OK, I know differant softshells do differant things. I'm looking for one that I can replace my fleece with, I will still carry a pac-lite so complete waterproofness isnt important. I want one which is windproof, highly water RESISTANT, hood isnt important (I prefer hats), half decent insulation properties.

I basically want a windproof, water resistant fleece so that I dont need to reach for my waterproof every time there is a shower.

Any recomendations?

Not a fleece but a remarkably versatile piece of kit is the Montane Dynamo jacket (backpackinglight.co.uk and hike-lite).

This is made of Pertex Equilibrium fabric which I find to be very shower resistant. No hood but an excellent all round jacket; I use mine all of the time.

Andy, I checked it out. Is it warm enough to replace a fleece in spring summer munro conditions, or would I require a micro-fleece or similar in my sack as a back-up?

How abour the Rab vapour rise jackets/smocks...they can be picked up for under £60

Montane also do some jackets that are classed as softshell with an event lining...worth giving their factory shop a bell.

or try the rab baltoro baltoro lite or baltoro guide jacket

ive just got the guide jacket and its quite heavy but is a fantastic jacket and can be bought for around £100

Does the Rab Baltoro Guide vent Moggy?

What sort of warmth do these lightweight softshell such as the baltoro lite and the montane dynamo have?

The Guide jacket doesnt have any vents but ive not found it sweaty in the slightest. The polartech fabric is mega breathable. Also the pockets are meshy inside so if u do get too hot u can open them up and they give you a bit of ventilation.

Shelled micropile would be my recommendation for a soft shell for active use (i.e. an activity where there aren't long periods of inactivity). These have a wind and water resistant shell, and a micropile lining that adds warmth, and provides moisture management. It's about equivalent to a 100 weight fleece in warmth.

So, Rab VR Trail, Montane Hyper-lite etc. The Rab uses Pertex Equilibrium for its shell, so is a little heavier, but more robust.

The Dynamo is a nice jacket, but has little insulation value, so doesn't really replace a fleece.

Next best, IMHO, would be a lightweight PowerShield jacket. This is more air permeable, so would suit someone who prefers to be cooler but drier. You need more insulation for the same warmth, because the warm air isn't trapped as well as it is in a shelled micropile.

Then there are some of the 'pure soft shell' offerings that have a little insulation in the fabric, with the use of dual weave fabrics, such as Schoeller's Dryskin, or IBQ's Thermaskin. The face fabrics of these are fairly robust, so maybe better suited to climbing and scrambling applications. There isn't much insulation, though, so still best suited to constant activity pursuits, or add a lightweight synthetic duvet for inactive periods.

The alternative is to keep your fleece, but add a purely windproof layer. This will help keep off light rain (whilst breathing better than your waterproof), leaving your waterproof for those occasions when the rain gets heavy.

I'm using the Rab vapour rise smock and can't praise it enough. I've used it in light/med rain for several hours with no problems and in Scotland this winter with a icebreak 360 base layer and it keep me very comfortable. Not too warm not too cold.

I guess it depends on how hot you run. Well worth a look

http://www.rab.uk.com/products_vr_vrsmock.html

If you are looking for a replacement fleece and you don't run to warm then you could consider the RAB generator. I have been using it for the past 4 months and it has been brilliant.

OM review

Hi there,

Ive got a Montane eVent softshell which I would class as brilliant! Due to having the eVent lining it is totally waterproof, couldn't be more windproof. The only downside I would say it's not the warmest of jackets, I tend to walk with a technical T and a micro fleece and am never too cold, but I suppose it's personal.

Cheers Doug

How do

I'd second jmas's comments on the Rab VR gear. I got a VR Trail Smock a few months ago and have practically lived in it since. I generally run quite cold but it's been ideal on its own for everything from running to biking to hill walking. I used it on a very windy, very cold day on Ingleborough and stayed toasty. The face fabric stills beads up nicely after months of everyday use without leaning/proofing.

As a back up I carry either a HH base layer or a PhD down vest if its chilly out.

If you're not fussed about the hood, I think they do different tops without one.

I've similar likes in clothing, hate hoods and not keen on waterproofs if I can avoid them.

I've just ordered a Rab VR from Cotswold, they have them in their sale at the minute.

For mountain biking this winter I've been wearing this
http://www.endura.co.uk/air-defence.html
Really warm, windproof and quite waterproof.
Only wearing a merino baselayer below it.

Possibly too warm for your needs

I've a Marmot ATV jacket - the only soft shell that I've tried on that fits me. Wind and water resistant - idea for hi activity activities - dries quick too. When it's cold, cold I wear a 100 fleece underneath but it's fine with a base layer under when on the move. Stop still and I'll pull a primaloft smock over.

That said I have replaced the softshell with a windshirt over the fleece...

My advice is whichever one you choose, get one with a hood. I bought one without a hood and really regretted it. When there was a light shower that didn't need me to get out my waterproof, my head/hat got wet, and i get out my waterproof anyway.... very annoying! I am now saving up for a hooded one.

Yup, get a hood. It's not a 'shell', soft or otherwise, without.