Rocky Mountain Goat

I bouoght this jacket to snowboard during really cold days in the Colorado Rockies. I've used this over 15 days of boading this season...in some of the coldest, windy days up on the peaks of Breckenfridge. This jacket handled the harsh weather like a monster but with class and style. I have not been cold in this thing and unless it gets freeze my nuts off cold, I usually just board in a thermal top and a t-shirt...otherwise, I'll through on a light middle layer. The jacket vents and breaths really well to dump heat because of the eVent and pit zips. This is a good thing because as you start moving, you will get warm. The eVent material is very thick and durable...I feel bullet proof when riding. The jacket has no tears or scratches after some serious falls and branch wackings.

I got the asphalt (grey) in medium and it looks slick without being loud. Will go nicely with almost any kind of boarding pants. When Westcomb says this has a relaxed fit they were not joking. Don't mistake this jacket for something in their alpine/mountaineering line...this not fitted at all. I usually wear a medium in Arcc'Teryx or MHW so I ordered a medium and initially felt like it was large. I quickly got used to it and besides, its for boarding so having a baggy fit works. The jacket also has a much longer length than an alpine/mountaineering jacket.

Westcomb did a nice job with build quality and design. There are a lot of nice touches. The hood is huge and easily covered my riding helmet. The pockets are very large and have H2O proof zippers. The fleece lining is similar to the same stuff that as the monkey man jacket or the inside of the Arc'teryx hercules jacket. It will keep you warm. The chest pockets are a different colar (same color as the bottom rear patch). I usually ride without the powder skirt unless I'm hitting pow.

The negatives are that this jacket is heavy...but what do you expect with that amount of fleece and the weigth of the eVent. I don't mind it much but if they had a poly-fiber fill option like primaloft, I'd think about that option...although I suspect you'd like you were wearing a puffy. Also, I'd like to have a bit of fleece around the chin, especially on those cold windy days.

Otherwise, a fantastic, bomb proof, heavy duty jacket that will keep you toasty. Also - I have not yet seen anyone else with this jacket and I've gotten multiple compliments and a number of questions asking the brand and where I got it. After I told them the price most gagged though. Actually...maybe giving a great review isn't such a good idea as I don't want to be going up the lift with some knucklehead that has the same jacket.

I got this on SAC for around $60. I really wanted to like this glove. I've been wanting to try a three finger mitt as my hands get cold in regular gloves and I don't like full on mittens. I've been looking at the Hestra XCR three finger glove but saw this and thought I'd give them a try.

As many have already mentioned...these run real small. I usually wear medium and that's what I ordered. I can hardly create a fist. I can see my hands cramping trying to grip anything.

The description on backcountry.com doesn't refer to prima-loft insulation but the description on the stoic website states it has prima-loft insulation and wool liners. I talked to backcountry and asked them if this mitt has some prmaloft insulation. They said they believed it did according to the stoic description. As far as I can tell, I don't believe there is any prima-loft. However, there seems to be a polyester inner lining in addition to the removable wool lining. So there is some insulation, I just don't think its any type of fiber-fill type. I suspect that the shell alone would be warm enough for some warm spring skiing/boarding.

The inner lining is actually a pain in the butt. The inner lining is actually a glove type, i.e. the attached inner lining is not a three finger type but has all four fingers. The issue I ran into was that the tip of the fingers were not attached/adhered to the shell so as you pull out the removable wool lining, the fingers of the non-removable lining gets pulled out or twisted and then its nearly impossible to reinsert the removable wool liner. I had to take of the removable wool lining off my hands and individually straighten out the fingers of the non-removable poly liner. So if I take of the mitts chances are that I'm going to have to remove the wool liners from my hands and spend time screwing around fixing the attached poly liner. I tried taking the mits on and off a number of times and it happened enought to be noticible.

The double helix closures work fine. However, I would have liked some sort of idiot straps or at least loops to attach wrist lanyards.I'm going to send these back. Even if the mitts didn't have the issues I noted above, the glove is much smaller than the indicated size.

I've had this back for over a year and have taken it on 4 backpacking trips, most recently over Buffalo Pass in Colorado. This pack is very comfortable and rides really well when moving, the weight is distributed evenly. The construction is generally top notch and heavy duty. The zippers and fabric are burly! One issue I have found though is that the plastic brace near the top of the pack that supports the area between the shoulder straps is a bit weak and may snap...when I dropped my pack it must of hit a rock as mine snapped. When I returned the pack for a new one, I was told by the sales rep that he had heard a batch of these packs had isues with manufacturing but that had been resolved.Aside from having a ton of space, there are just the right amount of bells and whistles. I love the side zipper that runs fully down the side of the pack...I can quickly access my stuff near the bottom of the pack without unloading the stuff on the top. I also like the zippered large storage on the top rear of the back that can be accessed by water proof zipper...I keep my quick access necessities, like rain gear there. The placement of the water bottle holders are a pain in the ass...with the pack on, its not that bad to get the bottles out of the holder but its a pain in the ass to put it back in. It doesn't have exteriod pouches or pockets or mesh, but I actually like that. It makes the pack sleek. When I strap this baby down its tight and doesn't have crap dangling on it so I don't get caught on branches or rocks.Solid...I'd buy again or recommend highly.

This jacket has become my favorite jacket so far this season. I got the medium in grey with the orange trim. The look is slammin good. It has a very modern tech look without the idiotic teenage wanna be ganster graphics or skater bagginess on this jacket. At the same time, the jacket didn't constrict movement at all. The fit was spot on for me, at 5'9'', 160 lbs and 41 inch chest. One thing that ticks me off about some jackets is that the stomach area is too baggy and pouchy. This jacket doesn't have that problem. One thing to note, the grey isn't really a solid grey. It actually looks a lot like micro-checks, kind of like a screen door. A nice touch actually.Material is superb. The PolarTec Windpro with the hardface outer is, in my lowly, opinion the best all around fleece material if weight and compression are not concerns. I've tried wearing the Retro-X jacket and the Monkey Man, and some other more fuzzy material but that crap just doesn't sit right with me. I feel like Fozzy the bear or some man sized fuzzy stuffed animal.The material blocks fair amount of wind and it retains body warmth very well. I would say that this is at least a mid to semi-heavy weight fleece. Performance wise, you could wear this jacket as your outer wear in all but windy conditions. The DWR is pretty good so it resist some light moisture...as compared to other plain cotton or poly sweatshirts which are basically sponges. This thing kept be very warm as a midlayer under REI's eVent Shuskan jacket when I did some early season snow boarding in the Colorado Rockies. The jacket is very breathable so you don't get swampy using it as a mid layer under a shell.The jacket has nice features, dual draw string cinches at the waist and hood, tapered sleeves so the wrist opening isn't flapping around, a functional hood, a good sized interior pocket and zippered outside pockets.

This jacket is fine but not worth the price tag. Its not really waterproof at all and will only shed light mist or rain...with any meaningful percipitation you will get wet. Its fine for a windbreaker but than, why not just get a windshirt or better yet, a polartec powershield jacket.

I would consider the MHW Quark jacket before this...the Quark is a little heavier, but very packable and actually waterproof breathable and has pit zips!

This lantern is bona fide "have to have" camping gear. Its very bright, light weight, durable and lasts a long time. The multiple brightness setting makes it versitile and allows you to extend the battery life. The lantern compacts into a small size and the legs allow it to be used on various surfaces or you can hang it if you like. I took this on a backpacking trip on the Gore Creek Trail over Red Buffalo Pass and it performed like a champ. We used it to provide light when we started dinner late and also used it to as a hanging lantern in our tent so that we could play some poker.

I have this jacket and have worn it heavily during this 2008-2009 winter. I would NOT recommend this jacket in 20 degree weather without a good midlayer. For some reason, I find the lining not very insulating. My arse was cold sitting on the lift going to the top of the mountain when I only had a light layer underneath. I have worn this on winter hikes, snowboarding and around mountain towns in the Rockies. I would say that without a layer underneath, this is a great jacket for weather between 50-35 degrees (i.e. great for fall and spring). With a good baselayer or mid layer, you are going to signficantly extent the comfort range. If you are doing highly aerobic activities, that will also increase the tempeture range. This is a nice, tight atheletic fit. I am about 165 pounds and a medium fits just right...I can get a sweat shirt or fleece underneath but it is then snug (which is fine with me since I like it that way and since it stretches with movement). I've been wearing this jacket, a baselayer and the Backcountry Siphon sweatshirt and it works beautiflly.

My version of the jacket also has, in addition to the pockets in the description, two mesh interior pockets where you can stow skins, or some other junk.

This jacket is very windproof, has good DWR treatment (water just beads off). It seems waterproof (I left a sleeve dunked in a sink full of water and no water seeped through). The seems are NOT sealed but they do seem fairly tightly stitched. There is no powder skirt but the botton of the jacket has a drawstring cinch. HOWEVER, its not the greatest drawstring cinch and tends to get somewhat loose with movement. The only real complaint I have with jacket is the inner lining material that Columbia used to block out the wind. I am not a fan of it and I find that when I am pulling the jacket on the inner sleeve and jacket lining tends to get pulled out a bit so I have adjust at bit...not a big flaw. I would have opted for velcro wrist closures. Breathability is about middle of the road but it really does keep the wind and weather out.

Over all, this is a great jacket and given the price, I think its one of the best damn softshell jacket that you can get for you money. It has been my go to softshell since I bought it...over the Arc'Teryx Seeker comp, Arc'Teryx Hercules and Mountain Hardwear Alchemy jacket. I would actually consider getting another one if I can find a good sale price in a different color.

Hope that helps...

I bought this a couple of months ago and have used it now at least 2 times per week on my runs and several hikes. I'm 5'9" and 167 and the medium fits just right. First, I love the zip chest pocket...perfect for carrying some cash or credit card/ID. This thing fits very well and movement is natural without bunching. Sometimes on longer runs I have problems with my arm pits rubbing a little raw with tigher fit clothing but not with this. This is also very warm. I went running in about 50 degree weather and it was hot...the 1/4 zipper is very nice to vent. I went running in about 24 degree weather just recently and wore my Arc'Teryx seeker comp shell...it was almost too warm when I got going. The inside of this shirt is fleece like (I would say definitely more fleece like than micro-fleece...almost between light and mid loft fleece). I actually intend to use it as a heavy base or light midlayer when I go snowboarding or winter camping. Some people hate thumploops but I love them for running and snowboarding...it prevent the shirt from riding up and makes for a more tighter, sleek fit. The shirt also has some nice reflective trim that looks cool. I would have given this 5 stars but I wish the neck was tighter. When I zip all the way up, its not quite snug tight so I can imagine some wind getting in. This thing is not very wind resistant but breaths like crazy...

Thumbs up for high octane aerobic activities.

Ok...I purchased the large Free Thinker Jacket. It is the 07-08 model that comes with the Gore-Tex Pro material. I typically wear 42-44. I started the season with the Arc'Teryx Seeker Comp but when the weather started to turn colder and meaner, I started using the Free Thinker exclusively. The activities ranged between snowboarding, ice fishing, winter hiking and general all purpose alpine winter activities in and around the Rockies and Continental Divide.

Construction: Unlike some of the cheaper, "consumer" rate TNF jackets, this jacket is very well constructed. I would say on par with Arc'Teryx, Cloudveil, Mountain Hardwear and ect. The seams are superbly sealed and the zipper material is top notch. The Gore-Tex Pro material is tough...I mean tough. You will have absolutely no issues with piling...this material in fact feels slick, almost like its plastic. You truly feel like you could weather a real bomb of a storm and laugh at water and wind. The jacket feels that solid. HOWEVER, it feels pretty stiff, especially in the armpit and hood areas. This NOT your supple, softer softshell material...this is your true hard shell material that gives the middle finger to the elements. If you are looking for a more supple jacket, consider the Gore-Tex Pro softshell rather than the Enduro material. I got my wife the Cloudveil RPK Gore-Tex Softshell jacket (its still a three layer material) and she loves it. The Gore-Tex Pro Enduro is definitely lighter in weight though, even if it feels more stiff. NOTE...there is no insulation. If you want to use this jacket in colder weather, you have layer but once you do, it feels like you could sit in the artic and enoy what seems to be balmy weather. The jacket is light enough, breaths well and has pit zips so that you can use this in warmer weather under storm/heavy rain conditions and not feel like you will over heat.

Pockets, bells and whistles: The pockets on the outside are well constructed. The two large side pockets are deep and can hold a ton of stuff or larger items if you want to get bulky (I prefer a slim profile pack back). There is a medium sized chest pocket on the left hand side. I found it perfect to fit in a trail map, cell phone or wallet when you want easy access. There is also a smaller pocket on the upper arm which can also fit a cell phone, money clip, trail map or smaller items like lip balm. Then finally there is an almost useless pocket on the lower arm with a clipp on cloth. I actually found the cloth handy to wipe my goggles and thus avoid scratching the lenses. But this pocket is very small. Furthermore, the cloth is attached to a clip which is leashed inside the pocket so it is a pain in the ass to detach and attach the clip since you have to do it one hand as the pocket is on the lower arm. Furthermore, the clip is small and difficult to manipulate. Frankly, I would like to see then use a clip that is more easier to manage and that uses a leash that is expandable so that you don't necessary have to unclip the cloth. Also, I wish they had made the clip in a way you could easily replace the cloth or just attach another item. The Cloudveil RPK has a better clip and retractable leash. I love retractable leashes on my gear...being a fly fisherman, I grew to love attaching various smaller items that get lost but you use often to retractable leashes. There are only two pockets in the inside. There is soft mesh pocket for goggles and a smaller MP3 player pocket. Both are mistakes I think...and quite useless. I don't know anyone who actually stores their goggles inside their jacket. Also, the soft mesh material is fragile...I've already torn mine when I stored my sunglasses and the hinge caught on the material and ripped it. I hate MP3 pockets...just give me a real pocket and I'll decide to store what I want in there. Frankly, I was suprised that a jacket which I see as fairly technical have a stupid comsumer gimmick like an MP3 pocket. It is so damn small you really can't put anything else in there but a lousy ipod. Last gripe, I love and hate the zipper. The zippers themselves are superb and waterproof. However, the zipper tabs are really small making it very hard to manipulate them with gloves or mittins on. My prior TNF Guide Jacket had some very strong, grippy rubber materials attached to the zipper tabs and made it easy to manipulate. The poweder skirt is nice and tight and I did not have problems with it riding up. There are also tons of straps to tighten and adjust the fit to make sure you are sealed to the wind and water. The pit zips are well constructed and use the same waterproof zipper. SOme of the cheaper jackets I have seen don't use waterproof zippers on the pit zips and pockets but this jacket has the same premium zippers in all areas. ver all no real deal breakers...just some annoyimg quirks which I think TNF can address in the next generation.

Fit and Feel: This doesn't have the tight, athelitic fit/cut that an Arc'Teryx jacket usually does. It feel roomy in the chest and the sleeves feel nice... I think it fits true to size. The length is perfect. It comes just below the top of my ass...some of the Arc'Teryx and Mountain Hardware jackets feel a litte short (maybe due to their climbing heritage). The helmet works well and is quite useful but it probably won't fit over a ski or climbing helmet. One issue that bothers me is the arm-pits. The arm fits feel tight...don't get me wrong, are movement is superb without feeling restricted or bunched. I think its the waterproof zippers that are used in the pit zips. The zippers feel stiff because of the waterproof construction (i.e. the front and back backing along the teeth of the zippers) so I think it irritates my underarms a bit. I only notice this when I am not layering with a mid layer so I assume its not really a matter of not having enough room but just that the zippers are kind of stiff.

Performance: Fantastic. I boarded in some seriously crappy weather and ice fished and hiked in some serious wind. This thing will keep you bone dry and the wind will NOT get through. The Free Thinker very solid construction prevents the wind and water from getting in through the seams, the waiste and the neck/hood area. Its like you are wearing high grade ballastic armor and the weather is shooting you with a BB gun...you will laugh at the weather. Water beads immediately and just rips off. Its like you're wearing some sort of titanium shell...just one that breaths. Yes...this thing breaths well. I wore it while hiking with just a light base layer and t-shirt and it got kind of warm but I didn't feel clammy. Also, this is a very light jacket. I used to have an old TNF guide jacket that thing feels like it has bricks in the pockets compared to this.

Conclusion: Great over jacket that is tough, freaking-a-weatherproof, looks great and has some nice bells and whistles. The material is fantastic and the construction is top notch. There are some quirks that annoy me those do not detract significantly, making this one hell of jacket that I will be my main hardshell for years to come.

Ok, I bought this jacket because when I read the reviews and the description of the jacket, I was lead to believe this thing is water proof...I mean tight! It is not... The Hard shell material IS waterproof but the softshell component is only very highly water resistant. I talked to the folks at Arc'Teryx and they told me that this was NOT a jacket they deem "waterproof'. And folks, we know that Arc'Teryx is not mincing words when they describe their gear. What I was told was that the hard shell components are waterproof and the softshell parts are approximately 65-70% waterproof. The softshell material itself isn't waterproof in of itself (i.e. doesn;t have a waterproof membrane) but rathher is water resistant and made veryra water resistant by the DWR treatment.

So...from a technical standpoint, the materials do not make this a bombproof, waterproof jacket.

Now, Let me describe my real world experience. Just this Thanksgiving (2008) I went to playa de carmen for vacation and the first 2.5 days was rain soaked. I expected some rain and I took the Seeker Comp with me to test out its water resistance....

Let me tell you, this thing may not be completely waterproof, but it is very damn near close. This think kept me dry in 15 minutes of walking around in a deluge and 30 minutes of light rain. The only areas where I noticed a bit of water coming through was in the back, where I had been leaning back against a tree and some rocks. The back is the soft shell material and water WILL GET THROUGH if you but too much pressure against the material against really wet surfaces. By the way, the seams on the Seeker are beautifully sealed and the waterproof zippers are great.

With respect to breathability, it is outstanding...even in the muggy 75 degree weather during the rain showers in Mexico...I didn't have that nasty clammy wet feeling inside the jacket.

With respect to warmth....forget about it. This thing is a light shell. The folks at Arc'Teryx told me that this thing has only about 65-80% wind stopping. This turned out true. Here in the rockies, we have had some very windy days recently, and I can tel you that when the wind picks up to more than a strong breeze, you will start to feel the wind...especially in the soft shell areas. Also, the Seeker Comp is not your insulated or heavier softshell jacket. If you want to wear this thing in sub 40 degree weather, you may want to start thinking about a mid layer or a decently warm base layer. At about freezing tempature...this thing is not going to provide the warmth you need. Now, this is subject to your level of activity, as I was just taking a walk in the neighborhood so not realy getting my body tempture up. As for pit zips...who needs pit zips. This jacket breaths.

Now my question is, when do I wear my TNF Free Thinker and when do I wear the Seeker Comp... I just received my 2007/08 TNF Free Thinker Jacket and I will post a review after my upcoming snow boarding trip.

Hope this review helps....