Hi everyone, I'm on the hunt for a good everyday wear softshell jacket for the winter and I'm debating between the:
Kathmandu Arbury - https://www.kathmandu.com.au/mens/jackets-and-vests/mens-sof…
Macpac Sabre - https://www.macpac.com.au/macpac-mens-sabre-softshell-jacket…
Both are sort of similar price after discount, was wondering if anyone had any experience with either one, or both?
Thanks!
Not the same company. Big rivals. Macpac is owned by Super Retail Group.
Ah yes, I keep forgetting they sold Macpac a few years ago. Either way Macpac isn't what it once was and is on par with Kathmandu.
I've got a Kathmandu jacket very similar to the one linked and I would say its definitely not waterproof - its alright in a light rain as it does tend to bead off it but in any sort of heavy rain, you're ruined.
It is good for wind though - walking down George Street in Brisbane which is a freaking wind tunnel and my chest stays quite warm
I had a jacket that had seams at the shoulders. After getting soaked and taking it off, it looked like I had very sweaty armpits.
Is it because you had sweaty armpits?
Well I got off at the wrong bus stop so did have to walk a bit. But it was mostly walking 1km in drizzling rain.
You should try both out in store.
Neither is waterproof though, get another layer for that.
Not sure if for the entire Macpac's range, but their sizes ran big. I normally wear a Small but this thing was fricking huge
Or maybe something that costs way less than both of those rip off items.
Ozbargainers would always go for something even less
It's easy for something to be waterproof. A plastic bag is waterproof. It's harder/more expensive for something to be waterproof and breathable. That's where the extra expense comes from and if you're doing some active and want to be kept dry then maybe the premium is worth it.
I would second mountain warehouse. They have some good stuff on clearance or reasonable prices. For what OP is paying they could get soft shell + a second jacket to make up $140 to get free delivery. Mountain Warehouse DHL out of NZ, that is where they send me my stuff.
Kmart stuff I'd suggest trying it on in store but then easy returns if you are near a store.
I have the Arbury V4, and wear it to work basically every day in Canberra in winter. I am very happy with it.
Only difference I can see is that Macpac has adjustable cuffs, whereas the Arbury does not. I think this is certainly an advantage, as it does occasionally annoy me having the cuffs dangling down a bit with the Arbury.
Check out Decathlon too.
Kathmandu is junk, nothing they stock is of any better quality than Anko at K mart.
North Face Venture 2 for $138 @ Wild Earth
Will stop wind and rain, wear a layer for warmth underneath.
Same company, probably similar performance. Doubt either will be waterproof given they're just DWR treated, just resistant and will soak through (and DWR needs to be refreshed periodically). I'd expect similar wind resistance from them as well. For around town they're probably fine, I wouldn't like either for long term outdoor use.