Outdoor Research AlterEgo Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

A tough shell for when you need it, I've had this to the top of Mt. Rainier and back-country skiing. Showing zero wear a through one heavy season of climbing. I'm impressed.

Or one like it. Nothing keeps you drier and hence warmer than than Gore-tex. This is a well made Shell that performs like it looks, serious cold weather gear. When the sun peaks out and the weather is north of say 20F, put on your stylin gear and pose, but when it gets serious outside, Dig it out, layer up, and make tracks while the weanies cry about the weather.

5'11: 185 and large fits perfect. Got it on SAC for $199.

I found this jacket to be an excellent balance between minimalism and versatility, as well as weight versus function and burliness. First off, you can't go wrong with the materials used in this jacket. While it's not as light as some other proshell jackets out there, i feel that the versatility and extra features compensate for this - so long as you can handle a few extra ounces. The fit and articulation - contrary to another review - are pretty well done. Another quick aside, i have had no problems with the main zipper pull annoying my face. One quick warning, though: if you plan on wearing a big puffy underneath, it is pretty tight in the torso for bigger-chested individuals. Any midweight layers are no problem whatsoever.As for the nit-picky nuances, i will start with the pros: love the removable skirt and hood, the interior mesh pockets are excellent for drying socks for cold weather backpacking (and skins, of course,) single pull hood adjustments, and just the right amount of pockets! Also, this may sound funny but not all manufacturers do this well (ahem, arcteryx, ahem) the wrist straps are easy to use with gloves! And the loop part of the velcro doesn't wear out absurdly fast - woohoo!Now for the cons - there were only a few reasons i didn't give this jacket 5 stars: the bottom pockets aren't harnace-friendly and could be a little bigger, the hood does not have an adjustment for pulling the top lip of the hood back towards the collar - which can be frustrating when not wearing a helmet, the slider piece for tightening the sides of the hood is difficult to use (luckily, it isn't used much,) the collar could stand to give better coverage for the face, and the fit could stand to be just a little looser to accomodate a down jacket (atleast for someone who is 5'8" 155lb, with a 40" chest.)Overall, this has been my favorite jacket I have owned thus far. The bottom line is this: if you want a burly jacket, can handle a few extra ounces, and are not counting on leaving your balaclava at home when old man winter is pms'ing, get this jacket!

Havn't put it to the test yet but I am 6' 170pounds and the med fits me perfect for around town but on a cold day of skiing or hiking, I wouldn't be able to layer a lot of layers. I may need a large.

this jacket has become my favorite jacket, as long as the weathers holds above freezing. i just moved to Vermont (3/10) and have worn this atop several peaks with 25+ mph winds and have been very comfortable. in the rain, this jacket is a champ. have only had it out in the rain a handful of times, to be fair, but i have been dry as can be every time and if it performs as well with the rain as it does with the wind, i am very confident. as far as sizing, i am 6' and currently at 215 and can layer with a light and midweight underneath. its snug, but not hindering or constricting. def recommend this jacket.

I think people are too quick to swear off the fit and articulation. I had the same feeling when I initially put the jacket on. But about ten minutes in the dryer with my towels took out all of the shipping/storage wrinkles. Then the collar really took shape and the midsection of the jacket fit like a glove. I'm 6' 180lbs and the medium fits great, with room for down. The material is not as supple as some pro shells, but it doesn't grind like two sheets of sandpaper, either. It's bomber and practical. Less of a fashion statement and more of a functional piece of gear. I like that i can remove the hood and pow skirt.

I have been around and used many types of shell jackets from arcteryx to mountain hardwear and north face. This jacket is the most versatile one i've ever used. Though it doesn't have the layering room that arcteryx builds into all their jackets it fits longer than most and with a removable powder skirt and hood make it more useful than all arcteryx jackets. Being that its a gortex pro shell it is far better in breath ability than conduit or hyvent. It is a heavier shell but that is because of the type of Nylon used with the gortex. It is much more durable than almost all arcterxy jackets with maybe an exception to the SV series of Alpha and Theta. It is also fairly reasonably priced for a gortex product. My only advice is that if you are in need for a jacket that will be used in a wet environment get nothing but a gortex pro shell. It truly is the only thing that works. I am 5' 10" and 160 pounds and a medium fits me perfect with a little extra length.

I was excited about the heavy material (entirely 70D), but that is the only pro I see here.

The collar is floppy and doesn't stay up. The hood does not have a wire brim. The elbows are insufficiently articulated. When zipped all the way up with the hood on, the zipper pokes the back of your chin. And on top of all that, the "artichoke" is very green (don't look at the picture, just think of an artichoke).

I would say that this is an average fit. If you are thin and wear Stoic or Norrona or even Patagonia, this will probably be too wide in the chest (unless you want to wear a puffy vest or something).