Hi, Divas. I was just looking at the November thread about whether most people have multiple ski outfits (yes) and I decided that since I am not an ascetic, I deserve some new duds. For years, I have had only a hardshell jacket and stretchy softshell pants under which I layer as appropriate. The jacket annoys me because it is stiff and crinkly and scratchy and loud. I don't like wearing it. I'm looking for a soft, insulated jacket that is waterproof and breathable. I have looked at my 2 local shops and did not fall in love. I found that about half of the jackets I saw were too scratchy/crinkly for my taste, so that makes me nervous to order one I have not touched.
What are your favorite currently-available insulated jackets that are soft and not crinkly or stiff? Some stretch would be great too. I am not the type to do any extended hiking or off-piste skiing, so no risk of being caught hours from shelter in a storm, but I am the type to stay out in the worst weather to enjoy shorter lift lines.
I truly love my softshell pants -- they have some fuzz inside, so I don't have to wear anything under. But, I can fit thick fleece pants under if I need to. They are form-fitting, 4-way stretch black twill -- feminine looking and sooo comfy. They also have a 20,000/20,000 waterproof/breathability rating, so I can sit on a very wet lift with no issues. The problem is that I am somewhat smaller than I was when I found these dreamboats and they have no belt loops or adjustable waist. I am constantly hiking them up. I would rather not do suspenders so I can leave the backpack and jacket on during a quick bathroom stop. I really need a size smaller, but the model is not available anymore. So, I would be open to hearing about any currently available pants that people love.
Thanks so much!
Blueskysunnyday