Kor Airshell alternative?

[Derrek L]

I am new to this activewear thing. And to this forum. I have read tons of posts, but need some guidance from people with practical experience.

The kor airshell has a lot of positives for me:

It has pockets. It feels good enough against skin (I have crazy intense skin sensitivity). It’s quiet. I picked it because it explicitly has good airflow both in CFM and MVTR. IT is reportedly somewhat weather resistant (untested). An unobtrusive hood (though it does flap a lot at high speed).

Now the problems:

1) I hate to say it, but too much airflow. Historically I overheat in… well… anything. But in a motus sl long sleeve -> kyanite lt -> airshell on a breezy 45-50 degree day cool varying sun day, biking 30-35mph downhill was getting a bit brisk. Otherwise, this layering was possibly just a hair too warm (not enough to do anything about). So I wouldn’t want to increase the mid or base layer to accommodate this if it meant losing breathability. I stayed remarkably dry. For bottoms I was wearing rho lt which were basically perfect. Maybe the rho lt hoody would have been perfect for the top standalone?

2) fit, largely from lack of stretch. I am shaped like a pear on stilts. XL top in most brands (to fit chest) could be 2xl (46-48). Medium bottoms (32-34). This gets a bit tight on the belly. Stretch helps with that. That said, I am losing weight rapidly, so may not be an issue in a few months.

3) I am concerned about durability. I intend to start biking with a backpack instead of a pannier. And I occasionally just have to accept getting whipped by tree branches or bushes. The airshell is crazy thin and light and seems like it might not do well in this regard.

What is my goal? I would like the fewest set of pieces to accommodate the widest range of biking temperature and weather here in vermont. I picked korshell thinking I could simply layer up underneath. It also seems like limiting airflow should be the job of the outer layer and the inner should be optimized for maximum airflow. Water and wind protection just needs to be “enough”. Don’t wanna be too cold or too overheated.

What am I already considering? Some usual suspects:

Rab borealis. It lists 10cfm which is about half of airshell (if the number can be trusted). I cant find the MVTR. Probably the regular version because it has a hood and chest pockets. Other rab could be considered (kinetic, phantom, whatever makes sense)

Any of the ascentshells? Probably starting with the motive?

Any of the more traditional shells like gamma lightweight. (speaking of which, I tried this on in the store, and the feel on skin was surprisingly ok. Would need to do a deeper test).

To be clear, I am not opposed to a combined layer like proton lightweight, vapour-rise, kinesis, etc. But given the wide range of temp goals, it seems to make sense to go separates.

Another way to think about this: I never want to look outside and go “i don’t want to bike in that”. At least for vermont summer, spring and fall. Winter riding may be determined more by how comprehensive this kit is. Once I reach a temp or weather conditions where I can’t get consistently comfortable (temp) and safe (wet/ice), I will stop riding.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Derrek L]

Should have mentioned the stretch ozonic as well.

[Bill Budney]

Kor Airshell is well balanced for hiking, but biking is slightly different.

I’ve been comfy in my Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie in 35 mph wind. It’s a little heavier than UL windshirts, but it is also more robust. It breathes well and is comfortable in a wide range of conditions.

[Derrek L]

I agree. The airshell was perfect for the lower wind scenarios (up hill and flat). It did great in the constant warm sun to cloudy transitions as well. And, of course, keeping me dry

I will look at ferrosi again. I can’t remember offhand why it wasn’t higher on the list.

I am definitely not attached to windshirts. I just started there because the problem I was trying to solve was overheating. I just overcompensated a bit.

For me, weight is not a concern. Packability is nice but secondary. I don’t think there is any shell that wouldn’t stuff into any bike bag I was using.

thanks! Will check it out.

[Derrek L]

I am not gonna lie, ferrosi may have just won this because of this jacket:

https://www.pokemoncenter.com/product/741-09109/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_term=741-09109-M-M

My son will *flip out* if I come in wearing that. Win win.

My only concern is this is the previous model with thumb loops. I don’t have an opinion about that. But I am unsure of other changes. And I don’t mind forgoing the hood as there are other (and possibly better) ways to protect the head from weather on a bike.

Go pokemon! ;)

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