Two Crows

I bought this for travel on airlines. The straps are not removeable-- so when you check it in at the airport they put the duffle in a huge plastic bag so straps don't get caught in loading equipment or baggage claim. Not very eco friendly (which mountain hardwear totes this bag as) and not a very convenient way to carry your luggage. So, back to the drawing board-- if they redesign this with removeable or stashable straps, it would be a 5-star.

The hand straps are the kind of like self-adhesive postage stamps: why didn't someone think of this years ago? It is incredibly convenient to click in and out of the straps. I use these for backcountry long trips and I stop alot for layering, drinking water etc. Not having to undo straps all the time is a huge advantage. I don't think the pole color/graphics are all that great, and otherwise, they're just poles. The grips make them 4+ stars. ALSO: make sure you spec a size for the strap-- they come in S, M, and L.

Great price, nice color and I liked the "attitude" of the visible taped seams. But, the fit-- it was very tight along back if I reached forward with a ski pole, and it needs another inch or so at waist level (other reviewers had same comment) since it pulls up when active and a frigid cold hits your waistline. Might fit better for others-- wish I didn't have to send this one back.

This is a TECHNICAL piece. I wanted to love this jacket-- indeed, I was in love with it from the neck down-- great color, fabric, sleeve length, cut. But, the hood is ginormous-- it completely slouches down and covers my face and the adjustments don't help. If you zipper the jacket up and don't use the hood, the hood crunches against the back of your neck and is uncomfortable. This would be a great piece for someone who wears a helmet, but if you're xcountry skiing, snowshoe hiking, this is not the jacket for you.

This is a well-made jacket, however the zippers on the one I ordered were absolutely terrible. Trust what other reviewers said-- I couldn't zip the jacket! This is without gloves and with warm hands indoors-- imagine being out on a hike in the wind and snow. Also, angle of pockets is too steep-- you need to be a yogi to bend your arms and get your hands inside.For my money, I would get the parka-- you get a bit more coverage on the waist and the zippers work great. The jacket looks better than the parka (is a monotone, hidden chest pocket) but jacket's got some major flaws.

Hi,

I bought both the SL parka and the SL down jacket-- kept the parka and LOVE IT! If I had a jacket like this when I grew up in Buffalo NY winters, I might never have left!

Why not 5 stars? I don't like the two chest pockets, the asthetics of the black/red, and they could have put some soft fleece where the top of collar hits my neck when zippered. Not much else to knock!