[mrjonathanr]

Could anyone recommend a softshell that's light and durable and good for cragging in? Under 400g might be good.

Oh and are there any that are broader in the shoulders? Most I've tried seem quite narrow, including Rab & Montane. Maybe Arcteryx , mountain Hardwear?

Thanks.

[Muenchener]

I recently bought a Black Diamond BDV jacket for multipitch climbing in cooler conditions. Pleased with it so far: good cut, robust, windproof but not too hot, decently showerproof (cycled home from the wall in it, 20 minutes in heavy rain, and it didn't wet through)

The cut is nicely trim on the torso but I find it roomy enough on the shoulders, unlike for example the Rab Vapour Rise.

[mrjonathanr]

Cheers I'll check that out.

[dave]

I'm a fan of the Rab vapour-rise stuff. Feels much less like cardboard compared to every other softshell I tried.

[T_B]

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens/mens-ferrosi-hoody-2.html

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody is very nice for climbing in.


Depending on your size I could flog you one for £40.

[Johnny Brown]

I've had a couple of Rab softshells that fitted my broad shoulders and long arms well. Never quite lived up to my expectations though as they don't really add warmth.

However since I got an Arcteryx Atom Hoody I've never picked one up. Offers the same basic wind/ shower proofing but really warm too.

[Muenchener]

However since I got an Arcteryx Atom Hoody I've never picked one up. Offers the same basic wind/ shower proofing but really warm too.

I really rate the Atom LT Hoody too, but I'd find it too warm to climb in. I generally carry it as my belay /shit hits the fan layer on alpine rock routes.

[dave]

I've got one of those Atom jackets. It's very much an insulating/belay/standing around jacket, not a softshell (I.e. to be worn when active) IMHO.

[Johnny Brown]

Hmm, you guys are either a bit chubbier than me or climbing in warmer climes - for me it's not warm enough . unless I'm staying fairly active. I've got a Berghaus light duvet for alpine belays & descents/ Rab neutrino for scottish winter belays. I use my atom for soloing round here and rarely overheat. Usually just a t-shirt underneath. Caff has the same and wore it for all but the crux pitch on Longhope, I think thermal and t-shirt underneath, possibly thin fleece too:

[Muenchener]

I sweat more than Caff on the lead because I'm more scared. Duh.

[Paul B]

I've had a couple of Rab softshells that fitted my broad shoulders and long arms well. Never quite lived up to my expectations though as they don't really add warmth.

However since I got an Arcteryx Atom Hoody I've never picked one up. Offers the same basic wind/ shower proofing but really warm too.

The Arcy stuff is pretty damn good. I can't help but feel that the vapour-rise feels mildly out-dated (they're certainly not light) compared to other products on the market (this could just be me).

[Stu Littlefair]

The vapour rise trousers on the other hand are the best thing ever for days out grit bouldering.

[dave]

Hmm, you guys are either a bit chubbier than me or climbing in warmer climes - for me it's not warm enough . unless I'm staying fairly active. I've got a Berghaus light duvet for alpine belays & descents/ Rab neutrino for scottish winter belays. I use my atom for soloing round here and rarely overheat. Usually just a t-shirt underneath. Caff has the same and wore it for all but the crux pitch on Longhope, I think thermal and t-shirt underneath, possibly thin fleece too:

If the vapour rise aren't warm enough I can't see any other jackets conventionally referred to as a softshell, rather than an insulation layer, being any warmer. Softshells aren't supposed to be insulation layers. They're supposed to be a windproof halfway point between a fleece and a waterproof. Sounds like you just prefer to climb in an insulation layer. You nesh sod.

[Johnny Brown]

Yeah, I must admit I've never really got the point of softshells. I just wore them cos over people did. Worst of both worlds - looks like a fleece, but isn't warm, supposedly a 'shell' not really wind or shower proof. You can get a super thin shell that is more wind and rain proof and keep it in your fleece pocket. Or summat like the Atom.

Guess it depends where JR is going 'cragging'.

[lagerstarfish]

They're supposed to be a windproof halfway point between a fleece and a waterproof.

like Ultrafleece (RIP)?

[dave]

I think that's why I like the rab stuff. Totally windproof, but cost of the lining it wicks moisture away like a bastard so they're wearable across a good range of temps. And keeps a fair bit of rain off, and is still reasonably comfy when soaked.

Only downside is cos of the lining can be hard to get your arms in the sleeves depending what you're w

[Stubbs]

The vapour rise trousers on the other hand are the best thing ever for days out grit bouldering.

You must have impeccable technique to wear such pricey trousers, I need something where I can get my knees/hips/bum involved without the risk of ripping them!

[Johnny Brown]

There's something about technical trousers on grit boulder problems that's deeply tragic.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

I used to frickin love my ME Ultra fleece. Wore it constantly back in the day, even occasionally with my Stone Monkey climbing 'tights' which were coincidentally the identical shade of turquoise.     Much to CLM's amusement.

[galpinos]

Yeah, I must admit I've never really got the point of softshells.

They used to be a highly wicking, insulating and weatherproof shell that replaced a fleece and a waterproof and that you would put on in the morning and kept on all day, a.k.a pile/pertex or the buffalo tops. Patagonia copied them but made them look less shit (the Mixmaster was my favourite ever jacket) and now we've ended up with a market full of jackets that look good in the pub but barely function on the hill.

For proper routes I wear an ME Ultratherm, looks like a shell suit top but works great.

[Muenchener]

My ME Ultrafleece is still in service, albeit pretty much relegated to gardenng / outdoor DIY type activities these days. One of those over a buffalo and you could survive anything anywhere.

Got it cheap in the old factory shop in Glossop - must be one of the best 20 quids I ever spent.

[lagerstarfish]

look good in the pub but barely function on the hill.

sounds familiar

[Stu Littlefair]

There's something about technical trousers on grit boulder problems that's deeply tragic.

Thanks for the fashion tip.

If you could enlighten me further, what is it about a whole day out on the moors, often in very cold weather, during which you spend most of your time doing nothing active that makes a warm pair of trousers such a tragic and unsuitable choice?

[abarro81]

They make you look like a Spanish punter. That's the problem. Especially if they're grey and black.

[Stu Littlefair]

So they're just tragic full stop, as opposed to tragic on grit? I can live with that.