comes with me when it's decided I want to bring a softshell in my pack. I found it's warmer and way better at wind protection compared to the Catalyst, plus it's pretty bombproof. The waterproof paneling is pretty dandy too. The downside is it's a bit on the noisier side and a couple oz heavier than the Catalyst.

 

[r2searle]

I’ve had the Kuiu guide jacket since they first came out. I think it’s extremely versatile as it does great blocking wind and works as a light rain jacket. If your hunting late season you can wear a light down coat underneath. Just make sure to consider sizing up as the arms fit snug.

 

[slingerHB]

I tried on a sitka jetstream jacket today. Seemed like a really nice jacket was a little noisy compared to my catalyst jacket. That's not a deal breaker as this jacket will mostly be used while glassing or around camp.

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[slingerHB]

Has anyone had their hands on a stone glacier m7 jacket? Looking for comparison to the jetstream jacket.

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[Beckjhong]

Arcteryx gamma LT hoody is what I’m trying for this purpose. But I’ve heard good things about the skre hardscrabble as well.

 

[Lane579]

How about the quietness of the above examples?