After talking with a Mountain Hardware rep I was able to find out that they tested their Thermic Micro to have a clo of .76. I believe PL Eco is .74 so they should initially have the same warmth.

Loft retention would play a much more important role when comparing the two since we all know that after being packed down again and again all synthetics loose their loft and insulating values.

I also attempted to contact Backcountry multiple times about clo values and didn't get a real answer either.

I've been skiing with their Welder Insulated (100g cirrus and a slightly heaver shell) and have been happy with it over a midweight baselayer 80% of the time skiing in Utah. Its been used on 5 degree days with a R1 and 320 weight merino midlayer and comfortable with pit zips open at 40. It did fine on bluebird days, but when it was puking out the fabric wetted out.

I recently picked up a nano puff to use under a new eVent shell. Id say the warmth while testing them standing outside wasn;t as dramatic as I was hoping. The stoic was warmer, but not considerably. Its probally closer to PL Eco or Infinity than Primaloft one.

However for skiing, this jacket is fine, for lightweight hiking - id look somewhere else.

**Real world active use could vary from my sedentary use sitting on my porch.**

That is last years bag's info, check the picture.

The stoicgear website is not updated frequently - backcountry.com has all of the updated and new styles.

The Schoeller material used is much more breathable and more water resistant than the material on the Stoic Tour's.

The Backcountry.com Tour SE uses the same Schoeller material - this would be a better comparison.

Can anyone from bc chime in on the differences?

The weight is spot on, it was actually slightly underweight at just 2.25 oz (medium) on my scale.

Haven't used it yet, but initial impressions were that it is SUPER thin, even for a windshell. It seems much more fragile than pertex, but like I said I have not worn it outside yet.

Will post real review soon.

Hunter,

So your saying this jackets brethability is pretty bad? Is this in general or compared to other wind shells?

Doesn't look like it, the product description states there is NO fast-pitch option

Temperature ratings are rarely ever given since it is a very individualized topic. Clothing you wear should be based on temperature, wind, precipitation, and level of activity. Somebody hiking in 20 degree weather might only wear a base layer and a shell while if I was standing outside waiting for a bus I might want a down jacket.

Most softshells will just protect you from the elements (wind, light snow) while remaining very breathable (like this jacket). Some have a light fleece lining, but in general are only meant as a shell.

Yes, it will fit. However the giro version only controls volume and will mute the audio. The more expensive smith version will also pause, and skip to other songs.

Maybe they changed the design recently but mine has 3 settings - Low -> Medium -> High. To switch through them you just click the power button on the side. No extending holding down of the button is needed. And there is no difference between a flood or spot light.

Yes, the waist belt is removable. I use mine for sking, hiking, school and it works great for all. Has a very technical look to it.

Check out geartrade.com all of backcountry's returns get resold there

Go with the medium. Im 155 and 5' 8.5" and the medium with well with a long sleeve shirt on. The large will be a better length, but most likely too wide.