The best jacket you don't have

By bradyman16 Ranked #29 - Men's Softshell Jackets November 19, 2007

I looked everywhere for reviews on this softshell and couldn't find any so I think I may be the first! cool! I'm not a gear-snob, I'm just putting in all the info I can so it may sound picky, but so far I love the Motto.

History: My all-purpose jacket has been The North Face Denali for about 8 or 9 years (served me well). The wind whips through it easily, so I wanted something that would be windproof or close, and waterproof, and that I could wear in everyday situations. I'm just the type that likes to consolidate, so if I can get one jacket to do it all, I'm there.

Usage: I'm a snowboarder that likes to move & I don't care about buying "snowboarder clothes." I live in L.A. but spend time each year in Seattle (and plan to move back to Seattle in 2 years). My snowboard setup has been a lightweight top, Denali, and North Face shell - poofy.

The OR Motto itself:
It's thin, stretchy x4, feels like a softer version of the outer layer of a wetsuit. As the whole jacket is thin, so is the fleece lining. Collar is a little stiff at the zipper (because of where the hood snaps in - it also zips in).

Ventia fabric: the motto features the "ventia" fabric (OR exclusive?) which is *fully* waterproof itself, and *not* DWR-based. It's a laminate not a DWR coating. Also note the other tag says "ventia: waterproof/breathable by construction"

hood: As I mentioned, hood zips on in the back, and corners are attached by 2 snaps, hidden by a flap. Snaps & zipper are very inconspicuous. I like that it comes completely off, not rolled up & stored in collar. Hood has 2 elastic draw cords, vertical around head and horizontal behind head. Naturally fits a helmet no problem.

Other features:
-everything is zipper/seam-taped
-removable (zipper) powder skirt, stretchy mesh w/ elastic band.
-pit zips, big plus to me
-pockets. As far as I can tell, these can double as core vents and high/chest pockets. I'll miss low front pockets, but get used to it.
-rear pocket - wow! didn't even know about this when I bought it. It's 16" long & sits just above the bottom seam on the back. Big enough for plenty of odds & ends!
-inner pocket: small, just big enough to put my compact camera & case inside. Also has a small headphones hole.

Fit: I'm 5'10" 178lbs, I ordered a medium. Length & overall fit are good, but there's a little extra width around the middle.

Overall: This is a really good-looking jacket for the mountain, but it might look a little overkill for walking around town depending on your tastes. I've only had it for a couple days, I'll try to write more after testing it on the mountain.

This is my first OR product & I doubt it'll be my last!

View Details: Outdoor Research Motto Jacket - Men's

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