I've been on the look out for a truly breathable UL windshirt for some time now, and I'm happy to say I''ve finally found one. I was passing through my local running store and came across one by Nike called the impossibly light running jacket. I'd agree that its impossibly light for a jacket that you can actually run in. Just from a quick breath test in store, I'd say it's just a tad less breathable than pertex equilebrium which has been my favorite thus far for use in high output activities like backcountry skiing, running and hard uphill backpacking. But my equilebrium shell is 7.5 oz, this one is 3 oz. I just had a quick look at the jacket in store and tried on my normal size medium. The chest and shoulders were def designed for scrawny runners, so I found it too constricting. I found a crazy magenta colored men's in size large for $40 on eBay, so I've got one on order. I've gotten pretty picky about windshirts, and I have too many already, so not sure if I'll keep it, but I thought it was worth a try. since I really haven't found anything close to this breathable and light. Based on some other threads, this might be a little more breathable than some people prefer and probably more than Nisley's ideal cfm, but for me it seems pretty spot on. Sizing is a little questionable and the hood ain't great, but you can't have it all. http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/impossibly-light-running-jacket/pid-10264497/pgid-1488171?k_clickid=93ed2dca-7f2d-4617-af5d-bebaf724a81c&cp=usns_kw_pla!g!t!nobr!&k_clickid=93ed2dca-7f2d-4617-af5d-bebaf724a81c&kpid=10264497-00675911647011 There's plenty of these for sale online right now and still a couple left of the progressively gendered magenta in size L.
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Breathable UL Windshirt
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Just a follow up after receiving my jacket in the mail. Very impressed with this thing. Its extremely breathable. Prior to this, the stoic wraith was the most breathable UL windshirt I'd found, and this one is far far more breathable, and only .4 oz heavier. The fit is pretty decent on my 6'2 175 frame. The hood has a pretty wide opening and no cinch, but the inside of of it fits nicely around the head and stays in place when you turn your head. The forearms are tight enough that it would be tricky to fit more than a thin mid layer beneath them, but I typically layer insulation over a windshell anyway. I actually kind of liked the magenta color I found for $40 on ebay, but I knew I'd feel a little self conscious wearing it, so I returned it for a blue I found for $45. Anyway, good deal for a truly unique piece.
i once saw a wind shirt at the local superstore … it was the joe fresh brand and was 7$ on clearance the darth vader tests showed it to be exceptionally breathable and while i didnt have a scale that sucker couldnt have weighted more than 5-6 oz, likely less unfortunately it was a womens small … realistically for what we do, we really dont need all these fancy "outdoors" name brands and the associated costs …. theres tons of deals on off brands or "no name" brands for the budget climber/hiker that works just fine if they look around ;)
Nice find! I just received mine and they are extremely breathable. Very comparable in breathability to the OR Ferrosi material, and much more breathable than any other windshirt I've tried. The hood isn't as great though, but I rarely use it on my windshirt (preferring a headband for better breathability). The armpits are similarly tight as the Stoic Wrath, but it works for me. Really stoked on this jacket! I always wanted something as light, but more breathable than my Wrath. Similar to the OR Ferrosi is right on point!
I've been super happy with the Montbell Dynamo's perfomance, features and fit.
A search on EMS for the jacket yields a 'page not found'. Wonder if it's discontinued?
@Brian, glad you like it. Exactly my thoughts, softshell breathability in a 3oz windshell. I've had it out for a few mountain runs and one overnight and the range of comfort is excellent. @aaron, this windshirt is way more breathable than the ems one. A lot of people seem to be happy with that one, thats why I said this may be too breathable for some. And definitely more breathable than that sweet spot Richard Nisley described with the old houdini and new squamish. For me, its close to perfect. Also, combined with a 100 weight fleece, its a good (cheap) alternative to alpha.
Bob, the dynamo is not very breathable at all. Quite a bit less than the Stoic Wrath I had. However, I'm glad you like it. This Nike windshirt is in a totally different class – like Serge says, it's in the stretch-woven softshell class for breathability, which is exactly what I've wanted. A true active layer.
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