Hi everyone,

for my first post on this great forum, a question concerning hardshell jackets. I wish to buy a multi-usage shell that could serve for alpine climbing, backcountry skiing and resort skiing. I want the jacket to be rather light as it will spend a lot of time in my pack. And I want it in eVent because it seems to be the most breathable fabric --plus it conveniently reduces the number of candidate shells :-p

I've settled on buying one of these two Montane jackets, as they are available at interesting prices in neighboring England (I live in France):
http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/shell/super-fly-xt-jacket/268
http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/shell/evolution-jacket/271

The SuperFly XT is the toughest and heaviest (20oz) of the two. It looks like a safe bet. The Evolution is somewhat lighter (15oz) and cheaper; so I'd happily go for this one if it was sufficiently strong for my needs.

Do some of you folks ski in a jacket like the Evolution, around 15 oz? I've never possessed a jacket with that type of fabric (90 g/m2, 20denier) and I can't figure how easily it could get torn by a branch or by a harsh ski fall...

Many thanks in advance!
Howard

Howard,

Last year I worked as a cross country ski guide and wore a Montane Atomic DT jacket as my 'storm' shell. It's made of Entrant DT which is a similar fabric weight to eVent but less breathable. I had no problems with durability despite a few tumbles, skiing through trees and the general wear and tear of looking after a group of clients.

the only issue i've had with using a light weight alpine hardshell for skiing is in deep powder where the lack of a powder skirt has been a problem. i've addressed this by wearing bibs or a high-waisted pair of pants in those conditions. you might also be able to find a shell that hits you in the right place that you could sinch the waist in to address the issue, but that has not worked for me. as with a lot of things you need to give up some creature comforts if you want to go light weight.

Thanks for your fast responses!
Your responses suggest that I could give a try at the Evolution jacket without fearing too much for durability. Sounds perfect...

Hi,

I have the Superfly XT and it is greta jacket for winter, drop me a PM if you any questions.

Cheers,

Stephen