Seattle Gal

I am 5'8'', a fit size 8, with a fairly long inseam (I usually wear 33"-34" pants) and the Backbowl pants in Medium fit me perfectly. They certainly provide ample room for a layer of long underwear, but I wouldn't call them bunchy or slouchy. If you're really slender, though, they might not fit you as well, and I can see how the legs might be long on shorter gals. I love the fit of these pants and the pewter color is great.

LOVE my new Axcess jacket. I've worn it skiing several times this season on really nasty days, windy and sub-20 temperatures, and it has kept my core warm and dry. I love all the little features like the adjustable powder skirt, multitude of pockets, stowable balaclava (which to my surprise I've used every time I've skied; it's the perfect layer under my helmet and keeps the chill off my neck/chin!), well-designed pit zips, and deep hood that easily fits over my helmet. I also like the fit, which is relaxed and leaves plenty of room for layers without being bulky. I'm 5'8'', broad shoulders and long arms, and the Medium fits me perfectly; if you're between sizes, you might want to size down. This will be the perfect jacket that will keep me dry in the wet Pacific Northwest and still keep me warm on ski trips to chillier inland climates.

Being GoreTex with insulation, this is not a cheap jacket, but you won't regret the purchase.

LOVE my new Axcess jacket. I've worn it skiing several times this season on really nasty days, windy and sub-20 temperatures, and it has kept my core warm and dry. I love all the little features like the adjustable powder skirt, multitude of pockets, stowable balaclava (which to my surprise I've used every time I've skied; it's the perfect layer under my helmet and keeps the chill off my neck/chin!), well-designed pit zips, and deep hood that easily fits over my helmet. I also like the fit, which is relaxed and leaves plenty of room for layers without being bulky. I'm 5'8'', broad shoulders and long arms, and the Medium fits me perfectly; if you're between sizes, you might want to size down. This will be the perfect jacket that will keep me dry in the wet Pacific Northwest and still keep me warm on ski trips to chillier inland climates.

Being GoreTex with insulation, this is not a cheap jacket, but you won't regret the purchase.

I wear my Reflexa shell constantly in Seattle (I'm now on my second one). The fit is tailored, size up if you want to fit a couple layers under it. I like the nice deep hood that you can adjust to fit over a helmet or snug against your face, although I wish the hood zipped off instead of folding down into the collar, because it makes the collar too bulky for my taste and I end up leaving the hood out most of the time.

My first Reflexa had a couple of minor issues, mainly that the anchors for the back hood elastic adjustments both came unstitched and also the velcro at the collar rubbed on the shoulder, causing the fabric to pill. OR offered to replace my jacket with a new one when I sent them a comment about it. The waterproofing on my new one seems a little less absolute then I'd like (the water doesn't pill up and run off), but I have never gotten wet while wearing it. I like the idea of the tunic pit zips, though I've used it backpacking a couple of times now and haven't actually tried wearing it as a tunic over my hip strap. The weight and packability is very good, and for the most part it holds up well to heavy use.

I echo everything said in James Cooper's review... this jacket is one of the most functional layering pieces I own, packing a surprisingly warm punch given its light weight and volume and even wind resistant. But it is just not built to stand up to serious wear. I don't wear it skiing or climbing - if I did, I'd throw a shell over it, because the outer fabric is susceptible to snagging. After just a few weeks of around-town wear, the stitching on my sleeve has come undone in one section and also on the upper back. There is also visible wear on the stiching elsewhere, including the front of the jacket. And this is just with easy, every day use! I am reluctant to send it back because I think they would just replace it with another jacket with the same problems. Hopefully the next generation Nano Puff will be built better, but until then, I would only buy this at a steep discount - it is simply not built to the quality expected from Patagonia at that price point.

This might be my new favorite layering piece. I can wear it with a lightweight long underwear top underneath for outdoor sports in chilly weather, or a t-shirt for around town. It is fitted but forgivingly so... I am a busty size 8/10 and the Medium gives me room enough in the chest (very stretchy fabric helps!) without being baggy around the waist. The sleeves are plenty long, perfect for me, and I love the thumb loops. I haven't tried washing it yet, but I'm hopeful it will live up to the Icebreaker reputation of durability. I got it on sale - not sure I'd pay full price for it, but at 40% off you can't go wrong!

I was looking for a trenchcoat-style rainjacket that I could wear to work and around the city, which would look a little nicer than your average raincoat but still keep me dry. I'm sure this jacket would do a great job on keeping-me-dry part, but it was a bit more technical than what I wanted. The fabric is quite noisy and it's definitely a rain shell (unlined), not a trench coat. If you want a casual piece that will keep you dry around town, this is it. Flattering fit is a bit fitted around the waist to give it a nice shape. But if you want a raincoat for more professional city use, this is probably not your coat.

Size note: I'm 5'8'', busty but otherwise fairly slim, and I usually wear a M or L in Patagonia (M if a relaxed fit, L if more trim fitting). The Medium in this coat fit me well, with room for a layer or two underneath. I'd recommend sizing down if you're in between sizes.

I usually wear M in North Face gear, but ordered a L in this based on other reviews. It was probably the right size for me, as otherwise the chest/sleeves would have been too small. But overall I didn't care for the fit and decided to return it. It seemed warm enough and pretty cozy, but I was hoping to use it as a layering piece and the extra fabric around the waist made it feel bulky under fitted jackets or vests (it flares out at the bottom around your hips). The roomy waist/hip also gives it a boxy look. Just not what I was looking for fit-wise in a thin layering fleece.

This is such a great jacket. the fill is super warm without adding bulk, and the fit couldn't be better. very slimming but still plenty of room to move. I've been wearing it all over town and pretty much can't take it off!

I ordered my shoes right before leaving to study abroad, and didn't have time to really break them in before I arrived. I was impressed by how comfortable they were right from the first day I wore them. I initially bought them specifically for day hikes, but they're cute enough that I wear them a lot for long days out on the town. Highly recommended!