Originally Posted by
bigredkevbot
I would say avoid venting, invest in either a gore-tex material jacket (Marmot makes some, as well as other brands like 7Mesh) or something like Search and State's cycling jacket. These materials can breathe very well without exposing you to the cold. Combine with with smart breathable layering (a softshell and a good thermal baselayer) and it's good enough for the New England winter. I have a jacket with 4 vents currently and I wear a polartec shell underneath and it's not good enough in terms of breathability.
Noooo! Never use gore-tex or any other waterproof shell when doing anything slightly excerting (walking for a long distance for example). It's akin to wearing a plastic bag. Gore-tex does not breathe (they say it does, it really doesn't). I can't use my gore shell in anything even if I have all thr vents and pockets open.