Best for the money...Armholes OK

By Bob Ranked #235 - Men's Technical Shells January 2, 2009

After reading the reviews I knew what to expect from this jacket. I wanted something warm and dryer than my old jacket, with a heavier & stronger shell. The waterproof rating is one of the highest I found in this price range so I went with North Face.
A couple of the reviewers complained of smallish arm holes and this was a concern for me as I intended to layer with my new Underarmor jacket. I spent a lot of time in the store trying on size medium and large jackets with my Underarmor and a fleece North Face zip in vest. Although the armholes did seem a bit smaller than expected, making the jacket a bit more difficult to get into, the fit was fine in my usual size medium. (I'm 5'8" 155 lbs with kinda longish arms) I swung my arms in every direction possible and felt no restriction. Thinking of extra insulation for really cold days I zipped in the fleece vest (a size large vest in a medium jacket) and wore the jacket over my underarmor. Things were a bit more snug but stilll OK and I intend to order a vest the correct size. The large size jacket did fit looser but the sleeves were noticably longer and the jacket "puffed out" more. I would have bought the large if I intended to wear my down jacket underneath. I think the stretch fabric in the shoulders and outer sleeves allows for freedom of movement even with the slightly tighter arm holes.
All in all It makes a nice system for skiing with my existing insulation layer. I wear a ski helmet and wanted a removable hood. The zipper is so well hidden beneath a layer of fabric that you'd think it was a permanently attached hood.
I hope this helps people concerned with fit issues.

View Details: The North Face Varius Guide Jacket - Men's

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