I am in the market for my first softshell. I have been looking at three different jackets and I can't make up my mind. I am 5'10" a trim 165 lbs, 40" chest. I am considering TNF Apex Bionic, Marmot Ultima or the MHW Alchemy. I would be using it for chilly runs and mountain biking in NE Kansas during the winters. I spend summers in Glacier National Park. If you have been, you know what the weather can be like up there. If you've got a little advice, please help me out. I'd love to hear your opinion.

For running I would probably go with the Marmot, reason being the Alchemy is not as breathable and is more for protection than breathability. Like Ian said the Marmot might be a little cold if your just standing around. Hope this helps!

I have the Alchemy jacket and love it; however, I have never and never plan on running in it--I would be too hot. I live in Alaska and even when the temps are below 0, I still wouldn't want that much warmth when I'm running. A good layering system would be far lighter and breath better for running. But I love the jacket--have used it for skiing, ice climbing and around town. Super durable and looks sexy hot.

Hey there Ely. Welcome to the world of softshells, my favorite type of jackets. You won't be disappointed. Here are my thoughts on those three jackets. The TNF Apex Bionic is a solid softshell. It's a no-thrills package that is windproof, water resistant and decently warm. It'll breathe fairly well, but it's boring. Every 19 year old kid in the mountains has one. The Marmot Ultima is kind of interesting. I like the carbon from coconut fabric for natural odor protection. However I think you'll find it a little on the chilly side, especially when you're just standing around. If you're a naturally warm person though, this might be a good investment. The Alchemy is lined with Gore Windstopper which makes it totally windproof, but also highly water resistant. The Apex Bionic is also windproof and water resistant, but the pockets are too darn low to get in when I'm wearing a harness or backpack hip belt. If you plan on wearing a pack at all I would suggest going for the Alchemy since the pockets are placed high enough to get at when your pack hip belt is doing its job. The MHW Alchemy is my favorite of the three, and that's mostly due to the pocket placement. Also, the Alchemy will have a very athletic fit to it. The medium for you will be perfect. TNF fits a little boxier, so depending on how much room you want sizing down to the small might be a good idea. I'm the same size as you, just 10 lbs heavier, and the small Bionic fit nicely. There wasn't much room underneath, but sometimes that's okay. I'm not sure what the sizing is like on the Ultima, but I do know Marmot tends to fit rather "athletically". Therefore you should probably try a medium in that one too. Hope that helps.