The Nisha Jacket from Sherpa Adventure Gear offers lightweight weather protection at a reasonable price. Throughout the winter, I wore this softshell jacket for a variety of activities, such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, and even winter backpacking.
The Nisha Jacket is made from a four-way stretch material, which together with the articulated elbows, gives you plenty of freedom of movement. A breathable, wind and water repellent polyurethane membrane keeps you protected from the elements without overheating.
The helmet compatible hood pulls tight for a custom fit, while the cuff adjustments and drawcord hem can be tightened down against the cold and snow. Two zippered hand warmer pockets are large enough that you can actually access them while wearing a harness. A pair of deep inside stash pockets are great for storing your extra pair of gloves.
The Nisha Jacket weighs about the same as my all time favorite ice climbing jacket, the Patagnoia Knifeblade Softshell. The Nisha adds a fleece lining, so you get that extra little feeling of warmth out of the jacket.
Built from the same material as the Himali Pants, you can hit the outdoors in head to toe fleece lined softshell. I found the Nisha Jacket layered well with a merino wool base layer and the Sherpa Mantra Jacket as a mid layer.
The Nisha Jacket features a slim fit which runs true to size. I would have liked to see the torso length a bit longer just to help keep the softshel jacket from riding up under your harness as you climb.
The men's Lobutse and women's Nisha softshell jackets from Sherpa Adventure Gear retail for $129. As these were Fall 2011 products, you might be able to find some good deals on them now.