Alright, first things first. Don't let the description of the Kramer as a hardshell/softshell jacket confound you. It's closer to a softshell in fit and feel. That being said it's way cooler than your Apex Bionic jacket ever will be. For starters, it's totally waterproof. Don't be afraid to test out Mountain Hardwear's Conduit waterproofing. I had to use the hood as a bucket, don't ask why, and it held water as well as any Gore-Tex or eVent product would. It has also proven to be very effective against the wind. I haven't felt the slightest breeze get through this thing. There are plenty of pockets on this bad boy (2 hand, 2 internal zip, 1 internal stash), but I wish the internal zip pockets were a bit bigger. They'll hold your MP3 player or keys, but that's about it. The snow skirt (removable) is a most excellent addition and one that really elevates this jacket from mundane to pure awesome. Yes, there is a light lining in the sleeves. It's a thinner version of the Monkey Phur that makes up the Monkey Man jacket. It goes from the shoulders to the elbows, and it quite soft. There is also an incredibly thin fleece lining on the back of the jacket. Those of you concerned about weight should be concerned no longer, this thing is only slightly heavier than my Gore-Tex Pro Shell. Finally, it's got pit zips, taped seams, and looks totally rad in the Tiger/Grill colour. What's not to like? Go buy it.

As an earlier reviewer noted, this hybrid is more of a softshell than not. It makes no more noise than my Marmot softshell and far, far less than my old Arcteryx Theta.

I'm 5'11", 170lbs, average build. Bought a size large and the fit is between fitted and relaxed. There's enough room for a medium weight fleece or vest but won't flap in the wind when wearing just a t-neck. MH has put thin monkey fur in the right places because I haven't noticed it in cold or mild weather.

I've been comfortable in a wider range of temperatures and conditions than I've been in any other shell. Whether it's the chilly first lift of the day or hiking up a ridge for fresh tracks, I've not had to shed or put layers back on. This fabric really breathes, but I can't attest to its water repellency or durability yet. It doesn't turn away 25-40mph gusts like a hardshell, but for skiing I'll take the breathability over completely stopping wind.

Some real thought went into making this a skier's jacket: handwarmer pockets in a lower, more natural position, pockets in places where you'll really use them, powder skirt, big 2-way pitzips, and a collar that stays where you put it. Most of the zippers and drawcords are a one-handed operation and glove-friendly. The wrist pocket works great for a two-way radio: just leave the zipper a little open and bring your wrist to your face; no fiddling or having to dig the radio out.

A few quibbles: the left side mp3 pocket is too small for a cased 5g ipod classic. I've been putting my 'pod in the right side cellphone pocket, but it doesn't have any cord management. I'm right handed so having to put my 'pod on the right side is awkward. Even with the collar is zipped up, it's too far away to keep spindrift and wind off your face. The zipper catches when zipping the collar all the way up, sometimes making it a two-handed job. The pass holder is pretty useless: it's on the side opposite of where lifties look and the clear plastic cover makes barcode scanners unhappy.

Despite these nitpicks this jacket really rocks. It's a real skier's jacket. And for this price, it's an absolute steal.

This jacket is great. I've had it for a few weeks and so far no disappointments. It's a skiing jacket and I haven't used it skiing yet this year but looking at the design elements, I have high hopes.
First the fit; I'm 5'10" 178lbs with an athletic build. The large is perfect. Right away I noticed that you don't feel like you're wearing a shell. It's very light and moves extremely well. There are two types of fleece lining; the flat back monkey lines the upper arms, and a thin fleece lines the shoulders and chest. Great for where the wind hits you as you ski. The hood is removable which is nice and will definitely accomodate a hood. The powderskirt is also removable which allows for causal wear as well. It's practically waterproof; I ran my arm under a faucet for about 2 minutes and nothing got through. One thing I have noticed is that it warms as you move. Great for skiing since this will reduce the number of layers you need. I have also worn it with a thick fleece underneath and there's no constraint to movement and you don't feel bulky.
Technically very well designed. Tons of pockets: 1 chest, 1 sleeve, 2 front and 3 inside. Lastly, the jacket just looks sweet. I bought the navy/true blue and it looks great. Can't wait to use this on the slopes.

I have worn this jacket during the two extremes of Utah skiing. Worked great during the early season mid 40 degree temperatures. During those days only wore a thin shirt under the jacket - never over heated and never felt cold. Also wore the jacket this weekend during single digit temps. Added my Mountain Hardwear monkey man fleece 1/4 zip as a mid layer and stayed nice and toasty. Why by an insulated jacket and a shell when this will do the job of both.

Went skiing in it before Christmas in Vail and Beaver Creek. Had a patagonia capiliene 3 baselayer and monkey man full zip underneath and was toasty in 0 to 5 degrees F with the windchill reaching -50 degrees one day at Vail. Actually could have went with a lighter mid layer. Extremely wind resistant. Bought this jacket on the basis that it was Outdoor Magazines "Gear of the Year" and it has lived up to all expectations. This jacket is still extremely lightweight and doesn't feel like your wearing a shell. I'm looking forward to skiing with it in the spring and don't anticipate getting too warm in it. Would recommend this jacket to anyone with an athletic build. A person with a slightly larger midsection might find this jacket too tight.

Haven't hit the slopes with this jacket, but the below zero real temps here were blocked with just a light fleece midlayer. Great design and I can't wait to hit the slopes with this great jacket.

The jacket is pretty good. I like that the hood is removable and the sleeves are fleece lined. It's a bit tight in the midsection for casual use (XL, 6'1", 220), but not overly restrictive. The jacket is pretty light weight which made me a bit skeptical at first but was quite comfortable in 10 degree weather while out skiing. I had on a long-sleeved t-shirt and light fleece and was comfortable for the whole day. I'd certainly recommend this jacket.

After about 10 uses of this coat, the velcro which tightens around the wrists (over the gloves) began to ruin the sleeves of the jacket. Ultimately they became very frayed and I had to return the coat.