Best windshirt.

I just purchased the montbell tachyon anorak from gearzone.com because it is on sale.

Crazy lightweight and very comfortable, can barely feel it while wearing it. Not sure how water repellant is is because i havent used it in the rain. Not full zip but i would definitely check it out, it was just reviewed on bpl as well.

I have a Patagonia Houdini I think from about 3 years ago. It is probably the most used piece of outerwear my wife and I have. Liked it much better than the Montane Lightspeed we tried – found the Houdini as breathable, lighter and more water repellent. More comfortable over a wide range of conditions. It's full zip and hooded with a chest pocket, and you can often find them on sale for 30% off or more. Hasn't lost water resistance after washing. Barely a scratch after much use (though haven't taken it crawling through brambles).

Anyone with experience?

Tough to beat a Montbell 2.5oz windshirt for ~$25. See here:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=38949

I'd echo everything E J said, my most used (and versatile piece of clothing) – including winter

definitely get one w/ a hood whichever you choose

I have a patagonia houdini purchased on this forum. I like it but i was disappointed with its water repellency. I got it because folks claimed it kept them dry up to an hour in light drizzle. I wore it in a light rain and it wet through by the time i reached the garage, so like less than a minute. not sure why or if the garment needs maintenance of some kind.

Adan,

If it the standard version and it is soiled, it will leak readily. Wash it, rinse it twice, and then dry it using medium heat to return it to like new condition. It is porous to allow optimum breathability (5 CFM) and so drizzle and light rain is the limit of what it was designed to handle.

If it is the Army green "Special Edition" version, the fabric doesn't have the Epic treatment and it is more porous than the standard edition. This version needs the standard DWR replenishment procedure but it still won't handle light rain like the standard edition.

Integral Designs Pertex wind jacket
4.9 oz in men's large
full zip
30 denier Pertex Microlite fabric (it's tough!)
integral hood
$90

http://integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=678&CFID=2310308&CFTOKEN=20264491

"A simply designed jacket for wind protection. The Wind Jacket is made from Pertex Microlight, a lightweight and durable fabric with DWR coating. The cuffs, hem and shaped hood are trimmed with Lycra to keep the jacket snug and a lightweight, full length YKK #4.5 zipper provides easy access and venting."

I've had mine for years. Worn almost daily on trail on PCT / JMT / CT

Buying another before they stop making them.

Bob,

How does this fare in light rain?

Be sure to read the recent BPL article about the Montbell Tachyron windshirt. I would consider that one if I was in the market for a windshirt because it was highly rated by Will.

I have a three year old Patagonia Houdini that I am happy with. It sheds light rain for about an hour, is well made, light, and breathable. I would only buy it on sale because I think it is overpriced like a lot of Patagonia stuff.

what temps are you looking at?

wild things still have windshirts and pants on clearence

Does anybody make windshirts in tall sizes?

Thanks for the tip Richard. If thats all it takes to get the shirt back to snuff thats great. I'll definitely give that a shot. I dont have experience with any other windshirts but with this one i never think twice about taking it and often forget I'm even wearing it. great shirt.

Paul:

It held up fine on the CT this summer. Lots of sudden afternoon storms in the high Rockies. Start with a wind shell, move to either full-on rain jacket or set up your shelter.

Really excells in strong, continuous winds like those found on top of the high Sierra passes and along the continental divide.

NEVER buy any wind shirt that does not have a hood!

My wife has the Marmot hooded wind shirt (the Ion, maybe?) from several uyears ago. Loves it.

I've been using various cheap single-layer wind shirts, and finally found a Houdini on 50% off sale at a local outfitter. Love it. Light, full zip, great hood. Had it out last weekend in very cool and windy conditions, and it performed very well.

i second the wild things hooded wind shirt. it might be slightly over your weight limit, but it's amazing. it's made out of epic, which is a great fabric. i find myself leaving my eVent hard shell home more often than not after going with one of these. i've felt comfortable enough with it to take to the summit of rainier in may and june. while not waterproof, it is highly water resistant. i've worn it in moderate to heavy rain for a couple of hours without any problem. it sheds snow like a champ. it also breaths really well. call wild things. the last time i spoke to them they were on sale reduced from $100 to $50 at which price they are a steal.

p.s. they are made in the usa

Just wanted to follow up on this. On advice from this thread, I washed the Houdini and tried heating it for 15 minutes in the dryer. Now its beading up great! One hour in the rain today and I stayed dry.

i test all my stuff everytime for good beading before i go out … if it doesnt bead it does into the wash and dryer, and reproof if needed

note that certain event garments will have tags that say "wash often"

Just a note about the Montbell WS sizing, they tend to run small, so if you intend to wear layers under it, you'll need to go up a size or two. The Houdini doesn't seem to have this problem.

Paul, just wondering what you've found or decided on? I'm looking for one too. It must be breathable beyond all things though. I want it for sun/bug protection and for layering over an Montbell EXL. Mostly for the sun/bugs though. Let us know what you've found or decided on and what it can do. I'm always interested in hearing what aspects a garment performs or does not perform in. Also, as others mentioned, the Montbell windshirt was reviewed and Will R. gave it a glowing review. But, I don't know how it breaths, so I'm not sure about it for me. I replied to his thread, but have not heard back as of yet. Good luck Paul.

Has anyone had experience with this?

http://www.camp-usa.com/products/apparel/closeout/closeout-magic-anorak-1669.asp

laura ive heard from others that its not very breathable, being more of an emergency piece for boo boos

course thats all anecdotal ….

I was torn between the Lightspeed and the Houdini. If I were going to pay anywhere near full price I'd probably go with the Patagucci wind shirt based on reviews here.

But for $30 my Lightspeed has been excellent. It will wet out in a heavy down pour but that's expected. I've worn it for a while in light to moderate rain and been pleased with the results.

Richard,

Is the Army green one the Alpha Green? How do you know that it is different? Thanks.