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By Peter Kaminski Ranked #27 - Men's Softshell Jackets July 15, 2011

I own three soft shells and two hard shells, but since I purchased the Kishtwar it's been what I reach for 95% of the time. The fit is incredible, as I'm very much between the sizes (length of large, width of medium) and can wear the medium comfortably with or without my Diez jacket.
The material is genuinely as water resistant and breathable as advertised. The slight amount of wind permeability is largely not noticed, although it does feel good when you're really moving.
I've worn this jacket snowshoeing and for winter rock climbing in NC. It was ideal for both uses, with the pockets truly above my harness and pack straps, unlike my TNF Cipher WIndstopper that it has largely replaced.
My only complaints are with the backer and the hood. The backer can be a little pinchy and itchy until you get used to it. One of my friends and I both noticed this. It's not something you'd notice unless you were wearing it with short sleeves. The hood is not truly helmet compatible. I've tried it with my Petzl Elios helmet, and although it kinda fit, it was uncomfortable and my helmet wasn't properly covered. All of my other shells and soft shells fit perfectly over the hood, although all of them are larges and it might be simply due to sizing... but I doubt it. I love how fitted the hood is when not wearing a helmet. If you look in the attached picture, you'll see how fitted it is, as the interior of it is red and you can't see any red. I've been so fortunate as to see and try on the 2011 model and didn't notice too many differences, although I didn't try the hood with a helmet. There may be a bit more give in the shoulders, but it's not a large difference.
All told - try it out. It may replace jackets you previously thought perfect, as it did for me.

View Details: The North Face Kishtwar Softshell Jacket - Men's

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