I really WANT to give this thing 5 stars...

Adam

Member since  Jan 4, 2010

Posted on January 5, 2010

I've had it for about a year, and if it's below 50°F, there's probably a 98% chance that I'm wearing this jacket. I've taken it on many a backpacking trip, and it's my go-to jacket when it gets chilly. I bought it to replace a Marmot fleece, and while it's a hair less warm, it blocks the wind MUCH better than the fleece did.

I love the look, love the wind-resistance, and love that it's warm-but-not-too-warm. I also love the low price I paid for it on backcountryoutlet (I think around $80? can't really remember).

All that said, there are just a few qualms I have with it that keep me from giving it five stars. First, the weight: I do a lot of backpacking, and while I love it when I'm wearing it, it adds significant weight to my pack, and leaves me wishing for something lighter. Second, the pockets are not accessible while wearing a pack or harness, and that's just dumb. Third, and most importantly, there are no Pit-Zips. Add the ability to vent heat, and I would probably forget the first two things and give it five stars, but after wearing it recently on a strenuous hike in 4°F, I was seriously wishing for some heat-dumping capability.