I have really found this jacket to be great in most conditions. It is what it is though, a jacket, and really not warm enough by itself for temperatures below 30 or 35F. I use it skiing and find that it works great with a MH Synchro underneath, or something else. I also used a technical fleece underneath for quite some time which worked well too. It's very comfortable, the zippers work great, and the pockets are in convenient locations. Pitzips are super for those 50F ski days in March. The only thing that could possibly be improved on is the hood, while comfortable and useful, it's not always the best thing to have when my ski helmet is on. Other than that, the Manticore is worth every one of those hard-earned pennies.

I first bought the Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody but didn't like the fit, the lining or poor fit of the hood, so returned it. I replaced it with the MH Manticore. I love this jacket. It has a nice athletic fit with a snug waist and nice fitting hood. The softshell has a hardshell feel with the stretch of a softshell. I have not put it through a complete weather test but it does keep me warm and dry and is breathable in the conditions tested.

A nice hybrid between a hardshell and softshell. Definitely not "crunchy" like hardshells, yet sheds water, is windproof and pretty tough fabric. I'm pretty comfy in the 30's with this, a Patagonia R5 and some gloves. Huge pitzips, lots of pockets, and a second bottom zipper to unzip up from the bottom.

I don't give the "breathable" fabric claims of any of these manufacturers much credibility. Having pitzips is most important for temperature control. It's definitely more utilitarian than fashionable. Far from ultralight, so it may be left behind on multi-day treks.

Great jacket, but it’s not really a softshell. It’s very thin, not really warm, but a good hybrid.

I bought this jacket mid winter because I always have a hard time regulating my heat and sweat. In combination with a single long sleeve mid-weight wicking base layer, this jacket has been the perfect outer layer all winter. It is very comfortable and designed very well. The pockets are positioned slightly higher so you can still access them when you have your waist belt strapped. When zipped up all the way and with the hood on, it fits my head perfectly and covers my mouth. All the zippers are waterproof. I have worn it numerous times for long trips above tree line and it has been awesome. This jacket will not keep you warm in the winter at night on a summit without activity though. I recommend down for that. This jacket works great with MH's Synchro soft shell pants :)

I wear this over the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man fleece, and a thin base layer, and I'm very warm and comfortable. It's definitely high quality, with all of the seams closed off, which stops virtually all wind and moisture. It has a nice trim fit and is very movable at the same time, with pit zips to top it off. Overall I'm very happy with it and plan to use it for several seasons ahead.

Bought this after returning my Arc’teryx Beta SL jacket and found it to be the sweetest jacket I have ever owned. Fully waterproof for the rain in Eugene, nice big pockets with smooth zippers, great hood fit, and it fits better than anything I’ve come across. You will need another underneath layer if you will be in cold weather, as it is basically a stretchy/soft hardshell. Use a nice fleece or something. It has a low profile and I climb in it all the time. I give this jacket three thumbs up.

The nicest jacket I’ve ever ordered. Totally comfortable and warm as toast. Completely waterproof. Everything the consultant promised and more.