Absolutely love Keela. I get issued with it at work. It just works. For what you get from them its cheap as chips. The Genesis waterproof fleece is witchcraft.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting, it's really appreciated. I'm just putting the finishing touches to a video review of the Keela Stratus jacket that I've been using for the past 4 months.
Hi Craig. I just lost my Keela Hydron😮💨. I am thinking of replacing it with another one, or, Alpkit Jura, or Buffalo special 6. If you had to buy a new softshell would you go Hydron again? Cheers.
@@tablatom I must admit, I've never worn an Alpkit jacket and it's been several decades since I've worn a Buffalo 6, but in terms of soft shells, I'm very happy with the Hydron. The only thing I might do differently is possibly buy a size larger than what I did.
@@TheBushcraftPadawanover all I think I will get another Hydron. I mainly mountain bike and it sounds like jackets like the Buffalo 6 are too warm for MTB’ing even in winter. I do run warm. Though there is the buffalo active lite that might be good. It was your review that got me to buy the Hydron. I think it’s a great balance of protection and lightness.
Have a (don't laugh) Dare2B soft shell had it years now, no thrills at all but ace, my arcteryx atom is now the go to all day jacket, but will look at the as uk based company Keela
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own jacket setup David, much appreciated 👍 Many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
I recently got a Mammut aenergy softshell. Didn't own any softshell before and it's the single piece of clothing I've been using the most since. I agree that it's the most useful for standard weather in the mountains. Even with no wind it cuts out humidity.
+pigozs I'm glad that you're also experiencing the benefits of soft shell jackets, what country are you based in? Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
My preferred system for cool to cold and rainy/wet weather is exactly that, more of a system rather than a specific piece of gear. First layer is a fishnet type baselayer. Then a thin, breathable, wicking polyester base layer (with or without grid fleece--depends on how cold). Then a thin, breathable, polypropylene baselayer over that (this along with the fishnet baselayer, are the keys to this system). Then some kind of windshirt that is decently breathable and has a good DWR on it. Preferably a more long lasting one like EPIC (thicker, silicone layer that doesn't wear off easily like most DWR treatments). I've been known to take an overly breathable (preferably polyester) windshirt, and apply my own silicone treatment). This system seems to dry out the fastest and keeps me the warmest while wet. No need for expensive name brands. I've also have made, from scratch, my own waterproof breathable poncho that I use as well. It was made by sewing together two layers of fabric. On the inside is "kite tyvek" (the softer, lighter, and more breathable kind). On the outside, is a crappy silnylon that didn't have a good coating and wasn't that waterproof. To make it more breathable, I folded it a few times, and ran it under my sewing machine with largest needle that wasn't threaded, to puncture holes in it. The two layers of pretty hydrophobic and somewhat breathable materials with very long lasting hydrophobicity, along with the general poncho design, make it all pretty breathable, while minimizing getting wet. Two layers of long lasting hydrophobic but breathable layers is better than most systems out there. That is because the first layer, absorbs some of the initial energy of the rain falling, and then the 2nd inner layer just has to bead up the water that does get through. Most systems use a single, very hydrophobic membrane that is very non breathable. Often the DWR on the first, outer layer, wears off or gets overwhelmed fairly quickly and then it all becomes a sweat box.
My go to jacket for years has been an old Salomon softshell it's a snowboarding jacket really but it's 10k waterproof and it's great for literally 90% of the weather I go out in
Thanks for sharing your own gear setup in this area, sounds like you've landed on a solution that works well for you. Please consider subscribing to my channel if you'd like to see more in the future.
My go to on those kind of days is a paramo enduro fleece with enduro windproof recently wore both about a week ago up scafell pike in 70mph winds and coped very well. Very comfortable system with moderate waterproofing. In full rain days I prefer a full paramo analogy. In terms of keela though I do really rate the genesis fleece had one for years great for similar conditions.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own setup and preferences in this area, much appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I use the British army softie only payed 20 pound and it's the warmest jacket I ever brought Also got a goretex raf jacket with liner for 15 great gear in the video
I csnt afford the top named brands so when its belting it down i judt pop on my old army light weight goretex jacket until it stops. Problem is because its dpm camo people get the wrong impression but at least im dry 🤣🤣
I wear a softshell by TrueWerk as a longshoreman in Alaska. I wash it weekly and only with NikWax detergent and wash in waterproof. I have also seam sealed my jacket & bibs ( both a softshell they call T3 material ). They claim it is “highly” water resistant. After what I have done, I say it is waterproof. Even after 3 hours of wind driven rain, I am dry. The material is soaked tho! And if I sat down, the water would push thru. But I personally hate waterproofs because I get too hot and sweaty. I don’t get that problem with the softshell. And every 3 hours we get a brake so my softshells get a chance to dry out a bit. Works for me👍
@TheBushcraftPadawan great comprehensive review as usual but it would be great if you could open the jacket and show us the inside. This always seems to get overlooked in reviews and on manufacturers websites and leaves us guessing. Cheers.
I’ve been a huge fan of Keela for years now, their ventile smock is ace. And their stratus hard shell is the best hard shell I’ve ever owned. Cracking review mate 👍🏻
Cheers Jamie, thanks for the feedback. I'd noticed that you'd also blogged about your own Keela experiences too. I've had my eye on the Stratus for a little while now.....
Handy having keela just 25 miles from me. I’d like to find a place to try on there fit. I’m short and broad. I 100% agree with the pit zip on the pack straps. I’m using a revolution race jacket atm. It’s utterly fine for its price tag.
@The Bushcraft Padawan you to Craig oh have you used Revolutionrace gear I have there trousers I got second hand think they are the RVRC GP they are amazing & they too fully test there gear & EX SAS Mark Billy Billingham is one of there testers & ambassadors of the line. But never tested there soft shell.
Thanks Craig Thinking light weight thru hiking over many days..- would you carry this in addition to a hard shell jacket which is needed for really heavy down pours ....or would you leave it behind...and just use it for shorter or day hikes when you know pretty much what the weather is going to do? In terms of layering, might the soft shell replace a fleece mid layer ? It seems it can double up as a windbreak as well...which is another one over a fleece. 1 Base layer 2 soft shell/ fleece 3 hard-shell / pack lite waterproof
Can you (or other commenters) give advice on sizing? I want to wear a short sleeved lightweight base layer and a long sleeved lightweight mid layer under this jacket. Keela calls it an “ active fit” and I want enough room for these two layers without the jacket being too big. I am 6 ft tall and 175 lbs. Great video and thanks for any tips on sizing. Cheers
Most of my jackets are 101 inc or Mil-Tec those are by definition helmet compatible as they are derived from military gear. Add that they also have the ventilation zippers they are great for wanderers like me.
Not sure that is a vent on the side it looks to be placed for getting to side pockets on an inside shirt or something like a warm pocket. Don’t pull both chest zippers at the same time made you look like a sixty’s pinup girl….Have fun stay safe.
+Kenneth Wilson they're definitely marketed as a side vents, although I agree you could equally use it to get to the pockets of a layer that you're using underneath it.
Great insights... I've ditched all my jackets for a "2GoSystems" poncho... It's great for rain and protects my pack as well. Its aluminium coating on the inside is very effective thermally and will also double as a bivy bag in a pinch. All I have to do is dress appropriately for whatever season I find myself in. Being made out of spun olefin it's incredibly light but also durable. Have used it now for about a year. Thanks again for a great vid. (I do still carry a "Paradox" windbreaker for around camp, but really, hardly ever use it).
@@TheBushcraftPadawan Back at ya! You take the time and put so much effort into putting information out there that solid and dependable no matter what the preference. Still watching! 👍
If you've enjoyed this video and would like to support me and my channel then please consider hitting the ♥Thanks button above.
Many thanks 🙏
Absolutely love Keela. I get issued with it at work. It just works. For what you get from them its cheap as chips. The Genesis waterproof fleece is witchcraft.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting, it's really appreciated.
I'm just putting the finishing touches to a video review of the Keela Stratus jacket that I've been using for the past 4 months.
Hi Craig. I just lost my Keela Hydron😮💨. I am thinking of replacing it with another one, or, Alpkit Jura, or Buffalo special 6. If you had to buy a new softshell would you go Hydron again? Cheers.
@@tablatom I must admit, I've never worn an Alpkit jacket and it's been several decades since I've worn a Buffalo 6, but in terms of soft shells, I'm very happy with the Hydron. The only thing I might do differently is possibly buy a size larger than what I did.
@@TheBushcraftPadawanover all I think I will get another Hydron. I mainly mountain bike and it sounds like jackets like the Buffalo 6 are too warm for MTB’ing even in winter. I do run warm. Though there is the buffalo active lite that might be good.
It was your review that got me to buy the Hydron. I think it’s a great balance of protection and lightness.
I absolutely love my mountain equipment frontier softshell. Especially at £85. 👌
Great to hear 👍
Have a (don't laugh) Dare2B soft shell had it years now, no thrills at all but ace, my arcteryx atom is now the go to all day jacket, but will look at the as uk based company Keela
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own jacket setup David, much appreciated 👍
Many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
I recently got a Mammut aenergy softshell. Didn't own any softshell before and it's the single piece of clothing I've been using the most since. I agree that it's the most useful for standard weather in the mountains. Even with no wind it cuts out humidity.
+pigozs I'm glad that you're also experiencing the benefits of soft shell jackets, what country are you based in?
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
My preferred system for cool to cold and rainy/wet weather is exactly that, more of a system rather than a specific piece of gear. First layer is a fishnet type baselayer. Then a thin, breathable, wicking polyester base layer (with or without grid fleece--depends on how cold). Then a thin, breathable, polypropylene baselayer over that (this along with the fishnet baselayer, are the keys to this system).
Then some kind of windshirt that is decently breathable and has a good DWR on it. Preferably a more long lasting one like EPIC (thicker, silicone layer that doesn't wear off easily like most DWR treatments). I've been known to take an overly breathable (preferably polyester) windshirt, and apply my own silicone treatment).
This system seems to dry out the fastest and keeps me the warmest while wet. No need for expensive name brands.
I've also have made, from scratch, my own waterproof breathable poncho that I use as well. It was made by sewing together two layers of fabric. On the inside is "kite tyvek" (the softer, lighter, and more breathable kind). On the outside, is a crappy silnylon that didn't have a good coating and wasn't that waterproof. To make it more breathable, I folded it a few times, and ran it under my sewing machine with largest needle that wasn't threaded, to puncture holes in it.
The two layers of pretty hydrophobic and somewhat breathable materials with very long lasting hydrophobicity, along with the general poncho design, make it all pretty breathable, while minimizing getting wet. Two layers of long lasting hydrophobic but breathable layers is better than most systems out there. That is because the first layer, absorbs some of the initial energy of the rain falling, and then the 2nd inner layer just has to bead up the water that does get through. Most systems use a single, very hydrophobic membrane that is very non breathable. Often the DWR on the first, outer layer, wears off or gets overwhelmed fairly quickly and then it all becomes a sweat box.
Thanks for sharing Justin. 👍
you aren't unique.
My go to jacket for years has been an old Salomon softshell it's a snowboarding jacket really but it's 10k waterproof and it's great for literally 90% of the weather I go out in
Thanks for sharing your own gear setup in this area, sounds like you've landed on a solution that works well for you.
Please consider subscribing to my channel if you'd like to see more in the future.
Great review. Good to see Willow also. Will definitely look into the Keela. Looks exactly what we were looking for. Stay well and keep 'em coming.
Cheers John, glad you enjoyed the video. Let me know how you get on if you decide to pick up the Hydron jacket.
Have you tried the Keela Pinnacle jacket?
No I haven't I'm afraid
@@TheBushcraftPadawan thanks!
My go to on those kind of days is a paramo enduro fleece with enduro windproof recently wore both about a week ago up scafell pike in 70mph winds and coped very well. Very comfortable system with moderate waterproofing. In full rain days I prefer a full paramo analogy. In terms of keela though I do really rate the genesis fleece had one for years great for similar conditions.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own setup and preferences in this area, much appreciated.
Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I use the British army softie only payed 20 pound and it's the warmest jacket I ever brought
Also got a goretex raf jacket with liner for 15
great gear in the video
Thanks for sharing your own setup and positive feedback on the video. It's really appreciated.
I csnt afford the top named brands so when its belting it down i judt pop on my old army light weight goretex jacket until it stops.
Problem is because its dpm camo people get the wrong impression but at least im dry 🤣🤣
Hey buddy, if it works for you then go for it! 👍
I wear a softshell by TrueWerk as a longshoreman in Alaska. I wash it weekly and only with NikWax detergent and wash in waterproof. I have also seam sealed my jacket & bibs ( both a softshell they call T3 material ). They claim it is “highly” water resistant. After what I have done, I say it is waterproof. Even after 3 hours of wind driven rain, I am dry. The material is soaked tho! And if I sat down, the water would push thru. But I personally hate waterproofs because I get too hot and sweaty. I don’t get that problem with the softshell. And every 3 hours we get a brake so my softshells get a chance to dry out a bit. Works for me👍
@TheBushcraftPadawan great comprehensive review as usual but it would be great if you could open the jacket and show us the inside. This always seems to get overlooked in reviews and on manufacturers websites and leaves us guessing. Cheers.
I’ve been a huge fan of Keela for years now, their ventile smock is ace. And their stratus hard shell is the best hard shell I’ve ever owned.
Cracking review mate 👍🏻
Cheers Jamie, thanks for the feedback. I'd noticed that you'd also blogged about your own Keela experiences too. I've had my eye on the Stratus for a little while now.....
Handy having keela just 25 miles from me. I’d like to find a place to try on there fit. I’m short and broad. I 100% agree with the pit zip on the pack straps. I’m using a revolution race jacket atm. It’s utterly fine for its price tag.
It might be worth popping up to their factory to see if they have a factory shop where you could try some gear on?
@@TheBushcraftPadawan I will defo give that a try.
Wot soft shell jacket did you wear before?
Sorry you just answered my question in the video 😅
LOL, no worries!
Have a great week.
@The Bushcraft Padawan you to Craig oh have you used Revolutionrace gear I have there trousers I got second hand think they are the RVRC GP they are amazing & they too fully test there gear & EX SAS Mark Billy Billingham is one of there testers & ambassadors of the line.
But never tested there soft shell.
Thanks Craig
Thinking light weight thru hiking over many days..- would you carry this in addition to a hard shell jacket which is needed for really heavy down pours ....or would you leave it behind...and just use it for shorter or day hikes when you know pretty much what the weather is going to do?
In terms of layering, might the soft shell replace a fleece mid layer ? It seems it can double up as a windbreak as well...which is another one over a fleece.
1 Base layer
2 soft shell/ fleece
3 hard-shell / pack lite waterproof
To solve some of your issues with this jacket and others, I'd try the paramo enduro windproof jacket
Can you (or other commenters) give advice on sizing? I want to wear a short sleeved lightweight base layer and a long sleeved lightweight mid layer under this jacket. Keela calls it an “ active fit” and I want enough room for these two layers without the jacket being too big. I am 6 ft tall and 175 lbs.
Great video and thanks for any tips on sizing. Cheers
Me to I would like to know how these fit I'm between ,L & xl. Don't want it to tight.
Most of my jackets are 101 inc or Mil-Tec those are by definition helmet compatible as they are derived from military gear. Add that they also have the ventilation zippers they are great for wanderers like me.
+Jackson Teller Hi Jackson Teller and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated.
Thanks
You're very welcome, thank you for your generosity.
Not sure that is a vent on the side it looks to be placed for getting to side pockets on an inside shirt or something like a warm pocket. Don’t pull both chest zippers at the same time made you look like a sixty’s pinup girl….Have fun stay safe.
+Kenneth Wilson they're definitely marketed as a
side vents, although I agree you could equally use it to get to the pockets of a layer that you're using underneath it.
What do you think about Arcteryx gamma MX compared with it?
+Jacinto YYY I have no experience of using that particular jacket so afraid that I can't offer any opinion on a comparison.
Great insights... I've ditched all my jackets for a "2GoSystems" poncho... It's great for rain and protects my pack as well. Its aluminium coating on the inside is very effective thermally and will also double as a bivy bag in a pinch. All I have to do is dress appropriately for whatever season I find myself in. Being made out of spun olefin it's incredibly light but also durable. Have used it now for about a year. Thanks again for a great vid. (I do still carry a "Paradox" windbreaker for around camp, but really, hardly ever use it).
Thanks for sharing your own thinking and set up around this, much appreciated David.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan Back at ya! You take the time and put so much effort into putting information out there that solid and dependable no matter what the preference. Still watching! 👍
So Craig....what you're saying is "If you don't like the weather, stand still 5 minutes, it'll change😂" Thanks..great video!
Yeah, I guess that pretty much sums it up! 😃