[Closed] The most breathable windproof is?????

which gore windstopper are you using,

i've found the Gore Element WS AS (activeshell) (windstopper) and Gilet and jackets

perfect for sub 8 degrees..

but yes i agree, i run too hot and waterproof / windstoppers definately heat you up.

so i tend to have my zip half open

I have a windproof from Aldi / Lidl - made from neon green nylon spinnaker material and super light weight. Ideal for running yesterday, air temp of 12/13' but with a 25-30mph wind.

Also got a windproof gilet from Decathlon, same material and ideal on the bike with arm warmers.

I have a gore bike wear windstopper and it is rubbish. Its made of a pertex type material.

It's not really Pertex like, Windstopper's made from an EPTFE membrane sandwiched between two layers of fabric in a very similar way to Gore-Tex waterproof materials. The membrane is effectively waterproof, but the seams won't be taped, so it's not technically waterproof. But that's why it's not very breathable, it's pretty much almost a waterproof.

Actual classic Pertex isn't particularly breathable either. It's very densely woven, which is why it's windproof and then calendared - pressure and heat - to finish it. It's still more breathable than Windstopper.

If you want something significantly more breathable, look at stuff that's very wind resistant rather than windproof. There's a Pertex fabric called Equilibrium - this stuff - which is what Rab uses on the outside of their VapourRise stuff, which is very breathable and still decently wind resistant. Montane used to do a stand-alone top using it which worked pretty well. Norrona has/had a very breathable 'windproof' that worked on a similar principle.

Or you can look for something with added strategic, more breathable fabrics, which up the overall breathability, but mean you get cold spots if the wind, say, is blowing in a certain direction.

Personally I'd be looking at Equilibrium stuff, but most non-membrane windproof fabrics will be less sweaty than Windstopper anyway. Apologies for the gear geeky fabric tech 🙁

Usually there's a trade off isn't there - my Sugoi Zap I commute in is nice n breathable, but doesn't block much of the chill so needs a decent layer underneath.

I also have a Fox windproof, which stops the chill but you can't even wear short sleeves with it as it makes your arms clammy...

Usually there’s a trade off isn’t there – my Sugoi Zap I commute in is nice n breathable, but doesn’t block much of the chill so needs a decent layer underneath.

Yep, essentially there's a continuum between totally windproof and very water resistant at one end of the scale and very breathable, but quite a lot less protective at the other end. It's hard to keep wind out, but still allow water vapour to escape. Lightweight, non-membrane 'soft shell-type fabrics are pretty much somewhere in the middle, but because people tend to work at different intensities and run hotter or colder than each other, so it's also quite subjective what'll work for you.

Hence some people find Windstopper fine and not particularly sweaty, while someone who runs warmer might find the same fabric really sweaty and clammy. Same goes for waterproof fabrics.

This is the jacket in question.

https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/gore-rescue-windstopper-active-shell-jacket-review/

My arms get less sweaty in my £18 regatta soft shell.

I've got two gore windstopper tops that I wear and couldn't be more happy with them, and I tend to run pretty hot. I got a "phantom" jacket which is good for less than 10 degrees or so. Any warmer than that and you'll get pretty warm but with a a long sleeve base layer underneath it works down to some pretty cold temps.

I've also got a gore windstopper jersey/jacket which is much more lightweight so perfect for at the moment. Both of these have removable sleeves which is a feature I use a lot. They've lasted pretty well so If I ever did ruin them with an unplanned dismount then I'd go and buy another in a heartbeat.

This is the jacket in question.

Just get a softshell jacket instead, as you're not bothered about it being waterproof. Anything that says "active shell" etc be very wary of. I have a berghaus goretex "active" for when it rains but I just get soaked from the inside from sweat even though it's supposedly the most breathable gore tex there is. It's pants!

Yeah, that's Windstopper with sealed seams (which is unusual for Gore), so it's pretty much a lightweight waterproof, albeit quite a breathable one. The main difference between WS and Gore-Tex is that Gore-Tex has a very thin smear of PU on the inside of the membrane to protect it from contamination by body oils, sun cream etc, which eventually compromise waterproofing. Because WS doesn't need that protection - it's not technically waterproof - it doesn't have the PU layer, so is a bit more breathable.

I reckon that'd make for a good jacket in light to medium rain shower type conditions, but a slightly sweaty windproof when it's dry, which I think is what that review says anyway. I'll shut up now 🙂

some great info @ BWD

the gore rescue ws is like a gore r7 running jacket i just got off amazon for £30 rrp £175, its got a plasticky inner

the older gore element activeshell windstopper AS WS, has a more cotton feel to the inner lining hence feels far dryer with just a base layer under it in winter...

versus

I have one of these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-power-windstopper-softshell-zip-off-jersey

Pretty wind-resistant, although I carry a shell to stick on top for colder/windier weather. Don't tend to overheat in it at all. And the sleeves come off to make it a comfortable gilet for earlier starts in conjunction with armwarmers.

I find the tight weave almost completely windproof fabrics like Pertex or the stuff Paramo use hits a good balance as long as you have plenty of vents for when you get hot. The most valuable thing seems to be velcro cuffs with sleeves that aren't too tight, as when you're on the bike they're in the perfect position to get lots of air through the garment when open. I use a Paramo Enduro Windproof now, which is a pretty heavy duty piece of kit but keeps the weather out whilst having loads of venting (double-ended full length front zip, huge double-ended pit zips, velcro cuff) for when it's warm, and just about squeezes into my very enduro Cotic frame bag. And it's very water resistant for a non-membrane and non-coated jacket.

I use a Paramo Enduro Windproof now,

Be honest, you only bought it cos it says 'enduro' in the name 🙂

I've got a Gore Phantom as well and it's my go-to jacket for cold dry weather.  Works at a big range of temps depending on what I wear under it - non insulating t-shirt base layer/superlight merino/standard merino/cold weather base layer.

The smart thing about the phantom is that the central back panel isn't windstopper so it can lose a lot of body moisture out of that section.  If you run really hot maybe look at something that just has a windproof front?  That will keep your core warm but give lots of breathability from your arms and back. Or even just a windvest over a long sleeve top?

I've got a superlight Endura pertex-y jacket that has a big vent on the back.  I don't actually find it all that useful - unless you're wearing something with some insulation value underneath you still get chilled by the wind.

As bwd says above, different strokes for different folks. I had a phantom, but found it a sweaty horrible thing to wear, with or without sleeves. Hagloffs boa, a bit lighter, probably technically not as sophisticated as the phantom in terms of using different materials, works very well for me if the temperature is consistently below about 8-9c. That is backed up with a Montane Featherlight that gets carried all year, thrown over the top as required, and more regularly proofed in winter to shed more water and breathe less.

The Featherlight is expensive now though imo.

Take a look at the galibier ultravent (?). 40 quid and 2/3 the weight of the Montane.

+ one on the Montane Featherlight, loved that jacket the size of an apple,

i still look for it 2 years after last seeing it, i guess it dropped out in west yorkshire somewhere, so if you found it, i'll have it back :0)

Whatever you do don't be tempted by the Scott MTN windproof hooded jacket that's £25 on startfitness. It has zero breathability, only good for a gentle stroll to the shops.I like the fact it's lightweight and like the style but the lack of breathability is a major letdown.

I was looking at a thread from last year and a few people recommended some pull over windproof top by Buffalo but no one said about it's breathability or anything, was tempted as liked the styling of it, but didn't want to spend that much if it's breathability was shit when cycling.

I want something lightweight and more wind resistant than wind proof. And cheap. With zip to let out steam if need be. And without too much roadie styling.

Anyone using a Buffalo windshirt? I had one back in the 90's and used it loads walking and climbing till it got nicked. Wondering about getting one for biking duties. Good side ventilation, just a bit short on the front zip compared to my current (too baggy fit) pertex windshirt.

I would treat breathability with a degree of caution. If you're getting hot and sweaty, you're still going to be hot and sweaty. The aim should be to wear the right amount so you don't overheat - as soon as you add a layer AND block all the wind, you're bound to warm up. There was some outdoors blog that went on about this at length, but I have no idea what I'd even google for to look it up.

Yes, I still use a Buffalo windshirt-it has nearly lost all it's colour now! as you say, if only the zip was longer it would be perfect-not too flappy with loads of ventilation, adjustable cuffs etc. It has mainly been replaced by a Montane featherlite as it is so teeny but it is quite a bit looser fitting with only a neck zip for ventilation.

Thinking I might ask Santa for  Buffalo seeing as the Alpkit Arro is out of stock.

I would treat breathability with a degree of caution. If you’re getting hot and sweaty, you’re still going to be hot and sweaty. The aim should be to wear the right amount so you don’t overheat – as soon as you add a layer AND block all the wind, you’re bound to warm up. There was some outdoors blog that went on about this at length, but I have no idea what I’d even gogle for to look it up.

Probably Andy Kirkpatrick, Psychovertical or whatever it is now. Avoid the so-called poetry is my advice. In real world cycling use, particularly in hilly areas, the problem is that your exertion and heat output levels vary wildly. It's pretty much impossible to cope with both descending and climbing comfortably in the same shell, so you're looking at a combination of something that has a decent balance of protection and breathability along with easy to use venting.

no-one's mentioned baselayers either. they make a big difference to wicking, but also venting. thge Brynje mesh stuff is awesome for dumping heat fast when vented for example and dries super fast.

Buffalo? So 1980s... 😉

There's a fabric called Gamex - A silky close-knit synthetic material. Was used by Audax and roadie-types for their overjacket.  I still have one - it's fantastically breathable. Endura/Tal used to use it for their club tops,

I can't find this fabric now though but this would be ideal for OP. Maybe a call to Endura would help.

Buffalo user here for cycling. Windshirt is great for road or mountain due to vents. Used a teclite shirt over merino jersey and base layer for bikepacking in tough conditions. Also use the cycling shirt but only when it's very cold and wet or snowy.

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Badlywired has it bang on.  Gore Windstopper garments are (nearly always) basically a waterproof without taped seems, so do not breath well in UK conditions.  Pertex equilibrium is a good choice if they are not working for you.  Most Gore Windstopper garments would be classed as soft shell as they don’t have taped seems.

Anyone using a Buffalo windshirt?

Aye, me. 1992 ish

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Same one in 2012 ish

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Still use it, best thing ever.

I'd still have mine if it wasn't in a ruc sac that was nicked out of my car in 2001

If you're going to wear Buffalo, don't forget to buy some matching RonHill Tracksters, preferably in some sort of nauseous fluoro purple/green/puce combo. And to bring things up to date, a nice pair of Axo Pony boots in the sought-after green and purple colour ensemble 🙂