New Montbell clothing – Versalite and Tachyon

From my own experiences with both 2nd gen. Got-Tex and GTX PacLite v.s  present day eVent I can say that in cold, high wind situations Gore-Tex has less permeability than eVent.

Sometimes in 10 F. temps with 30 to 40 mph winds eVent felt a bit too permeable. Just my observation while skiing in western resorts from California to Utah two Colorado and ski patrolling with GTX in Nevada.

I’d be interested to see CFM of the new tachyon

Has there been any testing on the new Tachyon material yet?

Whoa. I missed the this news when it came out. I’d be curious to hear about the breathability of the Tachyon now as well. Can anybody compare it to other windshirts or coffee filters?

I have the previous Tachyon anorak and the new jacket. The fabric looks and feels pretty much the same, but the new stuff is indeed a lot more breathable. The old one I could wear while sitting around, or for a little while hiking on cool, windy days, but condensation would form immediately in the shell during activity and I would get sweaty fast. The new stuff is impressive. I wore it through most of a 12 mile mountain hike and just unzipped the front for the climbs. It’s amazing what a few more cfm will do for you. I don’t know why they didn’t start with this fabric. I like the full zip but don’t really need the hand pockets. The fit is about the same. Anyway, it’s an improvement for sure in the fabric department. I also have the new style Houdini but I haven’t worn the jackets in the same conditions as much so it’s hard to compare. But my small-sample impression is that the breathability goes: old Tachyon < new Houdini < new Tachyon.

Thanks, Philip. That is helpful information.

Wondering how it compares to the 7D EE Copperfield. Chasing the magic 35 CFM…

The 7D Copperfield looks like it would tear if you looked at it wrong, but I can’t check it out in person because 7D is deemed custom, so 20% restocking fee if I don’t like it. How robust does the 2018 Tachyon feel, Philip?

I have an EE Torrid jacket in 7d, and the new Tachyon fabric feels a tiny bit more robust, but it is hair splitting. I would characterize both as very fragile jackets and should be used accordingly. I would wear my Houdini or BD Alpine Start through thick brush (and have). Not the Tachyon.

Pity the Houdini doesn’t breathe any more. I’d sacrifice weight for robustness for a piece I’ll be wearing so often, but only if I still get high breathability. To a point, anyway – the Alpine Start is too heavy for me at 8.8 oz…

In early 2019 Patagonia will have a Houdini ‘Air’ version. It will breathe better, but be a little bulkier and heavier than the current Houdini, but it’s probably still less bulky and heavy than the Alpine Start.

As long as you are a bit careful and aren’t rock climbing or bushwhacking, the Tachyon should last a while.

Gumbo, have you looked at the Arcteryx Squamish? It has very nice breathability and seems durable. I think my large is around 6 ounces.

I hadn’t seen the Squamish before – looks like it might be the ticket. Thanks.