Softshell recommendations / opinions

Does anyone have any opinions about Arcteryx Venta MX or Norrøna Lyngen?  Others?  I am considering moving to a softshell with windstopper technology for a couple of reasons.  (heat management, athletic fit) but the additional benefits of helmet sized hood, windstopper fabric in the right places and high water resistance are equally important and are on my feature list.  I am a PNW day tripper to the alpine and subalpine regions and not convinced full Goretex hard shell is required. 
www.backcountry.com/norrna-lyngen-softshell-jacket-mens
www.backcountry.com/arcteryx-venta-mx-ho...oftshell-jacket-mens

I have not toured in goretex in years and in fact will no longer buy goretex. I think its too expensive and can find lighter options for a hard-shell that work just as well as goretex and are more breathable. I carry an UL hardshell (waterproof/breathable) pant and jacket only as more of an emergency item, mine together weigh less than 2lbs and rarely come out of the pack for only the most blistery cold and high windy days. I find that soft-shell jacket and pants work excellent including above and below timberline.

As far as brands, I love my Mammut Champ pant. I've had mine for years and only now noticing its DWR wearing off. I plan to buy another Champ pant. I have 3 soft-shell jackets that all work well... Marmot, TNF, and a cheap $20 one from Costco that works just as well except the cut/fit.

I am currently rocking this jacket from Norrona. Very long and athletic fit.
Perfect for skinning.
I love it.
Plus it gives me that Scandinavian Steeze that is so sought after !

www.backcountry.com/norrna-trollveggen-f...oftshell-jacket-mens

I love my Ibex Vim (wool back, windproof-ish front) for skinning, but it doesn't have a hood. It is very light and only good while you're moving.

For any precip, even if light, when I plan to spend hours on the slopes skinning and not in a hurry, I use an e-Vent fabric hardshell (you can also get e-Vent soft shell.) It is expensive but I prefer to Gore-tex.

For steeze, I may do bluebird resort days in a 66 North Eldja Power Shield softshell. Kind of too warm for aerobic application, but I've used it going down on my mtb.

Cheers
Ivo

I just spent the day around the baker area. Snowed off and on all day, I was wearing a softshell that used the Gore Windstopper fabric and I was dry at the end of day. Temps were in the mid to high 20's, and I never got stifling hot on the uptrack.

My previous softshell did not have a hood and was not windproof. I never felt comfortable using it as my only jacket on a tour.

My jacket doesn't have the stretchy breathable fabric under the arms... but then again... i don't want to be high on baker or rainer with wind blowing through my jacket. And I would rather not bring two jackets in that case.

Not a big fan of windstopper for a softshell. I want something that breathes well, and windstopper can be poor for breathability. Also some DWR coatings render the softshell clammy. I always have another coat to pull on over the sofshell when I get to the top. Usually an OR micropuffy thing. My softshell choice is the arcteryx gamma ar.