I was looking for a very weather resistant, breathable, and great fitting hooded softshell for winter trekking, ice climbing and also casual wear. I've always been a Sierra Designs fan, so I gave the Vapor Hoody a try. This is one sweet piece of gear! It was my main protection on one recent hike where temps were about 15 degrees and some areas of the hike were exposed to 20mph winds. I found the jacket fit very well over a base layer and mid weight insulation piece, the sleeve length is awesome with a nice diameter cuff for fitting over gloves and the length of the jacket is super nice in that it's a bit longer, compared to most jackets in this class. Breath-ability was perfect and the face fabric seemed durable. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with this hooded softshell, and love the fusonic bonding of fabric technology (no seams!). I'm 6' 185lbs and the Large fits me great.

Of all of my SD outerwear, this is my favorite piece! It's super versatile; I can use it around the campfire during the summer or layer up under and use it on a hike in the winter. I always take it on trips as it packs small and doesn't wrinkle easy if gets smashed in the bottom of my bag. The fused seams give it a super clean look and helps shed water if it rains.

Where do I start..

There are more waterproof jackets, there are jackets with better insulation and wicking properties, and there are jackets that scream "I have more money than sense". The Vapor on the other hand is just a great buy. It's a fully seam sealed (welded) jacket, with all the basic features you would ever need. I have worn it in moderate rain on hikes, teleing in wet heavy snow, and as my first choice on cold windy days to take the dogs out; but I also appreciate it's limitations.

With a waterproof rating of 800ml it may 'leak' some with a heavy pack on your back or push water through when falling on wet snow, and with its high breathability you can feel the wind when it hits the 30-50mh range. But this also means if you won't stay wet under it for long, or feel like you've zipped into a sauna on warmer days.

The Vapor is a true soft-shell; you should still have a wicking and mid-layer as needed and understand that pressure will still force some water through. However it won't ever have a that crunchy plastic bag feel in icy conditions and you don't have to treat it with the kid gloves that most stretched Teflon requires.

Conclusion: The Vapor is a well priced waterproof softshell, perfectly suited for 4-season Colorado weather.

I love this jacket, I wore this fall mtn biking and now Backcountry skiing as well.

The lightweight material is very breathable for the skin track and then can be layered for coming back down.

It won't cut all of the wind but I find it to be super comfortable in all but the crazy winds we get on some of our high peaks.

I have been wearing the Sierra Designs softshell for spring skiing and it is just the right thing. Windproff and light weight, I love it. The only thing I would add is some sort of pull string on the side pocket zippers. They cannot be pulled without removing my gloves.

This jacket is awesome! Worth every penny! Great look to it, light weight, keeps you dry, and can be worn in warmer weather or colder weather with layers underneath. Definitely recommend it! I wear mine all the time...

I've been using my Vapor for about a year now. In all conditions, Rain, Snow, Sun, it has performed admirably. The DWR has held up better than most brands I've used, and though not a rain jacket, sheds the moisture very well. It's my favorite BC Ski jacket. VERY windproof for a softshell (especially nice for those many blustery days at Berthoud Pass), without sacrificing breathability for the skin up. The cuffs are large enough to fit easily over Lo-Pro gauntlet gloves, but don't bunch up uncomfortably when closed up without gloves. Arm length is generous and allows for good range of movement and the hood fits my Ski helmet (Smith Holt) comfortably. The only issue might be the pocket zippers, which feel a bit small, but that being said, I've had no issues as of yet. I recommend this as a very good, versatile softshell.

I just go this jacket in the mail and was very dissapointed. Its made with very poor quality material, the hood is made for some with a baloon size head. I have other softshell jackets and this one is by far is the worse quiality. Once you buy a better breand/better quality you will want nothing to do with this jacket. I will be returning it ASAP.