Windshirt Perfection

[olyclimber]

I tore my old windshirt (a Golite model no longer produced) and so I was in the market for a new one. I loved my old one, but it had issues. The main one was that I couldn't pull it on while wearing a helmet as the zipper didn't zip down enough. So began my quest for the perfect windshirt. Requirements:

 

1. I can put it on over a helmet

2. Must fold neatly and compactly into its own pocket/stuff sack

3. Must have a gear loop to clip to harness

4. Must have a hood

5. "Athletic fit" (translation: fits a fat ass like myself)

6. It must have caché, to fit my lifestyle. Brand names are important.

7. As befits my way of life, money was not an object

8. Under 8 oz.

 

How was I going to use this windshirt?

 

1. Power lunches with colleagues

2. Speed walking the Birke Gilman

3. Sashaying the runways from New York to Milan

4. Occasionally I would like to carry a bit of warmth on my harness when I go climbing.

 

I preferred not to have the full zip, as I see that as unnecessary.

 

Since I last checked there are new entries to the hooded windshirt game.

- Golite Ether

- Marmot Ion

- MontBell Mistral

- Patagonia Houdini

- there are a few more I think

 

 

After trying on all I could of the above, and at the urging of my colleague Alpinfox, I discovered the Arcatearix Squamish. Obviously, with a name like that, I was on the right track. Since they make those things in China, they can pass the savings along to the consumer! They only set you back something like $140 list.

When I put one of these things on, it became obvious that Arcatearix sent a tailor to my house when I was sleeping and measured me up. Perfect fit. Additionally, since having sepsis in my left arm, any constriction at all (like the elastic on my previous windshirt) caused my arm to swell up (apparently due to damage to my lymph system in the arm?). The Squamish has a velcro closure, thus avoiding that issue. Not only that, but the Squamish met all my requirements stated above!

 

The Squamish is obviously the perfect lifestyle piece. The only downside is that I may be mugged for it when strolling the park on a windy day. Oh, and the price. I found it discounted significantly, but this will obviously still put it out of reach of many of what Leona Helmsly infamously called "the little people". The Marmot Ion does look pretty nice, and can be found at about %50 percent the price of a discounted Squamish. I never found one of those to try on. That might be nice windshirt, depending on what you're going to use it for.

 

So in conclusion, I found my little slice of perfection in the Squamish. I would love to see a vigorous debate over what makes the perfect windshirt, but for me, the decision has been made.

[G-spotter]

One windshirt does not make a quiver. That's a good start though Porter, but to be a SERIOUS CLIMBER you need at least 4, and preferably 6 in your quiver.

 

I hope the person who sold it to you had at least a couple of years' worth of retail experience too.

[RuMR]

i think John has sumpin' like several hundred...multiple colors, etc.

[olyclimber]

Aggh! You guys should respect discernment.

 

Has anyone tried the OR Ion??? Avg. weight: 3.5 oz./99 g (size L)!!!!! Unfortunately I can't do with those elastic cuffs.

[Vickster]

Yup, the Squamish is a great wind shell. Marmot Mountain Works had them for $69 when I got mine, love it.

[Maxtrax]

The Squamish is far and above the best windshirt I have used. My partner has the Marmot Ion and while it performs decently, the cut is much boxier and tends to flap around and get caught on stuff, also I agree that the full zip is unnecessary.

 

The OR windshirt seems nice but everything they make is too tight across the back of my shoulders. I've heard good things about the Houdini and CAMP Magic Anorak but haven't had a chance to actually check either one out in person. Other than that I really like my Wild Things non-hooded windshirt as a midlayer during the winter.