Jonathan Reeve

If you snag these for 30%-50% off here or SAC they are an incredible deal for the features. At retail I think they are about an even value compared to the rest of the market (although there aren't that many bibs like this). Thin, mostly windproof, good fabric ratings. 6'1" and 160# and medium fit perfect. Pretty light and pretty packable, but nothing compared to Gore-Tex Pro Shell. A little funky to get on because it has a high crotch (good for athleticism) and a short zipper. Bib component just rocks. Pockets are fine, but the back pocket has a funky permanent half flap thing that makes wallets a bit awkward to in/egress. My only real complaint is the internal gaiter isn't quite tight enough around my ski boots, and they're a bit too long so they can stick out below the pants. This may be letting some wind in and I'm worried about postholing so I'm going to put a bar tack in it.

I was getting a little wind in the hip area while sitting on a chairlift getting battered by gale-force gusts. Whether that's the aformentioned boot cuffs or some zippers I don't know....not gonna judge that harshly though because when it's really blowing the wind can find a way in a lot stuff. Wish the blue color was louder like previous years, still has a nice neon accent though.

Conclusion: incredible value at $100-170. Hold their own at $240. If you have $400, get the Oakley Sethmo because it's just like this pant but better in every single way. I don't have $400, and I'm content with these; falling in the pow has never been so snow-free.

I've had this jacket for a couple years, so maybe the flaws I've experienced have been fixed. The cinch devices for the hood are crap, and there is not enough veclro on the wrists (although I have skinny wrists).

Those couple negatives aside, this is an awesome jacket for cheap. It is a softshell, but the burliest material I've ever seen on one. You could swan dive into a blackberry bush in this thing; it is definitely workwear appropriate. Repels water decently enough, and the fabric stops wind entirely. Not packable at all, but I do wear it skiing sometimes. Great for jobsites, winter bike riding, and around town. A bargain if you can get it for $90 or less.

I ordered these and the North Face Vindicator GTX Mid at the same time. On paper, they are nearly the same. IRL, they are pretty different. Scarpa usually treats me well because their last is wide in the toe. The last on this is a mid-width however, and caused the aformentioned toe rubbing. Also the sole was quite hard for a light hiker, and the heel cup is a bit flat and narrow (which is somewhat normal for Scarpa). The narrowness and hardness made TNF boot win out (TNF has a very wide last), however if it fits your foot a bit better than me this thing with some aftermarket insoles seems like it would make a killer scrambling boot, as it felt like it would be very good and grippy at technical foot placements. Felt like it would require zero break in.

These boots are amazing but flex in a way that is totally different from a traditional boot. Since they have less "over the top" flex I ending up riding a more neutral position, which is better for the BC anyways. Where they lack is high speed (like, racing speeds) groomer carving, as you can't front flex the ski as aggressively. But that is not the point of this boot. The point is they weigh half as much as a normal alpine boot which allows for faster transitions, more pop in your jump turns, and fantastically light legs on any boot pack uphill.