The R2 is an incredibly warm, durable and versatile fleece that takes "fleece" to an entirely new level. This isn't really the best thing to wear as outerwear in cold, windy conditions, unless you are doing some extremely high exertion activities (touring, running, XC skiing).This is an incredibly breathable mid layer that provides a perfect amount of warmth under a shell while skiing. With a lightweight long sleeve, R2 and shell, I can ski comfortable in most conditions the Rockies dish out. Below zero, you are going to want some form of down or synthetic insulation.

In terms of breathability compared to other products I've used, it would be :

Pat. Down Hoody< Pat. Nano Puff

I have literally waited years to find a shoe that fits like this. I've had these for over a year now and have literally hundreds of miles on them and the sole still has tread on them.

I have the non-eVent Forge, and I must say that I wish I had the extra waterproofing of the eVent. I took these backpacking in West Virginia, and found them easily soaked at stream crossings. However, after a few miles, they will dry. Love the "shock pad" in the heel. Great for backpacking hiking, running, MTB, approach (awesome approach shoe).

My favorite pair of shoes I have ever owned, hands down, by far. Note: I wear a 12-13, and have 13s. They work great.

Pros:

- incredible comfort, shock pad works great.
- phenomenal sole
- Very breathable
- Good ankle support

Cons:

- Ugly. Yeah, I said it. This shoe is damn ugly. Mine are this "freshman-eque" green/black and dear lord, I feel like I am gearing up to play Magic the Gathering every time I put them on. Teva, you make a great shoe, but my god is it ugly.

Had this jacket for 3 weeks until a baffle ripped while putting it on before going out in a storm.

The jacket is incredible warm, easily good down to sub zero temperatures. Very loft, like being in a cloud. Great cut, long and covers your ass. Hood is HUGE and can impede your peripheral vision if cinched up.

I have last year's model, and truthfully, the zippers are whack. Marmot kindly installed a zipper stiffener and it works beautifully.
Cuffs are great, pockets are damn brilliant (really, props to the designer). I imagine this is a perfect static activity jacket in cold climates.

As a belay jacket, it is very packable however it is very delicate. As a casual jacket, it is absurdly warm yet not waterproof. Perfect for SUPER cold and dry environments.

It will be warmer than a MHW Sub Zero SL, TNF Nuptse, Patagonia Fitz Roy and other jackets in the similar price range. (Check out the Mammut Ambler Hoody)

Pros:

- SUPER warm, really. This thing is a furnace.
- Very lofty and packable.
- Hood goes over most helmets
- Great pockets

Cons:

- Very delicate material. Don't get near sharp objects or fire with this thing.

The Patagonia Down Sweater has set the standard for "down sweaters", a new niche in outerwear. Lightweight, supremely packable (into the inner mesh pocket), it can keep you warm down to the 30s.

It is, however, somewhat delicate. I prefer the hooded version, personally as it is much warmer a bargain at $50 more.

Great 4 season piece, especially if you live in dry, cold climates. I see lots of people on the East coast wearing these nowadays, although I snicker when they wear it in DC rain. For folks in wetter climates, get something synthetic. Patagonia makes a Nano puff or the Micro Puff

Perfect for layering, yet the fit is somewhat boxy and can accommodate a few layers. Works well under a shell in very cold conditions.

It seems that Patagonia has created the "down sweater" market, but other companies make products worth taking a look at: MHW Phantom, MHW Nitrous, any Montbell piece (although Montbell's are more delicate), TNF Thunder, TNF Diez.

Pros:

- Very warm for it's weight
- Packs into it's own inner pocket

Cons:

- No hood
- Delicate materials

The MHW Phantom is really a remarkable piece of gear. At a pound, it packs down to the size of a Nalgene water bottle, taking up minimal space. It also has an interior pocket, which the description does not mention. The pockets are fleece lined, which are very nice. With just a T shirt, you can wear this well into the teens and is noticeably warmer than the Patagonia Down Sweater. However, without a hood, it get's cold in the single digits.

Mine had lost a lot of feathers over the course of 3 years and got rid of it in favor of the Patagonia Hooded Down Sweater.

Suggestion to MHW: Please make a hooded, baffled, version of this jacket, sell it for $280-$300 to compete against the Patagonia Fitz Roy and ditch the Kelvinator.

Pros:

-Super packable, exceptionally warm for it's weight.
-Fleece lined pockets are nice

Cons:
-Lack of hood
-Super-lightweight materials are delicate and could tear easily.

If you are looking for a super light, packable and waterproof shell, the Marmot Mica and upgraded Super Mica are exceptional. I have the Super Mica, which has a longer cut (slightly slimmer), pit zips, waterproof pocket zips and an improved hood (drawcord instead of velcro to adjust, which works quite well).

After using it extensively in France and around SLC, it is indeed waterproof. Pretty breathable, but honestly, its not eVent or Pro Shell. On par with Paclite (has the same feeling against the skin, I think).

My only serious complaint is durability. The membrane is starting to separate from the face fabric near my right collarbone. I never put a heavy pack on it though, nothing more than 10lbs, so I don't think I will take this out in the brush.

For great skinning shell, or take everywhere rain shell, the Marmot Super Mica works wonders. Will keep you dry in the wettest of downpours, but its delicate.

I mean it when I say that this jacket has the potential to replace your fleece, providing unparalleled warmth for its weight.

It layers under a shell perfectly, and paired with a Cap 1 and shell, I can wear it comfortably down into the teens.

I take it everywhere it might be cold.

Just my luck, after I nabbed one Patagonia came out with a full zip jacket (with hand pockets) and hoody! Brilliant!

Although I only owned this for a brief amount of time, I can tell you: this thing is the most durable technical shell on the market, bar none. Using 480 denier fabrics, Arcteryx has manufactured a shell for weather so extreme, you'll probably never be in it.

The fit is superb, as is the brilliantly designed hood.

I was debating between the LT and the SV, and ended up returning the SV for the LT. The LT's material was much more soft and had less crinkle to it.

The LT has only one interior pocket, as opposed to the SV's two, as well as lacks the elastic cuffs (only velcro, but who cares). Additionally it lacks the ingenious interior 'chest drawcord' of the SV, which was a shame because it really allows you to 'tailor' your torso.

Bottom line: if you are mountaineering, you might want to check out the Alpha SV, otherwise save yourself the $$ and get a less burly shell.

I've owned quite a few insulation pieces over the past few years and this one might take the cake as being the most versatile.

It has just the right amount of 800 fill down to keep you warm, but does not overheat you. Last night at Sundance, I wore this over a T shirt and didnt feel the slightest bit cold waiting outside Harry O's for the NAS concert. Temps were in the low 20s and it was dumping unholy amounts of snow (thank god), yet this jacket kept me warm and dry. After staying out there for an hour, my shoulders felt a slight chill.

Inside the concert, it was completely packed complete with the mugginess of a hip hop show. Nonetheless, I had the jacket on the whole time inside and wasn't uncomfortable.

If you are looking for a lightweight, hooded insulated jacket, this is it. The only thing(s) that compare in versatility are the BC.com Siphon Primaloft Jacket (one of the BEST synthetic jackets out there, IMHO) and the Arcteryx Atom (very similar).

The fit is similar to the non-hooded version (the Down Sweater), but SLIGHTLY longer with a brilliantly designed higher collar.

Oh, and the 22 denier fabric is noticeably more durable than my MHW Phantom or Marmot Greenland jackets, but not as durable as the Siphon (Bill, you've designed a masterpiece here.)

For Utah, this is jacket is everything you need in temps above zero. Below zero, you are going to have to layer substantially. Hope this review helps.

Oh, and I am 6'1" 185 and the Large fits me well, however I think a medium would have been better if I were purchasing strictly for a midlayer.

Like most PowerStretch products, this stuff feels great against the skin and provides awesome mobility. Gusseted arms and thumbholes are a huge plus for climbing and skiing, and the longer cut tucks into my ski pants. It is essentially a warmer R1 Hoody without pockets. Also layers great under my MHW Xenon Shell.

Before working at BC.com, this was my ONLY cold weather jacket. If you are looking for something to wear 99% of the time when cold, this is it. Not waterproof, and found that the "kiss" of PU is pretty insignificant, even by Utah standards. The second time I wore this was in Moab, during intense rain and snow (freakish). I was warm, even though my jacket was somewhat saturated.

Just FYI, this jacket does NOT have the Recco unlike its description implies

6 month update: After ordering this jacket the day it came out, I must say that its the most used jacket in my closet. For drier climates, its the perfect 4 season shell. In light to rather fairly steady rain it keeps you dry, perfect for days in SLC. It has soundly replaced my ski shell in all but the coldest of conditions. The superb breathability of the Powershield makes it better for aerobic activities than any windstopper, and is very very durable.

However, there are some things that I should note:

1. Do not expect this to replace your hardshell unless you live in very arid climates, like Utah. Washington DC downpours just cut through this thing, but that is to be expected.

2. A lack of wrist cuffs leaves something to be desired.

That being said, the pros grossly outweigh the cons:

1. SUPER comfortable, the fabric just stretches amazing amounts
2. VERY VERY breathable
3. Excellent pockets
4. A fantastic athletic cut
5. Great hood that fits well over most helmets

Seriously, you are looking for a hooded softshell this is THE jacket, trust me. Just look at my profile and you will see the enormous amount of jackets I have tested and owned.

This piece competes with the now super popular Down Sweater by Patagonia, however its cut for certain folks. I'm no fatass by any means (34 waist), and the Large was too tight around the hips. Its cut for you skinny folks, more so than the Patagonia. Its cut longer though, which was something I wanted in the Down Sweater, and has thinner baffles to prevent shifting of down. Pros:

-GREAT arm length
- UBER light, its lighter than the Patagonia
- Comes w/ stuff sack
- Packs down smaller than the Patagonia

Cons:

- too tight around hips (32 waist and smaller)
- NO INTERNAL POCKET, but has a handy chest pocket
- Elastic cuffs (I hate elastic cuffs, cause no matter what they stretch out)

Overall, a great alternative, if you are a skinny, lanky mofo, this is your choice for a premium cold weather midlayer

I am 6'1" ~180 and the Large fits me perfect, however slightly short on my torso. I have a very long reach and the sleeves are perfect. Although slightly short, its really a perfect jacket for very cold weather (sub 30F), anything above that and you will be very warm. I have yet to see any feather loss, as well as any tears and I have had this thing through hell and back. Packs down very small, but do not really prefer the included stuff sack, its appears delicate. The short length can easily be remedied by adjusting the lower back hemcord, which creates somewhat of a "fitted" look. I previously owned a Patagonia Down Sweater and replaced it with this and couldn't be happier. The Patagonia was a bit lighter and slightly longer, but CERTAINLY not as warm.

I am 6'1" ~180 and the Large fits me perfect, however slightly short on my torso. I have a very long reach and the sleeves are perfect. Although slightly short, its really a perfect jacket for very cold weather (sub 30F), anything above that and you will be very warm. I have yet to see any feather loss, as well as any tears and I have had this thing through hell and back. Packs down very small, but do not really prefer the included stuff sack, its appears delicate. The short length can easily be remedied by adjusting the lower back hemcord, which creates somewhat of a "fitted" look. I previously owned a Patagonia Down Sweater and replaced it with this and couldn't be happier. The Patagonia was a bit lighter and slightly longer, but CERTAINLY not as warm.

I am 6'1" ~180 and the Large fits me perfect, however slightly short on my torso. I have a very long reach and the sleeves are perfect. Although slightly short, its really a perfect jacket for very cold weather (sub 30F), anything above that and you will be very warm. I have yet to see any feather loss, as well as any tears and I have had this thing through hell and back. Packs down very small, but do not really prefer the included stuff sack, its appears delicate. The short length can easily be remedied by adjusting the lower back hemcord, which creates somewhat of a "fitted" look. I previously owned a Patagonia Down Sweater and replaced it with this and couldn't be happier. The Patagonia was a bit lighter and slightly longer, but CERTAINLY not as warm.

I own several wool tops and I would say that this is honestly the most versatile. Its comparable to a Patagonia Wool 2 Crew, and breathes immensly. With just it underneath, I wear my Welder hoody in temps down to the low 40s and am still comfy. The natural color works GREAT as an undershirt for formal wear. I gotta get 2 more of these.

I have recently been turned onto Patagonia gear, and I must confess it lives up to the hype. This particular fleece is absurdly comfortable and lightweight, utilizing variable length fibers that mimics 'fur' for maximum warmth.
The weight to warmth ratio is fantastic, quickly replacing my TNF Denali fleece. With a BC.com Merino Crew underneath, I could wear it down to the mid 20s. With a shell of sorts, you could certainly meander about in temperatures near zero. however, like the Denali, it is not windproof. Hence, if there is wind or precipitation of sorts, a shell is necessary.
The R1 interior material is very comfortably against the skin, and stretches very well. The pockets are conveniently snag-free due to the use of supplex around the zippers. At roughly 15 oz, the R2 is very packable and relatively lightweight. Honestly if you want only one midlayer, for most of you, this is would be it. But for frigid regions, a Polartec Windpro fleece would be better suited (like the Patagonia R3 or Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Jacket).

I have only two gripes: first, is the lack of internal pocket (just one for an iPod wouldn't hurt!) Secondly, the material, like all fleece, attracts pet hair. This could be a problem for some, which would make a softshell jacket a feasible alternative.

I took this shell to the Rothbury Music festival last summer. During the last days of the fest, it rained unholy amounts of rain. This was the type of precipitation that truly tests the quality of your gear. Honestly, in this industry you usually get what you pay for. Anyway, most of our group had soaked through tents and jackets. My tent was soaked through as hell, but I was bone dry, outside in my Rain shadow. Lightweight shell, packs into nothing, and stops rain as good as goretex (up to 47psi apparently).

This is a must have for any skier/snowboarder. Complete with thumbloops, stretch panels and a ninja hood, the R1 hoody keeps you warm and toasty underneath layers like nobody's business. The hood works great as a balaclava, key on those cold Baldy Runs

This is a great cold weather layer. Perfect for those cold days when you really want a warm layer. I already own an R1 and figured a Cap/Wool 4 would not be necessary, but this combo (Wool 3, R1) paired with a shell is unbeatable for breathability, weight and warmth for anything on the mountain. Works awesome with the BC.com Rime, better in the warmer months though

I have two of these, along with the Zip Tee and a Patagonia Wool 3 that round out my baselayer quiver and I must say these BC.com crew shirts not only feel good, but look good as well. The thumbholes are trully a godsend, and the material is incredibly comfortable. Note: The Crew is made in China, the Zip Tee is made is Canada. Honestly, the Chinese made garment is just as good.

The Wool insulates and breathes while the zip dumps heat. This piece never gets smelly or irritable against your skin. It works well with a Rime or R1 pullover and still allows for the zip to function. Thumbholes are choice, as is the subdued logo. I will have this for quite some time.

Honestly, I love 100% of my Backcountry.com brand products- except this one. I have had it for less than a month and it is already leaking profusely around the edges. I have only used this a handful of times and there are no visible signs pointing to a cause of aleak.

I have owned lots of footwear in my life, however none have been as useful and durable as the Oboz Firebrand. I needed a waterproof shoe to use throughout the winter months in Utah, and this shoe does the job. In cold weather, my feet are always toasty and in warmer temperatures they breathe great. Although I have not used them in summer months, I think they would work exceptionally well as a summer hiker. The Sole is something that truly sets it apart. It somehow never retains debris and is always clean. I don't know how they do it. Also, the footbed on this is incredibly comfy, however very stiff. The fit is very true to size. Comfy like Keen