Great Shell

By Brian Fulmer Ranked #1062 - Men's Technical Shells December 29, 2008

After some shenanigans getting the right size shell shipped to me, I can definitively say I love the Stoic. This is after six months of getting shells and sending them back (just ask the gearheads). After five days of skiing in both the rain and single digit temps here are my initial thoughts.

Okay, yes the sizing is a bit weird. I'm 6'4" 193 (long, lean build) and the Large fit nearly perfect IF AND ONLY if I wanted it as a stand alone shell. Normally I'm a Large, but whatever, I went up a size. With any sort of layers, added in an XL fits me like a frickin' glove. I can wear my base, my R2 fleece and my Cloudveil belay parka (or soft-shell) under this and have plenty of mobility. With a heavier layer (down jacket) the XL fits me fine although the sleeves pull up a little. The length is fine and I'm a pretty lanky guy. The biggest complaint I have about the fit is that the neck/hood doesn't work well with layers/helmet. The neck is a bit tight wearing a second jacket as a layer. Similarly, the hood isn't big enough to accommodate a helmet unless it's low-profile. So, my solution, buy a lower profile helmet and deal with a slightly tight neck when i have to batten down the hatches. Seems simple enough to me.

Secondly, eVent knocks the socks off of Gore-Tex. Being the bigger guy that I am, I also happen to be pretty darn sweaty (understatement of the year). Even skiing in 40 deg, rainy weather I never felt clammy in this shell and I ALWAYS feel clammy, even in a Gore-Tex Pro Shell. This stuff is worth the hype.

Let's put it this way. I sent back my Arcteryx Theta AR back to Backcountry when I tried this thing out. Why? Generally great fit and AMAZING breathability. Is it for you too? Dunno, try it. You can always send it back. Why would you though? At 14 oz, with this kind of durability and breathability you won't find a better shell.

View Details: Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes