|
|
楼主 |
发表于 2006-11-28 21:56
|
显示全部楼层
SOFT SHELLS
In the beginning?
卼here was the
Buffalo - a brilliantly simple top made of warm fibre-pile inside, with Pertex nylon outside, blocking wind and rain. People saw that it was good. Then, Patagonia took the idea and worked to make it more robust and stretchy. People saw that this too was good - nay - better. Now there are hundreds of variants of what began to be known as soft shells, all with features to make them harder wearing, and improve freedom of movement.
One soft shell may vary wildy to another, but they all share a few basic properties:
They are more weather resistant than fleece but more breathable than a traditional rainproof shell.
The face fabrics generally have a tighter woven outer face, which must be water repellant. This is additionally treated with, a chemical DWR (Durable Water Repellant).
Soft-shell fabrics have a degree of stretch. Some more than others - but commonly more than hard-shells.
The benefits
Soft shells can be much more breathable than traditional rain shells - hard shells , making them more usable across a wider range of aerobic activity than the traditional fleece and rain shell, which meant putting on and taking off layers. Soft shells can handle all conditions with extreme ease, they can be almost as breathable as a fleece, whilst being almost as weather beating as a full rain shell. Which means you don't have to keep changing when the weather changes!
I have a fleece and a nice hard shell, why do I want a soft-shell?
-Soft-shells suit more aerobic sports, such as Climbing, running, biking and skiing where breathability and wind resistance is paramount. In general, soft-shells are more comfortable over a wider range of weather conditions and activity levels. Some soft-shells would work as a layer with a rain shell, if the rain becomes overwhelming; others are standalone garments for high activity, (see specific comments on each item)
- Soft-shells are tougher. If a traditional hard shell is punctured, it leaks, whereas a soft-shell can still function very well.
Soft-shells, because of the stretch, can be cut closer than hard shells, improving performance. They breath better, insulate better and work in an extreme range of movement.
We think all these shells are pretty great, but which is the greatest?
There is a huge range of jackets, for different needs. So, if you are a runner, or an ice climber, you can find a jacket, which suits your needs. Check the test criteria and find the one that suits you.
TEST CRITERIA
Windproofing: To a certain extent a trade off against breathability
Breathability: This hinges on the garment construction - use of linings, laminates and so forth.
Waterproofing: Some of these jackets are intended to shrug off a shower, others boast complete protection, usually at the cost of breathability and possibly insulation
Insulation: Some jackets are more orientated towards insulation, others more in the direction of being a shell
Durability: Fabrics and construction
Weight: Generally - the lighter the better.
Suitability: We try and assess what kind of activity this jacket most suits, hopefully you'll find the one which fits your requirements.
Value: Rather than mere cost, this reflects quality for the price. |
|
皖公网安备34010402701726号 )
发表于 2006-11-28 21:54