[Closed] Waterproof softshell...moon on a stick? waterproof Jackets...tell me the truth.

I had an Endura Stealth before it got knicked out of the changing rooms at work. Bloody brilliant it was. Waterproof, warm and breathable, and decent sized pit vents. Really loved that jacket 🙁

The manufacturers are great at quoting transpiration rates of moisture passing through their material. What they don't do is tell you how much moisture the average human produces when exercising briskly. If you are one of the lucky people who hardly seem to sweat then you will be fine . If you are like me and most people you will probably have condensation on the inside of whatever jacket you buy.

The reason that softshells are more breathable than hardshells is precisely because they aren't as waterproof. The way I see it, a 'waterproof softshell' isn't a softshell at all, its just a hardshell bonded to a fleecy backing.

^ pretty much that.

I would concur. A waterproof softshell is a thick waterproof.

Softshell something like a montane dyno or a Rab vapour rise light.
Or a softshell with No or minimum insulation, use a good wicking base layer (helly lifa) to get the sweat out.
Then pack a shell if needed.
Sorted for most of the winter

like they say it's a spectrum, so you need a few jacket options to choose depending on weather

hardshell for pouring rain, soft for drizzle etc

I bought the Altura Attack (not 360) that Northwind linked to in a deal. I find it very good as the pit zips are large and the material is plenty comfortable. One thing i like in particular is a tab that stops the pits opening and flapping around. As long as you have a decent long sleeved baselayer on it should be fine. Although isn't the 360 a lighter material?

If it was warm i'd go for a softshell, or maybe just not bother with anything other than a baselayer as they dry out quickly anyway.

Softshell isn't a very good description for technical clothing as it can cover a multitude of sins.

Strictly, softshells don't really belong in the trad layering system and should be worn next to the skin, maybe with a baselayer - and the DWR should be embraced in rain to be 'comfortable if not perfectly dry but will dry out really fast' but almost noone uses softshells like that.

There are commuter type bike jackets that I would (and do) use for commutering, but for proper outdoors, there's almost no sensibly priced bike specific jackets for non spring/summer conditions if you take a look at what's available in more traditional alpine/climbing brands - and bear in mind that alpinists tend to like long arms, long backs, wired hoods intended to be used with helmets, stretchy and highly breathable clothing too - and plan to scrape it off rocks a bit. A potentional downside is that while active alpine type cuts aren't euro-roady type bad, you probably will want to go a size up on casual.

I'm loving a Montane Alpine Stretch right now... 🙂

I`ve given up on it....
I find Wet is only a problem when its cold

I just wear stuff that's still warm when damp, so mostly Merino base and mid layers with a Patagonia climbing stretchy shell, with massive pit zips, over the top if its lashing down (But even that only lasts a little while) or a rain jacket if on the road bike (Still get soaked but this time its from sweat) and you end up cold

I have got a really nice stretchy Rab Jacket which has DWR coating and water beads off it really well, but I cant bring myself to take it out and get it muddy 😳

EDIT: [url= http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/rab-exodus-jacket-p282610 ]THIS ONE[/url]

Mostly use a gore soft shell as a top layer / windproof. Add Rab event jacket when it's lobbing it down. Always the waterproof shorts. Job jobbed

I've got an Endura Stealth. It's great on cold days with the odd shower, but i wouldn't describe it as waterproof. The build quality isn't great (I'm on a warranty replacement one now). I like the principle of the jacket but wouldn't buy another Endura.

I've been flamed for this before, but I'm going to chuck my tuppence worth in.....

I've got an Aldi workwear softshell jacket that I use for riding. It is heavy, so that's one downside. The waterproofing came out immediately on the first wash, but I expected that. So I got some nikwax softshell proofer. I gave it a good dose of the stuff (probably half again what it should have had), and it has been ace since.

I sweat buckets, even in winter, but I have found the jacket to be breathable. I can cool down on descents in it. In recent days (temp hovering around freezing) I have been fine with a thin long sleeved base layer and a short sleeved base layer under it. On longer days this means I can carry a spare base layer or two and have a complete change.

For £18 plus the proofer I think I am doing ok. It cannot be worn in anything warmer than about 5 degrees Celsius, though!

I find the Gore Alp X Softshell good. But soon get hot in it in anything over 5deg. Sleeves zip off which is good.

http://www.bowlandoutdoors.com/acatalog/Gore-Bike-Wear-Alp-X-2.0-SO-Windstopper--Soft-Shell-Zip-Off-Jacket---Red-Black-5534.html?gclid=CIG4_MegoLsCFa-WtAodwT8AcQ

I've come to the conclusion you only need a hard shell if fairly static, such that you are not generating any heat. If you are running, cycling etc. then a windproof layer with enough insulation for the conditions is perfect. Sure you get wet in biblical rain, but keep moving and you'll stay warm.

Hardshells don't breath in rain anyway, as there is no concentration gradient for the moisture to move from to.

Sure you get wet in biblical rain, but keep moving and you'll stay warm.

The only waterproof jacket that I have been able to wear for any extended period is my dhb e-vent jacket.
e-vent material is very breathable but it's rare to find cycling stuff made from it.also you need to clean it regularly and reproof it occasionally. I've had goretex stuff and I boiled in the bag much more. I haven't tried the latest goretex active material though.

Some of the best jackets for me have the windproof front and sleeves but regular fabric non windproof on the back. I find the breathable back helps, plus I normally have a camel back on for riding. I only wear a full waterproof if its really piddling down and I might have to hang about. Once waterproofs are covered in water on the outside they don't breathe anyway. I much prefer windproofs as above, and most will take light showers.

If It's pissin down & your'e sweating like a nonce in a lineup, your'e gonna get wet. Fact. No matter what fancy stuff It's made from.
Best jacket I've ever had is an old Pace Interactive, which I still have but is now a rather 'snug' fit. Ticked most boxes but not all.

I've ended up with a Paramo Adventure Light Smock and I'm really impressed with it.

Really breathable compared to Goretex etc and also wind proof. Managed to get £60 off the rrp with the go outdoors price match (don't think I would wear it on the bike if I had paid full price). Really good fit, arms plenty long enough, nice tailored fit. Even slightly longer in the back which helps to cover ones rear from spray. Also has full length zips down either side for cooling. Just hose it down after a muddy rude and let it drip dry. Does need a reproof every few months dependant on use but with the Nikwax stuff comes out like new.

Even on proper winters days I only wear a base layer top and bib shorts underneath. Only gripe is the lack of lined collar as it can stick to your neck but I usually wear a buff at the same time so it's not usually an issue.

Would the moon on a stick not function in some way like an umbrella, or have I missed the point of this conversation?

+1 for the eVent DHB jacket being breathable. I have that also and it is great for layering underneath as it is so breathable it is actively cold if you don't wear enough under it.

Ps I appreciate its not a soft shell but it's the closest I've found that does the job (and is also the eVent material).