I spent a while researching mid-range cost (<$250) coats and though I'm a boarder, all the board-jacket designs (to me) just suck right now. This coat took me about 2 months to find and the pattern is killer...I instantly liked the look, and now I really love this coat.

I'm also 6'6'' tall and 185 lbs - TOUGH to fit in any coat, but this one has a tad longer rorso being a "parka" (though it really has no semblance to a parka at all) and it fits me perfectly - I have 35'' sleeves, so perfect fit is rare.

Functionally, this coat is super sweet - the interior lining is soft, lightweight, and lightly insulated - just much warmer than most shells, so I can wear it over a short sleeve shirt for short jaunts outdoors...something I can't do with my current shell which is cold to the touch inside without a fleece or long sleeve. I've not boarded in it yet, but have gone out in some very cold days & nights with just a thermal top under it - stayed fully toasty.

The pockets make sense too - the vertical zips on front make reaching in top out pockets very easy, same with bottom pockets.

The hood IS NOT removable, as stated, but I don't really need that feature, not need to lose the hood. There is perhaps a wire of some sort in the brim of the hood that allows you to shape the brim to keep water out

I also wasn't sure the sleeve cuffs would work out - in the photos they are half "flat" and half "pleated" with a velcro cinch - but this really works out very well. That is - the pleats are essentially hidden, so there's no 1978 pleated cuffs look at all.

The pit-zips are easy to zip, and semi-netted vs. fully open, and all the zips stick in place but also zip like they're lubed.

Last (and first) - this pattern and look is just badass to me, in all colors. Its got the look, and while thats semi-superficial, its important to feel good in a pattern. This pattern (in all colors) psyches me up....just looks solid & strong.

I don't really have any negatives on this one yet. This is just a killer coat - very warm and super comfy...and perfect for taller people. Unless this thing falls apart, I will likely be using it for the next 15 years or so (lifespan of my last shell).

Second Review: These are poorly madeI hate this - this is truly the most beautiful looking and most immediately comfortable boot I've ever seen and worn. But after my first pair disentigrated after minimal offtrail work (my primarily location) I wrote Patagonia, returned the boots and they cut me a check for the full amount. So I bought Pair #2 about 4 months ago.Sadly, I am having the very same problems only worse with the vibram - yes vibram sole coming off of BOTH soles near the toes - last time it was just one boot. This breaks my heart as they are still fully and as brand new - totally comfortable. And again - this is by far THE baddest ass looking boot style I've ever seen. But the sad truth is - Patagonia is using cheap materials in China (or wherever) to make this or my pair # 2 would not have self destructed even faster than pair #1.I would give this a one star but two is all I can go - and trust me, I'm not trying to diss Patagonia - I've never had such issues with any of their other gear. But there is simply no excuse for this. My only question now is - with how much I love the look, comfort but "know" the soles are going to shred off in just a few months, do I keep returning them, buy a new pair, return, buy, return...or just go with another boot? Problem is - there is just nothing out there that looks or fits the foot so well initially - these are IMMEDIATLY comfortable. But with the soles ripping off both pairs in just months - and with hardly any serious usage, I have to say that I'm shopping around.This is truly sad as again, there is just no better looking or instantly fitting boot I've ever worn. But I seem to have no other choice. Sorry shoppers - look elsewhere unless you get the lucky pair that doesn't tear up on you.

this is a very good quality shirt and i wear it often - easy to hand wash & dries instantly. well worth the $ and a very nice fit, more cut that others.

I bought a pair of these in July 2008 and have worn them primarily in the woods vs. pavement, but am now on pair #2. I have a mixed review, as these are instantly the f-ing hottest looking (minor) but most comfortable, grippy, and good-fitting, good-feeling boot I've ever worn. I've never had so many people ask about my boots...and super comfy. However - after only several months, some of the rubber sole 'tabs' (grip more on the sides of soles) began to seperate, as was the rubber hold on the leather around the toe. Still...it all ultimately held until a few months ago (Sept/Oct 09) when sole sections started to tear off and one of the soles split east to west, cracked wide open. My last pairs of boots were Vasque & Scarpas - each about the same cost, but each lasting about 5 yrs. So - I called Patagonia and they said "thats not right" so I returned them - but they had none in stock and to their credit, they cut me a check for the original amount plus tax...sweet! So - I picked them back up on BC.com and am now enjoying ride #2, same killer boot and hopefully a slightly better result. I'm hoping pair #1 was a fluke, and I'll largely agree with AJ3 and other good reviews below. These boots also feature a killer 'rocker' or front to back 'kick' I can't quite describe when walking - feels amazing. Overall, this is the best looking and most comfortable boot I've ever bought - but if this pair F's up, I'll send back to Patagonia and buy elsewhere. I've only had good results from Patagonia - these guys have ethics too - an this is so far the only item I've put so much $$$ into that hasn't lasted for years - yet. One more chance guys...and I hope it works out because I won't buy again if these fall apart - and I'll ask for my money back to get Vasque's again and never look back. Problem is - there's just no boot (I've seen yet) that even compares to this instant comfort & style off the cuff...takes months to get boots to feel like these do out of the box.

Update 2 years later - still my favorite hoodie / fleece of all time and my only complaint is that BC doesn't sell it anymore so no replacment is possible when that day comes...bad decision Backcountry...shame on you.

This is THE most well designed, best cut, not-at-all poop-sack baggy and comfy fleece I've ever owned. The neck zip area is well designed - goes all the way to chin without gaps due to the hood - thus far less air gettin' in than the normal fleece, plus the hood is good though just shy of perfect. Only complaint is that the hood length should just go a bit more forward / down toward the forehead - i have a tiny head and the cinch-line ends just above my hairline, but not a big deal with a tobog on.

I'm starting my 3rd season on this fleece / hoodie and love it to death...its the single best ever.

I had to return mine.

I really like the build and style of this model of prana's but they just didn't function for me. They are super well built, but the belt buckle is still the same (breakable) and not-easily slid - similar to the less expensive pants, and there are still no backup belt-loops if you bust the buckle. They are also a little thinner material than the less expensive pair (voyagers) i returned recently because the buckle broke while I was climbing ...not having the backup loops ended the climb - a true perfect day killer - gear failure.

They also have no back-left pocket which for me is critical (i know - this is picky) but I rely on all pockets. Sweetly though - all the pockets are zip style. The voyagers I sent back actually had better pockets for field books (for notes) on both back pockets, so I'll probably just buy that style again.

Still - overall these pants will serve any of you very well I think, just weren't quite my style. They are super comfy and I honestly think anyone would dig them....they fit well and cover boots well with perfect leg / cuff (?) openings at the base of the leg. This is a good product overall.

I'll start with my only complaint which is minor - Burton - PLEASE start making some sort of variable waist or tall sizes. If I wear a med, the legs are too short - large (which I have) the waist is too big, have to wear a belt.

That being said, they still fit well and probably the fattest snowboard pants I could ask for. Now...the season has yet begun, so actually, this is kinda useless, but I'll be doubling up snowshoeing, hunting, and just roaming about in the woods in them in winter, so I'm already stoked about them. I've always worn my board pants for general winter play anyway, these just happen to be the baddest.

Pockets are all excellent. Best of any pant I've had yet.

Overall - if they fit you well (I'm dealing with it) you'll love these.

The open front pockets are not good for climbing at all...for $60 these should all be zips, not open. The built-in belt is a way old-school metal buckle where you can't just pull the strap and quick-tighten, but you must hold the buckle, pull the strap forward while fidgeting it, hold it down so it doesn't slip back, then pull the strap...super lame. Last, these have all the style of Burger King's 1979 line of performance fast food pants...and just as hot. They are 'turd' brown, darker than they seem in the photo. I'd return them but bought them for a month out of country and now i'm past the return window by default.

On the good side, they are tough with one good side zip pocket on the left leg, though its so odd shaped, you can't get a wallet in it. They also fit well but for climbing...huh-uh.They do dry quickly though, a plus. They also look stark with nearly any shirt, esp t-shirts.

Last, why are all the ''climbing / hiking'' pants in washed out khaki / browns / navies? Makes me feel depressed. Prana, Columbia, et al should take a tip from Carhart and lighten & brighten just a tad. You'de stand to gain by mimicking the Carhart style loose fit with the same fabrics / materials, better zips & belts, and you'll have a winner.