Help me get into a shell
January 20, 2020 4:10 PM Subscribe
I've been using an old cycling jacket as an outer shell when hiking and snowshoeing. It is no longer waterproof and I want to replace it with something that is. What should I replace it with?
I've had the cycling jacket for quite some time. It is thin enough that I've used it by itself for riding in cool summer mornings but it is windproof and was waterproof at one time which made it a good outer shell when hiking in the fall along with a thin down vest (say down to 0 degrees celsius). I went snowshoeing last weekend when it went down to -10/-15 or so and the jacket and vest combo was fine except for the jacket getting wet in the snow. So I need to replace it with something waterproof.
What I like about the cycling jacket is that it isn't bulky but still is roomy enough to wear layers underneath, it has vents at the armpit I can open up if I'm getting too warm, it has reflective strips so it is easy to spot with a headlamp, and it has an integrated hood that does pretty well in a pinch.
What I don't like about it is that it has no front pockets and that it isn't waterproof anymore.
Should I replace it with a new cycling jacket, and if so what do you recommend? Or is there a more appropriate shell I should be using for hiking and snowshoeing? I haven't used my jacket as an actual cycling jacket in years so if I lose some cycling appropriateness it won't be any great loss.
I've had the cycling jacket for quite some time. It is thin enough that I've used it by itself for riding in cool summer mornings but it is windproof and was waterproof at one time which made it a good outer shell when hiking in the fall along with a thin down vest (say down to 0 degrees celsius). I went snowshoeing last weekend when it went down to -10/-15 or so and the jacket and vest combo was fine except for the jacket getting wet in the snow. So I need to replace it with something waterproof.
What I like about the cycling jacket is that it isn't bulky but still is roomy enough to wear layers underneath, it has vents at the armpit I can open up if I'm getting too warm, it has reflective strips so it is easy to spot with a headlamp, and it has an integrated hood that does pretty well in a pinch.
What I don't like about it is that it has no front pockets and that it isn't waterproof anymore.
Should I replace it with a new cycling jacket, and if so what do you recommend? Or is there a more appropriate shell I should be using for hiking and snowshoeing? I haven't used my jacket as an actual cycling jacket in years so if I lose some cycling appropriateness it won't be any great loss.
I picked one of these Columbia buddies up on sale a few years ago, and really like it. It's ultra basic in the best way; waterproof (not resistant), zippers are actually waterproof, the hood is workable (not perfect, but workable), has armpit zippers. I specifically purchased a size up to accommodate warmer clothes underneath. It folds up small enough to live full time stashed in the laptop pocket of my backpack (with plenty of room for said laptop). My only complaint is that the 'breathability' is kind of questionable. It does okay, but not as breathable as my waxed canvas jacket (but also, actually waterproof...a fair trade for me). I purchased mine specifically to be my "oh shit its raining" jacket on a bike because I disliked how most bike jackets looked.
It's a platonic boring-ass-rainjacket that gets the job done for sure.
posted by furnace.heart at 5:36 PM on January 20, 2020
It's a platonic boring-ass-rainjacket that gets the job done for sure.
posted by furnace.heart at 5:36 PM on January 20, 2020
You could treat your old jacket with silicone, a spray or a wax-like preparation, if you like it a lot. Not expensive; just a little work.
posted by tmdonahue at 5:49 PM on January 20, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by tmdonahue at 5:49 PM on January 20, 2020 [4 favorites]
I really, really like the women’s Outdry I have. It’s not too hot, if breathes, it’s waterproof. They make different models, but I think one might check all your boxes. I don’t love the hood. I find their other jackets sticky/sweaty on occasion, but not this one.
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 7:40 PM on January 20, 2020
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 7:40 PM on January 20, 2020
Assuming your cycling jacket is what I consider a cycling jacket in my mind, and not the ultralight packable windbreaker type things, you might be better suited to a softshell jacket.
Outdoorgearlab does a good roundup of these kinds of things.
If the softshell is too thick, my second suggestion would be a waterproof running jacket, as those would be more likely to have front pockets and reflective features.
If I were in your shoes, I'd go down to REI / Sports Basement and just look around at all their outerwear offerings and see what gets you closest to what you're looking for.
posted by blueberrypuffin at 7:42 PM on January 20, 2020
Outdoorgearlab does a good roundup of these kinds of things.
If the softshell is too thick, my second suggestion would be a waterproof running jacket, as those would be more likely to have front pockets and reflective features.
If I were in your shoes, I'd go down to REI / Sports Basement and just look around at all their outerwear offerings and see what gets you closest to what you're looking for.
posted by blueberrypuffin at 7:42 PM on January 20, 2020
What's your budget?
posted by craven_morhead at 9:45 AM on January 21, 2020
posted by craven_morhead at 9:45 AM on January 21, 2020
Response by poster: You could treat your old jacket with silicone, a spray or a wax-like preparation, if you like it a lot. Not expensive; just a little work.
I'll give this a shot first because if I can make my jacket waterproof again that makes more sense than buying something new.
Assuming your cycling jacket is what I consider a cycling jacket in my mind, and not the ultralight packable windbreaker type things, you might be better suited to a softshell jacket.
The cycling jacket I have is more like a windbreaker.
What's your budget?
Probably up to $400-500 but I'd be happier not spending that much. The old jacket was only $60.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:01 AM on January 21, 2020
I'll give this a shot first because if I can make my jacket waterproof again that makes more sense than buying something new.
Assuming your cycling jacket is what I consider a cycling jacket in my mind, and not the ultralight packable windbreaker type things, you might be better suited to a softshell jacket.
The cycling jacket I have is more like a windbreaker.
What's your budget?
Probably up to $400-500 but I'd be happier not spending that much. The old jacket was only $60.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:01 AM on January 21, 2020
I think the fact that the current jacket is a cycling one is a diversion from the real requirements, which are 1) waterproof, 2) good hiking features, 3) some other stuff. There are infinite great outdoor-focused jackets out there that meet your criteria. I’m partial to Arcteryx—I think they have the best DWR coatings in the industry—and I’m really happy with the latest Outdoor Research jacket I just got for winter-focused stuff.
Things to look for: good hand pockets (many are placed too high, designed for climbing-specific purposes). Gore Tex standard or Pro, or maybe Shake Dry, and c-knit is very nice but heavier. Lighter face fabric, probably no more than 40 denier if you want to use it in shoulder seasons or even summer. Well-fitting hood with good adjustability. Probably a trimmer fit if you want to ride in it.
Things to avoid: Gore Tex paclite (ugh it sucks so much). Heavy fabrics. Features you don’t need, like climbing- or snow-specific stuff.
Other considerations: a true waterproof jacket will be too sweaty to be active in most of the time, especially depending on environment, since waterproof-breathable garments require a temp and moisture differential between inside the jacket and outside the jacket. In the damp PNW, I can’t wear my Gore Tex jacket if it’s above maybe 45 or 50F and I’m working harder than a stroll. Given that, you may want both a good waterproof breathable and a light soft shell that’s water and wind resistant but much much more breathable (Gore Windstopper is probably too heavy). Or in place of the soft shell, an ultralight wind shell like the Patagonia Houdini or Houdini Air.
Good luck! If you’re going to try to re-waterproof your current shell, don’t use wax—use a wash-in DWR like Nikwax TX.Direct or Grangers Repel.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 1:44 PM on January 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Things to look for: good hand pockets (many are placed too high, designed for climbing-specific purposes). Gore Tex standard or Pro, or maybe Shake Dry, and c-knit is very nice but heavier. Lighter face fabric, probably no more than 40 denier if you want to use it in shoulder seasons or even summer. Well-fitting hood with good adjustability. Probably a trimmer fit if you want to ride in it.
Things to avoid: Gore Tex paclite (ugh it sucks so much). Heavy fabrics. Features you don’t need, like climbing- or snow-specific stuff.
Other considerations: a true waterproof jacket will be too sweaty to be active in most of the time, especially depending on environment, since waterproof-breathable garments require a temp and moisture differential between inside the jacket and outside the jacket. In the damp PNW, I can’t wear my Gore Tex jacket if it’s above maybe 45 or 50F and I’m working harder than a stroll. Given that, you may want both a good waterproof breathable and a light soft shell that’s water and wind resistant but much much more breathable (Gore Windstopper is probably too heavy). Or in place of the soft shell, an ultralight wind shell like the Patagonia Houdini or Houdini Air.
Good luck! If you’re going to try to re-waterproof your current shell, don’t use wax—use a wash-in DWR like Nikwax TX.Direct or Grangers Repel.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 1:44 PM on January 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by jon1270 at 4:20 PM on January 20, 2020