Polartec NeoShell vs EVent

[Tim A]

Doing some extensive research this past week on comparisons between the two materials, in the interest of perhaps purchasing a Marmot Zion "softshell." (which is billed as being completely waterproof but breathes like a softshell)

My current shell inventory includes a Marmot ROM "softshell" (though it really only features softshell panels under the armpits)and an REI Kimtah hardshell (which uses EVent). I've only worn the Kimtah a few times and never in truly adverse conditions on a mountain. It has kept me dry when going grocery shopping during a thunderstorm and during light rain when hiking, but even then it doesn't breathe enough for me to be all that comfortable in it.

The ROM has been a fantastic jacket when I'm in the mountains in winter/spring and the weather isn't nasty. However, last winter, I spent a few days in the ice park in Ouray, and one of those days it snowed about six inches during the day while I was in the gorge, and the ROM couldn't handle it and became compromised and soaked. Beyond that, it was too warm when actually climbing ice in the windless canyon.

I've heard a lot of good things about Neoshell, but I'm hesitant to splurge on it if my Kimtah Event jacket is already comparable. I'm sure the Kimtah will keep me dry on snowy days in the ice park or mountains, but if it doesn't breathe well, I'd prefer to upgrade. Most of my research has basically claimed that Neoshell is slightly more air-permeable than Event, but testers aren't sure if that warrants the huge increase in cost. I've also read Event has to be cleaned to maximize it's venting ability, but mine is in near-new condition given how well I take care of it, and I'm still unimpressed with it's breathability.

One of these days I'll get a true "softshell" jacket, but so far the ROM has held up for long days in the wind on ridgelines during winter and vents fine for me as long as the wind is blowing (not usually a problem in CO above treeline between Dec-April). For now, I'm very intrigued by the concept of a super-permeable shell like the Zion which is still waterproof.

As always, appreciate any direct experience or thoughts.

[prestone818]

I've used the ROM for 5 years. Big fan for active times in non Antarctica temps. Recently bought the Zion and haven't had a chance to try it out yet, so interested in the any feedback here. A concern that I have is that it's not 100% windproof. It's labeled windproof, but I was watching a video of a marmot rep saying it's basically windproof, but you might feel some wind come through at very high speeds.

[elhombre]

Bought my first high end rain gear this year from REI, (Event). Wore for 4 days straight in Mt. Robson National park in Canada, and it worked great. I have only used the Precip before, and it had pit zips. I was worried that the Event didn't have them, but figured I give it a try. I paid $300 for pants and jacket. It saved the trip from being miserable. It was cold the entire time with rain/clouds blowing through the valley most all those days. We hiked each day anyway, and the gear made it possible. I am sorry that I can't compare it to any of the other high end breathable materials out there, but I can tell you it worked great for me and I feel it was well worth the price. The Princess was even able to get an Event jacket for herself from REI for $100 on their outlet site. It is very red.

It works, and at that price, I'm not going to cry too loud when it gets messed up from use.

[k-berger]

I have used the Marmot Zion as my go to jacket for the last 3 or 4 years. Mostly used for resort skiing, ski touring, spring time ski mountaineering, occasionally hiking during the summer/fall and around town. I love the jacket and will be buying a new one when/if this one craps out.

It truly is a breathable 'hardshell', I don't get overheated when skinning and it still keeps me warm at a resort with little movement. On super cold 0 degree days I layer with a puffy jacket and I stay warm on lifts but don't overheat skiing.

Wore it in a major rain downpour once and had some moisture start to seep through the arms, but never had a problem with wet snow or snowstorms with it. Can't speak to the Event technology but I have been impressed with the Zion.

[polar]

I should respond to this, since I actually have both an eVent jacket and the Marmot Zion. However, it is a little hard to compare the two jackets I have though, because they’re built differently. In addition to the material used, a jacket’s construction also determines its breathability. The eVent jacket I have is an old Lowe Alpine jacket I bought about ten years ago (before Lowe Alpine went exclusive with Gore-Tex). It’s built as a hardshell/rain jacket, i.e. no lining, no insulation. I used it primarily for spring/fall (in cooler weather), and it worked really well. Definitely breathed better than an even older Arc’Teryx Gore-Tex jacket I have.

The Marmot Zion is a different build. It’s a softshell with a waterproof laminate (Neoshell). Like any softshell, it is thicker and heavier than a hardshell, since it is lined to provide some insulation. My Zion is relatively new so I haven’t had a chance to try it in a downpour (and I’ll unlikely be able to since I live in CO), but I performed my unscientific waterproof test with it by inverting the hood and fill it with water, nothing seeped through overnight. Compare to the “control” which is older Marmot softshell jacket I have, water definitely soaked through the hood. In terms of breathability, the Zion feels slightly less breathable than my other Marmot softshell. But since your ROM is made with Windstopper (and in my experience Windstopper really doesn’t breath that well), I think the Zion may breath just as well, if not better than your ROM. It’s hard to compare the Zion to my eVent jacket in terms of breathability since they’re built differently, but the Zion is warmer than my Lowe Alpine eVent jacket (which translates to more sweat if I’m wearing exactly the same layers with either jacket).

For what I use it for, the Zion makes sense since I’ve pretty much abandoned my hardshell in Colorado. I don’t ice climb, I only hike in winter. I also work up quite a sweat even in sub-freezing temperatures. Below treeline when the wind is not howling, I’m usually in just one or two layers of merino wool to reduce the sweat factor. Once above treeline when the wind picks up, I need both added insulation and wind block, and a softshell is perfect to provide both.

But for your application (ice climbing), a hardshell (like the one you currently have) makes more sense since you need some protection from dripping water even in calm conditions. If your current softshell is too hot to climb in, then the Zion will probably be too hot to climb in as well. You’ll most likely be more comfortable with the hardshell over just your base layer when you climb, then when the wind picks up, add an insulating layer.

[JtheChemE]

I tried event, and own neoshell (Rab Neo Guide) and neoshell laminate (Zion).

I get quite clammy in the Zion, which is due to the soft inner lining and softshell features. However, I find no moisture buildup at all with a straight Polartec Neoshell. While I think it is technically a hardshell, the material is much softer in 'feel' than goretex/event. I'm a high output kind of guy, and run very warm, so I am distinctly aware of any moisture buildup. After trying a Rab EVent shell for a season, it was just not breathable enough so sold it. Event definitely 'feels' more durable from my experience, and it is still my preference for salopettes. Neoshell is absolutely waterproof from my experience. I've used my Rab neoshell for entire days in S.American downpours, wet windblown snowstorms and just about everything in between.

You can always apply your own DWR to your ROM and see how that does.

[HikerCurt]

I've had the Zion for a couple years and only use it for anticipated really cold climbs like Mt Shasta and Sierra snow climbs. It's been great for those, very windproof but I haven't had allot of rain or heavy wet snow so I'm not sure how waterproof it is. I find the Zion pretty heavy for a shell and only use it for very windy or cold climbs. I typically wear a wool T-shirt, hooded fleece (R1) and the Zion and that combo works great while moving - once on Shasta had 30+ mph winds at ~20° and only needed a puffy when stopped.