Right, I'm thinking of getting a new soft shell. I've got a Cloudveil Serendipity which, although excellent value for money as I got it in the sale, was not everything I wanted. The Schoeller fabric wasn't as water resistant as I would have liked. So... I'm considering the G2 Alpine as it has a windstopper membrane. Am I right in thinking that this is water proof everywhere except the seams? Does anyone have any advice about softshells, or any other recommendations? Bare in mind that it is VERY hard for me to find a jacket that's slim fitted enough for me. ME seem to be the best so far. I need a very slim cut. Cheers!
which schoeller fabric was it? there are lots, some more water resitant than others, windstopper n2s used in the g2 may not be waterproof enough for you, if you want waterproofing as your main criteria then mountain hardwear and i think berghaus and others do a seam taped "soft shell" so it is actually a waterproof, obviously the breathability is reduced, you could look at MH tempest which is shell and lining type not seam taped but good as another option, you will generally compromise water resistance with breathability in this area, what do you want a waterproof or a wind water/resist shell? remember paramo is technically a soft shell, and works ok
I don't mind if it's not strictly speaking waterproof, as I have a Berghaus Sullivan. I'm not gonna be too bothered about untaped seams, for instance. However, the main fabric needs to shed water in moderate rain. Not sure what schoeller fabric it is off the top of my head, if you look on snow and rock the serendipity is on there. It did wet out very quickly though in only slight rain. In fact, I got wet sooner than if I had been wearing my TNF genesis fleece. Also considered TNF Apex as an option, but the cut isn't as good on it. That's another thing that's putting me off the Berghaus option:- they're way too big round the mid section.
I've got a G2 Jacket and reckon its the dogs danglies!
Its pretty much waterproof, its not 100%, water gets in through the seams, and in through the zip a bit, but after 30 mins cycling in some of the worst rain this summer, the only wet patchs on my t-shirt were over the shoulder seams!
Its pretty slim cut, but it is slightly strechy, I'm 6ft 2, 40" chest, 28 waist and the medium fits me well.
If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer them
I've got a G2 Jacket as well, but unfortunately i can't tell you anything about it as i've only just bought it.
Took it up Tryfan this Sunday but just carried it as it was too hot for clothes, let alone 2 layers worth. Saw a Land Rover get set on fire, which in turn melted a Passat but that's another story.
Anyway paid £80 for mine from the ME factory outlet-awesome place.
voodoo there are other fabrics from schoeller more resistant than 3xdry, but hard to get in the uk. wait a few weeks for this seasons stuff to come out, i would still recomend the MH tempest, but you can also consider others such as macpac mammut in schoeller or powershield, its hard to recommend as 3xdry is good, and dryskin extreme would be a little better, but if you are prepared to put a shell on then i would not compromise breathability by getting a membraned softshell
I use the G2 Ultimate Mountain trousers and a MH Tempest Jacket as a softshell combination. Work great in the Alps and dodgy UK days, even Scottish Winters to a point. I would highly recommend this combination!
