COLD THISTLE: The People's choice! Shells?

Here is a chance for you the readers at Cold Thistle to sound off. Write 10 words,10 paragraphs or 10 pages on why you think your shell (soft, hard or hard shellpile) is the best thing since sliced bread. Climbing related comments are the ones most appreciated here ;-) Send it to my email address and add aname if you want credit. Photos are cool as well. And I'll then add them to the blog in a "people's choice commentary" coming up soon.

rdburns@cnw.com

My turn to learn from you! And while we are at it, you can educate the masses! Or just remind me how bad that "last" review was. As always I'll be adding a few comments on the newestshells that are showing up here @ Cold Thistle right now. Below, Westcomb pulled all the stops for this lwt Neoshell. Seems like a perfect piece for climbing to me. Details below, butmore later once I get a chance to actually climb in it. Bozeman next stop!

The Westcomb's, Shift @ 12oz (actual weight) in my perfectly sized (for me), USmen's large. Hood fits a Petzl Meteor helmet easily. Arms and shoulders fit me extremelywell with room to spare.Jacket is made of stretchable 360 NP Polartec Neoshell. I would call this one a very light weight, stretchable (some stretch to be sure), hard shell. $400 retail.

A couple of online reviews from users and the industryhere:

http://www.prolitegear.com/westcomb-shift-hoody.html

http://www.wildsnow.com/7470/low-mass-soft-shell-shootout/

http://www.benosh.com/westcomb-shift-ultralighters-your-shell-is-here/

Westcomb sez:

360 NP Polartec® NeoShell® - Durable water- and windproof nylon weave,breathability and stretch performance.

20 SPI - 20 stitches per inch exceed industry standards by at least 2x.
This higher SPI allows for a lighter, yet stronger fabric seam giving a lifetime
of wear and tear while reducing weight as additional top-stitching isn’t
needed.

Micro Seam Taping - Creates the thinnest waterproof boundary while
creating a more pliable seam without the added weight.

Laminated Zippers, Waist and Wrist Hems - Super durable fabric adhesive
affixes these critical areas, creating waterproof, stitchless, lightweight
seams with weld-like durability and ultra clean aesthetics.

YKK PU Zippers - Provide smooth operation with watertight performance.
Reduces weight by eliminating the need for storm flaps.

Articulated Sleeves - Integrated strategic pocket areas allowing for
unrestricted movement.

Westcomb’s lightest Polartec® NeoShell® Jacket. The Shift Hoody offers no-
compromise wind and water protection, in a featherweight shell. Designed so the
gram counting outdoor adventurer can maximize experience with minimal
weight.

_Attached Helmet Compatible Hood - The 2-point adjustable hood is roomy
enough to wear over a helmet, yet cinches comfortably down when worn without
one. Bungee cord on each side of the hood and a one in back simply adjust with
one-handed ease, keeping your other hand ready for the unexpected.

_Adjustable Waist System - Easy to adjust with one hand; just pull the
cinch-cord at the waist to lock out the elements. Press the one-handed release
on the outside hem to loosen the jacket back up.

_High Collar with Velour-lined Chin-Guard - Provides comfort and
protection from the elements for your neck and face.

_1 Napoleon Pocket - Provides easy access to crucial gear. Stash your
essential items in the conveniently located chest pocket.

_Velcro Cuff
Closure - Keeps snow, wind, and rain from creeping in right at the
wrists.

_340 NRS Polartec® NeoShell® - Fly weight nylon ripstop with breathability
and waterproof performance. NeoShell® technology works continuously without
sacrificing hand, stretch and durability.

_360 NP Polartec® NeoShell® - Durable water- and windproof nylon weave
with revolutionary breathability and stretch performance.

_20 SPI - 20 stitches per inch exceed industry standards by at least 2x.
This higher SPI allows for a lighter, yet stronger fabric seam giving a lifetime
of wear and tear while reducing weight as additional top-stitching isn’t
needed.

_Micro Seam Taping - Creates the thinnest waterproof boundary while
creating a more pliable seam without the added weight.

_Laminated Zippers, Waist and Wrist Hems - Super durable fabric adhesive
affixes these critical areas, creating waterproof,

stitchless, lightweight
seams with weld-like durability and ultra clean aesthetics.

_YKK PU Zippers - Provide smooth operation with watertight performance.
Reduces weight by eliminating the need for storm flaps.

_Articulated Sleeves - Integrated strategic pocket areas allowing for
unrestricted movement in any position.