Softshells: rethinking the layering system

[Allan Hundeby]

I did a forum search, but couldn't find much on the phrase, "softshell" in regards to clothing.  Only last week did I learn more about this "new" layering method.  I'm wondering if any of you have experience with them.

  http://www.backcountry.com/store/newsletter/s20/a127/What-THE-HECK-is-Soft-Shell.html  

 

"What is a Soft Shell?

Soft Shell is the term used to describe a new kind of outerwear that is more breathable, flexible, and comfortable than the stiff, crinkly Gore-Tex like pants and jackets (called Hard Shells) that have dominated the market for years now. Soft Shells combine many of the benefits of waterproof Hard Shells with more comfortable garments like fleece. Yet Soft Shells are neither."

Basically, the softshell idea came into existence because of the relatively low-breathability rating of "hardshells"... like Gore-Tex, which can trap more water from perspiration than it sheds from rain.  This paradigm shift originated from the mountaineering end of outdoorspeople (is that a word?), but I hope innovative manufacturers of hunting clothing will implement it too.

See also:

  http://www.backcountry.com/store/newsletter/s20/a245/Layering-How-to-not-freeze-to-death-in-the-mountains.html  

 

Shell:

A few years ago, you just grabbed your big, burly, three-layer waterproof jacket and put it on over the top of everything else. These days we’re able to choose between a variety of waterproof breathable hardshells and water-resistant, but more breathable, softshells. I wear softshells on about 90% of my winter trips. They’re water-resistant enough to keep me dry when I’m backcountry skiing or ice climbing. They also breathe better, so I don’t sweat too much when I’m working hard to break trail. The only times I put on a hardshell jacket made from Gore-Tex, HyVent, PreCip, or another waterproof breathable fabric is when it’s warm enough that wet snow or rain threatens to soak me more than the extra sweating that these shells cause. I do, however, tend to wear less-breathable, more-waterproof fabrics on my legs, because legs don’t sweat as much and they spend more time trudging through the snow and soaking up moisture than the upper body does. It’s also a lot harder to add or remove layers on your legs, so you’re pretty much stuck with what you put on at the trailhead unless you stop for a significant period of time."

Last weekend there was a call for rain so I brought my Rivers West gear, but I just ended up carrying it around.  I couldn't even wear it for ten minutes without it getting soaked on the inside from perspiration.

Since I also have the A.S.A.T. 3D-Vanish-Pro suit (think camo mosquito netting), I'm seriously considering investing in a soft-shell system, at least for my upper layers.  

**Do Sitka Mountain Gear products function similar to softshells?)
****EDIT: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmm. I just noticed that Sitka Gear (sponsor) describes their 90% Jacket and 90% Pants as "soft shell"!
 http://www.sitkagear.com/Sitka+Gear/Outer+Layer/Sitka+90%25+Jacket.html
 http://www.sitkagear.com/Sitka+Gear/Outer+Layer/Sitka+90%25+Pant.html

[JimmyC]

It's all marketing.  Basically, their taking polyester or some other form of plastic and giving it a funky name.  I have found there are no miracle fabrics, just good layering systems.

I'm no die hard outdoorsman so don't take my advice to heart if you thrive for days on end in the elements or do extreme mountain type climbing like guys do on goat hunts, but to me you can't beat:

1. silk underlayers
2. wool and poly/fleece outerlayers as needed for comfort (cotton if your out in the heat).
3.  some sort of wind/waterproof outer barrier that can easily be carried to use as needed (extreme cold, wind,rain,etc). I like Cabela's Space Rain Gear because the the pant and jacket compress down to the size of a 16oz coke bottle each.  Carry it in fanny pack while hiking/active, pull it out when sitting or conditions call for it.  Key here is that you have it at all times yet never in the way.

I buy quality articles on clearance from places like Sierra Trading Post or sales at Cabelas after the season.  You don't have to spend a fortune to get good stuff, especially the fleece type stuff (I just can't see spending a fortune for recycled Coke bottles = polyester).  

[Allan Hundeby]

I just got back from buying a bunch of lambswool/merino sweaters from Value Village tonight, so I'll have a hard time ever giving that up.  

Think of a deer's natural waterproofing system:  They do not have a waterproof shell layer outSIDE the insulative layer:  

1. skin (waterproof layer)
2. fine, dense hairs (windproof, insulative, & water-resistant wicking layer)
3. longer, thicker, less dense hairs (less insulative; more evaporative)

If you've felt the coat of a dog or a cat that's been out in the rain... even if their outer hair is soaked, rarely will the dense hair next to the skin be soaked.

I believe that's how the softshell systems work.  The problem is, the ones I've seen aren't very quiet, though - certainly nothing like wool, but they are stretchy and form-fitting.  (I wonder how I could make my own...)


P.S.  I like your quote, Jimmy.  My boss always says, "Anything worth doing ...is worth overdoing!"

[Whip]

I don't know if this fits the definition of a "softshell", but the Wolfskin fabric used by Gray Wolf Woolens (sponsor) sure does shed rain and moisture nicely, is quiet and very tough.  Best outer garment I've ever owned!

[Talondale]

I've always avoided the more waterproof outerwear unless I'm on stand during a downpour, and even then I prefer a portable stand umbrella to raingear.  What I always found worked for me was to have something fairly water resistent on the outside with a fleece layer under that and polyprop longjohns (obviously VA doesn't get as cold as other places) but the outer shell repels most of the water and the fleece won't hold much nor will the poly.  Usually the only thing that gets wet are my shoulders during a heavy rain but I'm still warm.  I've heard the Wolfskin product works well at repelling water but is breathable and quiet.

[Titan_Bow]

You have to target your gear to the specific environment that you are in, and the specific activities you are doing.  Everyone is going to have an opinion, based on their specific environment and activities.
  Where I hunt, it is usually very rugged, very steep, and the tempterature ranges drastically from early morning to afternoon.  However, it doesnt rain  much, or its only isolated storms in the afternoon.  
  For me, lightweight layers work best. I use smartwool base layers, Cabelas Microtex,  an additional fleece jacket, and a lightweight packable Goretex rainsuit (which rarely gets used except for a windbreaker).

[Allan Hundeby]

Hmm.  I just noticed that Sitka Gear (sponsor) describes their 90% Jacket and 90% Pants as "soft shell"!

 http://www.sitkagear.com/Sitka+Gear/Outer+Layer/Sitka+90%25+Jacket.html

 http://www.sitkagear.com/Sitka+Gear/Outer+Layer/Sitka+90%25+Pant.html

[Longbowz]

I have some softshell garments I wear when backcountry skiing.  Yes they are nice in conditions where low moisture and high exertion exist together.  But a fleece jacket, especially a low knap one that contains some sort of wind proof layer is just about the same and performs the same in similar conditions.