Just like the title says. Both will shed wind and keep off frozen precipitation, but does anyone know which is technically more breathable?

While I do not have a Gravity I do have a similar weight First Ascent soft shell that I use for lift served skiing and I have used driclime wind shirts extensively. I have no idea about scientific breathability but as far as perceived breathability I vote for the driclime. The wicking of the liner always makes me feel warmer and drier. From the marmot website on the Gravity "M1 shells provide the highest level of warmth and thermal protection. They are best for intermittent aerobic use in cold conditions".

As far as use for backpacking I personally would only go with a driclime and then only in winter. Just today I was testing out a new Ether driclime above tree line with a windchill well below 0. Donned just before leaving the trees it was toasty warm over a wool tee and rab boreas and breathed very well. I wore it the rest of the trip and it breathed well on the descent while doing a great job pulling moisture out of my first two layers. I had taken my driclime wind shirt out of rotation for winter overnight trips for a while, instead taking separate wind and mid layers but it is firmly back. It moves moisture so well and does the job of a soft shell, mid layer, wind layer, and baselayer. It is 8.8 0z(man. spec) well spent in my opinion for very cold conditions. My only complaint about the ether is that the hood kind of sucks as it lacks adjustability, though I do prefer having it compared to my classic version.

Edited by gvolpe on 02/18/2013 16:05:37 MST.

I would give the nod to the Driclime simply because its 100% poly and poly is usually more breathable than nylon. The Driclime windshirt fabric is also a much lighter weave.

That said, I'm curious as to why you are even considering either when the Marmot Ether (I use this), Fusion and Vapor Trail are the standouts in this class.

Edited by rmjapan on 02/18/2013 16:27:30 MST.

Travis,

The Gravity is speced at 15 CFM and I lab tested the Driclime at ~24 CFM.

Edited by richard295 on 02/18/2013 17:47:46 MST.

I haven't used the Gravity, only tried it on in the store so I can't compare the breathability.

I have put several hundred miles on a Driclime and pretty much agree with everything Gary said. It's plenty breathable for everything I've used it for and simplifies my layering system for cold weather winter hiking. I also use it a ton for summer dayhikes as a "compromise layer" - a little insulation, a little rain protection, wind protection, good breathability, and bug protection without the need to carry anything more. The hood does suck.

The Gravity, I suspect, would be much warmer and would be more challenging for me to fit into my layering system. I appreciate that I can keep the Ether on pretty much the whole day whereas I suspect I would have to add and remove the Gravity more often depending on the temp.

Thanks everyone. Exactly what I was looking for.

I'm asking about these two in particular because I own them. I got the Gravity early on in my winter pursuits, and for the most part I like the jacket. Its big drawback is being a bit stifling with a pack against my back. No matter how well I vent with the zipper, I always sweat there and I was wondering if the Driclime would let that area breathe more, or at least do a better job wicking the moisture away from my skin. It's a tough area to minimize moisture.

Looks like I'll have to try my Driclime for my next winter outing.

Edited by T.L. on 02/18/2013 17:12:39 MST.

if it a membrane softshell? ... those arent too breathable

for softshells, get non membrane ... those can be quite "breathable"