Runs small, XL would be same as US large. material is thicker and feels more substantial that the Stoic Event jacket. The hood doesn't stow, it rolls up and is held behind the head by a fabric button down tab.

I have only tried this jacket once last week in the remnants of a Pacific typhoon down by the bay. Horizontal rain, windy and just a generally fairly nasty afternoon. The jacket fits me very well, no sizing problems of any kind. Its very waterproof but at this stage in its life it should be. An excellent well designed hood, I usually wear a hat because of the vision but that was unfeasible on that day so I tried the hood. Just to test how breathable this jacket is I ran some distance and I think it could use pit zips or something to vent the inside. I was wearing merino as a base so the damp does not matter too much but the jury is still out on that. It was a warm day as well. Overall I think it is great, the half price on EVent was brilliant and I have a picture of Chris Townsend wearing this jacket so it cannot be too bad...

Got this jacket recently and gave it a test spin on a four-day backpacking trip. It was windy/rainy/snowy for a day and this piece kept out the elements like a charm. On warmer days (50-60F) I was able to wear this with just a t-shirt underneath while hiking with out over-heating or sweat build-up. I had no problems with sizing.

This was the perfect replacement for my old Patagonia Pluma jacket, which lasted for 13 years of really serious usage - alpine and rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding, even fishing. There was an interim gore-tex jacket for 3 of the last years, but I came to despise that thang! I like everything about this jacket! The fabric has a nice feel (not "plasticky"), fold over zipper cover (vs new waterproof flat zippers), and excellent fit (athletic/slim). The hood adjustments, including moldable brim wire) make for excellent fitting with or without a helmet. It's very waterproof - water just beads-up and falls off and extremely breathable (I wore this in the Gunks while climbing in the rain, no sweat - literally!). The rear of the jacket is longer, as it should be, so water doesn't cascade down my britches! Ultimately, I think this thing is going to last! Snow season is yet to come, but I'm not worried - just curious what's going to be available in 2022! Oh, and thanks, Backcountry great deal on a great jacket!!!!

Solid four season shell. Sheds rain very well and breathes very well (as is to be expected with an event shell). Very light and seems to be pretty durable (haven't used it for any serious backpacking or camping yet...just around the city). The pockets are well placed and the hood is fairly adjustable. The only real complaint I have is that the zipper is on the opposite side (I guess its a British thing). It takes a bit of getting used to, but not too big a deal (especially when you are paying half price for an event jacket). Can't wait to get out and use it in the woods.

the fabric/membrane is great, very breathable like venet always is, far better than gore-tex. I used this in the coastal mountains of northern norway, around the polar circle, and it works well.

the cut is good for a hiker/biker, it is especially good that the rear of the jacket reaches down below the butt.

the hood could be better, in particular a stronger/heftier wired peak.

there are no pitzips, which is a shame

the arms are a little short. I bought this from a british online shop, had I tried it on before buying I would have got something with longer arms.