Good, but limited use

By J. Troxell Ranked #113 - Men's Softshell Jackets March 23, 2009

I initially got this jacket as a mid-layer for a mountaineering trip that I was going on. As many of the other reviewers have pointed out though, this jacket is way too warm to really use as part of a layering system. I ended up only using it in camp when we were sitting around - not at all what I had intended for it.

I've gotten better use out of the Easyrider jacket skiing (east coast, no powder) on days where it is between 25 and 45 degrees with wool layers underneath. But even here it does have limitations. The neck is pretty loose - it definitely lets cold air/wind in and makes a neck gaiter feel almost mandatory in colder weather. The short cut of the jacket also limits the effectiveness of this shell for skiing. I've pretty much gone back to using a hardshell with a couple layers underneath in place of this shell for skiing. So now I mostly find myself using this jacket for casual cold weather hiking and for colder days going to and from work in the car.

This was the first softshell that I purchased, and I think that much of my disappointment stems from not making a good, informed choice when I bought the Easyrider jacket. But that said and done, its design does seem to limit the use of the jacket unless you are using the jacket in extremely cold environments. Overall I am left feeling that most people would find other jackets to be more practical.

Pros - warm, reasonably windproof (not 100% though), good fit
Cons - loose neck, limited use, tight cuffs (don't even bother trying to check the time on your watch), relatively non-versatile design

View Details: Arc'teryx Easyrider Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes