Soft Shell Pants

Thank you for the education on Pertex Equilibrium. I am confused, however. Each of the garments discussed and pictured is described as a “shell,” yet you opine that they can make for “excellent base layer choices in the fringe . . . and winter seasons.”

“Base layer”, as in nothing else between the Pertex Equilibrium shell and the skin (yes, I know you state that it is quite comfortable next to skin–particularily the lined ones). If used as a “base layer” then what is the next layer? A mid layer? An outer layer? And if there’s a next layer, is the Pertex Equilibrium “base layer” really still a “shell”?

Perhaps I’m misunderstanding how these “shells” are to be used and am assuming too rigidly that they are always used as the final outer layer.

Cheers.

I would say that the GoLite Energy is least suited as a base layer. It is made with Pertex Equilibrium that is unlined, so there is no tricot or knit lining that serves to provide both warmth and improved moisture transfer (by absorbing sweat, and distributing it over a larger surface area so it can more efficiently be transported through the Equilibrium). Thus, I think the GoLite Energy would be a fine shell over any knit base layer.

The Rab V-Trail top has a microfibre pile lining – about the weight of a very light tricot – and is a superb next the skin layer. In essence, the lining provides the same function as a conventional base layer (soft feel, wicking, insulation).

The Buffalo Equimax Jacket and the Parrot Concure Pull-On both have Coolmax linings, which are very light, reasonably comfortable next to skin, and provide excellent wicking ability. The Parrot Concure, in particular, it a great design that is ideally suited for a base layer, although it is a little long for my taste (it is long because it’s primarily marketed to the bicycling community).

How to integrate a garment like this (i.e., the Rab V-Trail Top) with other layers is more fully discussed in the recent artice on winter clothing:

(M) Winter Backpacking Comfort: Lightweight Gear and Techniques for Shelter, Clothing, and Sleep Systems

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00278.html

Pertex Equilibrium sounds like a promising new fabric. My question is in reguard to a garment’s abilty to evaporate heavy rain.

Will a multiple layer laminated fabric worn as a baselayer be superior at evaportation to a garment with two separate layers or a shell worn over a baselayer? The difference being that body heat is driving vapor through the garment more directly in a laminated product where with multiple sepaqrate layers the air between layers insulates the outer shell surface. Any insights are appreciated.

I’ve used the normal range of gortex, triple point etc over 17 years of working and playing in the UK mountias. As a soft shell I have found paramo (I use a lite weight smock) to be by far teh best. Like all soft shells it is slightly to warm for a humid summer day. Thats when I use Pertex over a Merino top.

Not only does the Paramo outperform all other fabrics in terms of breathability and comfort while keeping you dry it is VERY durable. I use mine every day for three years, no “normal” jacket can take that abuse. All I do is stick it in the washing machine and use the waterbased reproofer. Magic!

Enjoy
Simon

Hello — your article was very helpful, as always, but I didn’t see any mention of Equilibrium used as a sleeping bag outer fabric. Marmot and a couple of other manufacturers are now offering this, and I’m wondering how this fabric would perform (especially in winter conditions) as opposed to Dryloft or Epic?

Many thanks!

I for one am interested in the new stretch version of equilibrium. I think it will have a greater comfort range than all others fabrics and actually be able to used in all 4 seasons. My Arc’teryx power shield lightweight jacket is only good in cold weather so I sold it. The Berghaus jacket out now weighs in an 11oz and the new Montane jacket due out in the spring is an ounce lighter and look to be able to do what most of us want a soft-shell to do.

Those Paramo and Buffalo products look intriguing too though. I wish I had the money to try out all this gear to find out what works best for me.

Dynamic and Inertia are very simular. I believe Inertia is a bit lighter / sq yard, and the fibers seems to be smaller which results in a slightly softer and lighter shell. They seem approx the same when it comes to wind and water resistance. I have found Inertia to be more comfortable against the skin, and Inertia seems to more comfortable over a slightly larger temp range. Dynamic is definitely more durable. After a year my Intertia pants where showing wear and the Dynamic pants looked almost new.