if you are looking for technical gear to get to the highest places with gear that allows it, the enclosure does. I bought this Insulator to be my close companion on higher altitude touring, when the wind is unbearable and snow stinging, and your wondering what kind of philosophy degree the avalanche forecaster REALLY has. Assuming you have a hard shell, with this guy as an insulator, i cant think of any peak below the karakorams that would be hard to reach with this insulator. low-volume packability is the selling point of the jacket, and it does not lie. It had better be small mercury out there, at some point youre gonna pack it away, and give yourself a good excuse to show off those solid peak bagging muscles to the yuppie-toting spyder-sporting Heli wieners above snowbird and alta. if worse comes to worse, im sure the Enclosure would sport you in a high altitude brawl...

It is water repellent, and the material is extremely soft, to the point you turn off the thermostat and give yourself an excuse to wear it. I have been sweating and whimpering whether or not to get this jacket versus the Backcountry brand Siphon Hoody. They are essentially the same item, with a little bit of difference between the sizing and small features, such as fleece in certain places, and some great stretchy materials under the arms. the Hood is much more refined and fitted in the Enclosure, wheres the siphon definately has a comfy stow hood look. In retrospect, with the money, id make the same decision. However, if you are tight on the pocketbook, the Siphon is an extremely impressive peice of gear for the price. For both jacket, there is a bit of a sizing give. if you are any body type below obese, go with your shirt size, and you will be comfy.