Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket - Women's - 2009 BCS

I love my Mentor. It is absolutely rugged, waterproof and windproof. One of my favorite times to wear the Mentor is when I ice climb on warmer days. On warmer days (warm for ice climbing frozen waterfalls) there is plenty of water dripping off the ice and the Mentor just sheds the water. I wear a few layers under it and I stay warm. I wear a medium and there is plenty of room for the layers without limiting my range of motion/making me feel bulky. The hood fits great over my climbing helmet. It still looks brand new after 20+ days in the field.

This shell have worn cross country skiing, roller blading, outside in rain and snow and am sure will be wearing for some cold spring sailing. Has kept me bone dry without getting hot or sweaty. The hood leaves lots of room for hats and love being able to layer with lite merino 't' and fleece jacket open to keep everything breathing with jacket zipped and adjusting pit zips. Was looking for something truly able to block out a cold breeze and this jacket does that. The biggest surpise was the side zips. As an athletic petite (5 3") most technical jackets do not fit because the jacket is long enough to hit the hips (too tight) which means having to buy larger size that neither looks or fits well. With this jacket, can unzip the sides just a little to accomodate hips and/or longer layers and keep the great fit. Loved the first one so much bought a second at a smaller size so have one for all season exercise with few layers and one that also looks great for winter hiking and skiing layers. (Just wish I was fast enough to get the medium in the artichoke color at sale price when it comes up!!)

Love the OR cut on this piece. Easy for my shoulders, no binding, killer zipper Torso Flo feature to dump heat. I've used it for almost 2 years now and still keep going back to it. Nice shape and love the green color!

As good looking as it is comfortable. Well made and perfect for the slopes