Wind Breakers & Ultra Breathable Raingear

[Poser]

I didn't know steez. Had to look it up. But it sounds like it's the explanation for most of gen Z looking like they raided a goodwill with the intent of looking as confusing as possible

Style +Ease = Steeze.

 

[fwafwow]

Style +Ease = Steeze.

 

[Greenstig]

After wearing my L35 ventile hilltrek bealach a lot, it has become my go to windbreaker. Haven’t touched my alpine start since I got it.

Hey @cubdriver84d, any updates on the Bealach smock? Have you used it in wet snow or mixed precipitation? How’s the durability of the L35 after a year of use?

I’ve been eyeing it for a similar use case (bc skiing + late season hunting).

 

[cubdriver84d]

Hey @cubdriver84d, any updates on the Bealach smock? Have you used it in wet snow or mixed precipitation? How’s the durability of the L35 after a year of use?

I’ve been eyeing it for a similar use case (bc skiing + late season hunting).

I have used it a lot for everything—upland and big game hunting, bc skiing, fat biking, etc. In really wet conditions it will wet out and moisture will wick through the fabric to whatever layer is under but it has to be raining pretty good for me to add a rain shell. I wore it on a pws deer hunt in December, and it was typical damp and foggy with mist. Parts of it wetted out but I stayed plenty dry under and would’ve been miserable with a rain coat instead.

Durability is excellent. If weight wasn’t a concern I’m sure L24 is more durable, but the L35 seems plenty durable for most uses. I’ve done a fair but of bushwhacking wearing it.
Way more durable than a bd alpine start for example.

Few pics for proof.

 

[Greenstig]

I have used it a lot for everything—upland and big game hunting, bc skiing, fat biking, etc. In really wet conditions it will wet out and moisture will wick through the fabric to whatever layer is under but it has to be raining pretty good for me to add a rain shell. I wore it on a pws deer hunt in December, and it was typical damp and foggy with mist. Parts of it wetted out but I stayed plenty dry under and would’ve been miserable with a rain coat instead.

Durability is excellent. If weight wasn’t a concern I’m sure L24 is more durable, but the L35 seems plenty durable for most uses. I’ve done a fair but of bushwhacking wearing it.
Way more durable than a bd alpine start for example.

Few pics for proof.

Great write up, thank you!

I’ve contacted Hilltrek to inquire about a few details, but I’ll probably end up ordering one.

 

[cubdriver84d]

Great write up, thank you!

I’ve contacted Hilltrek to inquire about a few details, but I’ll probably end up ordering one.

@Jake Larsen has been emailing with them too. They will do a lot of customization that they don’t advertise. I had them add a chest pocket to mine for example.

 

[GaryT1776]

I've worn my Outdoor Research rain gear in ...

Ireland
Israel
Palestine
England
Maui
Canada
US (13 states)

It works very well from sub-zero to unbearable.

 

[GaryT1776]

My OR Foray has been to the lowest point on earth (Dead Sea) to over 10,000 ft (hiked up Haleakala) and from the Tundra to the Desert.

Its headed to Colorado with me in a few months for the 14s.

It wasn't cheap but its been very durable considering how lightweight it is. I also like Beyond's military line for ultra light but durable / breathable.

NOTE: my OR Foray is an old version that was a two-layer laminate. They are onto a heavier 3 layer laminate now.

 

[carsonkeys]

I pretty well settled on the Alpine Start to go over my naked alpha hoody. I've been watching for a few months now, and everything I'm seeing points to the BD Alpine Start being discontinued. Is there another front runner in the breathable windshirt discussion?

 

[Poser]

I pretty well settled on the Alpine Start to go over my naked alpha hoody. I've been watching for a few months now, and everything I'm seeing points to the BD Alpine Start being discontinued. Is there another front runner in the breathable windshirt discussion?

The Patagonia Houdini, despite having a comparatively paper feel to it, seems to perform comparatively well. Though, if the Alpine Start has been discontinued, there appears to be plenty of available stock out there still.

 

[mtwarden]

I pretty well settled on the Alpine Start to go over my naked alpha hoody. I've been watching for a few months now, and everything I'm seeing points to the BD Alpine Start being discontinued. Is there another front runner in the breathable windshirt discussion?

I hope that’s not the case; it’s been around for over a decade and has been the go to windshirt for a lot of folks (including me).

 

[Nine Banger]

The Patagonia Houdini, despite having a comparatively paper feel to it, seems to perform comparatively well. Though, if the Alpine Start has been discontinued, there appears to be plenty of available stock out there still.

I just took this one on a week long trip.

I'm still struggling to see a use for it.

I tried it over a sweater in place of a hard shell. It worked ok but in very light rain it wetted out and then I got wet in a shower. I assumed this would happen but went for the full experience given some feedback I read on here that it was useful in light rain unless I misunderstood.

It seems really fragile too, like a glassing only kind of layer. We were moving thru brush at times.

I probably won't bring it next time and just stick with a sweater and hardshell.

 

[sndmn11]

I posted somewhere in this thread or one like it asking some questions. I ended up getting this in blue for a holiday gift. It's been great in light rain/sleet/tiny snow when jogging. Exceeded what I expected enough I got another one in orange for my birthday.

Men's Kor AirShell™ Hybrid Hooded Jacket | Mountain Hardwear

The Kor AirShell™ Hybrid Hooded Jacket is the ultimate lightweight, packable layer for hot-stepping it across gusty ridges and pulling up to misty morning trailheads. Made with ultralight Pertex® Quantum Air fabric for superior weather protection and breathability, this upgrade to our Kor...

www.mountainhardwear.com

Should be perfect for rifle hunting and upland stuff.