This should be easy. I have heard before you can choose between any 2 of the following 3 requirements for a shell (windproof, breathable or waterproof) - so my request seems reasonable. Please share your shell recommendation for cold, dry winter commuting - below is a lot more background info.

I have been a year round commuter from Appleton, WI. since 2008 and am looking for a better shell for cold, dry winter conditions (January avg high 24 Deg F and avg low 8 Deg F). I know, I should have figured this out already, but it has been a real challenge.

I have a Showers Pass Elite 2.0 which has been great, but my base layer gets damp at temps below 25 Deg F. I have tried severe venting, different base layers, etc but no success. I posted a while back and it seems others just cope with the dampness and use wool base layers, etc - http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...e+condensation

I have the J&G Cycling Yellow Jacket http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Wind-Jackets.html, which is more breathable than the SP Elite, but has proven to not be windproof enough from my experience.

I think this situation calls for a little science. I have been researching different soft shell fabrics and read the following article that references air perm and states "fabrics that measure as much as 5 CFM are still functionally windproof" http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/...a-testing.html

I have access to an air perm tester and am planning to test several materials next week at different wind speeds. I have talked with Lou at Foxwear and he sent me some fabrics and I will test these as well as the SP elite and J&G yellow jacket. Hoping to find a fabric (potentially Powershield or Powershield Pro) that have less air perm than the J&G yellow jacket. My plan is then to have Lou make me an Evap jacket with this plus a more breathable Powderstretch for the side and underarm panels. I have read good reviews from BF on this Evap jacket. I am an engineer, so if nothing else, this looks to be a practical and fun experiment!!