Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Women's - 2008 BCS

Just tested this shell on a mixed condition day on the South Ridge of Superior and it was awesome. It is lightweight with great maneuverability, and offers excellent protection against the elements. The cut is great for women, and it has great pocket placement and thoughtful accents- like cuffs and hood. It stuffs light and small, and would be perfect for a variety of outdoor activities from a rain storm, to windy day, to a touring layer, and light ski spring ski or climbing jacket. Highly recommend this product- was really impressed with its performance, protection, and breathability. VERSATILE!

I really love this jacket. I love the fit (especially the extra length you have graciously provided) and the comfy feel. With layering this has become my fave adventure jacket in Alaska's nasty spring/fall weather!

I agree with another posting - the color is "girly" and it seems like the fit is also sized for someone with a "girlish" figure. I normally wear a small, so ordered the same but the fit around the waist and hip was very tight while the chest and shoulder big, and sleeves too long. I am 5'1", so perhaps this was sized for someone who is taller but the length fits me - maybe it should be short on a taller person. The material feels as described but unfortunatly had to return it so unable to test out its performance, protection and breathability for high workout such as running.

I ordered a small but definitely needed a medium. (I'm 5'7" 130lbs small on top and big hips.) The small was too snug through the hips and made the jacket ride up a little. Also, I found the small to be too short. On the plus side, the sleeves are long, which is nice.

Okay, I'd like to offer a disclaimer that I had huge hopes for this jacket (mostly because I creeped on Backcountry.com everyday until it was 50% off) and these hopes made me have some big disappointments.
I loved the grape color of the jacket. I wish that I could find another jacket in that color with the specifications I want. I also loved eVent. It kept me protected, but didn't get too sweaty, even without the pit zips. But I have always been a size small (5'4" 118lbs) but everything was too short. The jacket kept riding up and the sleeves were oh so short (although my friends reminded me that I'm a freak of nature with really long arms). Ultimately, even though I loved the color and eVent and style, it was just too short! It you want this jacket...then SIZE UP! Maybe then the sleeves will fit and then you can also layer underneath for added warmth.

I bought this for my wife and hoped for the best based on sizing and colour complaints...needless to say I worried for nothing! My wife loves it so much she wears it everywhere...and when she used it on a New Year hike (temps from 15-29) as a shell it performed flawlessly. I usually don't buy stor brand stuff but backcountry is def an exception from now on.

Wow, I am shocked by how condescending the women are on here. Leave it to woman to get offended that Backcountry is offering woman's coats in women's colors! How archaic!!! [dripping with sarcasm].

I got this coat for my wife for Christmas, despite the fact that I totally agree buying a gift for a woman is demeaning [sarcasm] and she loves it. We went skiing and we had to do a bit of climbing in some areas, and she said it breathed very well, which is good as it doesn't have pit zips. She looks great in the pink color, although I married her for her inner beauty {hot snow-bunny}. It was beautiful and sunny out so she couldn't test the waterproofness. I will be picking up an Event coat for myself as soon as one shows up on SAC.

I almost forgot to mention I am writing this review for my wife because I bought it not because I am oppressing her individuality. :P

There is a draw string cord at the bottom of the shell. The hood will cover approximately 3/4 of the helmet.

Bought this jacket 2 months ago and even though the snow isnt here yet have already got lots of use out of it. Incredibly waterproof and breathable, wear it commuting to work on my bike on super rainy mornings and also on long hikes where the weather can turn from hot and sunny to cold and stormy really fast and I can leave this jacket on through it all. The fit is really nice, very flattering so it looks stylish out on the town and personally I absolutely love the grape purple, have had a ton of compliments on it. My only sadness is that it doesnt have a powder skirt...but then I knew that when I got it. For anyone who just wants a wicked quality shell without all the bells and whistlers, this is your coat.

I'm a huge fan of eVent, but it's really important that you keep it clean. I had an eVent shell that worked great for a season, but it slowly lost its waterproofing. It wasn't the jacket's fault; it was my own–you're supposed to wash eVent often. So follow the tag (which I didn't read) and wash your Stoic shell often.

This coat runs a bit on the smaller side, so I'd suggest sizing up if you want to layer. I normally wear a 12 and bought this in an XL. The XL fits perfectly and allows me to layer a fleece and/or sweater underneath. Sleeves are nice and long, which is great for my long arms. Very light-weight jacket but blocks the wind nicely and has excellent waterproofing. Wore around town in a snowstorm recently. I haven't had a chance to run it through it's paces on the slopes yet, but will post additional info when I've had a chance to test it out.