UKC

Mountain Equipment Softshell Argument

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 Gabe Oliver 18 Feb 2013
Hey guys and gals,

I am torn between a couple of Mountain Equipment softshell jackets; the Astron and the Shield.

Can get both for roughly the same price but would benefit from some experience about how each of them performs while climbing with comfort and range of movement being the primary goals

Many thanks

 mattking_109 18 Feb 2013
In reply to Gabe Oliver: I have a shield and love it. I've been using it for my outer shell in Scottish winter climbing and it's always done the job, even in strong winds / snowfall. Have never felt it's limited my range of movement. I don't think the Astron is designed to be quite so robust
 Styx 18 Feb 2013
Aye, the Astron is a lighter weight jacket, more breathable but less weather proof. I have one and love it for high output stuff, i,e mountain biking, slogging up hills and Spring/Autumn rock climbing where I want a little bit of protection but not so much that I boil. The Shield would be a better choice for winter climbing.
 crustypunkuk 18 Feb 2013
In reply to Gabe Oliver:
I'd echo what Styx said- I have the Astron, and find it to be the perfect 'summer' softshell. I use it for everything except winter stuff as its a little too lightweight for that.
OP Gabe Oliver 19 Feb 2013
In reply to Gabe Oliver:

cheers for the info guys, out of interest how do you think the shield would perform for rock climbing the rest of the year? would the lower breathability and tougher fabric mean it'd be too hot and resistritive to climb in comfortably?

Thanks
TheMacGuffin 20 Feb 2013
In reply to Gabe Oliver:

Own a Shield and agree very much with the above comments; it is perfect in both design and performance during Winter but find that it may lack a touch of breathability in Summer conditions, especially during higher output aerobic activities.

Guess your decision is based on what you will be using the jacket for most. Any compromise, by its nature, results in a jacket not ideal for either season, since the conditions faced can be the polar opposite...

Love the Shield in Winter though...
 Nathan Adam 20 Feb 2013
In reply to Gabe Oliver: Not in your choice selection but i own an ME Orbital and its a really ace jacket. Been happy with it so far for winter climbing, walking and rock climbing. Good hood (fits over my BD tracer) and a nice cut for using with a harness, got enough space in pockets for essentials etc. Feels nice next to the skin and is pretty stretchy too. Definitely cuts out the wind and has pretty good water repellency, worth a consideration.
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