When to Carry a Windbreaker (The Outdoor Vitals Nebo!)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Ever rock a windbreaker on trail? Whatcha got?

[@TZsHikingMyOwnHike]

I have recently ordered the Fracket from Dutchware. I’m very interested in it’s practicality so I’ll let you know once it arrives and I get a chance to use it. In theory, it looks like a great concept.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool, yeah please do!

[@DarrenYee]

I am rocking a Patagonia Airshed Pro wind shirt as well as a Patagonia Houdini wind jacket

[@ms7fam433]

We appreciate the review. Wind jackets/shirts are a preference item that I don't use. It's not on my wish list for 2023, but I'm glad you took the time to introduce it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I thought the same way until I put it on. ;) Glad to be of service!

[@adventureswithfrickandfrack]

My husband and I have been loving our Nebo windbreakers. The fabric feels nice and has more breathability than a rain jacket. It's also great in a light rain. We live on the Oregon coast so we've been using our Nebos a bunch!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh yeah, perfect PNW coastal layer!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Nebo is fantastic!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I like it a lot - haven't taken it off much!

[@Everydaybackpacker]

Looks like a sweet jacket. I just got an outdoor vitals sun hoodie and I love it so far.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

They're making some great stuff!

[@TZsHikingMyOwnHike]

Good review. I am a big fan of OV gear and your review did the Nemo & OV justice. Thanks for your insight.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks!

[@DarrenYee]

Great review Doug, I like how you compare it to the Frog Togs and test the Nebo in wet conditions.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love my Frogg Toggs for backup rain gear but the comfort level and breathability go to the Nebo. :)

[@billb5732]

Oh, good. I'm glad you bought one of these. Based on our discussion last year, I chose the Outdoor Research Ferrosi as my Winter shell. It has been perfect. I sent it to Colorado to have it lab tested; it has the highest MVTR they have ever tested. Better than any (tested) windshirt. I was curious about the Nebo, but the ads sound like typical garment-industry baloney; not a scrap of actually useful information. Their multiple hours of videos sound as though Outdoor Vitals doesn't understand wind garments at all. For example, a wind garment should fit loosely; not "athletic fit". Blousy allows more ventilation. So what is the MVTR? That's what really matters, both for wind and rain garments. How does it compare to Ferrosi (best soft shell)? Black Diamond Alpine Start (best windshirt)? How does it compare to the pre-2012 Houdini (the kind that became famous, not the modern overly-waterproof-and-less-breathable-junk)? PS: I wouldn't call wind garments "niche". The only thing I wear more often than my soft shell is my boots. I don't go anywhere without at least a UL windshirt and a Coghlan's emergency poncho;

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah some hard-core comparative specs would great across the industry.

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim So... does that mean that _I_ have to buy one so that I can tell _you_ how it performs?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well you could watch the video you're commenting on lol. If you want comps with all the gear you asked about feel free to send me a care package. ;)

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I watched it three times, but you sound like a guy who just discovered windshirts. Since I've got more experience, maybe you should send me your Nebo? ;)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol nice try. ;) I'm trying to reach people who focus in on rain jackets and don't realize there are other layers available.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great review Doug I have a number of OV pieces and love them. I have yet to purchase the Nebo. God Bless

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool! Yeah I don't think this will be my last. :)

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hi Doug, I am in the final phase of putting my gear together for the 100 Mile Challenge and the NEBO has become one of my favorite pieces of gear. With the temps next week in the upper 80's low 90's with heat index to match, along with forecasted thunderstorms daily my quandary is should I just leave my NEBO home. My rain gear is the OR Helium II which wets out during a prolonged storm other than that I like it. With that said what are your thoughts, take the Helium II at 7.3 oz's and leave the NEBO home at 5.1 oz's, take the NEBO and leave the Helium II home or take them both? Thanks for you input and thanks for always providing great content. God Bless Warren

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'd leave both jackets at home and also stay at home haha. Well the Nebo isn't really even a rain jacket although it does well for not being waterproof. If it's for rain I'd stick with the Helium, for just wind the Nebo.

[@rodoutdoors]

Great video. Looks nice. I picked up a SmartWool Merino Sport Ultra Light Hoodie on sale a while back. I like the breathability of the pits and hood but it still gets clammy in hotter weather or when I'm hiking. So I'll mostly use it in morning or during shoulder seasons as an everyday wind breaker. It's a nice wind shell but will soak through in minutes in rain.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm hearing a lot of smack being talked about Merino Wool lately - mostly concerning over-promised performance. I like my Merino clothes but hype is hype. :)

[@rodoutdoors]

@@BackcountryPilgrim 😂 Yeah I'm not giving up my Darn Tough socks anytime soon. I've tried all synthetic socks and they're likely to give me blisters. I like how Darn Tough kind of holds its shape of your foot. It's like a Venom suit with its own mind.

[@oliviermenager9702]

Thanks for your review. How would you compare it to the Patagonia Houdini Air?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I haven't given one of those a go and I'd have to try it out for actual performance of course. It looks like they weigh the same but the Patagonia is about $55 more for a more structured, adjustable hood and its own "carry sack" (made by stuffing it into its own pocket - you can do this with the Nebo as well but it isn't made for it). The Patagonia is also is (carefully) machine washable whereas the Nebo should be hand-washed unless you have a washing machine with no agitator. Touch call!

[@michaelsagehorn8873]

I have a fancy Mountain Hardware rain jacket, but I always bring and use my GI issue poncho when it rains hard- often over the pricey jackets. Years of practice have allowed me to have the skill to create a poncho hooch with paracord and wait out a storm. With my stove and water I make a cup of tea and stay dry. Why get soaked?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great idea!

[@ulperformance4087]

The jacket is not water resistant or waterproof. You need a breathable wind, rain and snow protective jacket, anorak or cagoule. Then you will have the best of both. Otherwise, should it rain with your current jacket, you will get wet, unless you've stored a waterproof jacket. Don't forget waterproof pants as well.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It is water resistant but not waterproof, and I've never found anything truly waterproof that was also breathable material-wise. If you have let me know what it is!

[@ULperformance]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Look into the Gore-Tex Shakedry jacket.