#!markdown
Paclite and Active Shell use the same membrane but the backer on the Active
Shell does a better job of absorbing and dispersing water over the surface. So
technically it does breathe a little more, and it certainly feels less clammy,
but the breathability is only marginally better. I hear ya on pit zips though.
eVent and Neoshell are more breathable than Gore. Unfortunately Arcteryx is
contractually locked into Gore so you won't see these in their line.
Dec. 2, 2014, 1:13 p.m. - dave
#!markdown Paclite and Active Shell use the same membrane but the backer on the Active Shell does a better job of absorbing and dispersing water over the surface. So technically it does breathe a little more, and it certainly feels less clammy, but the breathability is only marginally better. I hear ya on pit zips though. eVent and Neoshell are more breathable than Gore. Unfortunately Arcteryx is contractually locked into Gore so you won't see these in their line.