Polartec Neoshell- as breahable as a softshell

The short answer is no its not as breathable as a softshell, particularly nonmembrain softshells. Neoshell does come in softshell form though. Bpl did a big rainshell review a couple years ago that included neoshell which didn't test as well as the lighter weight event shells. Seems to vary with the jacket and face material quite a bit though. That probably makes things even more confusing, but again the short answer is no.

The air permeability of a NeoShell fabric is going to be around 0.5 CFM. The air permeability of a softshell not utilizing a membrane could be well over 50 CFM, two orders of magnitude higher. As for softshells utilizing membranes, Polartec Power Shield Pro is around 2 CFM. Other Power Shield varieties have higher air permeabilities.

Perhaps they add pit zips to enhance breathability. Is it as breathable as a softshell? That doesn't seem possible. That being said, I have a Westcomb shift w/o pit zips and it is by far the most breathable waterproof jacked I have ever owned. I'm a prodigious sweat producer and the Neoshell is able to dissipate and dry during an extended hike. You will get damp at the peak of your output just as you would with simply a t-shirt on, but the small amount of air movement within the shell allows your underlayer to dry remarkably quickly. In my experience Goretex and Event just cannot match the Neoshell performance. One person's actual experience and opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

>> As for softshells utilizing membranes, Polartec Power Shield Pro is around 2 CFM. Other Power Shield varieties have higher air permeabilities.

But, of course, none of those (or other softshells) are waterproof. I think the proper way to consider NeoShell is not in comparison to breathable softshell jackets, but in comparison to other water proof "breathable" options.

And, honestly, I think the specifics of the jacket (lining, insulation, etc.) relative to its intended use are probably just as important to think about than the brand of the membrane. For example, you can buy fleece lined NeoShell jackets and unlined NeoShell jackets that are very, very different in their actual real world use.

I agree with everything Greg C said. Neoshell is waterproof and breathes remarkably well. It's the first hardshell (with a bit of stretch) I have owned that really dissipated sweat well and actually did not need pit zips for moderate activity in moderate temps.

I have only worn Neoshell for a few hours cross country skiing and its
not as breathable as the Paramo I normally use (which I use as a winter softshell), but its very close.

I use NeoShell for cycling, and I keep the pit zips open, because why not? I have never felt clammy at all, even after hours of riding.

No clothing is going to keep you cool like an air conditioner. Like was said, you can sweat out a T-shirt. If you want it to be rain-proof, it's gonna block some wind. The pit zips enhance airflow, and that speeds dry times.

Pit zips are good. You always want them, even if the material is as breathable as possible.

I use this:

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=18474736

I got it for $124 this winter.