Windshirt advice

[ivo zlatinov]

Hello

I am buyig into the windshirt concept. Intended use: running and biking in Florida fall, winter & spring – which means over 30 F generally (layering: over a merino micro T, under an Ibex EXP top hoodie when really cold, and Pac Lite top in heavy rains.)

Need advice and feedback choosing among options:

1. Marmot Ion – discontinued but a local store has fem size L (i’m male M) – the problem: it’s pink :( they call it salmon

2. Marmot Chinook – worried about worse breathability than the Ion?

3. Ibex Bug Wing VEST – really like the vest idea; think it should protect the core well enough, do I really need the sleeves that much – especially for FL? Also, since my Ibex and Pac Lite tops have hoods, I don’t really need a hood on the windshirt

4. GoLite Helios, Wisp, Ether (i prefer a full zip)

Any other suggestions are most welcome. Are there any windshirts w/ pit zips? I think I saw something from Mountain Hardware that seemed very light, not sure

Thank you very much!
Ivo

[Ryan Faulkner]

I have a golite wisp, it works great and is very water resistant but probably is not the most breathable option. but it may be the lightest at 2.5oz?

have you considered any of the mont bell wind jackets? the lightest prouduct is 2.6oz with a full zipper and single chest pocket

[John Chan]

I have a Montane Featherlite Smock. Its made of microlight and I’ve bush-whacked with it. Its a bit heavier than the Montbell (at 3 oz) but probably more durable and weatherproof. I’ve worn a 20 lb pack overtop it and the fabric is definitely durable.

[Anonymous]

http://www.marmotmountain.com/MMWmain.asp?Option=Detail&StyleID=10002827

Male medium, not pink 70 bones

[ivo zlatinov]

anonimous – I just bought it, thanks

the “mineral” looks pale yellow on my screen but who cares

cheers
ivo

[paul johnson]

not a full-zip and it’s hoodless, but may be one of the best one or two windshirts out there (haven’t seen an Ion, but based upon “raves” about it, and since my choice is made, IIRC, of the same mat’l as the Ion – i say ‘best one or two’):

Montane Aero.

i also have ’04 Wisp, ’05 Wisp, and ’05 Ether (wife stole it). The Aero is more water resistant and far, far more breathable. Mfr. claimed wt = 2.29oz, IIRC. as much as i like GoLite products, in this case i don’t feel that they are even close to the Aero in performance.

[ivo zlatinov]

thanks to all who responded – I have purchased an Ion over the internet and am looking forward to testing it next week

cheers
Ivo

[David Lewis]

I just use my normal insulating / wicking layers and put on my DriDucks jacket if I need a “wind breaker”. I always carry the rain gear just in case… so this way it can do double duty.

[Colin Kelley]

One Marmot Ion in Men’s small / red just showed up for $69.97 at the Backcountry.com outlet:

http://www.backcountry.com/store/MAR0406/c11/s20/sale/Marmot-Ion-Windshirt-Mens.html

If it were Large I’d have bought it.

[ivo zlatinov]

on the other hand, I can find womens Marmot Ions – Gold M, and Salmon L.

How big is the difference in cut? What would be the disadvantage of buying a women’s cut? i am thinking my lack of boobs would be compensated by the broader shoulders? but i tried this w/ arcteryx once and it didn’t work, pretty tight in the shoulders

And how gay is this pink color Marmot used? Not that there’s anything wrong with being gay but my wife would be embarrassed to be seen with me and I get enough honking and shouting when I run anyway… you think I can get away with this “salmon”? people on this forum called Ion’s mens red “attrocious” – i’d take that any day over pink… anyone interested in selling me a used Marmot Ion M mens, regardless of color, please e-mail [email protected]

cheers
ivo

[paul johnson]

[CLICK ANYWHERE IN THE BLUE TEXT to be taken to the product webpage] Montane Aero: hoodless, but made of the same mat’l as the Ion (Pertex Quantum) is *ON SALE* at BackCountryGear.

[Sasha Rice]

For those of you that use the golite wisp, exactly how tough is the material?
Would it rip from just a branch or if I fell and slid down a rock?

[S H]

Branch: likely; Slide: yes

[Anonymous]

No-offense… But I have to disagree with Mr. Shi. From my own personal experience trekking cross country and off trail I have found the GOLITE Wisp tuff enough to handle bushwhacking. But concede that any major abrasion, using your example “if you should fall and slid down a rock “ could do some damage not only to the Wisp but the person wearing it as well…

Regards

[S H]

Correction: It is Ms. Shi. No problem.

Had broken tip of branch catch side and poke hole.

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