Pertex Equilibrium

I have the Westcomb Crest and I agree that it is nearly the perfect windshell. It's breathable, highly water resistant and very lightweight.

I am a little concerned about durability. One of my regular travel bags is made of 1000D Cordura and it seems to have caused a little pilling on the lower back of the jacket. But it breathes good and fits great, so I dig it.

Having a hood or waist drawcord is important to me, which the Crest doesn't have.

My ideal seems to shift the more time I spend outside, but a form fitting pertex equilibrium 1/2 zip with some stretch & elasticated everything (no cords or straps) with a chest pocket stuff sack would be about perfect as an all arounder.

The alpine is already close to perfect for BC skiing because of the helmet hood and skin pockets for quick transitions.

Totally agree.
I have the Rab Alpine Jacket and love it. The fabric like you describe gives me the best wind shirt I have ever had.

I will have to see about durability. So far I haven't pampered it at all and no problems. I also used a Montbell Tachyon which seemed very fragile for over two years once or twice a week and still nothing. So, I will see when I get a problem.

About the features of the Alpine Jacket, I agree. I love the hood. Moves with you like no other, good protection from the elements. The wire could be solved lighter I guess, the Tachyon does this well. I find the zipper could be sized down, and I could personally do without the pockets. Could also be anorak/pull-on (like it was) instead of full jacket. Especially because it performs so well you are likely to wear it longer (not having to put it on/off).

Michael, there is a hooded version as well. I think Stephen has one too.
http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/westcomb-crest-hoody

No hem adjustment though, which I would like as well. But if the cut is right and torso long enough I find I don't miss it and might trade that for the weight savings.

Hi. I’m from argentine. I’m an ultra-trail runner and have 3 types of wind shell. A montane marathon jacket, a Mountain hardwear ghost whispered anorak and a verto jacket.
I bought the MH and TNF for the weight but didn’t t know the air permeability till I read it here. Which wind shell you consider the best for ultra-running due to the high level activity.
Sorry for my english

Ito, I'm pretty sure michael was referring to the Westcomb Crest not having a drawcord in the hood.

"Ito, I'm pretty sure michael was referring to the Westcomb Crest not having a drawcord in the hood."

Was reading too quick during a short break. Thanks.

I know for a fact they are not saving any weight by using elastic around the edges. Its fairly heavy stuff, I have to wonder if using some thin bungee and a tiny cordlock would be lighter. Sort of like the 2.3 ounce Montbell Tachyon anorak. It is fully featured with 3 points of hood adjustment, AND a wire brim to give it structure.

I feel like the Crest is not a slam dunk. They can do better, someone can. I feel like the fabric is getting better, i'm not sure if P Quilibrum is the best. I know its going to be heavier than the 10d fabrics but its a small price to pay. Come on Westcomb, redesign the Crest and make it fully featured AND lighter.

FACUNDO, if you want a windshirt for running, maybe Equilibrium will suits you. For example Westcomb Nomad. I have used Equilibrium windshirt for running in the woods in summer, it protects you from insects while keeping from overheating. If you want a windshirt that will lay in your pack most of the time (for protection from cold winds when you are on the top of the mountain for example), then you can use your MHW Ghost.

@ Facundo, I'd second the recommendation for equilibrium for running & the nomad or crest would prob be where I'd first look. I have a hoodless TNF running windshirt made out of a similar material (maybe older version) to pertex equilebrium & its great foelr cold running.

Decided to order a Westcomb Crest LT jacket. Will report back when I get it and get a few chances to try it in different situations.

Would like to have the discussion going on. Seems that the Pertex Equilibrium jackets are not the hottest thing at the moment here. Is it that people haven't tried them? They're a bit heavier, but the performance seems excellent :)

Also I have the Rab Alpine jacket on gear swap if anybody is interested!

The fabric is great, just not tough enough for my tastes.

Hi David,

Been reading your blog, thanks for the excellent content! :)

I read from your blog that you have the Rab Alpine jacket and the Boreas pull-on, and also the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody.

Would like to hear what's your go to system now.

This has become my go-to wind shirt – also made from Pertex and it has the drawcord around the waist. Love this thing.

EDIT: sorry, it's quantum, not equilibrium

Since I bought the Alpine Start I haven't used anything else. As discussed in my article, published yesterday, the fabric is good enough that I can forgive the flaws in tailoring. I kept a Boreas to have around as a beater, and sold everything else.