Today I learned the Evo is a softshell... I use mine for basically everything, but it never occurred to me to think of it as a softshell. Softshell has always been synonymous with heavy in my brain.I’ve been a softshell naysayer for a long time. Always thought it made a lot more sense to throw in a light windshirt instead.
When I received a Sitka Evo to evaluate I pretty much guessed on what my overall thoughts would be (not overly positive). I was wrong.
For one the Evo is much lighter than “typical” softshells. Two with breathable panels under the arms and on the back, he doesn’t breathe poorly like most softshells.
I’ve ended up wearing it a lot more than I thought I would and has even made it on some backpacking trips where a softshell would never before make the cut.
I definitely see a use for a softshell in day hunting scenarios- they are typically very robust, they typically have very good wind and precipitation protection and weight day hunting isn’t near the issue is for backpack hunting.
While I might not always have a softshell, I have one a lot more than I did a year ago
The new Kuiu soft shell ad is probably why I wrote this. I saw it the other day and looked through the details. I didn’t see a single advancement worth trying it haha. It’s just marketing at this point.Has anyone received the new Kuiu Guide Pro hooded jacket?
I have a Guide DCS, but it’s too small and I have not used it in years.
I do not currently use a soft shell, however could use one for hunting damp, cool places with brush and some briars. Looking at the Kuiu Axis Hybrid or the insulated version too.
It's incredible how individual perspective is different. My first ever high dollar hunting clothing purchase was the Jetstream. I ended up a few years later buying Kuiu stuff and bought the Axis to replace it. IME it's heavier and doesn't cut half the wind the Jetstream did and doesn't breath as well.
Yes. Ultra Light softshells are a great versatile outer layering item. Get one without insulation and you will bring it on every hunt.Something I’ve been wondering. Why do we buy soft shell jackets? And I say “we” because there’s obviously a market for them. It seems like every time I’ve purchased one, I’ve regretted it because they’re too heavy and not very versatile. Am I missing something on soft shells that I haven’t figured out yet?
Totally agree with you. I purchased one from one of the major brands and never used it. Just did not fit my application needs for active Western hunting. Too heavy, not very compressible, doesn't breath well etc..Something I’ve been wondering. Why do we buy soft shell jackets? And I say “we” because there’s obviously a market for them. It seems like every time I’ve purchased one, I’ve regretted it because they’re too heavy and not very versatile. Am I missing something on soft shells that I haven’t figured out yet?
Which one do you have that is windproof?I use one quite often. Wind proof. Does a pretty good job of water resistance. Quiet.
Schoeller is a hardshell. The fabric is like Goretex. I have a lot of it.I live in softshells hunting. So do a LOT of people—softshell PANTS. Just about every pant people wear hunting is what soft shell fabric was originally intended to be, ie reasonably wind and weather resistant, but far more breatheable than a hard shell. I think one reason a lot of “softshell” jackets suck is because most are now laminated fabrics with a membrane in them…I dont care what anyone or any company says, that’s NOT a softshell, that’s a non-seam-sealed soft-faced hardshell that isnt waterproof. No wonder people think they dont breathe, they’re using a cheapened fabric made for stopping wind on a chairlift or sitting on a park bench, not for breatheability when hoofing it uphill in weather. I am still using a hooded softshell jacket made of swiss-made Schoeller dryskin extreme fabric from about 2001 for ice climbing and backcountry skiing. You just cant get good softshell jackets anymore, at least not that Ive seen. It is not waterproof, but I rarely want that. It IS very breatheable, and it still keeps me dry in snowy or wet brush, snow, misting rain, etc, and blocks wind a lot better than a fleece. For a true high-output activity where staying dry is important I say there isnt a better type of garment on earth.
I use my firstlite catalyst jacket quite a bit. Its better for day trips, and its not quite as breatheable as Id like, but I hunt in it all the time.
Hardshells and puffys are LOUD, they tear to shreds in briars, and no hardshell breathes even remotely as well as a true softshell. Good for western (not up close) backpack hunting (weight and space, need a hardshell regardless)…but clearly inferior for a lot of other types of hunting.
Thats my story, and Im sticking to it.