Need softshell help!

[LadyLes]

I've never really thought about softshells much, as I've only owned Columbia and Burton hardshells. But hubby found a great deal on a Columbia Titanium softshell and so far really loves it. He's recommending that I look for one for myself...but here's my situation...I'm the typical always cold gal for the most part, but made a recent discovery that I'm a relatively sweaty person. (sorry if that's TMI!) I can get pretty hot at the base and then be freezing by the time I get off the lift at the top. I love my pit zips on my Burton, but it's not breathable at all. I ski in the typical Colorado conditions; can be stormy, but usually nice, w/dry snow. I know this has been covered in a couple of other threads, and have been very helpful so far...but would love some more Diva advice!

Anyone with softshells think that this is/isn't a good idea for me? Should I just stick with hardshells for warmth, or do I try a softshell for most days and hope the breathability makes up for it? Also, I'm having a hard time finding a skiable softshell under $300. I've checked Columbia, Marmot, Cloudveil, North Face...any good brands at a decent price I'm missing?

 

[Jilly]

You are talking about an insulated soft shell? Columbia makes a soft shell that is a layering piece or a fall jacket (runs about $199). I have one of those that I use as a layer instead of a fleece jacket. I've had no experience using a soft shell insulated jacket yet. The store I frequent has lots of them in Rossi and Salomon.

 

[LadyLes]

Yes, I probably need an insulated one, which seems harder to find. My hubby's Columbia one is insulated just enough, and also has all the bells and whistles-powder skirt, inside and outside pockets, removable/hideable hood...
That's true, I have seen some Solomon ones...I'll have to look closesr next time. ;)

 

[Robyn]

I use a Spyder softshell as a layering piece under a hard shell. I'm relatively sweaty person as well but love this combo with a tank and a lighter base layer underneath. The Spyder one I use is a team uniform so I'm also going to buy myself a North Face softshell (because I get a good discount through a connection). I haven't skied in just that because I find I need more pockets but if I had one that had the right pockets I would use just that on warmer days.

 

[num]

I still go for pitzips on my softshell, then again I'm very hotblooded type. I recommend them either way, though, cuz if you don't need em, that's great, but if you ever find yourself needing them you'll be glad you have em.

 

[skigrl27]

Helly Hansen's got some nice ones too.

 

[Gloria]

Some of the best softshells are marketed/designed under the alpine or technical lines in many brands for example patagonia has some really nice softshells in their alpine line. Most will work well for skiing for all practical purposes, but you will have fewer pockets and gadgets as they are designed to be alot lighter than a ski shell would be. They can also be used for more purposes too though. Like hiking, climbing etc. Many of these types also have a chest venting as opposed to a pit venting system. Those that are treated for water repellency with a method that sort of spatulas the coating on & essentially rubs it into the weave of the fabric are better than those which are sprayed on too. I have always had decent water repellency with mine, but I have heard that they do lose this ability over time. I tend to do stupid things like spill coffee and other crap down the front of myself, so I have ended up replacing mine before they got to this point so I don't know how long you can expect the repellency to last reasonably.

 

[Bravosarah]

As far as I'm concerned there is only one company that makes the perfect softshell and that's Arc'Teryx. All you have to do is try one on and you'll fall in love!

https://www.arcteryx.com/

 

[num]

If you want to talk perfect, check out beyond.

I've been drooling over the custom fit, and I love the idea of paying for the features you want and not the ones you don't. The only downside in my mind is that you can't pick em up on last season's clearance (how I buy all my stuff). If you look at how much a lot of other brands' non custom stuff goes for, though, beyond's not charging nearly as much as I'd expect.

 

[Bravosarah]

Beyond is awesome! I think I'll be ordering the Vayu X. Wow, a custom jacket and it's much cheaper than an Arc'Teryx!

 

[IttyBittyBetty]

Three words...

Steep and Cheap. Go to steepandcheap.com. They have discount gear and sometime have nice softshells. That said, if you don't want to wait around for a softshell to come up at a good price, you may just have to bite the bullet and buy something at full price. Consider it an investment.

 

[LadyLes]

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts, Divas!! Num-WOW-the Beyond jackets are awesome-what a great idea!! Well, for now I've ordered the Marmot Sharp Point (last year's model at a great discount). So I hope I like it!
IttyBittyBetty-Good call...I'm quickly becoming an addict of steepandcheap.com-I even have the widget on my work computer! (That's gonna be trouble!)

 

[SkiNurse]

I'm w/ bravo...I have several Arc'teryx soft shells which are incredible (Thanks to steep and cheap!)

REI has a great softshell line/

My biggest issues w/ the above brands is the lack of pockets (except on the Gamma MX)

My best all around soft shell for skiing, is my Marmot Storm Queen. Check out backcountry outlet...right now they have it for up to 70% off!! Plenty of pockets and other features!
https://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/MAR0503/Marmot-Storm-Queen-Jacket-Womens.html?id=f6nP3IfX

 

[LadyLes]

Update: I just got back from picking up my Marmot Sharp Point, and I think I'll like it after trying it on with some layers. SkiNurse-oh, bummer I didn't find that first!! Hopefully, if you like your Storm Queen so much, that I'll like my Marmot as much, too!