I'm thinking about buying a new windproof but want something that's reasonably 'mountain tough' rather than an 'on trend' crisp packet jacket. I'll happily trade a few grams for something that will survive more than its first encounter with granite. It will be 'summer +' use as I'll continue to use my Paramo windshell in knarlier conditions. Recommendations?
I have one of the original Montane lite speed jackets. Weight 160 grams. Never leave home without it. They come up on Ebay now and again. Have no experience with the newer ones though
Another vote for the Litespeed The current model is a softer stretchier fabric than the older pertex quantum, but sadly like a lot of my recent acquisitions, it’s hardly been used yet. Carol has a Rab Vital which is nice too
Buffalo too heavy? This has piqued my interest. http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/products/buffalolite-windtop/ . I'm another fan of the old litespeed but I wouldn't wear it for climbing or scrambling.
I think I have ...9 windproof jackets / smocks (difficult to keep track, and I do like the look of the Squamish...) as they are my favourite outer layer for much of the year Most are in the mid weight range (100-200g) and to be honest they are all more pleasant to wear than a membrane-based waterproof, for me at least. None of them is really crinkly. I have an old (~2005) Litespeed that is good but there are softer fabrics than traditional Pertex. Personally I'm more interested in the fit and features than the fabric; in particular it is worth bearing in mind that a lot of the lighter jackets are quite short, so for example the old Litespeed was great if you want a fuller length windproof. In over 20 years since I've been using windproof jackets I've yet to wear one out, so the light fabrics don't necessarily mean poor durability.
James - by crisp packet do you mean appearance (shiny?) Or thinness/crinkliness of fabric? Would you like a hood? Jacket or smock? I'd suggest a Montane Litespeed or Squamish too. Buffalo windshirt is old school but tough. Good ventilstion. The new model above is hooded. But I've always found Buffalo grown on hoods a bit rubbish. (On Teclite gear I've had or tried on) My My windproofs are: Montane Litespeed 10 years old (Pertex Microlight, about 180g). I use it in winter mostly. Replaced my previous Montane Litespeed ( next size down, older model) which I got a bit large for. Others Montane Smock (pertex quantum 85g) used a lot, still solid; nearly 10 years old. and the past 2 seasons Massdrop Veil hooded windjacket (also 85g), which is a slightly more breathable matt fabric in very dark blue. If you want a simple pertex quantum smock, these are a bargain. Though not sure about fit. https://www.chillcheater.com/tops/pertex-windcheater-jacket
I can't remember the model name, but I like my Columbia 250g (XL) windproof hooded jacket. It doesn't rustle, it has stretchy bits, it doesn't feel clammy when it's damp, and it's slightly insulative. There's a size small on ebay here with some good close-up photos of the material: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Columbia-Jacket-Small/174590426675
The Paramo Fuera is still may favourite. Almost indestructable and I've lived in it for years now in cooler conditions. My Montane Litespeed, despite being quite old now, seems to shrug off thorns and pack wear really well. I've lost count of the times I've snagged brambles and it hasn't torn. This summer, I moved into a Klattermusen Vanadis and I think it's going to largely replace the Fuera. Being fully stretchy and silent, it feels like an extension of my skin.
Like Robert P I seem to have too many windshirts. Love my Montane Litespeeds acquired from ebay. Rarely leave home without one. A base layer, old school ME ultrafleece and a Litespeed does me for everything but really cold or wet. Currently have five I think, 160g to 180g in L or Xl. Newer ones seem about 20g lighter. As Shewie says the newer ones feel softer and possibly the older material is more robust. I prefer the older fabric but like the pockets on newer ones. I find the great hood on the Litespeeds useful so use these more than the hoodless Montane Featherlite pullovers, 100g to 110g (one on ebay at the moment in a large). Still have an early blue Buffalo wind shirt, 190g, I loved in the days when a 40" chest fitted me, should sell it I guess. Followed the Buffalo with a hooded Mardale pullover in ripstop that was excellent but heavier at 256g. The Buffalo & Mardale had velcro cuffs, rather than elasticated, which I prefer. Only ripped one, on barbed wire, despite low grade scrambling but doubt any would withstand serious or sustained contact with granite.
Arcteryx Squamish is the one I wear most, had/have a good skelp of them. Patagonia one is to light imo, anything at all in the pocket and it gets dragged down. Had the Montane one for a few years (many years ago), barely wore it in all honesty but to me that was a crisp packet. My wife has a couple of RAB ones that are actually really nice, I just dont tell her that
I mean thinness/crinkliness = robustness. My Fuera is tough, zip laden (perfect for venting) but heavy for summer use when it will spend much of the day in my pack. I recently picked up a Windveil on eBay but whilst I'd run in it it seems too lightweight for serious mountain use. Perhaps I'm tougher on my gear or more accident prone than some! Feedback on the forum though suggests it will be tough enough so maybe I'll give it more of a chance. It's good to know what's stood the test of time for others. Thanks one and all.
My current Squamish is 8 years old - taken on every trip... bar a couple (usually a mistake). It's heavier than a couple of other windshirts I have..but.. you know, those last minute 'should I take this' questions...I always do. It's now mostly used for running, but I have two more of the newer versions as I like it so much. In my opinion, the newer have a different fabric/coating..not the same... Although this latter point might be a nostalgic take on that my old one is worn as thin as paper.. and lovely
I recently bought a Rab Vital windshirt hoody and am impressed so far. 144 gms in medium and not a crisp packet. Got a great hood AND pockets too. Seems robust. Online reviews suggest the DWR is weak but it wears off all jackets pretty quickly IME. Not tested yet put I'll give it a coating if needed. Under £40. (I've got a Raidlight crisp packet where weight over functionality is needed).
I have one of them and a Patagonia Houdini. They are surprisingly similar even in breathability terms although that is very much unscientific.
Also have lots of windshirts, great to use on the bike too Montane litespeed would be my recommendation, love mine. On my second as my first one was too big for me after some weight loss. Cracking jacket, hood is very useful for walking
I love my windveil, bought it second hand 3 years ago and it's my most used but of kit. In fact it's probably my favourite bit if kit if all time It's's the only thing that's used all year round. I have had a few falls and bike crashes in it and it's completely undamaged. Shame they don't make it any more. Before that I used a Montane Featherlight for 15+ years, felt ridiculously thin but immensely durable, its still absolutely fine just a naff colour. It still come s salt water kayaking and biking sometimes. I think these fabrics are a lot tougher than you give them credit for
