As it's my birthday soon and also time I bit the bullet and bought some decent waterproofing (i'm generally a tight fisted bugger but fed up of waterproofs that don't last) I was thinking of treating myself to a Rab Vapour-rise Trail softshell jacket and combining it with a quality waterproof shell jacket. Anybody got any experience of softshells?

yes. they are not waterproof! Well, they didn't use to be. Some of the newer stuff like gore 'active' would be worth a look but traditionally softshells are water/wind resistant.

Good for drizzle. Good for a few hours. Not good for ALL day in the rain, get gore-tex or event.

I have had a North Face SS for the last 6 or 7 years and it has been great. Its not insulated in the slightest but it is windstopper and has a hood. Its light, got good pockets and I used it most of the year around. If its getting cold I can get a microfleece under it which helps push it in towards winter.

Have a think about what you want it to do and how its going to compliment your other kit. My 1st one was insulated and heavy. I found I never wore it so got shot of it.

food of thought.

G

I love my Rab VR - use it in light rain without any problems and it still keeps me warm and comfortable if its pissing down. 6 years old and it's still going strong - its a really useful top and is probably my favourite bit of clothing for walking and mountain biking

The one i'm looking at is water repellant, i'm thinking off adding an Outdoor Research Helium 2 pertex shell jacket for proper water proofing. I would then have a base layer, softshell layer and waterproof outer shell which i could mix and match to suite the conditions. I've looked at event and gortex but i could probably only afford the outer shell. I will keep looking on for stuff in sales though.

My Endura Stealth soft shell is my main winter riding jacket. It's very warm and unless the temps are close to freezing I only need a base layer underneath - it's quite well vented though. It is pretty much waterproof, but if it looks like it'll rain all day I'll wear a waterproof instead. I don't take both on rides though - the Stealth is enough on it's own most of the time. I've had it for four years so far and other than the colour fading a bit it's still going strong.

Right, been thinking hard about this and have decided I can live without a soft shell but not a waterproof so am going for the best I can afford, a Rab Demand smock made of eVent. Just waiting for the new plastic to arrive in the post.

Good choice on the waterproof Ray, love mine

Been reading this thread with interest as I need a waterproof shell.

I was considering a Rab Latok Alpine or a Rab Demand. The Alpine seems more bulky, although I like the full length zip.

I found a Latok Alpine XL for £140 (RRP £210) if anyone is interested?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAB-LATOK-ALP ... 759wt_1397

Also I saw a Rab demand for £80 (RRP £150) at Go Outdoors however you have to collect in store.
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/rab-demand-pull-on-p148591

In the end however I decided to go for a Outdoor Research Helium II from GO Outdoors for £60 (Half price!) http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/outdoor-res ... et-p215917

This seems to be very lightweight, packs down small and was cheap.

simon72 wrote: Also I saw a Rab demand for £80 (RRP £150) at Go Outdoors however you have to collect in store.

They only have XXL and you can only get it at Edgeware Road in London!!!

I too thought of getting the Helium but Rab stuff and eVent just gets such good reviews.

Well I didn't get the Rab after all. What I did get though, from Nevisport, is a Berghaus Etive shell jacket in Gore Tex Paclite for £138 reduced from £185 so i'm well happy with that. :D .