Scott from United States, CA Public Profile

Has proven to be super durable for a softshell, I beat on this day in and day out for work in the winter as well as my backcountry adventures and neither the elements nor my washing machine has made a single scratch, ding or dent. The freedom of movement and breathability are outstanding and with the pockets open you can really vent excess heat to avoid removing the shell. I wash it weekly and after a full year it still beads rain like the day I got it. Great zipper, hood and weight! For me it was on the smaller size of the Arc trim fit, I wasn't able to layer under this one in my normal size Medium. It does fit well so I can't justify removing a fitment star but felt it was worth mentioning. If you can try one on it is probably a good idea before purchasing. Another A+ piece from Arc!!

Finding the perfect windbreaker is a real challenge and really subjective depending on where it's to be used and how. I find myself grabbing for my Incendo during the warmer months while mountain biking or the Trino if it's colder. Backpacking or day hikes the Nodin for an ultralight shell when heavy rain isn't in the forecast and ultralight comfort are in order and then this Squamish when things are a bit cooler or higher winds are on the horizon. This compresses nearly as impressively as the Nodin yet provides a much higer level of durability and abrasion resistance due to the 30D vs the Nodin's 20D Tyono face. The hood is nice and I don't find it to generate humidity as many windbreaker hoods do, the slight reinforcement on the brim of the hood is an awesome touch when the rain starts. It can get a bit balmy during high output sessions but a quick heat dump seems to provide a lasting remedy while other jackets seem to retain the moisture when zipped back up. This is an essential piece for good reason. I'm very glad I added it to the arsenal and my Atom LTs love hiding under it when sitting really close to the campfire with ashes blowing about.

Quite possibly the best hiking mid-outer layer made. A hair on the snug side of the Arc Athletic fit but still true to size. *The most stretch and freedom of movement of any piece I own* The zipper stays put but still manageable with one hand, pockets vent heat when opened and are accessible over a hipbelt. This thing breathes wonderfully and does actually break some wind chill even though it is very thin. I have beaten it to death while hiking as an outer with temps above 35F and as a mid when they drop below with no visible wear to the shoulders from my pack straps! practically disappears when stuffed into a pack and the anti-odor pits get my full stamp of approval...Amazing touch. The hood is thin and almost scuba snug but does not hinder movement and the inner micro-fleece is super soft. I purchased a second color after having so much success with the first. One of my most favorite Arc pieces to date!