Best softshell for around everyday winter use?

Hi Brett,

Winter for some folks is 40F and for others -40F… Maybe a bit of data there would help…

I have an OR Ferrosi that has some sort of synthetic insulation. I like it fine, but I just got it last year, and synthetic insulation tends to lose its loft. The shell is also thin, so if it’s going to use in abrasive situations, maybe something else would be better. So far to get in and out of the car around freezing it has worked great, but I essentially only used it last spring for a month or so…

One thing I didn’t like is the fit. Particularly around the neck. It seemed narrow. The body is a hair boxy and the sleeves seem cut funny. Hard to explain. Okay, but not as well fitting as other OR products that I have, such as the standard OR Ferrosi uninsulated softshell. Not terrible.

Where do you live? Temperature? Precipitation? Wind? Insulated or shell over a fleece? Features?

Different jackets end up being my everyday winter wear depending on location. I have lived in and regularly visit 8 parts of the country, and prefer a different setup in most places. A little more info would help.

Iago– Its called the Winter Ferrosi, and it is an odd duck. boxier and shorter cut than standard OR stuff and uses thermore insulation (only time I have seen it). I use it as LW winter work jacket (farm/wood cutting), but wouldn’t use it for anything else.

That’s odd to hear because I have a ferrosi as well but its an older model.  Just the shell no insulation and I love it.  wear it while biking, climbing and day hikes.   Too heavy to backpack with.  its also not thin at all.  handles abuse just fine.  They must have changed the materials and fit.

I’ve worn a Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket for the past several years. I love it, and it shows no signs of wearing out anytime soon. My favorite feature is the microfleece lining inside, that seems bonded or something to an outer softshell material, so it’s great for windy, wintry conditions.

But I think it’s discontinued now, so not sure what the state of the market is right now in this category.

I love softshells for around town use.  To me, nothing’s better.  I use the Patagonia Adze Hybrid, the Patagonia Dual Aspect, and the Marmot ROM.

For an around the town softshell I currently use a Sherpa Adventure Gear Jannu. The fit, articulation, wind and weather resistance and features are all phenomenal.

At $139 the value is far better than the $129 Outdoor Research Ferrosi which I also owned, but gave away recently.

When I want all the perks of a softshell, but need some extra insulation, I wear the Black Diamond First Light Hoody, which is a Scholler shell with 60gsm primaloft insulation.