UKC

I see a lot of manufacturers using Windstopper in their products.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it contains a membrane and therefore is as breathable or slightly more breathable than a Goretex hardshell but not completely waterproof.
Surely you might as well just wear a hardshell.

The only benefits I can see are the soft face fabric, more stylish and slightly more stretchy.

Is there anyone who disagrees with me?

In reply to blue_sundown:

I agree, I've had one or two Windstopper things over the years and think it's rubbish. Would never buy it again. And guess it's largely been superceeded by some newer materials.

In reply to blue_sundown:

I had a windstopper fleece back in the day. It was warm. It was ideal for cold windy days. I didn't find breathability a problem as it wasn't something you would wear if you were hot. It would cope with unexpected rain pretty well and was more comfortable and insulating than a hard shell.

Hardshell for rain, not for cold.

In reply to blue_sundown:

I have a critically taped windstopper softshell from norrona, designed for ski touring but it's the best bit of kit I own. Flexible enough to have used it winter mountaineering, summer Hill walking, climbing and on the bike.

That said I've never struggled with breathability in anything

In reply to blue_sundown:


Yes. I have a pair of Millet WDS storm pants and they're far more comfortable than a hardshell. Can't speak for breathability as it's not something I struggle with.

In reply to blue_sundown: I'm also going to disagree - I use a softshell a lot more than I get my hardshell our - simple reason - usability.

Norrona as well

In reply to blue_sundown:

Windstopper used to simultaneously manage to make me feel both cold and sweaty, which is quite a trick. I understand it has improved in the last year or so however.

b

In reply to blue_sundown:

Horses for courses

I think about clothes on 4 axes: temperature, humidity, wind and activity level

IMHO Windstopper is good for cold, dry, windy, moderate activity

Not often like that in the UK, like a lot of stuff I'd say it's pitched at the alpine/rockies market. Probably not surprising as the wet, mild and windy climate of the UK is relatively small market in comparison.

In reply to blue_sundown:

No idea of the current range, my first softshell was the Mammut Ultimate Jacket in windstopper and it was the most useless jacket (bar loking quite smart down the pub) jacket I have ever owned. Too warm for it's breathability and put me off softshells for a while. Love them now though, just not with a membrane!

In reply to iksander:


No, but the weather's not often severe enough to justify a hardshell either. I find Windstopper gear with DWR sufficient most of the time. It's all I wore for Scottish Winter this year.

In reply to blue_sundown:

Isn't the clue in the name?

If it were called 'Waterstopper', you may have a case.

In reply to blue_sundown:

Windstopper hat, mask and balaclava are three of the best pieces of kit I own.

In reply to blue_sundown:

I agree, I have a mountain hardwear jacket made from the stuff and it's a bit rubbish TBH. The material isn't very warm and the seams are so leaky that even the slightest shower results in wet shoulders and because the material is quite stiff it doesn't sit so naturally and wind blows through all the openings. My ancient Rab cioch (I think) softshell jacket made of powershield is warmer, more comfortable, equally wind proof and more waterproof.

The only point that the windstopper material wins on is that it's lighter.

As an aside, we had a good chuckle while at the works a while back when we noticed the climber next to us was wearing tights with the windstopper logo on belt line just above her bum crack. Not the back product placement we thought.