Functional masterpiece

By Steven Good September 9, 2009

I'm quite stoked about this piece of engineering the design team has come up with at BC. Nice work everyone. The fit is smaller just like most of backcountry.com's product line. So if you are layering with fleece/midlayers underneath, then I would size up. I am 5'10", 165 lbs, 34 waist, 41 chest and went with the XL because the large felt too tight, especially with a layer underneath. I also like a roomier fit for snowboarding and freedom of movement. If you are climbing in it, then maybe go with the smaller size so there isn't much extra material.

The material itself is impressive. For the cost, definitely a shell to consider up against Arc'teryx and the other high-end competitors. You are getting a great shell for half the cost of paying for the Arc'teryx name. Plus backcountry.com products are way more hip anyways. The jacket rolls into its hood nicely for compression on lightweight trips. Its ability to stretch with your movement is key. Water beads up nicely on it but I have yet to test it in full on downpour, although from previous reviewers minus the complaints it sounds like it will shed perfectly. As I found out this weekend backpacking, the material can withstand melting temps quite well. I bumped into my Snowpeak stove while cooking and it only left some minor "seared" markings on the arm. I was thrilled it was not melted through and annoyed with my own stupidity.

All in all, a great buy for me and I am excited to use it in the devastating Utah winter and also on the Appalachian trail this fall to see how the DWR issue pans out. You cannot go wrong with this one for the price.

View Details: Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell - Men's

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