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Nikoli wrote:But can a soft shell really stop the wind as well as Gortex. The South Ridge Triple can really be cold especially that last 10 towers.

you're expecting the South Ridge Triple to actually RUN, boy you're optimistic

In practical terms, a soft shell won't stop wind as well as a hard one, BUT if you get the right mix of clothes underneath you'll be fine, its just a question of tuning your insulation properly.

I think you're probably going to wind up going with a hard shell, but definitely take a long look at the new generation of soft shells.

laseranimal wrote:

Nikoli wrote:But can a soft shell really stop the wind as well as Gortex. The South Ridge Triple can really be cold especially that last 10 towers.

you're expecting the South Ridge Triple to actually RUN, boy you're optimistic

In practical terms, a soft shell won't stop wind as well as a hard one, BUT if you get the right mix of clothes underneath you'll be fine, its just a question of tuning your insulation properly.

I think you're probably going to wind up going with a hard shell, but definitely take a long look at the new generation of soft shells.

umm i have 2 say that it all depends on what company makes that soft shell.
I have a Phenix soft shell that is Five years old.
it is Water proof(does not wet out).
Wind Proof.
and has so-so at best thermal props.
I chop wood in it.
ride my bike in it.
on cool/cold days i use it mtn biking(does not have the best wicking props, but i will deal with it.
I all so have a moon stone soft shell.
water resisant, so-so wind protection.
i mostly use my soft shells 4 a super warm under layment.

bla-bla-bla.
I also ski in a Scott soft shell.
Wind protection water proof and umm-umm-umm -umm-umm toasty!

b-5 & laseranimal,
Thanks for all of the info its greatly appricated.

Yes, I am hoping that the SRT will run this year. They have an extra $400 dollars of mine to make it so.


~Nick

everyone should wear camo...patrol will never find ya...

johnny the jibber wrote:everyone should wear camo...patrol will never find ya...

Mossy Oak!

Nikoli wrote:I am in the market for a Men's Technical Shell.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I ski mostly northeast over 30 days a year.

I was hoping to get something with the following requirements.

1) Helmet Compatible Hood. (Removable would be nice)
2) Snow Skirt.
3) Taped Seams
4) Gortex
5) Under $400

Thanks
~Nick

You need to keep your eye on http://www.steepandcheap.com/ so you can grab deals like this one: http://sac.gearattack.com/items/6652.

I was lucky enough to be there at the right time. A very nice jacket and an insane deal for $120. My Arcteryx is just a slight bit nicer designed than this, but it was four times the price.

Oh my, here's another: http://sac.gearattack.com/items/6925
Good stuff.

Stormchaser wrote:Nice jacket, but there ain't no running and hiding from ski patrol in that jacket... sh*t you could be on the peak, and your friends can find you from the parking lot!

Maybe Nikoli does not like to venture off the beaten path.

tyrolean_skier wrote:

Stormchaser wrote:Nice jacket, but there ain't no running and hiding from ski patrol in that jacket... sh*t you could be on the peak, and your friends can find you from the parking lot!

Maybe Nikoli does not like to venture off the beaten path.

He found us...he will soon.

Carvemeister wrote:

Nikoli wrote:I am in the market for a Men's Technical Shell.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I ski mostly northeast over 30 days a year.

I was hoping to get something with the following requirements.

1) Helmet Compatible Hood. (Removable would be nice)
2) Snow Skirt.
3) Taped Seams
4) Gortex
5) Under $400

Thanks
~Nick

You need to keep your eye on http://www.steepandcheap.com/ so you can grab deals like this one: http://sac.gearattack.com/items/6652.

I was lucky enough to be there at the right time. A very nice jacket and an insane dea for $120. My Arcteryx is just a slight bit nicer designed than this, but it was four times the price.

Oh my, here's another: http://sac.gearattack.com/items/6925
Good stuff.

Yeah, about 100 jackets a day come up on SAC. Great site. Also check out Sierra Trading Post below. Bought lots of stuff from them over the years.

You don't have to spend anywhere near $400 for a great jacket. For $400 you could get a jacket, pants, underwear, gloves and socks and still have money left over!

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search ... rchWithin=

laseranimal wrote:

Nikoli wrote:

laseranimal wrote:which means that unless you're out when its pouring BUCKETS you'll never notice the difference(except for the price)

One of the reasons I want to switch to Gortex was last January being r*ined on. My jacket got so wet my cell phone died. However, my current jack is 8 years old.

If its 8 years old the DWR coating has worn off, any new shell gore tex or not would be a huge improvement. You could always try to pick up some NIKWAX and try to restore the waterproofing, but I think 8 years is long enough for a jacket

have you tried a soft shell? Much more comfy/breathable then a hard one but you give up something in the waterproof department. Snow and drizzle you're fine, but a full on drenching is going to be problematic. For BC skiing I'll generally wear a soft shell and toss in a unlined r*in jacket like the Marmot Pre-cip in my pack just in case it gets wet

Nikwax definitely does work for restoring waterproofing. I used it on my pants last year. I'm not sure if it affected the breathability of the material or not but my sittin'-in-the-snow-snowboarder-ass stayed dry.

KnuckleDragger wrote:[Nikwax definitely does work for restoring waterproofing. I used it on my pants last year. I'm not sure if it affected the breathability of the material or not but my sittin'-in-the-snow-snowboarder-ass stayed dry.

Restoring the waterproof coating via Nikwax will enhance the breathability of Goretex because it prevents the outer layer of fabric from wetting-out, which would in turn prevent water vapor from escaping outward.

Nikwax should probably be re-applied every year or two for best performance.

KnuckleDragger wrote:

laseranimal wrote:

Nikoli wrote:

laseranimal wrote:which means that unless you're out when its pouring BUCKETS you'll never notice the difference(except for the price)

One of the reasons I want to switch to Gortex was last January being r*ined on. My jacket got so wet my cell phone died. However, my current jack is 8 years old.

If its 8 years old the DWR coating has worn off, any new shell gore tex or not would be a huge improvement. You could always try to pick up some NIKWAX and try to restore the waterproofing, but I think 8 years is long enough for a jacket

have you tried a soft shell? Much more comfy/breathable then a hard one but you give up something in the waterproof department. Snow and drizzle you're fine, but a full on drenching is going to be problematic. For BC skiing I'll generally wear a soft shell and toss in a unlined r*in jacket like the Marmot Pre-cip in my pack just in case it gets wet

Nikwax definitely does work for restoring waterproofing. I used it on my pants last year. I'm not sure if it affected the breathability of the material or not but my sittin'-in-the-snow-snowboarder-ass stayed dry.

The best way is to start off with nik wash, then follow it with nik wax.. Reg detergent will still shorten the life of nik wax.
and it will wet out sooner.
there is some other stuff(comes in a blue bottle) that works as well if not better.
I am just 2 lazy to venture down 2 the basement to check out the name...

Nikoli wrote:But can a soft shell really stop the wind as well as Gortex. The South Ridge Triple can really be cold especially that last 10 towers.

I love my soft shell (Marmot). When I got it I was expecting to just wear it on warmer days, but I find that even on the colder days I'm about 50/50 on going with the soft shell or the other.

My other jacket is a Mountian Hardware which I love too.

First I would like to thank everyone for their input.

I think I am going to go the Nikwax way for the time being. I will also be keeping my eye on www.steepandcheep.com.

Thanks Again
~Nick

FYI the stuff I used was the Nikwax TX Direct Spray On stuff. As far as washing the garment first, I just ran the pant through the washing machine with nothing but water.