I'm planning to make winter pants and jackets for my kids. I'm having trouble deciding between uninsulated shells or insulated shells.
The kids won't be out overnight in the snow, so this is for day-use. Uses will be snowshoeing, snow play, and winter hiking. Temps from 20F to 50F.
I'm planning on a three-step layering system: shell only at warmer limits, shell plus Polartec Power Dry baselayer in cooler conditions, shell plus base plus midweight fleece in cold.
I'm considering Polartec Power Shield for the pant shell. It has a thin layer of fleece on the inside, a urethane laminate that claims to be highly water resistant, and a smooth outer face. The sample I have has pretty good 4-way stretch.
If anyone here has experience using Power Shield I'd appreciate feedback. How breathable does it seem? Does it bind on base layers? Is the stretch nice or is it irritating? Does melting snow soak in or does it bead off? How durable?
