Alex M

I've hade this softshell for a few months but wanted to try it out in the cold before reviewing. So far it's worked very well, with a few minor flaws.

Materials, Construction, Insulation:
The materials used are great and the construction is very solid; this things breathes very well (just as expected) and is totally fine in all but heavy rain. I think the amount of lining is just right: I usually just wear a merino baselayer underneath and I'm good, unless it gets very cold or I'm not moving much, in which case I have to add another layer--a heavier base works to a decent amount below freezing, and a lightweight fleece down to well below as long as I'm moving.

Fit: (I'm 6', 185, own a Large)
The fit is definitely snug, which is great, but I've found that this does not hamper the ability to layer that much. When very cold, and around camp or taking a break, a light weight down puffer on top is perfect. When I wear this in the city (Boston and Montreal), and I'm not moving too much, I've managed to fit a midweight fleece and a not-too-compact down vest underneath. This definitely makes one look a little round, but it's not that bad.

There are a few minor cons to the Welder Lo.

1) My main issue is definitely the cinch cords and cord locks--they are terrible. Especially the ones in the hood. The cord material seems WAY too loose, so you have to pull very far to get any significant cinching, and the cord lock in the back of the hood simply does not depress making it impossible loosen. I called BC about this and they said that this isn't just a fluke, all of the jackets have crappy locks in the back of the hood. Basically, this means you can't adjust that cinch on the go--not a huge deal but kind of annoying.

2) It's a little on the heavy side and the sleeves are a little tight, especially in the wrists. Other have mentioned this but its not a serious issue, just a minor discomfort sometimes.

3) No pit zips. Don' get me wrong, the jacket breathes very well, but I've used this for some intense trek's and having PZ's would definitely help to dump heat and moisture.

Overall, a fantastic product (really, 4.5 stars) that hasn't disappointed in any significant way. Change the cinch cords and locks, throw in some pit zips and I will marry this thing.