Amazing

By James Foulks Ranked #1337 - Men's Softshell Jackets January 29, 2009

This was the first softshell jacket I have owned, opting instead for a light hardshell and a windstopper micro-fleece layer underneath. I did this in the past because I wanted complete wind-proof layers, but the option of breathability on the way up a long skin-track. Last weekends trip in this jacket was the first true test of what this jacket can do. I was out for 8 hours in this jacket, with sustained winds at 40 mph, gusting even higher. Riming conditions were encountered for the 1st half of the day, followed by calmer conditions in the second half. At no time did I feel this jacket was letting the wind in, and remarkably; never felt it was not breathing either. I've also taken it out in calmer, sunnier weather where I would have been clammy underneath on the skin-track/slog up slope....this jacket lived up to it's billing as a breathable, but windproof layer. I am a complete convert to the softshell jacket. My only 2 complaints are as follows: the pit zips seem a little small for my tastes, however I have yet to be in a situation where I would need more ventilation....if I were, I suppose that I would not need the jacket in the first place. The second complaint is that the velcro cuffs are built a bit large such that when I cinch them down, I'm almost running out of velcro. I will be modifying this area with more velcro to accommodate this problem. Bottom line, none of these gripes warrants demoting this to a 4-star.....Top notch all around.

View Details: Marmot Genesis Softshell Jacket - Men's

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