Info on several softshell jackets (Pinguin, Sherpa)

[Bobby]

Hello, I am lookig up information on one or two jackets from Pinguin, and the only reviews I can find are in czech. Since I don't know a word of czech, I thought someone here could help me out. (What I am looking for is a light, waterproof, robust and warm softshell jacket for spring to autumn, for short-medium trips up to 2500m)

The models are Argon and Cirrus (softshells). I found some reviews too:

Argon: http://www.svetoutdooru.cz/clanek/?1079 ... guin-argon
Cirrus: http://hiking.sk/hk/ar/1046/bunda_pinguin_cirrus.html

If anyone could translate or at least sum up the the conclusions of these reviews, and perhaps share some personal experiences with these models, it would be great.

One more thing, if anyone has had experience with the Cosmos softshell jacket from "Philosophy of Sherpa" (2009) and could compare it to these Pinguin models (regarding material quality, functionality, waterproofness etc.) it would be very helpful as well.

Thanks for your support.

[pavproch]

well, everone knows the (mighty) google translator (sometimes) gives away very funny outcome, but....
(and Im much too lazy to do it instead.... )

here it goes

softshel jacket argon review in English by google

and

ditto cirrus

enjoy (and have some fun) !

[Bobby]

Actually this is the best translation I've read all day (and I've read a few ) so thanks. I think I've got them pretty much cleared out.

Now, if anyone would like to express his own opinions / experiences about these jackets (the Pinguins as well as the Sherpa) they would be welcomed as well.

[Ondrej]

Look at Cioch company. Their jackets work much better than Argon or Cirrus you mentioned. Cioch jackets can be made to measure, are much more breathable, waterproof and windproof. And the biggest bonus... there is no need for super special translator.

[pavproch]

@Bobby ref Ondrej's suggestion (an advice from an old-timer to a freshman): be aware, Ondrej never goes with the mainstream.....

[Bobby]

Look at Cioch company. Their jackets work much better than Argon or Cirrus you mentioned. Cioch jackets can be made to measure, are much more breathable, waterproof and windproof. And the biggest bonus... there is no need for super special translator.

While I'm sure that's true, they do not really fit the profile of jacket I'm looking for (plus I don't need 100% rain protection as I use a lightweight raincoat for heavy rain). They are more hardshell than soft, are heavier, probably less elastic and robust, and... 2-3 times more expensive than the Pinguins Or the Sherpas

[Ondrej]

You choose, you loose, Bobby...

[Umiaki]

You choose, you loose, Bobby...

Is that double "o" some kind of "cool deliberate mistake" at internet forums? It's the second time this week...

[pavproch]

Ooops, there is a bit more than doubled "o" 'bout Ondrej what gets me mentally imbalanced, is'nt there?
(.... and, I dare to assume I'm not the only one around here.... )

[Umiaki]

Now, if anyone would like to express his own opinions / experiences about these jackets (the Pinguins as well as the Sherpa) they would be welcomed as well.

Judging just from what I saw in shops and according to other people (at this forum especially) I would trust Pinguin jackets rather than Sherpas - in case of Piinguin you get good stuff for good money
However, I would recommend rather Pinguin Element Jacket - non-membrane softshell would "breathe" more than a membrane one...
One of members here "Dallen" has it (paraphrased):

It's an "ordinary" softshell, not like fleece WindStopper. As long as impregnation (DWR) was ok it did survive some rain - nowadays it leaks within a moment. What I do like is the usability - owing to its breathability it can be used for almost anything. Thermal insulation feels good, I was ok for the whole winter last year - only occasionally with something more than a t-shirt under it.

Hope that helps

[Bobby]

Judging just from what I saw in shops and according to other people (at this forum especially) I would trust Pinguin jackets rather than Sherpas - in case of Piinguin you get good stuff for good money
However, I would recommend rather Pinguin Element Jacket - non-membrane softshell would "breathe" more than a membrane one...
Hope that helps

Indeed it does , I will almost certainly go with Penguin. The Element looks closer to a light softshell for the warm period, while the others look like they are intended for 3 seasons (but are less suited for hot days).

Also I wonder what are the differences between the Argon and Cirrus. Internally, Argon has less of that netting in front, which I suppose would make it a bit more breathable and less thermally insulated than Cirrus. On the outside I can see they have a different design on the neck, shoulders and sleeves - but I don't know if this means one is better protected against rain and the other perhaps more stretchable - or if it's simply an aesthetical difference.

Thanks again for all the support.

[Bobby]

Hi, I wanted to give you an update on the Pinguin (Argon). I took the jacket on a short mountain trip (1500-2500 m) and it performed great. It is, as you would expect, excellent as a windstopper, it is robust and moderately streatchable, it breathes allright (especially using all the ventilation options) and keeps you warm in the evening (you do need another fleece shirt / blouse if temps start to approach 0). It also dries fast in a warm space. The only problem I had with it is the waterproofness figure which might be a bit optimistic: in a moderate rain it started to let water in after about 30-40 min - although it had previously held alright in a light rain for a shorter period. So all in all it is a great jacket reasonably priced, and a good option for a light and flexible softshell to use on the warmer half of the year and perhaps even later.

[pavproch]

@bobby: thx for a brief field report.