Overall, this is a great jacket. However, in my opinion, it's more of a mountaineering or hiking jacket than a skiing jacket. It would probably be perfect for someone who likes to hike or skin their way up and then ski down. But I bought this to serve as my primary ski jacket (mostly resort, but some backcountry), and for that purpose, there are probably better options for the price. This jacket has no side pockets (i.e. hand-warmer pockets); it only has the two Napoleon pockets. While the Napoleon pockets are fine for storage, I'm used to sticking my hands in my pockets on lifts (to keep warm), or at sporting events, or just walking around town. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hood being integrated into the collar without being stowable. It provides great neck coverage when zipped-up, so it's great on cold days. But on warm days, if you want to unzip a little bit, the collar and hood just kinda flop-around. I prefer a hood that is either removable, stowable, or at the very least, set-back off the collar away from your face. Here's my summary:

PRO's: very solid construction and feel, Gore-Tex weatherproofing and breathability, slightly stretchy, helmet-compatible hood, awesome color (Raven), zip-off powder skirt, and pit-zips.

CON's: Napoleon pockets only...no side pockets (i.e. handwarmer pockets); hood is not removable or stowable, making it awkward if you like to unzip at the neck to cool down.

I've been searching for two years for a jacket to replace my old Gore-Tex shell, which just looks out-of-date. I thought this could be the one! I just received the jacket (size S, jacaranda green) yesterday and I like nearly everything about it, except the fit. I am 5'8" and about 160 lbs., with a neck size of 15-1/2" and chest size of 39-40. I usually buy size medium clothing. But, based on other reviewers saying this jacket runs large, I decided to order the small. Well, in terms of body length and sleeve length, the small is about right. But it's just too tight in the chest. I could probably get away with it in warmer temps when I'm wearing just a minimal base layer. But if I add a fleece-type mid layer for the cold, it's just too tight. The jacket does stretch a little bit, but I don't want my jacket to fit like Under Armour. I haven't tried on a medium yet, but based on how the small fits, I'm guessing the sleeves and body length on the medium will be too long. I suppose if Patagonia offered a Medium Short, that would probably be perfect for me. I would say that size Small would be ideally suited for someone who's about 5' 9", 150 lbs, with a size 36-38 chest. On the bright side, I really like the fabric (good, solid feel and a little stretchy), the design (pit zips, plenty of pockets, removable hood that appears to fit over a helmet), and the look (sleek and contemporary.) And while the green color is pretty cool and unique, it's not exactly what I thought it was going to be. In the photos I saw online, I was expecting the contrasting color (on the side of the body and inside) was going to be more like a dark brown, but in reality its more like a deep pine green. This coat is probably great for the right body type, but unfortunately, I'm going to have to return it. Hope this helps your decision.

I bought the Marmot Sharp Point despite the fact that I already own a softshell--the North Face Apex Bionic. The Marmot is a better jacket, but I was always too cheap to pay the standard price. So, when I saw it on sale, I snagged it. Compare to The North Face Apex Bionic, the Marmot Sharp Point is slightly thicker, a little warmer, fits me better, and has pit zips. It appears to repel water quite well too. The Sharp Point is definitely one of the best softshells in its class.