Let’s talk about softshell clothing systems!

I asked Patagonia when I saw that the Ready Mix was off the website- they said it was part of their spring line and would be back for that season. Incidently, the Ascentionist appears to be a heavy-duty Ready Mix, and I seriously want one for ice climbing (Rock and Snow has them if you want to try one on). Note that my RM has some abrasion damage from normal use with a pack (from the sternum strap) and where the velcro rubs the fabric on the wrists. I have also experienced this with Schoeller Dynamic.

If you don't need the hood, check Ebay and such for the Patagonia Figure 4- same fabric as used in the reinforeced parts of the Ready Mix, weighs under one pound, and is durable. They go for pretty cheap.

Edit: I notice that we travel in the same areas for winter (cats and Dacks). For me, it is a toss up whether I take my Ready Mix or my Schoeller Dryskin Extreme jacket on backcountry trips in those areas. The RM is the perfect all around shell- dries fast, blocks wind, good features, decent breathability. The Schoeller fits better, moves better and is more breathable, but blocks less wind and water. If I could only have one, it would be the Ready Mix, but when snowshoeing up hill on the straight-up trails in the Cats/Dacks with a winter pack stuffed for three days, the Schoeller is really nice for moisture control. This is where Powershield fails for me- my back is soaked in sweat no matter what the temperature or my baselayer.
If I am going to be above treeline much I take the RM for the wind protection- otherwise I often opt for the Schoeller Dryskin (dont like dynamic) for the fit/breathability.

Last note: as much as I like Schoeller Dryskin, I would not buy a shell made from it again. It is too pricey and heavy- Patagonia, Cloudveil (Inertia) and Mountain Hardwear all have similar fabrics that cost much less. Look for any stretch-woven lacking a membrane.

Edit again: If you are ever in Delaware Water Gap, PA and want to see a Ready Mix, Schoeller Dryskin jacket, Figure 4, Gamma MX, Essenshell, and some other softshells, let me know.

Michael: Thanks, that was just the info I was looking for.

If you're interested, we should do a hike together. I'm trying to find some partners for snowshoeing in the Cats and Dacks.

Dave

I just had a thought: I wonder how a single layer ventile smock would work in place of the Ready Mix or Ascentionist. Or the Schoeller or Inertia for that matter.

Anybody tried this?

No thanks on softshell jackets. 30* and some flurries and after an hour of hiking my softshell was heavy with moisture on the exterior. For the next 8 hours (Mt. Rainier) all I could think about was what a mistake it was to rent this high-end MH softshell. Yes, I was fairly dry inside but the jacket was heavy as heck! All my teammates had rented the same one and it looked cool and I went against my conventional wisdom: aim for high breathability first, then protection against the elements and finally never, EVER wear anything that will absorb moisture.

Since then my system is as follows: synthetic T or LS, Ibex merino LS top, cheap 100 wt fleece (if temps are below 30*), eVENT hardshell and finally an insulated parka.