Just read this and was wondering what is everyone s take on this :


http://www.thegearcaster.com/the_gearcaster/2011/08/featherweight-pocket-size-jackets.html

MH ghost whisperer anorak
Somehow wind and water resistant but most importantly weighs 53g ...but no hood

the others seems somewhat interesting, the only new offering was the stoic wraith shell.

Wow, 1.8 oz! That thing is light. I like the Montane Slipstream Smock' hood and the front zippered pocket for about an oz more. I actually just got my NF Verto in yesterday. The size L weighs in at 2.9 oz and layers over my R1 very nicely. It fits me fine too with just a T-shirt underneath. This is my first dealing with a wind shell so I will see how I like it.

be nice if they offered it w/ a hood, can't see it adding too much weight

that definitely is light though :)

It looks like some good stuff is coming out! I do wish the Mountain Harware had a hood but I really like the look of the Montane pullover. Gotta say I'm really loving the big pocket on the front and that it has a hood. Those two things are worth an extra ounce or two to me. Can't wait to see some reviews on these jackets soon!

It's nice to see large outdoor companies doing some innovation. I personally prefer my windshirts without a hood, because I much prefer a hat over a hood (easier to see, hear better etc). If it's cold, I'll toss on my beanie and if it's raining or sunny the I'll toss on my large brimmed rain hat.....or both if it's really cold and wet.

The MH windshirt is a super neat product, but personally I've become such a fan of windshirts that I think I prefer to stick with something a bit more durable since I wear it all the time. I can't see that MH windshirt using 7 denier nylon lasting a very long time. My Montbell Ex-light vest uses 7 D fabric and I normally only wear that under my windshirt to protect it.

MEC sells an 'RD Windshirt' that is low on frills (just one pocket which it stuffs into, waist hem but it's easily removed) that weighs about 140g. The nice thing about this windshirt is that all the weight is in the fabric. It's a nice light but not superlight nylon that keeps the weight down while still providing enough durability to last a long time. I think it's a good compromise and the $78 MSRP is right too. The other nice thing is that the cut is nice and long (no plummers crack here) and the material isn't shiny like most of these light fabrics.

Stoic has a bare-bones hooded windshirt called the Wraith. It's been on SAC a fair amount recently for $34. Similar design to the TNF Verto, with a similar looking translucent fabric. I thought the Houdini packed up small... sheesh. My XXL Wraith weighs 2.6 oz. Cut is smaller than the other wind shirts I've used or tried on- Patagonia Houdini, Montane Lite-Speed, Arc'teryx Squamish, or Rab Alpine Pull-On in the same size. I've only had it out during a few drizzly day hikes, but performance is similar to the others I've used before.

Fabric on the Wraith looks very similar to the MH Ghost Whisperer. The extra 0.7 oz on the Wraith gets you a hood and a full zip. Isn't it nice to have options? :)

Edited by areichow on 08/08/2011 16:46:52 MDT.

Aaron,

I have been looking at all the same wind shells you have. Personally I am looking for something very breathable since I already have an eVent shell for use in rain or other extremes. Of the ones you've used how would you compare them?

I tried on the Rab peice at my local EMS and although its a lot heavier, I was told that it is the most breathable (since its really more of a softshell) and it seems more durable and looks nicer in casual settings than the other fabrics.