Mountain Hardwear Vinson Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

I bought this jacket for use as a lift service ski jacket, and for an everyday jacket for central NY winters. I liked having an insulated soft shell, as I was planning on using it on days cold enough where moisture wouldn't be an issue.

The softshell has worked wonderfully, keeping the wind and snow out, while not being excessively noisy. The primaloft insulation is nice and warm, working great with a midweight smartwool baselayer and maybe a light fleece in temps down into the single digits. The zippers are large and easy to use, rarely if ever snagging.

The hood is also exceptional. I've got a big noggin, and finding a hood that will cover it is a challenge and often frustrating. Let me say this is undoubtedly a helmet compatible hood. I was able (sans helmet) to pull this hood all the way up and over my face (buried a bit in the collar) on very cold, windy lift rides to keep my face protected. And it doesn't noticeably flop around when ripping through the groomers on the way down.

Beefs: The topo liner is a bit, er, very cheesy. I wish it also had wrist gaiters for added comfort.

I'm a stocky guy at 5'10 and 225 pounds so it can be hard for me to find good outdoor gear sometimes. Mt. Hardware has been the exception though. I got the Vinson in a XXL & it fits great! I can even use my Compressor underneath it for extra warmth, and we need it alot up here in Alaska! The hood fits well & adjusts easily, and the while the jacket seemed a little heavy when i first picked it up, it's light while wearing it. Good for anywhere from +25* down to -40*. Used it skiing, snowmachining, plowing the drive w/ my atv & shoveling out 4ft wind drifts. Ventilation works great & never got overheated. Love it!!

I bought this jacket to use for my Iowa winters. I have to say it has done very well for me in the snow, and I find that it is quite wind resistant. At 10 degrees I am relatively comfortable running around outside and having fun. The softshell is quite resilient and looks great.
A medium fits my dinky 5'7" 140lb frame impeccably. I couldn't be happier with the fit. The inside of the jacket feels great against skin and I have a good amount of room to add a layer or two. The hood is great for a helmet (its intended use) but it is quite frumpy without one. The hood is fitted with a stiff bill which is pretty cool. The inner motif is a swell pattern and is fairly swanky looking. The jacket is packed with pockets, a powder skirt, Velcro wrist straps, and a good use of logos.

Overall a great jacket from great people for great people.

This is one of the warmest jackets I've ever owned. We've had some cold/windy days in the NE and I've been toasty without being bulky or having to layer up very much. The pockets are in the right places and I've been out running errands without gloves and the hand pockets were plenty warm. The zippers are easy to open with gloves on too. Not sure how dry you would be if you were in a downpour for a long time, but I was out in some heavy rain and stayed plenty dry. Snow and high wind are non-issues with this. I'm VERY happy with this purchase. Another awesome Hardwear product and the Backcountry staff is the best.

I ve used this jacket in snowy conditions and it held up great, i get didnt wet at all. The only thing about this jacket i didnt like its a bit short on me. But im not the average size im 5 10 and weight 245.

This is a very comfortable, warm, full featured insulated softshell jacket, Lots of pockets, pit zips, another good mountain hardwear product. I found the medium a little tight in the shoulders, (I am 5' 10" 170 lbs.) However like the M.H off width insulated jacket of last year the shell is very stretchy (Tough Stretch)so it gives a lot when reaching. Great for cold dry weather & light snow sleet or just kicking around.
Pro's Primaloft, this stuff is light & WARM love it. Stretchy, lots of storage. Smooth Tafetta lining, great for layering, and to just slip on in a hurry.
Con's Not totaly waterproof, no seam taping. Hood does not remove, no mesh fabric in pit zips for powder boarding/ skiing. Not very many color choices no seam color contrasting so it looks kinda plain to me.

M.H now makes the Sycronicity, its's a hooded syncro with pit zips & 800 fill down insulation , this might be the best jacket yet, but I have not found one to try on yet & it's pricey.

I've skied in this jacket at least 10 days now. Overall great jacket. Perfect for bluebird days. Very durable jacket and holds up well to abuse. Pockets are great (with the exception of the internal water bottle pocket which only holds on to the bottle if you stay upright, oh well). Great cold/dry weather softshell.

Just got back from a ski trip in Breckenridge and this jacket performed flawlessly. It kept out the wind and never held on to any water. It even held up against tree branches in those tight tree runs. Awesome jacket so happy with the purchase.

This is a great piece. The hand is particularly soft on it...much more so than Goretex Softshell. It is supple to the touch, while maintaining its durability. The pocketing is excellent on it with two well-sized hand pockets and a great cell phone/mp3 player pocket on the inside. The powder skirt is great as is the well thought out drop down velcro season's pass pocket. This piece does have some weight to it at almost 3 lbs., but when you put it on and feel the warmth you soon find it is well worth it. For a cold and dry weather softshell, this definitely gets 5 stars!