Wind Shell Reviews
Posted By Mark on Fri, Jan 4 '08
As a rule of thumb, I like to have at least one windproof jacket in my collection of outerwear. This does not include hard shells, since hard shells are inherently windproof (although, to be perfectly honest, I have seen a very few fully seam-taped hard shells in my lifetime that were merely wind-resistant). The Geosphere has the potential to fill that slot: a windproof, water-resistant, breathable shell. Constructed from TNF’s proprietary Hydrenalite fabric, and given a good dose of DWR, the jacket’s designed to keep you dry in most conditions, like a softshell, although, given the option, I’d probably more accurately classify this one as a windshell, suitable for cool, windy weather with a chance of rain. At over 17 ounces, the Geosphere gets a good kick in the pants from many windshells that are very comfortable in the 3-7 ounce range. But then again, it’s a good deal more durable, and feature-packed, than those shells, and could probably stand up to even a bit of bushwhacking.
Posted By Mark on Wed, Jan 2 '08
No season in the outdoors is safe from unpredictability; spring and fall, of course, hold more uncertainty than summer and winter. It’s always nice to have an emergency shell to throw on in the event of a sudden rain- or snowfall. Compressibility is of high priority, and it’s nice to have a hood, as well. The REI Boreas is an excellent candidate for an emergency shell.
Posted By Mark on Wed, Jan 2 '08
Hardshells are not necessary for the majority of wet weather cases. Often a softshell, with or without a hood, will do just fine. And if you can find one with Windstopper, Gore’s proprietary windproof membrane, that’s even better, because windproof garments are inherently water-resistant. From all appearances, Cabela’s Cimarron Peak fulfills these requirements: a Windstopper membrane, lightweight, a fully adjustable hood, and seamless shoulders. But there is another, less pleasant side to this jacket: really wonky fit, as we will see.
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