Do you have a favorite soft-shell jacket?

[Buncheong]

I have an older, issued Patagonia/Ready One L5 which I quite like. It’s in the sage green color USAF used after Woodland camo went away.

I’d like something similar in tan or brown if I could find it. Was thinking Crye at first but they don’t offer either color, plus soft-shell isn’t really their area of main expertise. Please correct me if I’m in error.

*Edit: Intended use is the occasional mountain hike, otherwise just everyday wear.

Any preferred manufacturer you like best for these? Thanking you in advance for any recommendations...

[Hank6046]

What are you using it for?
I have a Columbia that I love for day to day and is pretty much my go-to winter jacket because of the comfort size and warmth. But my main go-to for lighter weather and hiking is my Kuiu, not pack-able but a great jacket. Both aren't military inspired, but I would look at Beyond or Wild Things if that's what you are looking for.

https://www.columbia.com/gate-racer-...shell#start=15
https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-jackets...xoC7EkQAvD_BwE
https://www.wildthingsgear.com/
https://beyondclothing.com/

[Buncheong]

What are you using it for?
I have a Columbia that I love for day to day and is pretty much my go-to winter jacket because of the comfort size and warmth. But my main go-to for lighter weather and hiking is my Kuiu, not pack-able but a great jacket. Both aren't military inspired, but I would look at Beyond or Wild Things if that's what you are looking for.

https://www.columbia.com/gate-racer-...shell#start=15
https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-jackets...xoC7EkQAvD_BwE
https://www.wildthingsgear.com/
https://beyondclothing.com/

edited to add purpose, everyday wear in cool weather, sometimes hiking local trails.

And thank you for the very helpful links!

[ST911]

I'm a big fan of Beyond Clothing. There is a bunch of stuff for various weights and weather, but I particularly like my Aptus softshell.

https://beyondclothing.com/collections/softshells

[VeeDubbinJetta91]

I picked up an Arc’teryx Atom LT jacket prior to last winter. It’s a very lightweight jacket that keeps you quite warm for what it is. It’s very packable as well and works great for hiking and I assume would do well for mt. biking as well. They also offer their Arc’teryx Leaf line which is their military line and offer in similar colors to what you are after. They are a bit pricey for the Leaf line, but I really love mine.


https://leaf.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop...lt-hoody-gen-2

[hotrodder636]

I have an Arc’Teryx Atom which as stated above is stupid lightweight for how warm it keeps you.
For colder weather I have the Arc’Teryx LEAF Cold WX. It uses Gore-Tex Windstopper which is pretty water repellant and actually does a great job at blocking the wind. Uses the same internal insulation as the Atom but more of it. I only wear it below 20F as it keeps me to warm above that, or if it is really windy and 30F or so.

[Buncheong]

I’m grateful for the solid knowledge, Gentlemen, thank you very much.

ST911 clued me in on Beyond Clothing some time back and I am considering the A5 lightweight as a strong possibility.

However, the Arc’Teryx/Leaf link provided above opened my eyes to all sorts of gear I had never considered (or even heard of, before) - soft shells and a host of other, very cutting edge clothing items. The sticker shock on some of these was pretty intense, I gotta’ say ... but wow, looks good!

[hotrodder636]

Check these guys out too. They are Veteran owned/operated and have great deals on the LEAF gear. Yes, there is some sticker shock with Arc’Teryx but they have an amazing warranty (if you would ever need it) and like a good tool, buy once cry once...but I doubt you will stop at just one
https://www.us-elitegear.com/

I’m grateful for the solid knowledge, Gentlemen, thank you very much.

ST911 clued me in on Beyond Clothing some time back and I am considering the A5 lightweight as a strong possibility.

However, the Arc’Teryx/Leaf link provided above opened my eyes to all sorts of gear I had never considered (or even heard of, before) - soft shells and a host of other, very cutting edge clothing items. The sticker shock on some of these was pretty intense, I gotta’ say ... but wow, looks good!

[CrashAxe]

I wear the Massif Elements NAVAIR jacket. https://www.massif.com/elements-jacket-navair.html

I have dozens and dozens of jackets, but once I needed Nomex fleece and bought this, I pretty much stopped wearing anything else except for specialized wear, such as a trench coat when in a suit or a ECWCS in a rainstorm.

I found that I could wear this with layering down to -20, and can actually wear it when it is 85 degrees with humidity when necessary without sweating to death because of its wicking and breathability. It really is windproof and waterproof, although the outside layer will get damp. Plus its Fire Resistant, so there's that. This was the most civilianized version I could find.

All of Massif FR gear is bombproof, and it all is the most comfortable clothing I have ever worn. They warranty their gear pretty much for life. I had a pocket wear out from use on a jacket and they repaired it for free.

There is a huge discount to be had if you have a .gov or .mil account or know someone who does. The purchases do not have to be for official use.

You can find their items on the Bay quite often.

[ST911]

However, the Arc’Teryx/Leaf link provided above opened my eyes to all sorts of gear I had never considered (or even heard of, before) - soft shells and a host of other, very cutting edge clothing items. The sticker shock on some of these was pretty intense, I gotta’ say ... but wow, looks good!

Nothing wrong with the Arc, OR, Patagucci, etc. I like some of the Kryptek stuff too, not just the patterns but their clothing line. There are some differences between the brands, but you also can hit a point where they're just nuances or piece specific.

I think you and I have kicked this around before, but for the benefit of newcomers... Price is higher, but the sticker shock is usually offset by the performance shock when you get it in the field. Having lighter weight, less bulk, compatible and cooperative layers within a system that are sized to interface, is huge. And even if you're not someone who wrings the gear out, those differences can materialize day to day in suburbia.