Old 12-18-11 | 05:36 AM
  #11  
MichaelW
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: England
For cold, dry conditions, the best material is a tight-weave, non-membrane fabric such as polyester or poly-cotton. I use the Huff test to determine its permeability; If you can huff through the material with ease, it is too porus. If you cant huff through it at all, it is not permeable enough. If you can huff through with some pressure, it will be totally windproof but fairly breathable.
In the Antarctic, the material of choice is a tight-weave cotton called Ventile that is used in military aircrew survival suits.
My usual winter jacket is by Paramo. It has no membrane, a windproof shell and a wicking liner and is effectively waterproof under the harshest conditions.
There are many "softshell" style jackets which may be suitable.
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