I've been looking for an affordable, breathable, ultralight windshell for awhile. I actually bought an OR Razor for Sierra Trading Post, only to find that it's certainly quite waterproof but hardly breathable. Since then, it has gone back to them… and I've looked at various options including Montane, Helly Hansen, Montbell, and Integral Designs.
However, the best deal I have found so far is the Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket. All the information I found online indicated that it was indeed breathable and wind/water resistant (breathability being one of the most important criteria for me), and my wife got one, and so far we've found it to be breathable indeed, and reasonably wind/water resistant (we had fun blowing the beading water of it), but have yet to put it to much use.
I was just wondering if anyone had any more experience with this jacket. I'm particularly interested in durability, as I tend to trash my stuff. (I have yet to buy the jacket for myself). Another similar jacket, the Pearl Izumi Fly, made of similar material can also be had cheap at REI Outlet and Sierra Trading Post…
Anyone?
