Which UL wind shell?

[Hot5nics]

I am going to purchase a wind shell, and have it narrowed down to 2 options. They are the Zpacks Wind Shell in the blue Ventum rip-stop for $115 or the Mont-bell Tachyon Anorak In the Ballistic Airtight rip-stop nylon for $75. Any recommendations?

[Hot5nics]

The title should obviously be shell not she'll. Damn auto-correct.

[Just Bill]

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/...aker?p=24140-0

[LogHiking]

The montbell is more breathable than the zpacks IIRC. So it depends on what temps you will be facing when using this most. If warmer temps montbell if cooler I'd go zpacks.

This discussion going on now at BPL should interest you: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...hread_id=95612

I have the same jacket justbill suggested if that is at all relevant.

[Connie]

ZPacks .7 fabric wind jacket looks really good, with full zip and hood 2 oz.
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wind_shell.shtml

Red Beard has a review at You Tube.
http://youtu.be/a553JHrxSRA

Sierra Trading Post has the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Anorak for men or women. 1.7 oz.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~m...er/?perPage=24

Sign up with email for Sierra Trading Post and use a coupon or combine with a sale.

I did.

I like my Ghost Whisperer Anorak wind shirt. It runs sized for people who are thin. I got it oversize to go over layers.

[Hot5nics]

I also came across this??
http://www.backcountrygear.com/mens-...l#.VOIySMuCOK1

[Connie]

I heard the Mont-bell Tachyon Anorak In the Ballistic Airtight is not abrasion resistant, and the pack straps will abrade the fabric.

Is that true?

[fastfoxengineering]

Houdini is probably most peoples favorite.

Tachyon is lighter.

Zpacks is newer jacket and satisfies one's addiction with Joe's gear. Cause it's awesome.

I think the Houdini is the best looking. It also has more features than both jackets and to me that's important cause a wind jacket is something I would use almost everyday.

I would pick up a Houdini or Montbell on sale. Sometimes, Houdini's on clearance to $50.

$100+ for a wind jacket is absurd to me for some weird reason.

[LogHiking]

I would say Houdini was most people's favorite. They made a fabric change in 2013 to a much less breathable fabric. 2012 and before houdinis are highly sought after for that reason. Most current houdini success is riding the coat tails (pardon the pun) of their previous model's success. If breathability is high on the list of priorities there are better out there. With that said I use a current generation houdini and like it.

[spidey]

Black Diamond Start Hoody is a little heavier but breathes pretty good. Some complain about neck hole when zipped up but no problems for me. I got mine on sale at REI . Others like the Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody a lot but it's heavier side still lighter than the Black Diamond but it breathes well also.
Just depends like Loghiking said what your priorities are weight or breathability...

[Hot5nics]

So now there are 4 choices:
Patagonia Houdini - 4oz - $99 - http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/...aker?p=24140-0

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite - 3oz - $100 - http://www.backcountrygear.com/ghost...ket-men-s.html

ZPacks Wind Shell - 2oz - $115 - http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wind_shell.shtml

Mont-bell Tachyon Anorak - 2oz - $75 - http://www.montbell.us/products/disp...03120&gen_cd=1

[Coffee]

My solution for a wind shell is to use my Outdoor Resarch Helium II rain jacket. It works great as a wind shell. In fact, I like it better as a wind shell than as a rain jacket. It weighs 6.4 ounces, more than most dedicated wind shells, but is more worthy in the rain. My layering system calls for using the jacket when temps are below the mid 40s and/or very windy. Under those conditions, I never get overheated in the jacket even when hiking strenuously.

If I could assemble my gear all over again, I would probably opt for the zPacks wind shell and Challenger Rain Jacket and the combined weight would be similar to my current jacket and more functional, but I'm sticking with the Helium II jacket until it wears out.

[Hot5nics]

I would love to have that combo too, but the $115 + $275 makes it real tough to pull the trigger. I just checked out that Helium II, and it looks great. I still want a dedicated wind jacket but I am in need of a new dedicated rain jacket as well. The helium would be a great lightweight solution for rain.

[Coffee]

I would love to have that combo too, but the $115 + $275 makes it real tough to pull the trigger. I just checked out that Helium II, and it looks great. I still want a dedicated wind jacket but I am in need of a new dedicated rain jacket as well. The helium would be a great lightweight solution for rain.

The only caution I would make regarding the Helium II is that it does wet out in my experience much sooner than I expected when I purchased it. Part of the problem might be the very fact that I use it so much as a wind shell and somehow the DWR gets work out. I applied McNetts to restore the DWR prior to my Colorado Trail hike and I used it quite a bit both for wind and rain protection. It seemed to wet out a couple of times within an hour of heavy rain starting even when I didn't feel like I was exerting myself (so I don't think it wet out from the inside out. Still, overall it is a pretty good piece of gear from a weight and cost perspective and I am taking it on the PCT this year. Since I plan to finish the PCT by early September I'm hoping to not have to deal with too much rain in Washington where I'm not sure the Helium II would be up to the task.

[Coffee]

"somehow the DWR gets work out"

should be worn out ...

[Hot5nics]

http://lukesultralite.com/new-lul-ev...seams-included
Does anyone know if this is the same E-vent material as ZPacks?

[rocketsocks]

Cheap, light, cheap.

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp...33286.45465286

[Hot5nics]

If breathability is my main concern for a wind shell, I sweat easily, which one do you all recommend?

[gbolt]

I had my heart set and my eye on the Houdini. However, a sale at Dick's Sporting Goods (of all places), put me into a Columbia Mens Trail Drier Windbreaker Jacket at 6.35 oz. for $29.95. Packs itself in the chest stuff pocket. Couldn't beat the price or wieght. Just taking awhile to see how to get daily use out of it and what it can replace as a mid layer when worn under the Marmot Pre Cip as the Outer Shell.

I've been pleased with Columbia products that I have found on sale at an outlet store.

[fastfoxengineering]

If breathability is my main concern for a wind shell, I sweat easily, which one do you all recommend?

I would say the best thing would be a jacket you can vent. A full front zip and maybe pitzips?