I just got back from a week skiing in Colorado and am so glad I got this shell. It kept me super dry all week and was very lightweight.

When paired with a medium base layer, it was quite warm for skiing in 30-40 degree weather. When paired with a light base, it was perfect for 40+ degree spring skiing. Ventilation options were great, pockets were accommodating, and fit was dead on.

Best shell I've owned. BD is killing it with apparel!

This jacket is freaking RAD. If you're looking for a good balance of performance in the waterproof, packability, and bad-ass-style departments, look no further. At first, I was skeptical of the 2 layer GoreTex Paclite material (I had used a similar 2 layer rain jacket that degraded after a season), but now I have no concerns with the lifespan of this fabric. This jacket really holds up in a downpour, and looks great doing it. A lot of my friends have lower-end rain jackets that end up wetting out, or maybe the hood's shape lets water run onto their face. I just watch and shake my head, cozy and dry.

This has been my go-to rain layer for all activities, summer and winter. I'€™ve used it extensively on backcountry skiing outings, as a wind-proof layer on summit missions, during week-long downpours in Alaska, as well as guiding wilderness horse-packing trips. I've caught this jacket on tree-branches and rose bushes and got away without any rips. This is a simple, do-it-all shell! Black Diamond really knows what they're doing.

Of course, the breathability is lacking. But it'™s worth having the high waterproof rating. Since I don'™t really hike in the tropics, a hot rainstorm isn'™t really something I have to deal with anyway. For the dryer, colder climates I frequent, this jacket fits the bill perfectly.

I'™m 5'€™8 155lbs, 32 waist, 42 chest, and the Medium fits great with a little room for a midlayer.

Pros:
Ultra Waterproof
More packable than 3L GoreTex
Decently durable
Steeze
Seems like this jacket will last a long time

Cons:
Not breathable
Can feel uncomfortable next-to-skin

If anyone is familiar with BD's sizing, this jacket holds true to form. It runs small in the waist/hips, and large on the sleeves. However, it keeps the cold out, and it looks good, so I'd probably buy it again. Just not sure who they are using to size and model their clothes.