durable bushwacking windshirt

[Justin Baker]

I just received the apline start. I like it. The fit is a little odd, but not too bad. I don't think I'm going to drag this thing through manzanita on a regular basis, but it will be good if I need extra durability for the occasional brush shoving or rock scraping. I won't have to worry about it as much.

[Dale Wambaugh]

The good old fashioned nylon anorak windbreaker comes to mind. It appears that LL Bean has resurrected the design and even has them on sale. My guess is ~12oz.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/81115?feat=6723-GN2&page=mountain-classic-anorak

[Window walker]

Justin,

I have a MEC RD Windshell that seems to be fairly abrasion resistant. Richard Nisley recommended it after giving him my priorities of durability, breathability, and weight. He put it up there with a pre-2012 Houdini and Westcomb Crest. I backpack primarily in Big Sur, but haven't needed to bushwhack with it on yet. I guess I am a warm hiker. The material seems very durable and slippery, and on one summit of Silver Peak I did use it to push through some brush and it came out unscathed. It weighs 5.4 oz after I removed one of the cord locks.

Benji

[Monty Montana]

I'd definitely go with the Alpine Start, which is made of a type of soft-shell material. I got a size larger, so I have no fit problems as referenced by previous posters. I've been using it recently on cold, autumn bike commutes to work, and it blocks the wind admirably well, and on the occasional rainy morns it sheds fantastically, though, to be truthful, the rain would come through the seams eventually in a prolonged rain.

This is to be contrasted to the RAB Boreas wind shirt (similar material), which does not block the wind (Backpacker mag said it did), and does not shed rain. I tried treating it with Nikwax TX.Direct Wash In to no avail; the rain would not even bead up, just went right through. Not wanting to give up, I tried Granger's XT Waterproofer. This worked! The Boreas now will shed a light rain, but is not as windproof as the
Alpine Start. Both are well made and sturdy, but I'd definitely go with the latter. Happy trails!

[Brett Peugh]

The Alpine Start Hoody does look like a great windshirt to and it is made out of Schoeller so it should last for a bit. I have owned a Pre 2012 Houdini and the thought I always had was that I am going to rip it on something sharp. I don’t feel that way so much with my Crest Hoody but I do wish the bottom hem could have been better. I would have tried the Alpine Start but they don’t make it in an XXL so I can’t try.

[Daryl and Daryl]

Here's a $13 hooded windbreaker. My XL size weighs 6 ounces.

here

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