can you wash the ME microtherm with normal washing power,or will it diminish its water/wind repeling qualities.i bought the zip off jacket for 40 pounds yesterday.feeling very happy.sorry if theres a thread specificly for this query i'm new here :)
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I'd stick to Tech Wash, or the equivalent, because normal washing powder/liquid will affect the water resistant coating (DWR).
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 leo. NO!!!!! do not use normal washing powder.
tech wash or soapflakes.
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 Those of you looking for a new shell+fleece solution should check out mgear.com.
There you can get an arcteryx alpha softshell jacket w. gtex-like reinforcments on the shoulders, and a theta SL gtex packlite hooded shell with gtex xcr reinforcements on the shoulders and hood for a total of 400 bucks + shipping, to me this looks like a great alternative to an expensive, heavy, bulky, non-brathing gtex shell.
The alpha jacket would fit most conditions when it is not raining heavily, and the packlite is easily stowed away in your top lid for easy access in the most extreme of conditions.....
Having spent a few years road cycling several times a week for hours in everything from snow to bright sunshine, neither me nor my mates have ever used gtex(although I have sold some to commuters begging me for them working at a bike store last summer).
It is more important to keep warm and dry quickly than to stay dry during the shower.
(they don`t make gtex diving suits do they ey?? ;-) )
Winter skiing I use worn out cotton treated with water repellant. Works great!
My end point is, as much as softshell is claimed to be a marketing "jippo", so for most uses, is/was gtex. I`ve never noticed the claimed "breathability" of gtex, and think most people are better off sticking to a cheap, lightweight nylon shell for puttingg on during those sudden showers.
My experience is that during those prolonged, day-long showers you get wet anyway, either from within or from outside, whether wearing gtex or a cheap nylon shell.
I`ll try out the arc`combo though,
Regards,
Tony
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 For cycling Gore_tex probably will be overwealmed as you would be working much harder and sweating far more than when walking. I expect p****o would struggle in that sort of enviroment.
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oh and the $400 will soon become nearly £600 with shipping and customs charges, duty etc. etc.
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 I am new posting to this forum, although I have been reading it for months. I find this discussion particulaly interesting as since my days in the Green Machine I have admired the Buffalo mountain shirt. Which do not appear to rate a mention in this thread.
I don't know or care what a softshell is or what sort of fleece you can get for £20. All I want from my gear is to do a good walk, in cold weather, and stay warm and dry, without constantly having to take layers off and off. Buffalo does this for me and I can wash it in any washing powder. If the weather is bad I wear a wicking base layer and or a GTX Paclite top the Buffalo still works and I stay dry.
It works for me, but we are all different and will find our own way, try mine I love it.
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 What you say is true.
But there are many here who will want to convert you anyway, not give you advice.
So, welcome and beware :o)
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Buffalo is excellent.
Austin - ptc's correct. Certainly avoid mentioning Paramo in a negative light! ;-)
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 I've got some Paramo gaiters - they're great! As for the rest of the P----- stuff - it's too hot for me!
Sorry, am I being negative???? :-))))
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Ooooh!!
You are awful! :-)
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Glad someone does.
My soft shell is a Keela jacket which I wear over a short sleeved Mardale baselayer. Anything else and I overheat. If I get warm and still need to keep the jacket on I can undo my pit-zips! I thought about Buffalo but it's just too warm for me (just like P------!) I'm often seen in cooler times just wearing a base layer, either the Mardale or an LGT long-sleeved one with a chest length zip. If it rains I just put my Paclite top over that.
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I run hot too, so I sympathise.
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