[Azathoth]

@thundercactus

You are way out to lunch.


Depends on the amount of rain we are talking about and the role / load out you are running. Sometimes I run a smock, othertimes it's a plate carrier on top of a goretex layer of some kind.

Layering, layering, layering that is the key.

A softshell is used on top of a base layer for colder weather. The gold standard for softshells is the Arcteryx Atom series. They have some insulation and are DWR (Durable water resistant).

If you are in 5-10 degree weather with a rainstorm coming down on you, I would wear a quality baselayer like a fall/spring long sleeve insulating layer, and then your combat tunic, then goretex. Probably could get away without the insulating layer.

You want outside water to stay away from your skin, you want your sweat to wick away from your skin and towards the goretex.


The worst soft shell I have ever used in the rain is a CONDOR summit. It does not wick away moisture like goretex, instead under heavy or prolonged rain/snow the water will leech into the insulating layer, and your jacket will end up weighting into 10-15 lbs when soaked. It will not keep you warm when you are soaked wet./