The North Face Redpoint Optimus Insulated Jacket - Men's

I'm going into my 5th season owning this jacket. I've probably worn it skiing for 100 days or so and while it's getting kind of dirty, it has held up much better than expected. The insulation is phenomenal, and allows me to just wear a light layer under the jacket when I ski. I only really have two (minor) complaints. There isn't a powder skirt, which isn't a huge deal because I'll wear something different on deep days, but it would be a nice feature...even if it were removable. The other minor issue is that the hood is huge. It's great when you've got a helmet on, but it's almost too much without a helmet. Other than that though, this is a great jacket and I'd buy another one in the event this one wore out.

i put this on in the fall and take it off in the Spring; better than the similar Patagonia jacket because of the snorkel hood and the lack of those irritating hood pulls inside the Big P's hoods that chafe your neck. Also, no welded pockets..... sized a bit tight for me, I usually wear a large but got an extra large in this jacket, that way I can throw a fleece on underneath if it's really cold; skiing, hiking, travelling, walking the dog - it's the steeze!

I've used this for the past year in different temperature ranges and have been very impressed. I've sumitted a few peaks with this jacket on while the wind was whipping 50+ MPH with the wind chill being in single digits. And although I only had a thing performance shirt on underneath, I kept totally warm. I've had a chance to use this snowshoeing in storms and again, with nothing more than a long sleeve performance shirt on, I was able to keep plenty warm. The zipper system allows for you to zip both ways, up and down. So when it gets warm, it's easy to regulate your temperature. The hood allows you to not even need a hat on as well. Like was said previously, this isn't really a jacket for being in a downpour for extended periods of time. It does fine in a quick shower but does much better in blizzards. I actually returned the Nuptse jacket for this one and am really glad I did for sure.

Good: Light, soft, versatile, STOW technology (folds into a small pillow), very nice water repellant coat. Can be used as a outer layer or insulated baselayer. Bad: Hood is HUGE, it can fit a helmet in it. Armpits will stink because of tight insulation and if you sweat a lot. Overall: Very satisfied with this jacket :]

This jacket is the perfect compromise between the warmth and weight. It is small enough to pack in anything and keep you going light and fast, but warm enough to get through some cold nights or mean storms. So nice.

This is a great lightweight jacket that is as light as a hoody, but will keep you FAR more warm. Its SUPER packable and very warm. I use it from the Fall to the Spring, as an all around jacket. I have even skied in it a few times. It is not very water resistant though... I was caught in a torrential downpour and although I stayed warm and dry, the jacket was saturated. It dried very fast though