April 7, 2000


What's your take on water/wind resistant shells?

I've been doing some comparative shopping and was wondering what your take is on water/wind resistant shells (e.g. the Marmot DryClime Windshirt, Moonstone Profusion, EMS Windshear Jacket, etc.). They seem to be very useful for many different outdoor pursuits. So, what's the best bang for the buck?

— Matt Brueseke, Oxford, Ohio

What you're thinking of is what most people call a "wind shirt" - a light shell layer that's designed to cut a cold breeze and shed light rainfall. These garments typically are very light and cut fairly closely and are meant to be tossed over a light sweater or fleece jacket. They can range from very simple, inexpensive garment to something like the Marmot DryClime Windshirt you mention, which employs two layers of polyester fabric for a very light, fast-drying garment that sells for $89. Moonstone's Profusion uses a very similar material in a little more fashion-conscious design and sells for $119.

Personally, I find the wind shirt concept more useful in theory than in practice. Though wind shirts are very light, they're still another piece of gear to carry. And they won't do as a full storm shell. So while I have some wind shirts, I've never really gotten into the habit of wearing one - I figure if its cool-not-cold I can just don my storm shell and vent the heck out of it. Still, I know people swear by them for everything from hiking into base camp on Denali to bicycling to cross-country skiing.