Approximately three years ago I picked up a KUIU Guide Jacket. It was my first technical soft-shell and I appreciated it’s pros and cons. It was the item I always left off my pack list yet still somehow ended up in camp. I read many reviews on how soft-shells had no place in the high country and felt that soft-shells were getting a bad rap. I sure enjoyed having mine around! About a year ago I started gathering soft-shells. I picked up quite a few and partnered with Rokslide to do a write-up. You can check it out here: Soft Shell Bonanza
I doubt I will convince the diehard anti soft-shell group to add a shell to their kit. Perhaps though, there are those like me; who run cold, or like the versatility and function of soft-shells. From the light weight Sitka 90% to the heavy weight First Lite Northbranch many options exist for today’s hunter.
Sitka 90% Jacket
I completely understand the soft shell conundrum…they are great pieces but can be hard to fit in to your kit when they don’t get as compact as other pieces. They are perfect for shoulder season though and when the weather isn’t calling for rain.
[…] Hard Core Rain Gear review that was started in 2013, and did two other reviews covering pants and soft shells. I also worked through the process of buying a new pack and solving my blister issues with new […]