Polartec Neoshell is the Truth

[Junglejack]

Like many here, I own several Gore-Tex shells going back decades. While awesome for staying dry, living primarily in the Southeast, it would get mighty stifling when active.

After moving back to Tennessee full time, my time spent outdoors has gone up exponentially due to living so close to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This Summer, I spent a few weeks in the woods with my trusty Arc'teryx Alpha LT (Gore Tex Pro).

While I only wear it when raining, that happens quite often. After whining about how stuffy I was, my friend traded jackets with me (Westcomb Apoc) and holy crap was there a difference.

I did not think it was possible to be both dry and ventilated in torrential rain. Needless to say, I purchased a Westcomb Neoshell myself. As I did not want to copy my friend, I ended up getting the Switch.
Made in Canada and super light.

A bunch of other companies make jackets with Neoshell and I cannot recommend enough trying it out. Since the Switch, I also purchased an insulated Neoshell jacket for winter and am planning on selling off all my Arc'teryx gear. I will say the latest Gore Tex Pro in my Alpha LT is a definite improvement over ProShell and XCR before it, but still the breathability is nowhere near Neoshell.

I have also heard good things about eVent, but have not tried it out yet. Anyone else use Neoshell?

 

[Kofoed]

Sounds great. I was interested until I saw the $430 MSRP. Isthis price in the ball park? It doesn't rain that hard wereI live, and it is usually temperate when it does.

 

[Junglejack]

You can find it discounted at places like Moosejaw and Backcountry. Amazon also has it discounted. I think I paid like $250 for mine. Shipped from Moosejaw.

Westcomb is not the only company that makes Neoshell. I do really like that it is made in Canada though. (stopped buying any clothing made in China, Malaysia, et al) Rab (awesome UK based mountaineering company) makes Neoshell jackets. As does Marmot, L.L Bean, Eddie Bauer, Montane and several others do as well.

Here is a link to Polartec's page about Neoshell: Polartec Fabrics | Polartec NeoShell
I listed my Arc'teryx Alpha LT on Craigslist today as I am so happy with the Switch.

 

[carboncycles]

Interesting...will have to check out this material. The Dead Bird makes great stuff but I can't stand how GoreTex makes you feel to clammy after being caught out in a downpour on a hot day.

 

[Junglejack]

Well worth going to an outdoors store and trying on a Neoshell jacket. Unlike my Gore Tex shells, I actually wear my Westcomb in the house as it is so comfortable. Crazy.

Another great thing about the material is that it is quiet which is a major plus for Outdoorsmen. Gore Tex shells tend to be so loud that critters can here you from miles away!