Wind Shirt Wars Review Summary

I’m 5′-8″ and 160-165#. I find my size medium Montane Featherlite smock to be a comfortable but snug fit over a base layer (e.g. a light polypro shirt). I’d need to go to a large to wear comfortably over an insulating layer.

I have the Montane Aero in size large. I’m 5’10” and quite thin (150 pounds). It’s loose on me over just a base layer and I usually tuck it in to prevent flapping.

Is there anyone who have checked out the NEW Patagonia’s Dragonfly full-Zip (or pull over)?
I’ would like to have some infomations about it, because we can’t get it in Japan, yet.

-One Step Beyond! 2004-

Feathered Friends makes the Jackorack in the light ripstop Epic (“Malibu”). It has pit zips, huge vented torso pockets, and a hood. It’s roomy enough to layer insulation under it. I’ve worn mine a ton – it’s one of my favorite jackets. I wish the Epic was more breathable but you can’t have it all, I guess!

Good call. It’s a great wind shirt for the price. For a 3-oz item, you’d think shipping would be cheaper! Shop around (Google it!) and you should be able to get away with shipping and the shirt for less than $65.

Has anyone had experience with this windshirt/jacket? Sounds like it could be the ultimate combination for breathability/durability.
from Back Country Gear’s description:
” Many of you out there requested a featherlite that zipped up and had a hood. Well, Montane listened. The Lite Speed Jacket features a Pertex Microlite DWT+ shell with Pertex Quantum DWR+ side panels. The cuffs have an internal elasticized cuff, full length zip, integral roll-away adjustable hood, a chest pocket for your valuables, and it’s own stuff sack that doubles as a hackysack.”

Thanks,

Chet

Ryan, do you think the hood is overkill for a windshirt? Obviously the hood has merit for additional protection, but I’m wondering, based on your experience do you typically carry a seperate, hooded jacket in addition to your windshirt? And if so, do you typically choose a windshirt without a hood? Or is the hood worth it just to extend the range in which you can use the windshirt, even if you have a seperate jacket (like maybe the Precip)? I know, a lot of questions.
One more: Do the Quantum side panels result in a significant improvement in breathability ?

Thanks again,
Chet

Chet-

I’ve used my litespeed for almost a year now. It is my favorite wind shell for backpacking, trail running, and backcountry skiing. A couple of comments:

1) I’m afraid that I have to disagree with Ryan about the sidepanels. Montane’s website claims the side panels are “PEAQ”, not Quantum. Using an informal “blow-thru” test, the fabric seems to have greater air permeability than Quantum, more comparable to Equilibrium. These panels are a great feature of the jacket as they add substantial breathability just where you need it — sort of like the mesh armpit panels on Marmot’s driclime windshirts, but with better weather protection. (Ryan — I’d welcome your comments about this….)

2) I love the flexibility of the shell. I’d say the extra warmth of the hood justifies its weight, although I think the dual-layer construction is overkill for most conditions where I’ve used it. (I suppose you could cut the hood liner out and save a few grams if you wanted to.) Also, if you do carry a hooded storm shell or poncho, the litespeed hood can be rolled up into a gasket around your neck to minimize chimney-effect heat loss there.

3) One trick that the full zip and light fabric allow is to fully unzip the shell and pull the hem through the shoulder straps of a pack during periods of high exertion like extended hill climbs. This lets your arms breathe because they are not closed off by the pack straps (a poor man’s pit-zip!). You can then instantly zip up and/or don the hood when you get to the top.

4) My size large weighs 5.2oz, which is not the lightest windshirt out there these days. But it remains my favorite due to the hood, side panels, and ventilation options.

5) What I’d really like to see from Montane is a 4 oz Quantum full-zip windshell with a single-layer hood and the PEAQ sidepanels. Oh well, I need something on my gear wish list for next year! ;)

Cheers,

-Mike

Tom, I used the Helios in conjunction with a hoodless poncho on a recent trip to CA’s Lost Coast under some incredibly foul conditions. It was GREAT! Here’s the trip report/photos:

http://ftp.backpackinglight.com/galleries/LostCoast04.html

> How much would you attribute drying out to the bivy sack?

A lot. I can’t imagine what it would have been like in a Gore-Tex bivy.

The Golite Helios uses an acrylic coating which renders it much less breathable (but more water resistant) than the Marmot Chinook.

There are two models in Hong Kong:

The 2002 discontinued model “Flow” (with hood)($1200 HKD) – only a sample remains in the shop – the golite lable says the fabric is silicon encapsulated but there is no EPIC label. Based on the “feel”, I am 80% sure that EPIC fabric is used.

The current model without hood called Harmony ($920HKD) and come with a EPIC label. The fabric is much thinner and lighter than the Wild Thing Windshirt but I am not sure whether the water resistant and breathability performance are affected? Though the colours of the Wild Thing Windshirts are more exotic.