Any first hand experience wih Polartec Neoshell based jackets?

[armand]

This is why I generally dislike softshells - they're only good in one type of condition. When you just need to stop wind or rain, the insulation makes them too warm, particularly during exertion. When it's cold, but dry, they trap too much sweat and moisture. It's only when it's cold, raining and you aren't physically working too hard (and could use the insulation) that they're much good.

You should look at that Rab Kinetic Plus, it sounds very interesting. I'm still debating if I should get one but a softshell which is thin, stretchy, very breathable, much more water resistant than usual (I think it's similar to Neoshell at around 10K) has its appeal. I learned about it from here: https://www.backpacker.com/gear/rab-kinetic-plus-jacket

[armand]

For Bernard, you might want to read the last post here: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/86604/

[shadowblade]

You should look at that Rab Kinetic Plus, it sounds very interesting. I'm still debating if I should get one but a softshell which is thin, stretchy, very breathable, much more water resistant than usual (I think it's similar to Neoshell at around 10K) has its appeal. I learned about it from here: https://www.backpacker.com/gear/rab-kinetic-plus-jacket

No thanks - i find that even the thin, fluffy lining on the inside of some jackets is often far too warm when I'm moving. I prefer a rain jacket with no insulating properties at all, beyond that needed to make it water-resistant.

At the end of the day, I can put up with being rained on more than I can put up with overheating.

[BernardLanguillier]

For Bernard, you might want to read the last post here: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/86604/

Thanks.

I once owned a Rab event light rain jacket and was not impressed at all. It was even worse than Gore-Tex in the very humid Japanese summer rain.

Cheers,
Bernard

[armand]

Thanks.

I once owned a Rab event light rain jacket and was not impressed at all. It was even worse than Gore-Tex in the very humid Japanese summer rain.

Cheers,
Bernard

Never used EVent. The point I got from that link is the Rab doesn’t make jackets with Neoshell anymore and they were mentioned the most here.

[BernardLanguillier]

Never used EVent. The point I got from that link is the Rab doesn’t make jackets with Neoshell anymore and they were mentioned the most here.

Got the point, but they seem to have replaced neo by Event and that doesn’t convince me based on my past experience.

Reading a lot around, I have the feeling that Marmot and Westcomb may be selling the largest amounts of Neoshell jackets.

Since they are not that well represented in Japan, I am currently likely to invest in either Millet or Mountain Hardwear that both have dedicated brand stores within 100 meters of each others 10mins train away from my house in Tokyo. The Millet White Neo jacket has better technical appeal for ski touring with a powder skirt,... (and is definitely featurewise one of the best options in the world regardless of the material it uses) while the MHW is a more streamlined design with one version looking like a standing Belgian flag 🇧🇪 which I find hilarious in its own right.

If they work well this winter I may try another neoshell as my lightweight summer rain jacket too and here I am not sure yet about the best option.

Cheers,
Bernard

[francois]

You can also find NeoShell jackets from Jottnar, 66° North and Montane.

Since you have Millet and MHW stores available, I think that this is the best way to shop around. Sometimes, sizing is weird… For instance, Rab doesn't fit me well. With my chest size, I need an XXL and even then, sleeves are on the short side but around the waist/belly, the jacket is oversized. Arc'teryx XL always fits like a glove while MHW XL is often boxy (could use an L but then sleeves are too short).

Edit: typo correction

[NancyP]

Whatever you choose, get pit zips, the bigger the better!

[BernardLanguillier]

Whatever you choose, get pit zips, the bigger the better!

Yes, definitely. I would not even consider a jacket without pit zips.

Cheers,
Bernard

[francois]

Yes, definitely. I would not even consider a jacket without pit zips.

Cheers,
Bernard

Most NeoShell jackets have no pit zips, unfortunately.

[BernardLanguillier]

Most NeoShell jackets have no pit zips, unfortunately.

The Millet, MHW and Marmot offerings do I believe.

Cheers,
Bernard

[francois]

The Millet, MHW and Marmot offerings do I believe.

Cheers,
Bernard

Yes, those ones do have pit zips but other jackets omit this essential - in my opinion - feature. The Rab didn't have pit zips and that's why I passed on it.

[armand]

Most NeoShell jackets have no pit zips, unfortunately.

Mine doesn’t, when I bought it I didn’t think much about it but now I wish it did. It was more of a rush decision and I have yet to use it as it’s more of a backpacking fit but slightly heavier than what I already have for warmer weather. I’ll definitely try it skiing this winter and I’ll report here later.

It’s this one: https://www.montane.co.uk/mens-c1/clothing-c25/waterproof-c11/further-faster-neo-jacket-p54

[BernardLanguillier]

Yes, those ones do have pit zips but other jackets omit this essential - in my opinion - feature. The Rab didn't have pit zips and that's why I passed on it.

Indeed. I know that Rab is quite popular but I have never been too impressed by their design choices.

I find in particular MHW to be consistently brilliant across their range of products while proposing very decent prices compared to the other top contenders such as Mammut or Arcteryx.

Cheers,
Bernard

[MattBurt]

My OR soft shell jacket doesn't have pit zips but it does have a lighter weight, more breathable material there that seems to do the trick. I almost didn't buy this jacket because of that but I need one then and the price was right. I don't miss the zips!

[BernardLanguillier]

My OR soft shell jacket doesn't have pit zips but it does have a lighter weight, more breathable material there that seems to do the trick. I almost didn't buy this jacket because of that but I need one then and the price was right. I don't miss the zips!

I also own light soft shells without zips and that is fine, but their level of weather proofness is very low, they could at best withstand a light rain for a few minutes.

Cheers,
Bernard

[francois]

Indeed. I know that Rab is quite popular but I have never been too impressed by their design choices.

I find in particular MHW to be consistently brilliant across their range of products while proposing very decent prices compared to the other top contenders such as Mammut or Arcteryx.

Cheers,
Bernard

Mammut is usually over-engineered and too expensive. I always managed to get great prices with Arcteryx and the fit is perfect for me. When I have to pay full price, MHW is top. Customer service is also great, affordable and quick.
I got a couple of Millet jackets but quality control was lacking. After a short discussion with a Millet employee, he acknowledged that they were having some QC issues but that things would improve very soon (that was 3 or 4 years ago).

Let us know when you finally have some experience with Neoshell.

[MattBurt]

I also own light soft shells without zips and that is fine, but their level of weather proofness is very low, they could at best withstand a light rain for a few minutes.

Cheers,
Bernard

Right, I might feel less enthusiastic about it if I lived somewhere wetter.

[armand]

While looking for something else I found this for whoever might be interested: https://www.backcountry.com/flylow-genius-jacket-mens?skid=FLG005D-NEP-S&ti=UExQIENhdDpNZW4ncyBDbG90aGluZzoyOjEwOmJjLW1lbnMtY2xvdGhpbmc=
The reviews seem good.

[BernardLanguillier]

Thanks, sounds good indeed.

Cheers,
Bernard